Issue #034, Review - July 27, 2018

CUBE Stereo 150 C:68 TM 29 Review

The brand new CUBE Stereo 150 was a very poorly guarded secret. You could see the CUBE action team riders competing in EWS races on the new bike quite some time before the release. When the bike was officially released, there were a few surprises left none-the-less.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Love at first sight – 8 enduro bikes under € 4,500 in Review

**CUBE** Stereo 150 C:68 TM 29 | 14.06 kg | € 4,499

CUBE has been known for some time to offer good builds at a fair price, but with the brand new Stereo 150, they’ve outdone themselves. FOX Factory suspension all around including the brand-new 36 GRIP2 fork, which isn’t available anywhere else in this price range – even though CUBE relies on a traditional dealer distribution network. The suspension isn’t the only highlight, the frame is made entirely of carbon, and it looks terrific.

Unfortunately, the inside of the seat tube on our test bike wasn’t smooth all the way down, so we couldn’t fully insert the seat post and it sat a little too high with the dropper extended – this problem will been sorted out on production bikes. For the rest of the € 4,499 Stereo 150, CUBE relies on proven components: SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, Race Face Turbine aluminium cockpit, SRAM CODE R brakes and NEWMEN wheels – nice!
There was one point of critique with the chain guide, which caused chain noise on the lower guide. When we removed it, everything was quiet.

Fun instead of high-speed! The CUBE is very agile, but it lacks stability in the rough.

**Helmet** Specialized Ambush | **Shirt** Mons Royale Redwood ¾ Raglan Tee | **Shorts** Specialized Enduro Pro | **Knee pads** ION K_Pact

The CUBE Stereo 150 C:68 TM 29 in detail

Fork Fox 36 Float Fit Grip2 Factory 160 mm
ShockFox Float X2 Factory 150 mm
Brakes SRAM Code R 200/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle
Seatpost Fox Transfer Factory
Stem Race Face Affect 55 mm
Handlebar Race Face Turbine R 780 mm
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary SG / Hans Dampf SG 2,35″
Wheels Newmen Evolution SL A.30
Weight 14.06 kg
Price € 4,499

**Terrific**
The new FOX 36 GRIP2 Factory performs outstandingly. It responds very sensitively, provides a lot of support and can be tuned entirely to one’s own preferences.

**Annoying**
The lever of the quick-release axle gets caught on the frame on the last few turns. You have to repeatedly reposition it to tighten the axle completely. According to CUBE, this is a safety feature so that the axle cannot come loose on its own.

**Scratched**
The paint on the carbon frame with its extra light fibre structure unfortunately already had scratches after a few rides

**Much better**
The rear linkage of the new Stereo is not comparable to earlier CUBE models. It offers much more support and progression, which prevents excessive sagging and will help you quickly gather speed by pumping the bike.

The geometry of the CUBE Stereo 150 C:68 TM 29

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	571mm	592 mm	616 mm	643 mm
Head tube	95 mm	100 mm	110 mm	130 mm
Head angle	66°	66°	66°	66°
Seat angle	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°
Chainstays	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm
BB Drop	34 mm	34 mm	34 mm	34 mm
Wheelbase	1167 mm	1189 mm	1213 mm	1241 mm
Reach	417 mm	437 mm	457 mm	477 mm
Stack	619 mm	624 mm	633 mm	651 mm

Although the CUBE Stereo 150 has done quite well in the hands of the Action Team athletes on the toughest tracks of the EWS, its geometry is anything but extreme. On the contrary, after only a few meters aboard it becomes clear that the Stereo is a very easy riding bike. Inexperienced riders should feel right at home; the bike changes direction quickly and precisely, and the acceleration is good too. When going uphill, your weight is nicely balanced between the wheels, putting you in a good pedalling position. The rear end tends to rock, and so it is worthwhile to reach for the climb switch on the shock. On flowing trails and in tight sections the bike proved to be highly agile. The rear end works well, though it isn’t as sensitive as the best bikes in the test field, leaning more on the firm side of things. In return, it offers excellent support, which helps the Stereo generate a lot of speed through rollers and berms. In really demanding and very bumpy terrain, the Stereo 150 can’t quite keep up with the competition. When things get really fast, the bike lacks a bit of smoothness and composure. The Schwalbe Hans Dampf and Magic Mary tyre combination, each with Super Gravity casing, provided a lot of grip and puncture protection.

Tuningtips:
– get frame protectors
– emove lower chain guide

Conclusion

The CUBE Stereo 150 C:68 TM 29 is perfect for those looking for a fun enduro bike with agile handling and good climbing characteristics. Composure in demanding terrain, however, is not the bike’s greatest strength. Nevertheless, with great spec, a fair price and the stylish carbon frame, it will undoubtedly be high on many people’s wish list.