The Upper Palatinate-based bike manufacturer Cube is known for its distinctive design. The Elite Super HPC Pro 29, with its matte black finish, almost seems inconspicuous in comparison. However, this entry-level model in Cube's high-end XC series has nothing to hide.
Our test model is equipped with high-quality components. For example, it features a complete Shimano Deore XT groupset, ensuring crisp shifting. The crankset has three chainrings with 40, 30, and 22 teeth, designed to appeal to a wide range of riders. Combined with the generously spaced cassette, the Elite Super HPC Pro 29 always offers ample gearing. Should you need to slow down, you can rely on the easily modulated Deore XT brakes, which use a 180mm rotor at the front and a 160mm rotor 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 is from Selle Italia and matches the bike's color scheme. The same applies to the DT Swiss CSW MA 2.9 wheels, which are unfortunately a bit heavy. There's room for improvement here, especially since the tire combination clearly demonstrates the Elite Super HPC Pro 29's purpose : to go fast! Up front is a Schwalbe Rocket Ron , which offers excellent grip and rolling characteristics, and at the rear, a Schwalbe Racing Ralph , the benchmark in racing tires. Both tires are 2,25 inches wide and feature the competition-oriented Kevlar Triple Compound construction.
Up front, a Fox 32 Float CTD with 100mm of travel and a 15mm thru-axle does its job. The fork is well-chosen for the intended use, offers excellent responsiveness, and is easy to adjust. However, one has to wonder why an additional remote lever for the fork lockout wasn't included, as it would not only look good on the bike but also make it more practical. Reaching for the fork would be much easier.
At 10,4 kilograms, the Cube Elite Super HPC Pro 29 is one of the lightest race hardtails in its class. This is partly due to the fact that the beautifully designed carbon frame has shed some weight since the 2013 season without sacrificing any of its stiffness. The tapered head tube and the bulbous bottom bracket area ensure that you can always generate plenty of power on the trails.
From the outset, the bike proves extremely agile. This can be attributed, on the one hand, to the short 440-millimeter chainstays, which are the same length across all frame sizes, and on the other hand, to the head angle, which, at 70,5 degrees, is quite sporty. The fact that the bike doesn't compromise on riding comfort despite this is a testament to the Cube engineers. With the Elite Super HPC Pro 29, you can confidently embark on longer tours without fear of back pain or similar issues. However, if the tours include rocky trail sections, you should pay attention to the bottom bracket area. At 65 millimeters, it's relatively low. While this contributes to the bike's agile handling, it can also lead to unpleasant bottom-outs . Uphill, the Elite Super HPC Pro 29 proves willing, and downhill, it's relatively stable and tracks well. You don't need to worry about abrupt steering maneuvers or high speeds. The bike handles jumps just as well as rough root and rock sections.
//Conclusion
Thanks to the rather mild winter so far, we were able to extensively test the bike over the past four weeks and conquer some serious elevation gain. With every pedal stroke, it brought us more joy. The conclusion is therefore correspondingly positive: beneath the unassuming frame color lies a hardtail with racing genes. Cube has successfully achieved a balance between agility, stiffness, and riding comfort in terms of geometry. The Elite Super HPC Pro 29 is characterized by its sporty riding position and thoughtfully selected components, appealing to both novice racers and ambitious weekend cyclists. This visually appealing bike is sure to turn heads, as it's just as enjoyable on marathon rides as it is on short sprints. The Elite Super HPC Pro 29 is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. While the lack of a remote lever and lighter wheels would further enhance its appeal, they are proportionate to the relatively affordable price of €2.499 for the overall package.
//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
- EUR 2.499,00
- www.cube.eu