CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon in review – Onboard computers can be cool! (2023)

The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon is the only bike in our test to feature Bosch’s Nyon display with navigation features. Can the bike use the technology in its favour or is the huge display an unnecessary distraction on the trail? Read our review to find out.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2021 – 25 models in review

Without a doubt, the elegant CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon got the most attention during our test rides on the sun-soaked trails of Massa Vecchia. At first, the silver-black paint looks inconspicuous but comes to life in direct sunlight, shining in all colours of the rainbow – very cool! For the motor, CUBE rely on Bosch’s Performance Line CX drive, which delivers up to 85 Nm torque. The motor draws its power from an internal 625 Wh battery which is neatly integrated into the down tube of the carbon frame and protected by a sophisticated and, above all, very quiet battery cover. We would love to see the same level of integration with the speed sensor which still sits exposed on the chainstay and relies on a flimsy spoke magnet. Given that CUBE have already addressed this issue with the Stereo 160, we struggle to understand why they haven’t done the same here. The absolute highlight of our 23.96 kg test bike is the large Nyon display, which offers countless connectivity and navigation features. This bold move makes CUBE one of the trendsetters in our group test and proves that the German brand always makes an effort to respond to the needs of their customers.

The spec of the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon is almost perfect

The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT is available with a Nyon display as well as the more compact Kiox model. Given that the rest of the spec is identical, we recommend spending the extra € 250 for the Nyon-equipped build. The suspension is made up of a FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 fork and FOX DPX2 shock and generates 140 mm travel. German component manufacturer NEWMEN provide the carbon cockpit and wheels, which both suit the classy look of the CUBE. The wheels are shod in Schwalbe rubber, with a Magic Mary tire at the front and Big Betty out back, both 29 x 2.4” in the Super Trail casing. The wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper is superior in all respects to the mechanically activated posts installed on some much more expensive bikes in the test. Unfortunately, on our size L test bike, the dropper post only has 150 mm of travel. CUBE also rely on a wireless SRAM X01 Eagle AXS drivetrain which, in combination with the dropper, ensures a super tidy cockpit. The wireless AXS shifter and dropper remote are attached to the MAGURA MT7 brake levers via Shiftmix clamps. Unfortunately, almost all of our testers struggled to position the controls within easy reach.

(Video) Danny Hart's Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 SLT | EMBN Pro Bike Check 2021

The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 is available in five sizes. The smallest XS model rolls on 27.5” wheels, which has shorter chainstays to suit. Our 29” size L test bike is relatively compact (457 mm reach). If you like long bikes and want to size up, you should check the seat tube length before doing so. Particularly on sizes L (470 mm) and XL (520 mm), this could result in significantly restricted freedom of movement on the bike.

Touring king? The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon on the trail

Once you’ve sat down on the Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon, you won’t want to get off. The relaxed riding position and finely-tuned suspension ensure comfort at the highest level. While the Moustache with its Purion display is just as comfortable, the CUBE’s Nyon display gives the German bike bonus points. Whether you’re riding unknown trails, crossing the Alps or commuting to work in the concrete jungle, the display provides reliable navigation and other crucial data such as the battery’s remaining range. With its brilliant E-Live Valve suspension, the SIMPLON is the only worthy opponent in this test. The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon is the perfect companion for tourers who want to explore unknown terrain and take it easy on the trail!

The spec, comfort and handling of the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon are perfect for touring riders! However, for challenging trails there are better bikes in this test.

Only on steep gravel ramps and winding climbs does the relaxed riding position show its downsides. Particularly riders with long legs are positioned far back over the rear wheel and have to actively shift their weight forward to keep the front wheel tracking. When negotiating steps and ledges, the Bike sits higher in its travel than the burlier 160 mm version. However, the suspension bobs, bringing the Stereo Hybrid 140 to a halt at technical cruxes.

Tuning tips: swap the right and left MAGURA Shiftmix clamps (this improves things but doesn’t completely solve the problem) | riders with long legs should push the saddle all the way forward

Downhill, the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 impresses with its good-natured and intuitive handling which is particularly well-suited to beginners. In open corners, the compact frame and long 60 mm stem ensure balanced weight distribution. In combination with the grippy tires and sensitive suspension, you’ll have plenty of grip without having to shift your weight around much. The CUBE overcomes obstacles with lots of traction, albeit at moderate speeds. Get faster and the compact Stereo Hybrid 140 feels twitchy and prompts you to slow down again. For an aggressive riding style, the suspension lacks support and doesn’t provide sufficient reserves, harshly blowing through its travel even with small drops and obstacles.

Conclusion

If we were looking for the perfect touring bike, the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon could emerge as the winner of this group test. The spec, comfort, Nyon display and above all, the good-natured character of the bike are a perfect match for its intended use. However, on the trail, the bike struggles to keep up with many of its competitors, both uphill and downhill. With such a clearly defined area of application, it simply doesn’t have what it takes to come out on top as the best all-rounder.

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 | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT Kiox (Click for review) | 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