The Upper Palatinate bike manufacturer Cube is known for its unique design. The one that comes in matt black looks almost inconspicuous Elite Super HPC Pro 29. The entry-level model of Cube's high-end XC series doesn't need to hide at all.
Our test model is well equipped. For example, there is a complete Shimano Deore xt installed, which ensures crisp switching operations. The crank is graduated with three chainrings, with the number of teeth 40, 30 and 22 to appeal to a wide range of riders. In combination with the generously spread cassette, this holds up Elite Super HPC Pro 29 so always have a reserve ready. If you want to delay your own journey, you can rely on the well-dosed Deore xt-Leave the brakes, which take a 180 mm disc at the front and a 160 mm disc at the rear.
The handlebars, stem and seat post are specially made for Cube by Syntace and fit into the overall picture of the bike in a pleasantly unobtrusive manner. Above all, the flat bar, which is well dimensioned at 720 millimeters wide, was able to convince us, after all it always offered the necessary level of safety in rough terrain to let the bike run.
The X1-Saddle comes from Selle Italia and is adapted to the color scheme of the bike. The same applies to the DT Swiss CSW MA 2.9-wheels, which unfortunately turn out to be a bit heavy. There is potential for optimization here, especially since the mounted tire combination is clearly the goal of the Elite Super HPC Pro 29 makes it clear: step on the gas! So there is a swallow in front RocketRon, which, in addition to good grip, also has excellent rolling properties, and a Schwalbe at the rear RacingRalph, the benchmark when it comes to racing tyres. Both tires come in 2,25 inch and competition oriented Kevlar triple compound- Execution therefore.
A fox also performs at the front 32 Float CTD with 100 millimeters of spring travel and a 15 millimeter thru axle. The fork is well chosen for the area of application, responds excellently and is easy to adjust. However, the question must be allowed here as to why an additional remote lever for the fork lockout was not installed, which would not only look good on the bike, but also make it more practical. You could easily save yourself having to reach for the fork.
The cube Elite Super HPC Pro 29 is one of the lighter race hardtails in its class at 10,4 kilograms. This is partly due to the fact that the shapely carbon frame has lost some weight since the 2013 season, but has not lost any of its rigidity. The tapered head tube and the bulbous bottom bracket area ensure that you can always build up a lot of pressure off-road.
The bike is extremely agile right from the start. On the one hand, this can be attributed to the 440 millimeter short struts, which are the same length for all frame sizes, and on the other hand to the steering angle, which is quite sporty at 70,5 degrees. The fact that the bike does not make any compromises in terms of ride comfort is thanks to the Cube engineers. With the Elite Super HPC Pro 29 you can confidently dare to go on longer tours without worrying about back pain or the like. However, if the tours include blocked trail sections, you should pay attention to the bottom bracket area. This is relatively low at 65 millimeters. Although this supports the agile handling of the bike, it can also be uncomfortable bouncers to lead. It shows uphill Elite Super HPC Pro 29 willing, downhill as relatively smooth-running and directional stability. There is just as little to be afraid of abrupt steering maneuvers as there is of high speeds. The bike handles jumps just as good-naturedly as rough root and stone passages.
//Conclusion
Thanks to the rather mild winter so far, we have been able to test the bike extensively over the past four weeks and conquered a few meters in altitude. It gave us more joy with every pedal turn. The conclusion is therefore correspondingly positive: A hardtail with racing genes is hidden under the inconspicuous frame color. In terms of geometry, Cube manages the balancing act between agility, rigidity and driving comfort. The Elite Super HPC Pro 29 is characterized by its sporty seating position and well thought-out equipment that appeals to racing beginners as well as ambitious weekend bikers. You can be proud of the visually chic bike, after all marathon distances are just as much fun with it as short sprint units. The Elite Super HPC Pro 29 is predestined to put a smile on people's faces. The missing remote lever and lighter wheels would improve it further, but they are in relation to the relatively low price of the overall package Euro 2.499.
//Product highlights
- light and stiff carbon frame
- agile yet comfortable handling
- well thought-out and valuable equipment, additional remote lever would be desirable
//price and web
- 2.499,00 Euros
- www.cube.eu