Product news: Cube E-MTBs 2018: Off-road fun from €1.799 – also with an integrated battery

Market: The new Cube E-MTBs 2018 are presented in a refreshingly harmonious design. The range includes a wide variety of models from the motorized XC hardtail to the E-Enduro and is fully equipped with motors from Bosch. The highlights include the Enduro Stereo Hybrid 160 Action Team 500 27.5 and the two sporty hardtails Elite Hybrid and Reaction Hybrid.

Cube E-MTBs 2018: 100% Bosch - integrated and semi-integrated - dropper post option

All Cube 2018 E-MTBs are equipped with a Bosch drive. The majority, especially in the high-quality price segment with the powerful Performance CX drive. Bosch 2018 - of course we also have to talk about the new Powertube battery, which can be integrated into the frame. Yes, numerous Cube models come with the new, technically sophisticated and optically unbeatable, fully integrated power supply - but not exclusively. Some model variants still have the semi-integrated solution with an external battery on the down tube. In these cases, the frames from last year are used.

Why not rely 100% on the elegant full integration? There are two main reasons for this: price and personal preferences. The first is probably the heaviest here - not only is the Powertube 500 battery itself more expensive, the frame construction is also more complex and expensive. So you can save a few euros with the semi-integrated models. Also, not everyone is a fan of the built-in battery; the variants on the down tube, for example, can be changed more easily and quickly. But be careful: Since the frames from the last model year are used for the semi-integrated bikes, you don't get to enjoy the new frame geometry here either, which has changed significantly, especially with the Stereo Fullys - here it's worth being more precise look and compare.

Cube's decision to install a height-adjustable Vaio support in many models ex works is very welcome. If desired, however, this can be retrofitted to all other E-MTB models at the time of purchase for an additional charge of €100 - with an adjustment range of up to 120mm. If you would prefer to equip your bike with a dropper post yourself later on, you should be happy about the outer shell that is already installed internally ex works, which significantly simplifies installation.

Cube E-MTBs 2018: Stereo Hybrid - 120 to 160mm travel, from trail tourer to enduro

Long before E-MTBs entered the big stage of the cycling world, the Stereo platform from Cube was already on trails around the world. With different amounts of spring deflection for different applications, the Cube Stereo is probably one of the most successful fullies on the market. This common thread - a platform, different suspension travel, geometries and applications - also runs through the model range of the Stereo Hybrid - the e-fully from Cube.

Cube's approach to wheel and tire size is interesting. While many other manufacturers in the E-MTB sector have meanwhile established plus tires as the standard and have almost completely replaced classic 27,5″ tires, Cube is turning the wheel back a bit – at least in part. All stereo models use the new intermediate size of 2,6″. This saves weight and gives a slightly less spongy ride, but still retains a noticeable increase in grip off-road.

Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 – Potent E-Enduro with new geometry and integrated battery

The top model Stereo Hybrid 160 Action Team 500 27.5 is an impressive sight, both optically and technically. The distinctive grey-blue-orange colouring, the Powertube 500 battery from Bosch elegantly integrated into the down tube and a classy Factory Kashima suspension from suspension specialist Fox: these make the new Stereo Hybrid 160 Action Team 500 27.5 hard to miss . The four-joint rear end of the weight-optimized aluminum frame elicits a whopping 2 mm of spring travel from the new Fox Enduro suspension strut Float DPX160 Factory Evol, which gleams in the noble gold of the Kashima coating.

At the front, the rider can even fall back on 170 mm, provided by Fox's 36 Float Factory. The other equipment of the E-Enduro, which is available in four sizes (16/18/20/22"), is also appropriate for the price of €5.799. Cube installs the 1 x 8-speed Sram EX1 drivetrain, lightweight Newmen aluminum wheels, a Canadian Race Face cockpit and powerful Shimano Saint brakes (203/180 mm). The latter should ensure rapid deceleration on long, steep descents. The tried and tested Fox dropper post Transfer with a maximum drop of 150 mm sweetens the downhill fun.

The internal routing is nice, and thanks to the Powertube 500 battery and the newly designed down tube, the possibility of carrying a drinking bottle on the down tube is practical. The impact protection fitted in front of the powerful Bosch E-Motor Performance CX is intended to prevent damage to the motor unit and frame if it hits obstacles. E-mountain bikers benefit from the new E-MTB mode of the Bosch drive on the steering wheel of the stereo E-Enduro. It should guarantee an evenly applied engine power and in this way prevent the rear wheel from spinning. At 23,2 kilos, the enduro novelty of the Cube E-MTBs 2018 is not particularly heavy given its generous suspension travel.

Cube E-MTBs 2018: All Stereo Hybrid 160 models

Cube E-MTBs 2018: All Stereo Hybrid 140 and 120 models at a glance

If you don't need the ample suspension travel of the Stereo 160 e-enduro, you should take a look at the Stereo 140 and Stereo 120. Sporty touring riders in particular who are looking for a good all-rounder that is also fun on the trail should find what they are looking for here. The three Stereo 120 models with their fine carbon frames are particularly exciting. As with all Stereo Hybrid Bikes 2018, there are 2,6 tires, Performance CX motor from Bosch with 500Wh battery as well as fully and semi-integrated battery solutions.

Cube Elite Hybrid C:62: E-XC hardtail for everyone who loves it fast

The Cube developers have consistently trimmed the noble carbon frame of the completely redesigned Elite Hybrid C:62 for the lowest possible weight. And so the top model of the sporty XC hardtail line rolls on its 29" wheels with only 19,3 kilograms on trails with many meters of altitude. The people from the Upper Palatinate have cleverly used the great design freedom of a modern carbon construction to make the carbon fiber chassis of the E-XC hardtail particularly stiff. There is also space for two drinking bottles on the elegant frame, which elegantly integrates the new Powertube 500 battery from Bosch into the down tube - it can remain in the frame for charging and is protected from environmental influences thanks to a sealed cover.

The illustrious features of the Elite Hybrid C:62 SLT 500 29 include the extra-light Newman cockpit, Newman wheels, Shimano's electronic XT Di2 (11 gears) and the tried and tested Bosch Performance Line CX drive. The latter offers a maximum torque of 75 Nm and comes with a new E-MTB mode, which, among other things, is supposed to guarantee better starts on hills. The stiff 34-factory fork from Fox with 100 mm travel robs the shock of bumps in the road. Top: This highlight of the Cube E-MTBs 2018 can optionally be equipped with a dropper post! The fast E-XC hardtail costs €5.999.

If you don't want to dig quite so deep into your pocket, you will also find a cheaper model of the new noble racer in the program with the Elite Hybrid C:62 SL 500 29. With a FOX 34 Rythm fork and mechanical XT gears, the equipment is not quite as high-quality, but at the end of the day you get a whopping €3.999 cheaper at €2.000.

Cube Reaction Hybrid: Sporty, fast E-XC hardtail with aluminum frame and Bosch Performance CX

The new E-XC Hardtail Reaction Hybrid is the more attractively priced offshoot of the carbon bikes in the Elite Hybrid line. It is also equipped with the Performance CX drive from Bosch and, depending on the model, also with the Powertube integrated into the down tube -500 battery. The Reaction Hybrid SL 500 shown here comes in both 27,5" and 29" versions for different body sizes and preferences.

For a basic price of €2.999, the Reaction Hybrid SL 500 offers a Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain, a Rock Shox Judy Gold Air (100 mm travel) and MT Trail Custom brakes from Magura. Cube notes the weight of the E-XC hardtail at 21,8 kilos. Like the Elite Hybrid, the Reaction Hybrid should also shine with playful handling thanks to the low center of gravity of the overall frame construction. Practical: Even with this price-performance E-XC hardtail of the new Cube E-MTBs 2018, the battery can remain in the bike for charging.

The Reaction Hybrid Pro Allroad should be an interesting option for many buyers - it comes with permanently mounted mudguards and lighting that conforms to the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). So you get a commuter that is definitely suitable for off-road use, with which you can take the shortest route to the office in the morning - even if this leads over unpaved roads.

Cube E-MTBs 2018: price hit acid hybrid

A completely new addition to Cube's 2018 E-MTB portfolio is the Acid Hybrid. The Cube Acid will probably be familiar to many - as a bread and butter hardtail at a reasonable price. Of course, the Hybrid E version of the successful Cube model also goes in a similar direction. The price starts at €1.799. After all, there is the new Bosch Active Plus motor, hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano and a suspension fork - even if the XCM ATB Coil is certainly not made for tough off-road use, with its 100mm spring travel it should at least be suitable for the rough bike paths in town and country ensure comfort. Like the Reaction, the Acid Hybrid is also available as an all-road version with mudguards, lighting and side stand – for a small additional charge (€2.099 (500Wh) or €1.899 (400Wh))

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