The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT 625 27.5 Kiox is the only bike on test that comes with smaller 27.5” wheels front and rear. Does that make it the outsider in our test field or are the smaller wheels an advantage on the trail? Here’s our review of the elegant long-travel CUBE with its high-end complement of components.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2021 – 25 models in review

The € 8,549 CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT 625 27.5 Kiox strikes with an understated yet elegant look that exudes a sense of quality. The absolute highlight is the high-quality, discreet paintwork which looks inconspicuous at first glance but shines in all colours of the rainbow under direct sunlight. Very cool! CUBE integrate the Bosch Performance Line CX motor better than any other manufacturer in the test. The easy to access magnetic charge port cover, the two speed sensors neatly integrated into the dropout and brake rotor respectively, as well as the chunky TPU cover that protects the 625 Wh battery stand out in particular. The Kiox holder from CUBE’s in-house ACID brand positions the display on the handlebar next to the stem, protecting it against impacts and ensuring a tidy cockpit. Not as tidy is the chunky data cable that connects the remote with the display. This winds itself around the handlebars like a wild vine, spoiling the otherwise clean look. However, this is a problem with the Bosch system and not the Stereo Hybrid 160 itself.
For Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT 625 27.5 Kiox, CUBE use only the finest components
The spec list of the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT 625 27.5 Kiox looks more like the trump card in eMTB Top Trumps. It includes high-end FOX Factory suspension with a 170 mm FOX 38 GRIP2 fork at the front and FOX DPX2 shock generating 160 mm out back. A wireless SRAM X01 Eagle AXS drivetrain with a huge cassette achieves a gear range of 520%. CUBE also rely on a wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post, which has just 150 mm travel on our size L test bike. German component brand NEWMEN provide the elegant carbon cockpit and the Advanced SL A.30 carbon wheelset. The 27.5 x 2.4″ Schwalbe tires come in the Super Trail casing. For the Big Betty rear tire, the more puncture-resistant Super Gravity carcass would be a more sensible choice and would protect the carbon rim from harsh impacts. Magura MT7 brakes with the heat-resistant MDR-P 200 mm rotors deliver powerful and reliable deceleration. However, Magura’s two-finger levers and Shiftmix clamps left the entire test team scratching their heads. If you end up with this bike, you should definitely swap around the clamps. That’s what we did, but even then, we found it hard to position both the brake lever and shifter within easy reach.



CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT 625 27.5 Kiox
€ 8,549
Specifications
Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh
Display Bosch Kiox
Fork FOX 38 Factory GRIP2 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX DPX2 Factory 160 mm
Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS 100–170 mm
Brakes MAGURA MT7 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle AXS 1x12
Stem CUBE Performance 50 mm
Handlebar NEWMEN ADVANCED 318.25 780 mm
Wheelset NEWMEN ADVANCED SL A.30 27.5"
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary/Big Betty ADDIX Soft 2.4"
Technical Data
Size S M L XL
Weight 23.30 kg
Perm. total weight 135 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 111 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no



The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT 625 27.5 Kiox is the only bike in the entire group test that rolls on 27.5” wheels. That’s reflected in its compact geometry. Across all sizes, the 442 mm chainstays are rather short. With its 460 mm reach and 614 mm stack (size L), the frame is very compact, especially considering the intended application of the CUBE. On long tours, the comfortable pedalling position and sensitive chassis provide a glorious sofa-like ride. However, active riders who don’t rely entirely on the motor and put in work themselves uphill will inevitably experience pedal bob. While activating the climb switch will improve things slightly, it will also make the chassis less responsive. Unlike its little brother, the Stereo Hybrid 140, the 160 model presents you with a dilemma: efficiency or comfort?
Size | S | M | L | XL |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seat tube | 375 mm | 420 mm | 470 mm | 520 mm |
Top tube | 568 mm | 590 mm | 613 mm | 638 mm |
Head tube | 105 mm | 112 mm | 122 mm | 142 mm |
Head angle | 65.0° | 65.0° | 65.0° | 65.0° |
Seat angle | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° |
Chainstays | 442 mm | 442 mm | 442 mm | 442 mm |
BB Drop | 13 mm | 13 mm | 13 mm | 13 mm |
Wheelbase | 1,183 mm | 1,206 mm | 1,230 mm | 1,259 mm |
Reach | 420 mm | 440 mm | 460 mm | 480 mm |
Stack | 598 mm | 605 mm | 614 mm | 632 mm |

Small wheels for a nimble character? – The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT 625 27.5 Kiox on the trail
Despite the powerful 85 Nm Bosch motor and grippy Big Betty rear tire, the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 struggles to keep up with the competition in our climbing test. Up steep sections, the rear suspension sags deep into its travel and worsening the already rear-heavy pedalling position even more. As a result, the front wheel wants to lift off the ground and fails to track properly, pushing straight ahead rather than responding to steering input. Understeer can only be prevented by actively loading the front end. The best way to do this is to ride out of the saddle. When climbing over roots and steps, you’ll have to time your pedal strokes carefully to avoid clipping the cranks on obstacles.
CUBE shows us how it’s done! The integration of the Bosch motor system is at the highest level!
Tuning tips: swap the right and left MAGURA Shiftmix clamps (this improves things but doesn’t completely solve the problem) | volume spacer in the shock
If you think that the long-travel CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 makes up for its poor climbing performance on the descents, you’re wrong. Despite the huge reserves and excellent fork, the compact riding position and low front end make for a nervous ride even at medium speeds. As a result, the CUBE fails to inspire confidence. Even with small drops and consecutive hits, the shock rushes through its entire travel and sometimes even bottoms out harshly and unpredictably. Whether on natural singletrack or challenging downhill trails, you won’t feel comfortable riding fast. While a lack of smoothness is often compensated by an agile character, that’s not the case with the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160. With an active riding style, the chassis sucks up the rider’s input and glues the 23.30 kg bike to the ground, making spontaneous line changes and playful drifts almost impossible.
Riding Characteristics
7
Agility
- sluggish
- playful
Stability
- nervous
- stable
Handling
- demanding
- balanced
Riding fun
- boring
- lively
Motor feeling
- digital
- natural
Motor power
- weak
- strong
Value for money
- poor
- top
Application
Forest road
1Flow trail uphill
2Flow trail downhill
3Technical single trail uphill
4Technical single trail downhill
5Downhill tracks
6Conclusion
Despite the outstanding spec and reasonable price tag, the € 8,549 CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT 625 27.5 Kiox offers a poor price/performance ratio. The long-travel Stereo Hybrid is proof that there’s much more to a good eMTB than an impressive spec list. While the frame details, the look and motor integration are at the highest level, the handling on the trail isn’t – at all! As a result, the Stereo Hybrid 160 has to admit defeat to all other bikes on test. However, if you like the look and feel of the CUBE, you should take a closer look at its smaller sibling, the Stereo Hybrid 140.
Tops
- exemplary integration of the Bosch system
- comfortable pedalling position for long tours
- great paint finish
Flops
- trail performance up- and downhill
- poor rear suspension performance
You can find out more about at cube.eu
The test field
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2021 – 25 models in review
All bikes in test: Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1 (Click for review) | Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 (Click for review) | CENTURION No Pogo F3600i (Click for review) | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon (Click for review) | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT Kiox | Ducati TK-01 RR (Click for review) | FLYER Uproc6 9.50 (Click for review) | FOCUS JAM² 6.9 NINE (Click for review) | GIANT Trance X E+ 1 (Click for review) | Haibike AllMtn 7 (Click for review) | KTM Macina Kapoho Prestige (Click for review) | Lapierre Overvolt GLP 2 Team (Click for review) | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K (Click for review) | Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 8 (Click for review) | ROTWILD R.X375 ULTRA (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Bullit X01 RSV Air (Click for review) | SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 (Click for review) | SIMPLON Rapcon PMAX (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL (Click for review) | STEVENS E-Inception AM 9.7 GTF (Click for review) | Thömus Lightrider E2 Pro (Click for review) | Trek Rail 9.9 X01 (Click for review) | Whyte E-150 RS 29ER V1 (Click for review)
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Words: Felix Stix Photos: Various
FAQs
What size wheels are on the Cube Stereo Hybrid 160? ›
18" / M | 20" / L | |
---|---|---|
BB Drop | 12 | 12 |
Seatpost Diameter | 36 | 25 |
Wheel Size | 574 | 513 |
Tyre Max Width | 79 | 63 |
Our Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC Actionteam test bike weighed in at 24.78kg, without pedals.
What size wheels does Cube stereo have? ›Q: What size wheels does the 2021 Cube Stereo Hybrid 120 Pro 625/500 have? The 2021 Cube Stereo Hybrid 120 Pro 625/500 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.
What is the range of Cube ebike? ›On each battery charge, the range should be in the neighborhood of 60 miles. Another feature that sets the Hybrid One apart from conventional commuter bikes is an SR Suntour suspension fork.
How do I know what size cube bike to get? ›Cube electric road and trekking bike size
The sizes are the same for road and trekking machines, but differ for an eMTB. If you are 155-168 cm tall you will need a 46-50cm frame size. A 180-192cm tall rider will need a 54-58cm frame. If you're taller than that, Cube also offers a 58-62 cm frame.
A fast-rolling bike is one that's rewarding to ride. That's why the Travel EXC features big-diameter 700c wheels and comfortable, wide-profile tyres – so you can concentrate on enjoying the ride.
How much does a cube stereo 160 weight? ›The 2017 Cube Stereo 160 HPA Race 27.5 is an Enduro Aluminium / Alloy mountain bike. It sports 27.5" wheels, is priced at $2,025 USD, comes in a range of sizes, including Small 16", Medium 18", Large 20", Extra Large 22", has RockShox suspension and a SRAM drivetrain.
How do I know my stock wheel size? ›Look at the backside of the wheel.
If it's an original wheel, you'll ordinarily see imprinted on the spokes the make, origin country, OEM number, and size. But for a steel stock wheel, you may find the wheel size on the front side, or the face, of the wheel. For example, the size of the wheel will look like “18x7 ½ ”.
Cube Controls is an Italian company and attention to Beauty is part of its DNA. Our products are designed in our facility in Sardinia and every piece is unique: all of them are hand-assembled, hand-checked and hand-packed, for a premium experience.
What size wheels are on cube reaction hybrid? ›
Frame | Aluminium Superlite, Gravity Casting, Agile Ride Geometry, 1.5 Headtube, Internal Cable Routing, Full Integrated Battery, Kickstand/Fender/Carrier Mounting Points |
---|---|
Wheel Size | XS and S frame sizes have 27.5” wheels – M, L, XL and XXL frame sizes have 29” wheels |
Cube bikes aim to make their bikes last over 20 years through a combination of rigorous testing, warranties, and crash replacement.
What is a good range for an ebike? ›The average range of most eBikes is between 20-100 miles/32-160 kilometers; of course, the exact range will always depend on factors such as the power mode, riding conditions, cargo load, and terrain.
How far can an ebike go on full power? ›E-bike batteries typically start at around 250 watt-hours capacity and most e-bike motors are rated at 250 watts. So in theory in this case, if your motor was running at full power, it would drain your battery in an hour. That's enough time to cover up to 15 miles/24km, depending on how fast you ride.
How do you tell if a bike is small medium or large? ›Look for a size label on the bottom of the seat tube first.
The seat tube is the long tube that the bike seat post sticks into. If you look near the bottom of this tube, about 3 inches (7.6 cm) up from the chain sprocket, you'll see a glued-on label that states the bike's frame size.
INCHES | GENERAL | RIDER HEIGHT |
13-14" | X Small | 4' 10" - 5' 2" (148 - 158cm) |
15-16" | Small | 5' 2" - 5' 6" (158 - 168cm) |
17-18" | Medium | 5' 6" - 5' 10" (168 - 178cm) |
19-20" | Large | 5' 10" - 6' 1" (178 - 185cm) |
Wheel Size | Age | Height |
---|---|---|
16″ | 4 – 6 years | 41 – 48″ |
20″ | 5 – 8 years | 45 – 54″ |
24″ | 8 – 11 years | 49″ – 59″ |
26″ | 10 + years | 56″ + |
The 700c (622 mm / 29 inches) is the most common wheel size for road racing. The 650b (584 mm / 27.5 inches) wheel size is used in specific areas. Each wheel size offers unique advantages for different kinds of riding.
What age is cube 24 inch bike for? ›Q: What size 2021 Cube Stereo 150 C:62 SL 29 should I get? The 2021 Cube Stereo 150 C:62 SL 29 comes in sizes SM (16"), MD (18"), LG (20"), XL (22").
What size is Cube Stereo 140? ›
The 2021 Cube Stereo 140 HPC Race 27.5 comes in sizes SM (16"), MD (18"), LG (20"), XL (22").
How much does a cube stereo race weigh? ›Price: | 2699 € |
---|---|
category: | All Mountain |
Frame Material: | Carbon / Alu |
Weight: | 13,6 kg |
Wheel Size: | 27,5" |
The brand Cube represents quality and performance all over the world - brand quality "made in Germany". The hallmarks of German quality workmanship are above all safety and durability.
Is Cube Stereo a trail bike? ›Cube Stereo ONE22
Cube's Stereo ONE22 is the brand's 120mm suspension travel trail bike and will be available in HPC or HPA form – which is Cube's way of saying the bike is available with a carbon fibre or aluminium frame.
The 7-speaker Rockford Fosgate system will have speakers in all those locations, plus a subwoofer in the rear door.
What are the cube batteries called? ›What battery does the cube use? Alkaline N / E90 / LR1 1.5 Volt batteries.
What battery is equivalent to 625? ›The original PX625 mercury cell produced 1.35V. There are three possible mercury free replacements for this PX625, PX13 or MR9 cell: genuine Mercury cell, the PX625, PX13 or MR9 - but they are rare and hard to find. the equivalent alkaline cell, the LR9 or V625U.
What is the weight of mini battery? ›The chassis was fitted with unique dampers; springs were borrowed from the Countryman and Clubman models to accommodate the extra weight of the battery, which increased weight by 129 to 159 kg (284 to 350 lb) compared to a base Cooper.
What is the difference between a rim and a wheel? ›WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHEELS AND RIMS? The truth is that "rims" are actually just one part of the wheel. It is the outer edge of the wheel which holds the tire. It is the outer circular design and surrounds the decorative area of the wheel's hub and spokes.
Can you go up in wheel size? ›You cannot simply go out and put on a larger wheel and tire and expect your car to be the same. Your car is designed to roll on a specific wheel and tire size. Changes to either may start a cascade of handling and mechanical issues if you don't plan carefully.
What does offset mean on wheels? ›
Wheel offset is the distance from the mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. On the other hand, backspacing is the distance from the mounting surface to the wheel's back lip.
Are Cube bikes made in China? ›CUBE is a german bicycle brand, founded in 1993 by Marcus Pürner, beginning with an area of 50 m² in his father's furniture factory. Today Cube bikes are made in Europe and China and exported to dozens of countries globally.
What are snowflake wheels? ›Designed to look like a snowflake in motion (even when it's standing still), this snowflake wheel utilizes spokes that extend outward to the edge of the rim flange, making for an imposing, stylish design. And while it might look like a snowflake, the Replica Snowflake is anything but delicate.
What country are Cube bikes from? ›In 1993, Marcus Pruener founded CUBE while assembling bikes in a small corner of his father's furniture factory in Germany.
What size wheels are on a hybrid bike? ›Commuter hybrid bikes have 700c, 650b or 26in wheel sizes, with 700c being the most popular.
What width tires for hybrid bikes? ›Tyre sizes for hybrid bikes range from 27.5+ to 29 inches. 27.5+ inch tyres should be paired with an ETRTO 584 mm diameter rim and 29 inch tyres with an ETRTO 622 rim.
What size tires does the average hybrid bike have? ›Hybrid bike tire sizes
Most hybrid and commuter bike tires are available in two diameters: 700c or 26”. You will likely see a size printed on the sidewall of your current tires. This is a great place to start when you need to replace a hybrid or commuter tire.
Our pick of 2023 – CUBE Reaction Pro £1,499
CUBE has a well-deserved reputation for delivering outstanding value for money, and its Reaction range of do-anything hardtail mountain bikes is the perfect showcase.
CUBE Bikes is located in Waldershof, Bayern, Germany . Who are CUBE Bikes 's competitors? Alternatives and possible competitors to CUBE Bikes may include Pedego Electric Bikes , Hamax , and WTB .
Do bikes go bad? ›A bicycle can last for 30+ years, or even a lifetime, if the frame and forks are strong and good quality. The life-expectancy of components is far shorter, and variable. You'll need to change different components between 1000 and 10,000 miles.
Can you ride an electric bike without pedaling? ›
The answer is yes—and no. There are some e-bikes that feature a throttle, which will allow you to ride without pedaling. However, that feature does come with some downsides. Other types e-bikes, including both of the Bluejay models, require riders to pedal in order to engage the battery and the motor.
Can you ride an ebike without the battery? ›Yes, you can still ride your -bike even when the battery is dead or absent. An ebike is just an upgraded standard bicycle with the regular pedals still on. Most people use the battery when looking to go faster or for assistance when going uphill. You will notice some things when riding the ebike with a flat/no battery.
How far will an electric bike go without pedaling? ›The distance an electric bike can go without pedaling depends on several factors, including the battery capacity, the power of the motor, and the terrain. On average, e-bikes with a fully charged battery can travel between 20 to 60 miles, depending on the level of assistance used.
How far can you ride an eBike in a day? ›On average, most ebikes will take you somewhere between 20-100 miles. The exact range will always depend on a range of factors that are important to pay attention to and consider if you want to get the most out of your charge (the planet will say thank you).
Why are ebikes limited to 20 mph? ›Electric vehicles produce far fewer emissions when traveling at lower speeds than petrol vehicles. As a result, the 20mph speed limit on electric bikes helps to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Do Ebikes charge as you pedal? ›Generally speaking, most electric bikes do not charge when you pedal. They need their batteries to be plugged into a power outlet to be powered. However, some models offer the possibility of charging while you pedal, although this is often very inefficient.
What size are hybrid wheels? ›Wheel Size
700c: This is the standard size wheel found on most hybrid bikes. Don't worry too much about wheel size when choosing a hybrid bike and focus more on the type of bike that suits your riding style. 26 in.: Some hybrid bikes are equipped with 26 in. wheels that are smaller than the standard 700c wheels.
Q: What size wheels does the 2021 Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SL 625 have? The 2021 Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SL 625 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.
What size wheels does Cube Hyde have? ›Frame: | Aluminium Superlite, Urban 29, Taper, Double Butted |
---|---|
Wheel size: | 29" |
Colour: | metalgreen´n´black |
Fork: | Aluminium Rigid Fork, 29", Tapered |
Brakes: | Shimano BR-MT200, Hydr. Disc Brake |
Wheel markings explained
To better illustrate the meaning of the markings, let's take a look at the following example: "7.5Jx16H2 ET35.” In this case: 7.5 is the wheel size, meaning it is 7.5 inches wide (1 inch = 25.4mm)
What is a 7.5 J wheel? ›
“7.5” — the width of the rim from bead lip to bead lip—the widest part of the inside of the rim. “J” — refers to the bead profile. It's rare that you'd find something besides “J” on passenger cars. Larger trucks and vans may have “G”, “H”, or “JJ.” Make sure it matches.
What height is a 27.5 bike for? ›What height is a 27.5 inch bike for? 27.5 inch bikes are suitable for adults between 5'2” and 5'10”. That said, adults of all heights can ride this wheel size. Some brands claim that 27.5” wheels are especially useful for riders 5'7” and under.
What size hybrid do I need? ›Rider Height | Suggested Hybrid Frame Size | |
---|---|---|
Feet & Inches | Centimetres | Frame Size (inches) |
4'10" - 5'2" | 148cm - 158cm | X-Small (13" - 14") |
5'2"" - 5'6"" | 158cm - 168cm | Small (15" - 16") |
5'6" - 5' 10" | 168cm - 178cm | Medium (17" - 18") |
Hybrids Require Heavier Tires
Most people think that electric cars only need special tires, but hybrids also require heavier-duty tires. The additional weight from the battery pack and electric motor adds to the load on the tires and can cause premature wear.
MX - a mix of both worlds
The third configuration, and a relatively new option, is mixed wheel (also known as 'mullet'). This is when a 29-inch wheel is used for the front wheel and a 27.5-inch is used on the rear.
Of course, Hyde has different types of vape juice pens, each with its own specifications. A 5% Hyde disposable pen, for example, gives out about 400 puffs – potentially more with lighter inhaling.
How wide is a 7J wheel? ›Rim Size. The rim labelling indicates the width in the first place as well. In 7J x 17 H2 ET38, 5x112 LK it is 7 inches. Now you have to know that a rim of this width fits on a tyre with a width of 195 to 225 mm.
What wheel sizes are there? ›Wheel diameters can vary, but they typically range from 13"-24" (or higher for specialized low profile fitments). Only wheels and tires of the same diameter can be safely mounted together, meaning you can only mount a 16" tire on a 16" wheel.