CUBE Stereo 160 C:68 Action Team 27.5 review
The CUBE Stereo 160 C:68 in the Action Team edition is a sure-fire way to feel like a pro! The bike doesn’t just have the same build spec, but also the very same striking paint job as sported by the CUBE team riders. But is that a guarantee of a good performance?
Rolling up to your local trails with the distinctive red-blue colourway of the CUBE Action Team is one way to get noticed, and the conversations will probably flow pretty well once everyone’s clocked the same top-flight spec as the team edition.
Its racing genes are unconcealed given the FOX Factory suspension with a lock-out lever for the FLOAT X rear shock and the aggressive tire combination of a Schwalbe Magic Mary at the front and a Rock Razor at the rear. Rowdiness is kept under control by the super-short Syntace stem teamed with wide and high bars. Weighing in at 12.44 kg, the C:68 carbon-framed Stereo is the lightest bike on test.
CUBE Stereo 160 C:68 Action Team 27.5 in spec
Fork: FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 160 mm
Rear shock: FOX FLOAT X Factory 160 mm
Brakes: Shimano XTR
Drivetrain: Shimano XTR 1×11
Seat post: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem: Syntace Megaforce 2 40 mm
Handlebar: Syntace Vector Carbon 780 mm
Wheels: DT CSW EM 3.7 Straightpull
Tires: Schwalbe Hans Dampf / Rock Razor
Weight: 12.44 kg
Price: € 5,999
The CUBE Stereo’s remote shock lever isn’t just stiff, it’s also positioned awkwardly next to the lever for the dropper post. Our advice: remove it!
We’re big advocates of colour-coordinated parts, but the red Syntace stem goes too far! These red tones don’t match at all – here, less is more!
The bike’s super-low weight is helped by the clever carbon fiber technology that uses less resin to save weight and increase rigidity.
The huge E13 LG1 chainguide has a firm grasp on the chain and protects the chainring from trail debris.
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On climbs the CUBE has a distinctive character, driving up the hills with a childlike eagerness. Despite the slightly longer chainstays, the CUBE is still capable of lightning-quick direction changes. The whole geometry package is in harmony, and it doesn’t need a lot of body work when it comes to navigating.
On the trail the front suspension performance outshone the rear, which had a tendency to sink through its travel and lose traction compared to the other bikes on tests. Given the bike’s low weight, it’s a wild child that needs a firm hand and full concentration, particularly at high speeds and on technical terrain. The Schwalbe Rock Razor isn’t the most versatile tire around, and if the conditions are wet you’d better go for a Hans Dampf instead.
Conclusion
Not just fast-looking, the CUBE Stereo 160 C:68 in the Action Team edition is able to hurtle along trails! If you want to keep your line at high speeds, then expect to invest some effort, as the suspension doesn’t work as smoothly as the competition – however, the Stereo can accelerate like a beast!
Strengths
- Super lightweight
- Brilliant climbing
- Balanced handling
Weaknesses
- Not that stable at high speed
- In-your-face image
For more information head to the CUBE website!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Does it get better than this? – 9 high-end enduro bikes in comparison
All bikes in review: BMC Trailfox 01 XX1 | Bold Linkin Trail LT 29 | Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race | Giant Reign Advanced 1 | SCOTT Genius LT 700 Tuned | ROTWILD R.E1 FS EVO | Yeti SB 5.5C X01 | YT Capra CF Pro Race