FIRST LOOK: Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLX 750
The new Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLX 750 has some well-received upgrades over the last model we tested.
Cube have become synonymous with high value bikes across their range. We have been impressed with the build quality and value of each Cube bike that we have tested here at AMB, and now the murdered out Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLX 750 has just rolled into the AMB shed. This 150/140mm 29er trail eMTB is essentially the evolution of the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Pro that I tested in late 2022.
The new Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLX 750 is on the way to 99 Bikes, who are the exclusive importer of Cube Bikes in Australia. This one will sell for $9299, but there are some discounts available if you sign up to their club.
At that price, the Cube goes up against some popular bikes like the Trek Rail 7 and Merida eOne-Sixty 8000.
More eMTB reviews from AMB
WATCH: Trek Rail 9.8 XT
WATCH: Pivot Shuttle LT
WATCH: Specialized Levo Expert
WATCH: Norco Sight VLT C2
WATCH: Trek Fuel EXe
WATCH: Canyon Spectral:ON CF8
READ: Specialized Levo SL Comp Carbon
What's new on this Cube e-bike?
There are a few key changes compared to the previous Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 I tested. Firstly, the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 4 motor is Smart System equipped. While the output of 85Nm is the same, you get the nifty LED remote, the much better KIOX 300 head unit, the Bosch Flow App for easy tuning (and inbuilt security!) and a big 750Wh battery.
The benefits here are both obvious and subtle. The LED remote is smaller, with a handy visual indicator of battery life. And while the KIOX 300 is a very advanced head unit – you can opt to run without it if you'd prefer a cleaner cockpit. Lots of the benefit is also in the app, so you can tune the torque and support on offer on the adjustable modes – and do any firmware updates via Bluetooth. The larger battery will also suit those who want to get some more out of their eMTB rides.
That larger battery needs more room, so the geometry on the latest Cube Stereo Hybrid is updated as well. The frame is longer to accommodate the battery, so the reach on a large is up from 457mm to 473mm. The seat angle is half a degree steeper to 75.5 degrees and the wheelbase is pushed to 1252mm in large. The head angle remains at 66 degrees, and the back end is 457mm. The fork is also bumped up to 150mm travel, which is a good decision as far as I'm concerned.
This is a higher spec bike, and it comes with a Shimano 12-speed group set. There are XT 4-piston brakes, an XT mech, Shimano Deore shifter and 10-51 cassette. The cranks are 165mm ACID units with a 34t chain ring.
Fox look after the suspension with a DPS EVOL rear shock and an eMTB spec 34 Performance with GRIP damper up front. The Newman wheels have a 30mm internal and sealed bearing straight pull spoke hubs. The Schwalbe tyres are a big upgrade to Super Trail casing Hans Dampf with SpeedGrip compound on the back and Soft on the front. There was some gaffa tape as rim tape but the rims needed proper tubeless tape, valves and sealant to be setup tubeless.
Cube have bumped the drop on the house brand dropper to 150mm, and the Acros finishing parts remain – including stem spacers that see the wires, hoses and cables coming into the top of the frame. This is neat but like many others I'm not a massive fan given the maintenance headaches it can cause.
But what do all those changes mean?
A few things. The geometry looks to be far more balanced and less cramped, and the Fox fork will provide a much better ride quality than the simple RockShox unit on the last Cube Stereo Hybrid I tested. And of course the wheel and tyre upgrade is a big relief. Shifting and braking is vastly improved as well, in terms of the parts used.
All that's left to do is take it to the trail!
