CUBE Stereo 120 HPA Race Review – Full CUBE Performance under € 2,000?
CUBE know how to make fine-handling bikes: just look at the performance of the CUBE Action Team at the pointy end of the racing field. The new CUBE Stereo 120 HPA Race takes the proven Stereo platform and drops the travel to 120 mm in both 27.5” and 29” options.
At this price point, the hydroformed 7005 aluminium frame is exceptionally well finished, with clean internal cable routing and smooth welds. We were delighted to find a Shimano XT drivetrain, but then annoyed when we found it to be a 3×11. Thirty-three gears? Every time a triple is fitted to a mountain bike, a kitten dies. We are happy that CUBE is mounting a 2×11 for the upcoming season. We did like the 28 spoke Answer ATAC MA wheelset, which accelerated rapidly, especially when combined with the lightweight Schwalbe Nobby Nic Kevlar 2.25” tires. The Shimano XT brakes are freaking awesome and blow the competition out of the water; however, the 75 mm CUBE-branded stem and 740 mm bars are a little dated. With so many nice parts we had hoped to find a dropper post, but alas, we were disappointed.
When it came to the trails, with only 120 mm of travel the CUBE was already at a disadvantage compared to its longer-legged competition on the descents – and as expected, it proved more of a long-distance athlete than a downhill superstar. The bike feels very compact; somewhat short and tall, it’s certainly a bike to size up on, and the steep head angle of 68.5 degrees make the bike much happier on longer XC rides. The Manitou suspension pairing of the Minute TS Air suspension fork and Radium Expert RL air shock delivered an unexpectedly confident and efficient ride. If asked to define the bike in two words, we would describe it as ‘taut and stiff.’ It’s the sprinter of the group, powering up climbs and cruising down easy flow trails effortlessly.
The CUBE Stereo 120 HPA Race in detail
Forks: Manitou Minute TS 120 mm
Rear shock: Manitou Radium Expert 120 mm
Brakes: Shimano XT M8000
Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8000
Seatpost: CUBE Performance Post
Stem: CUBE Performance Stem
Bars: CUBE Rise Trail Pro
Wheels: Answer Atac MA
Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic Kevlar
Weight: 13.20 kg
Price: € 1,999
The Shimano XT brakes have enough power to stop a charging bull. With good modulation and precise control, they are the best in test.
The Manitou Hex Lock quick release is the most complicated axle we have ever seen, confusing our experienced testers until they mastered its idiosyncrasies.
Thirty-three gears is lunacy. It’s time that noisy and complicated triples were banned in MTB, as nobody needs so many ratios. Get back in the sea!
The Manitou Radium shock proved efficient and supportive, adding to the CUBE’s taut and efficient ride quality.
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Chasing the rest of the group through rocky terrain, the short-travel CUBE quickly runs out of puff and starts to behave like an angry gazelle, kicking and bucking – but for punching out long rides, it’s a formidable bike. The CUBE is a mild-mannered trail bike for those without aggressive intentions; those looking for a riotous descender would be better served with the more aggressive Stereo 140 or one of the other bikes in this test. However, for long all-day epics on flowing terrain, the CUBE makes light work of the miles.
Conclusion
While its short travel and steep geometry hold it back on the downhills, the lightweight CUBE Stereo 120 Race is well-suited to long tours. The nicely finished frame provides an efficient and taut ride, providing maximum acceleration and agility. CUBE got us all excited with an XT drivetrain, but nobody needs 33 gears – please, no more triples!
Strengths
- Fast and nimble acceleration
- XT brakes are the best in test
Weaknesses
- Struggles in technical terrain
- 33 gears – WTF!
For more information head to cube.eu!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Five affordable trail bikes under € 2,000. Are these the real ‘bikes for the people?’
Other bikes in this test: Cube Stereo 120 HPA Race | Lapierre Edge AM 527 | Radon Slide 130 8.0 | Trek Fuel EX 29 5.0 | Vitus Escarpe