When we set out to design the ultimate full suspension e-MTB, we realised we needed a completely new approach. So we took all the knowledge we've accumulated from building some of the world's most acclaimed Bosch-powered bikes, added our engineers' unparalleled expertise in carbon frame technology, and came up with the bike you see here - the Stereo Hybrid C:62 120 SLT. E-MTBs don't come any lighter, faster or more accomplished than this.
Our carbon frame building technology makes use of Cube's proprietary Advanced Twin Mould process. It's a way of optimising the carbon layup and curing process, so that - like all our C:62 and C:68 frames - the Stereo Hybrid C:62 120 SLT has the perfect blend of stiffness, strength and low weight. Combined with our acclaimed Agile Ride Geometry (AGM) and features like Tuned Drive Position (TDP), we've given this high performance chassis absolutely the best characteristics to ensure that it handles intuitively and reliably, whatever the circumstances. And, as you'd expect, we've included a tapered steerer and Boost rear end to extract every ounce of performance out of both rider and drive unit. The ultimate e-MTB chassis? We certainly think so.
Equipment: It's always fun kitting out our range-topping bikes - and this one was no exception. With a 'no compromise' approach, we began with Bosch's peerless CX drive unit and 500Wh battery, then mated them to SRAM's Eagle transmission. With up to 75Nm of available torque and a uniqely wide ratio cassette spanning 10 to 50 teeth, it's the ultimate e-bike setup for tackling any terrain. A Fox Float DPS Performance EVOL shock and RockShox's unique RS-1 fork keep the rubber side down, while grippy Schwalbe Racing Ralph and Rocket Ron tyres transfer the rider and motor's power to the trail via light, strong CSW MA 3.9 wheels. And last - but by no means least - we chose Magura MT8 hydraulic disc brakes for their reliable, powerful stopping performance - because power is nothing without control.
e-Bikes come in as many shapes and sizes as non-powered bikes, so you can have an electric road bike, mountain bike, city bike or general hybrid style. But, there are extra choices for you to make as well, so this is a brief guide to choosing the e-Bike best suited to your needs. For a more complete guide, please visit our Blog post on Choosing Your e-Bike.
Frame design
The primary choice is whether there is a top tube or you have a step-through frame. If you have any limitations in your hip flexibility and find it hard to raise your leg around the back wheel and saddle, then a step-through frame will be the better option for you. Given e-Bikes are heavier than other bikes, a step-through is also easier to handle if you're not very strong.
Battery power & capacity
"How far can I go between charges?" is the most common question, and the answer is "It depends", but here are some useful guidelines. Firstly, you control how quickly you deplete the battery. e-Bikes have power assist settings that you use to control acceleration and the amount of assist. If you choose "economy", it will take longer to get up to speed, and your top-end speed will be lower than if you select "turbo" mode. In addition, most e-Bikes are pedal assist, so you need to turn the pedals, and the more force you put in, the less you consume the battery charge. Finally, hills consume more power than flats, so your route selection makes a difference.
Batteries are rated in Watt hours (WH), and you can use this to compare the expected range between bikes. You simply multiply the voltage (V) by the amp hours (Ah) to calculate the Watt hours. On average, if you didn't pedal at all, each mile of flat travel will consume 15 WH. The e-Bikes we sell all have batteries with 300 - 400 WH, so that is 20 - 27 miles on a flat road with no pedaling.
Motor location and drive system
There are three primary positions for the drive system, the front wheel, the rear wheel and the crankset (to which the pedals are attached). By far the best is the crankset, as it is the most efficient, and it keeps the centre of gravity low. Motors in the wheel hubs are more common, as they are less expensive, and there are offsetting pros & cons for front versus rear wheel. drive.
Throttle or Pedal-assist
Our FreeGo e-Bikes have a throttle, so you can choose to be powered exclusively by the electric motor. Our other e-Bikes are all pedal-assist, which means the motor amplifies your own pedaling. The amount of power added by the electric motor in all cases is controlled by the setting, for example "economy" or "turbo".