Cube Bicycle Review

Cube bikes do not need to be introduced - in the world of extreme sports millions of riders know them, and the possession of such equipment immediately declares a high class athlete. Of course, you have to pay for such brand awareness - the equipment from the world famous European brand is somewhat more expensive than the unknown Chinese counterparts. The Cube assortment has its own product line for beginners and advanced riders, enduro racing professionals and country walkers. To understand in more detail, an overview of children's and women's, mountain, highway and other types of bikes of the company will help.

How to choose the right Cube bike, what should be considered when buying and operating? What features of the models Aim, Analog, Acid and other names are especially distinguished by riders? It is easy to understand the reason for the popularity of the company if you study the capabilities and range of its equipment in more detail. A review of user reviews will reveal the real strengths and weaknesses of the Cube bikes.

When the country of manufacture of the product is included in the list of the most industrialized countries in Europe, the highest quality can be expected from the product. Cube bicycles are designed and manufactured by the German company Pendling System GmbH & Co. KG. Some work is carried out by subsidiaries outside the country - for example, welding and painting frames. Nevertheless, popular city and sports bikes are produced and assembled precisely in Germany, in the small Bavarian city of Waldershof, where the main brand powers are concentrated.

Cube is a prime example of how a world famous company can grow out of a private initiative. In 1993, a student Marcus Purner, a resident of a city with a population of less than 5,000 people in eastern Bavaria, decided to earn money to pay for his own studies.The young man used the premises of his father's furniture factory to assemble customized bicycles based on frames purchased in Asian countries. Ready-made bikes sold with a good mark-up. But the master who worked alone annually could not overcome the threshold of 500 pieces of equipment.

The gradual development of the enterprise led to the fact that the company had already met its 10th birthday with 35 employees, and bicycle sales rose to 36,000 a year. The modern scale is also quite impressive. According to 2013, the 20th anniversary of the founding of Cube, 300 employees worked in it, creating 415,000 bicycles in 12 months.

The brand’s factory area today reaches 20,000 m2 - a lot, considering that the first models were assembled in a room of not more than 50 m2. The annual turnover of the company reaches 30 million euros, and the geography of sales covers 33 countries of the world.

Bosch's partner today is Cube, a manufacturer of power plants for recreational and competitive bicycles. It is her motors that operate in brand electric bicycles today. In addition, the company is working hard to lighten its bikes. Carbon frames are already used in many series of bicycles of the company and have proven their relevance. And for the most severe road conditions, HPA is used - a special aluminum alloy with additional heat treatment.

All varieties of Cube bikes are categorized according to their purpose and rider's needs. Classification of product lines always includes such models.

• Electric bicycles. Hybrid models in the men's, women's and children's ranges are represented by the popular Stereo Hybrid, Acid Hybrid, Touring Hibride, Sting WS Hybrid series and other popular options.

• Mountain bikes. Here are the classic hardtail rulers of Reaction, Acid, Nutrail, AIM, Flying Circus, Analog, Elite, Attention. They are equipped with a front suspension fork, aluminum or carbon frame and are suitable for a moderately aggressive riding style. Cube mountain double-suspension is represented by the AMS, TWO 15, Stereo, Hanzz ranges.

• Tracking. They are divided into 2 series, in the city there are lines with the "female" frame Editor, Ella, Hyde, Town. Tourist tracking models with a high frame are convenient road bikes for long trips. Among the current series are Cross, Travel, Kathmandu, Touring, Nature.

• Road. There is a specialized model for the Aerium triathlon, as well as road and cyclocross variants SL Road, Agree, Nuroad, Attain, Litening, Cross Race.

• Women's Women's Cube bikes are represented by Axial, Nuroad and Acess, Sting mountain ranges. Among the available options you can find solutions for regular racing races, endurance training or use as a simulator to maintain health. Mountain models fully take into account the physiology of the female body.

• Baby. For the youngest riders, Cube offers carefully thought-out models with perfect technical equipment and all the necessary additional accessories. The brand is one of the few that produces racing children's bicycles. Among the current series for the smallest are CUBIE 120, 160 or 180 SL (walk, girl), KID. For riders from 5 years old, the Reaction C series is available: 62 youth, Kid Street, Stereo youth, and many others.

The Cube product line includes a wide range of sizes and versions of bikes for adults and children. What will the popularity rating of the best models look like? Where to look for the famous "liners" with a wheel diameter of 29 inches, what to choose for conquering off-road? It is worthwhile to understand these issues in a little more detail.

The Cube Children's Bike Rating looks like this.

• Kid 240 Disc. The top model developed by German engineers specifically for the youngest extreme players. The first mountain bike for teenagers Cube offers to choose with a diameter of 24 ″ wheels, light Alu Lite frame, suspension fork. Hydraulic disc brakes provide precise and efficient stopping on any road. The model weighs only 12.7 kg, and has all the necessary accessories for a successful off-road riding.

• Stereo 140 Youth. The junior incarnation of the adult double-suspension pleases with excellent cushioning properties. In addition, the model is made in special geometry Agile Trial and demonstrates excellent maneuverability. The size range is represented by 13.5 ″, 16 and 18 ″ frames.

• Cubie 160. A model with a wheel diameter of 16 inches, there is a girl version for girls. The model is aimed at riders of the younger category, equipped with a lightweight aluminum frame and a rigid fork made of Hi-Ten steel. The saddle in the model is specially adapted for a children's audience. Available additional training wheels for learning to ride.

The adult line of Cube models is also very diverse. Among the most noteworthy models, one can single out a Nutrail fat bike, presented in a classic or hybrid (electric) version. The traditional model is presented in frame sizes 15,17,19 and 21 ″, has a solid frame made of aluminum alloy, air-oil-type suspension fork.

The chain-driven Cube Nutrail is equipped with a 20-position speed selector and 26 ″ wheels with a Kevlar bord cord.

Among women's bikes, the brand deserves special attention Sting 140 HPC SL - One of the best-in-class models with a carbon-aluminum monocoque frame and an exclusive design. This bike is equipped with wheels with a diameter of 27.5 ″, size 13.5, 16 or 18 inches.

Axial C: 62 SL Disc - A model that also deserves the most detailed attention. This is a professional road or cyclocross bike with impeccable speed characteristics and a lightweight construction. The geometry of the frame to enduro standards, the carbon fiber design of the main parts of the structure, including the steering wheel, shock absorber and a weight of only 7.9 kg, make the women's bike truly fast and perfect in motion.

Among the MTB Cube bikes, the following models deserve special attention.

• Aim. Agile Ride Hardtail with aluminum frame geometry, Jr. in its class. Among its obvious advantages - hidden liner for all cables, the optional ability to mount the trunk, multi-layer painting. Of particular interest in the series is the SL Allroad model with wheels 27.5 ″ and frames 14, 16 and 18 ″ or made in the form of a “liner” at 29 inches, with a size 17-23 ″ respectively.

• AMS 100C: 68 Trail Motion. The top two-hanging “niner” is designed for the size of the frame 16, 18, 20 or 22 ″, has the most rigid carbon base, created using Advanced Twin Mold technology. All cables and cables are laid inside the structure, do not distract from driving.

• Analog Hardtail with a sleek silhouette, premium aluminum frame and 2 wheel sizes. The model is designed for movement on highways, gravel and sandy roads, suitable for off-road.

• Acid In the 2019 version, this hardtail is available with a wheel diameter of 27.5 or 29 inches and in a wide size range. This is the most popular model of the brand, in its configuration there is a lightweight aluminum frame, an accurate transmission at 22 speeds with smooth shifting, an amortization fork with an air cartridge.

• Attention. Another popular series with a bike wheel diameter of 27.5 to 29 inches, greatly simplifying the selection of a model for growth.This hardtail, despite its high landing, is as obedient as possible, easy to operate and elegant.

Among the tracking tourist models, Cube invariably attracts Touring with a 63 mm Suntour NEX shock absorber, a light aluminum frame, a special saddle, a size for men and women, a full set of additional equipment: a signal, a front light, a trunk, wings and a footrest.

Among urban tracking models, deserves special attention Editor series, flawless in geometry, comfortable and fast. The rigid rigid fork is complemented by a frame made of light aluminum. Available 11 speeds, disc brakes, and a comfortable steering wheel with Natural Fit Comfort grips.

To choose the right Cube bike, you must first determine what will be the optimal frame size for a particular rider. The easiest method is the ratio of human growth and frame height. Double suspensions have a size range from 15-16 ″ to 23 ″. The latter option is designed for riders from 205 cm. People from 194 to 204 cm tall can choose a frame size in XL at 21-22 ″.

The most compact version in this class is designed for riders below 174 cm. The average range is represented by M (17-18 ″) and L 19-20 ″ frames that people up to 184 and 194 cm can choose. But this size is relevant only for double suspensions. For mountain bikes, a 23 ″ frame is designed for growth of 200 cm or more. And then for every 10 cm there is a decrease in the height of the frame by 1-2 ″.

For example, 21-22 ″ will be the actual frame size for people from 191 cm, 19-20 ″ - for riders from 181 cm tall. This change in proportions makes it quite easy to find a bike with optimal performance. The minimum frame height of 13.5-14 ″ is relevant for people whose height does not reach 160 cm, this size is considered teenage. The adult grid starts from 15-16 ″ and corresponds to 170 cm.

On road bikes, frame sizes start at 20 ″ and go up to 25.5 ″; on hybrid bicycles, they range from 19 ″ to 25.5 ″.

In addition, when choosing a Cube bike, it is very important to remember the following rules.

1. It is necessary to take into account the terrain and skiing style. If it’s difficult to decide, you can take the basic mountain model or get along with a hybrid bike that combines the advantages of highway and MTB types.
2. Pay attention to the diameter of the wheels. Famous “liners” - models with a size of 29 ″ have high traffic and good speed characteristics. But where maneuverability is required, it is better not to find 20-inch wheels.
3. Type of brakes. Rims are considered amateurish. On high-level models, disc brakes are considered more reliable - mechanical or hydraulic.
4. Frame material. All Cube bikes are fairly lightweight. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that it is better for a novice rider to choose more durable aluminum models, rather than fragile carbon.
5. The presence of an electric motor. It is important if you need to overcome significant distances. The Cube has one of the best lines of electric bicycles, there are even double suspensions, as well as touring and comfort hybrids.

How can I get a real and objective assessment of Cube bikes? Only by studying the reviews of the owners of the bikes of a German company. And they are mostly positive, and primarily because of the recognized elitism of the brand. Cube is often called a “Mercedes” from cycling, and the reason for this is the manufacturer’s attentive attitude to trifles. However, the German “registration” of the company plays a role, as well as the increased level of comfort that customers receive for their money.

Mentioned by all owners and the original brand approach to design. The company pays great attention to the exclusivity and recognition of the appearance of its bikes.As a result, thanks to the spectacular design, Cube bikes often break the popularity records set by competitors only due to attention to their design. As for the shortcomings, riders who choose these bikes for active extreme skiing are often disappointed with the unpreparedness of the equipment for such loads.

A lot of positive reviews are collected by hybrids of road and MTB bicycles. Such models cope well with light off-road and have excellent speed characteristics. Experienced riders put road tires on them to get the best ride. Ergonomics of the saddle with gel cushioning, as well as a fork with a lock, which provides the necessary rigidity, were awarded positive marks. In general, Cube bikes are evaluated positively and are quite worthy of the price that the manufacturer offers to pay for them.

Browse the Cube bikes in the next video.