Issue #011, Review - December 18, 2014

Back Issue | Group Test: Cube Stereo 120 HPC Race 29 Review

The Cube Stereo has developed into a real classic, available not just with different wheel sizes, but also in 120mm or 140mm travel versions with 29″ wheels.

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At € 2,999, the Cube Stereo 120 HPC Race 29 is the cheapest bike in the test group by a long margin. However, that doesn’t mean you have to expect a poorer spec than with the other bikes costing € 1,000 more. As the name suggests, the Cube has 29″ wheels, a carbon main frame, and suspension featuring 120mm of travel based on a Fox Float CTD shock and fork. The spec is rounded off with a precise SRAM XO drivetrain, lightweight Formula R1 brakes, and DT Swiss wheels.

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Take a quick seat and pedal…the Cube leaps forwards with the first pedal strokes. The quickness comes from the light weight of 12.75kg (without pedals), a steep 74.5° seat tube angle, and a relatively long 80mm stem, which creates a stretched position. With the shock set in the open (descend) mode you can feel slight bobbing, but set in ‘trail’ mode this vanishes and the Stereo transforms your entire invested effort into forward momentum. On steep climbs, the long 452mm chainstays are a benefit and the front wheel always stays planted on the ground without the rider having to sit on the tip of the saddle.

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“On rooty sections, the Cube tracks beautifully, holding a line as if on rails”

Once the saddle has been dropped with the RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post, the pilot moves centrally between the big wheels. The long chainstays that were an asset on the climbs create very stable, but slightly sedate, handling coming down.
In tight sections, the Cube needs quite a lot of rider effort to change direction. On faster, rooty trails, however, it is glued solidly to the ground and won’t get easily upset.

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The Fox 32 Float 120 fork and the linear rear end harmonize perfectly. Both suspension elements are plush and willing even on the smallest hits. This makes for a very comfortable ride, but also creates handling that can be a little vague. The rear end uses a lot of travel up in compressions, and on berms we’d have liked more fork stiffness.
During the test the suspension bottomed out regularly. If the shocks are set to trail mode the problem is reduced, but so is the plushness of the suspension, and with it the rider comfort.

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Super precise – The 2×10 SRAM X0 shifters changed gears super fast and very precisely. Unfortunately we repeatedly lost our chain on rough terrain in spite of the roller bearing clutch technology, which is meant to prevent chain-loss.

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High Performance Composite – On the Cube Stereo 120 HPC Race 29, the front frame triangle is carbon fibre and the rear tubing is aluminium. This saves weight and creates a stiffer frame where you need it: both characteristics which we appreciated on the climbs.

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Harmonious – The Fox 32 Float CTD-suspension fork and rear shock work together very well, but both are lacking in compression damping and end-progression. The ride is comfortable, but a little vague as a result.

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Reliable – The light Formula R1 brakes function well, delivering plenty of power and reliability even on steeper gradients thanks to the big 180mm rotors. The lever ergonomics and hard bite point took some getting use to.

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Too wide – The Cube’s chainstays are very wide and on descents we often rubbed our heels. This doesn’t just spoil the looks with abraded paint, but also affects your enjoyment on the trails.

Conclusion:

the Cube Stereo 120 HPC Race 29 scores strongly in terms of value for money, suspension comfort, and the pedal-orientated position. It’s perfect for long, physical rides. Only the slightly vague handling reduces rider enjoyment somewhat.

Price: 2,999 €

Weight: 12.75 kg

Specifications

Fork: Fox 32 Float Factory CTD
Rear Shock: Fox Float CTD
Drivetrain: SRAM X01
Brakes: Formula R1
Handlebars: Cube Flat Race Bar 710 mm
Stem: Syntace F149, 80 mm
Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic, Kevlar Snake Skin, 2.35″
Wheels: DT Swiss CSW AM
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth

Geometry

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Back Issue | Group Test: Cube Stereo 120 HPC Race 29 Review

Conclusion:

Specifications

Geometry

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