Cube bike review

Cube bicycles need no introduction - millions of riders know them in the world of extreme sports, and the possession of such equipment immediately declares a high class of an athlete. Of course, you have to pay for such a brand's popularity - equipment from a world-famous European brand costs a little more than obscure Chinese counterparts. The Cube assortment has its own product lines for beginners and advanced riders, enduro racing professionals and out-of-town riders. An overview of children's and women's, mountain, road and other types of bikes of the company will help to understand in more detail.

How to choose the right Cube bike, what should you consider when buying and operating? What are the features of the Aim, Analog, Acid and other models that make riders especially stand out? You can easily understand the reason for the popularity of a company if you study the capabilities and range of its equipment in more detail. A review of user reviews will show the real pros and cons of the Cube bikes.

When the country of origin of a 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 of the work is carried out by subsidiaries outside the country - for example, welding and painting of frames. Nevertheless, popular city and sports bikes are produced and assembled in Germany, in the small Bavarian town of Waldershof, where the main capacities of the brand are concentrated.

Cube is a prime example of how a world famous company can grow out of private initiative. In 1993, student Markus Pürner, a resident of a city 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 custom bicycles based on frames purchased from Asian countries. The finished bicycles were sold at a good mark-up. But the master who worked alone every year could not overcome the threshold of 500 pieces of equipment.

The gradual development of the company has led to the fact that the company has already celebrated its 10th birthday with 35 employees, and the sales of bicycles have grown to 36,000 a year. The modern scale is also quite impressive. As of 2013, the 20th anniversary of the founding of Cube, Cube had 300 employees, building 415,000 bicycles in 12 months.

The area of ​​the brand's plant today reaches 20,000 m2 - a lot, considering that the first models were assembled in a room of no 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.

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

All types of Cube bikes are divided into categories according to their purpose and the needs of the riders. Product line classification always includes such models.

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

• Mountain bikes... There are classic hardtails of the Reaction, Acid, Nutrail, AIM, Flying Circus, Analog, Elite, Attention lines. They are equipped with a front suspension fork, aluminum or carbon frame and are suitable for moderately aggressive riding style. Mountain two-suspension Cube are presented in the AMS, TWO 15, Stereo, Hanzz lines.

• Trekking... They are divided into 2 series, in the city there are lines with a "female" frame Editor, Ella, Hyde, Town. The high frame touring trekking bikes are comfortable road bikes for long journeys. 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 versions of the SL Road, Agree, Nuroad, Attain, Litening, Cross Race.

• Women's. Women's Cube bikes are represented by the road Axial, Nuroad and mountain series Acess, Sting. The options available include solutions for regular racing, endurance training or use as a health fitness machine. 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 accessories. The brand is one of the few that produces racing bicycles for children. Among the current series for the smallest are CUBIE 120, 160 or 180 SL (walk, girl), KID. For riders 5 years and older, the Reaction C series is available: 62 youth, Kid Street, Stereo youth, and many others.

The Cube product range 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 29-inch wheels, what to choose for off-road conquest? It is worth understanding these issues in a little more detail.

The rating of Cube children's bicycles looks like this.

• Kid 240 Disc. The top model developed by German engineers especially for the youngest extreme sportsmen. The first mountain bike for teenagers, Cube offers a choice of 24 ″ wheels, lightweight 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 components for successful off-road riding.

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

• Cubie 160. Model with wheel diameter 16 inches, there is a girl version for girls. The model is aimed at younger riders, equipped with a light aluminum frame and a rigid Hi-Ten steel fork. The saddle in the model is specially adapted for a children's audience. Additional training wheels are available for learning to ride.

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

The chain-driven Cube Nutrail features a 20-position speed selector, 26 ″ wheels with Kevlar bead cord.

Among the women's bicycles, the brand deserves special attention Sting 140 HPC SL Is one of the best-in-class models with a carbon-aluminum monocoque frame and an exclusive design. This bike is equipped with 27.5 "wheels, sizes 13.5, 16 or 18".

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 maximum lightweight construction. The geometry of the frame for enduro standards, the carbon execution of the main parts of the structure, including the handlebars, suspension forks, weighing only 7.9 kg make the women's bike really fast and perfect in motion.

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

• Aim... The Agile Ride aluminum frame hardtail, the youngest in its class. Among its obvious advantages are hidden cable routing of all cables, optional trunk mounting, multi-layer painting. Of particular interest in the series is the SL Allroad model with 27.5 ″ wheels and 14, 16 and 18 ″ frames or made in the form of a 29-inch “niner”, with a size of 17-23 ″, respectively.

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

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

• Acid. In the 2019 version, this hardtail comes in 27.5 or 29 inch wheel diameters and in a wide size range. It is the brand's most popular model, featuring a lightweight aluminum frame, precision 22-speed transmission with smooth shifting, and air-cartridge suspension fork.

• Attention. Another popular series with wheel diameters from 27.5 to 29 inches, which greatly simplifies the selection of a model for height.This hardtail, despite the high seating position, is as obedient as possible, easy to handle and elegant.

Among the trekking touring models, the Cube invariably attracts Touring with its 63mm Suntour NEX suspension fork, lightweight aluminum frame, special saddle, size for men and women, full complement of additional equipment: signal, head lamp, trunk, fenders and footrest.

Among urban tracking models, special attention deserves Editor series, flawless in geometry, comfortable and fast. The rigid rigid fork is complemented by a lightweight aluminum frame. In the presence of 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 the optimal frame size will be for a particular rider. The easiest method is the ratio of a person's height to the height of the frame. Two-hangers have a size range from 15-16 ″ to 23 ″. The latter is designed for riders from 205 cm. People from 194 to 204 cm in height can choose the XL frame for 21-22 ".

The smallest variant in this class is designed for riders below 174 cm. The middle range is represented by M (17-18 ″) and L 19-20 ″ frames, which can be chosen by people up to 184 and 194 cm in height. But this size is relevant only for two-suspension systems. For mountain bikes, a 23 ″ frame is designed for a height 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 in height. This change in proportions makes it fairly 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 a teenager. The adult mesh starts at 15-16 ″ and corresponds to 170 cm.

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

It is also very important to keep the following rules in mind when choosing a Cube bike.

1. It is necessary to take into account the terrain and the style of skiing. If it's difficult to decide, you can take a basic mountain model or get by with a hybrid bike that combines the advantages of road and MTB types.
2. Pay attention to the diameter of the wheels. Famous 29 ″ 29er models have high cross-country ability and good speed characteristics. But where maneuverability is required, there are no better 20-inch wheels.
3. Brake type. Rims are considered amateur. On high-end models, disc brakes are considered more reliable - mechanical or hydraulic.
4. Frame material. All Cube bikes are fairly lightweight. However, it is worth remembering that the novice rider is better off choosing more durable aluminum models, rather than fragile carbon.
5. The presence of an electric motor. It is essential if you need to travel long distances. The Cube has one of the best e-bike lines out there, even with full suspension and touring and comfort hybrids.

How can you get a real and objective assessment of Cube bikes? Only by studying the reviews of the owners about the bikes of the German company. And they are mostly positive, and primarily because of the recognized elitism of the brand. The Cube is often referred to as the "Mercedes" of cycling, and the reason for this is the manufacturer's attention to detail. However, the German "registration" of the company also plays a role, as well as the increased level of comfort that buyers receive for their money.

The brand's original approach to design is also mentioned by all owners. The company pays great attention to the exclusivity and recognizability of the appearance of its bicycles.As a result, Cube bikes often break popularity records set by competitors thanks to their striking design, only due to the attention to their design. As for the disadvantages, riders who choose these bikes for active extreme riding are often frustrated by the lack of preparation for such loads.

A lot of positive reviews are collected by hybrids of road and MTB bikes. Such models cope well with light off-road conditions and have excellent speed characteristics. Experienced riders put on road tires to get the best ride. The ergonomics of the gel-cushioned saddle and the lockable fork for ride rigidity were also praised. In general, Cube bikes are rated positively and are quite worthy of the price the manufacturer offers to pay for them.

For an overview of the Cube bikes, see the next video.