In the past we had the opportunity to ride the Cube Stereo twice, the Cube Stereo 140 and the Cube Stereo hybrid 160. This Year, Cube is coming with a completely overhauled new Stero 150 or ONE50 as they call it. We will be reviewing bike very soon but here’s our preview of this new enduro bike .
The word “enduro” here refers to the category of mountain bikes that are made to handle the rougher, rocky downhill work while they also have to be able to climb reasonably well. But the character of these bikes is still more downhill oriented, with deep travel between 150 and 170 mm, less steep head tube angles, (66/65) degrees, loger wheelbases and a more stable at higher speeds.
Travel
That said the Cube Stereo is really an enduro bike in terms of specifications. With the added observation that the bike has only been brought to market as a 29-er and not in 27.5″ wheel size (previous Stereo’s sported 27,5″ wheels).
With a Fox 36 Float Factory FIT 160 mm travel on the front fork and the 150 mm travel on the Fox Float X2 Factory rear (on the “TM” version) this bike is very well equipped for the rougher stuff. With a head tube angle of 66 degrees, the Stereo is a non-extreme enduro bike that is actually quite close to a long travel trail bike, and will climb just a bit better than bikes that as far as head tube angles fall full in the enduro category.
Carbon Frame
The bike comes in three versions the Race, SL, and TM, with in all three cases carbon frames. For the TM model, Cube has used its premium C: 68 carbon. The carbon mats of which a frame is built up contains, in addition to carbon fibers, also resin that holds all fibers together. The ratio of fiber vs. resin partly determines the strength and flexibility / stiffness of the final carbon. (Also the thickness of the fiber and how / in which direction the layers are laid have a great impact on the characteristics of the frame)
In the C:68 carbon, the percentage of fibers is 68% with respect to the resin used. Less weight and more stiffness, but more expensive. In the case of the Race and the SL, this percentage is 62%. GearGeaks can read ore about the construction proces here.
The assembly of the SL and TM model is completely SRAM with the GX Eagle derailler, shifters and chain and an X1 carbon crank. The Race version is assembled with Shimano components, with an XT group set and a Race Face Aeffect crank.
The result is therefore a light, stiff bike that is aimed at more aggressive riding. We look forward to experiencing that in real life. We certainly think it is a very good looking bike. Clean lines with sharp corners and subtle color contrasts on matt dark gray frame.
Bring it on.
