1000 km review of the CUBE STEREO HYBRID 140 HPC SL 625 29

Reviewing some issues I observed after riding 1000 km on the CUBE STEREO HYBRID 140 HPC SL 625 29 e-mtb

[@carlosnunes5717]

Thanks for the feedback, waiting for the 2022 version, best regards

[@aronicap]

I also have the same bike and I am very happy with it. it's a great bicycle. I did 1200km. I changed the battery under warranty after a few recharges. it was obviously flawed. no other big deal. I also heard the noise of the front brake when it pounds strongly. it is a very fun bicycle and I recommend it to everyone!

[@manuelbrandl2112]

Thansk for listing the issues i have to look for :)

[@ruirodtube]

Manuel Brandl you’re welcome.

[@kevinargust3694]

Bin the chain oil, it just makes grinding paste. Get a good chain wax. I like putoline MX chain wax. last two to three rides then re wax. But does not get gritty, especially if rinsed with water between rides

[@DamirGMartinArt]

Great overview! Have the same bike but only 200km for now. Good to know about some of the possible small issues that might happen ahead and a nice knowledge to maybe try and avoid some of it. So thanks for taking time and making this video! I wanted to comment, on 3:45 the battery cover, I just checked mine, and my does not have any gap, it's snug against the bike frame. I guess that screw that holds the latching mechanism for the cover could be tightened more to prevent the cover from being loose with that gap to frame. Regards!

[@ruirodtube]

Damir G Martin thanks for the compliment. Indeed, that screw needs to be tightened. I’ll have it done once the bike shops open again. I wish you a lot of fun on the Cube!

[@TheTomppaa]

Good review! 👍🏼 I have the race-version. I have ridden 250 with no problems so far. I have a same opinion from the battery cover, it is little loose and got stuck couple of times. My shifter is also in a wrong angle for me but I have been too lazy to correct it. So far really happy with the bike.

[@ruirodtube]

Tomi Tapani thanks for sharing the info. Have you had issues with the lock ring of the chain sprocket becoming loose? Mine comes lose at every ride. I need to find a way to tighten it without removing the pedal until the local bike shop re-opens.

[@TheTomppaa]

Ruirodtube So far no problems. I checked it right away after I saw your video and it is still tight. Have you tried to e-mailed Cube about the problem, if they can sort the problem thru some other shop in the current situation?

[@79blustone]

You could heat up some chain wax and dip your chain in but that is time consuming. Clean your chain in white spirit, then use a chain cleaner, wait until dry and use Smoove chain wax lube, very easy to use. Look at reviews online anywhere, its very very good- you can thank me later. I've got the 2021 140 TM and love it. That castle nut is an easy fix if you can't get to a bike shop. Remove the crank arm with a puller ( borrow one or buy one) find and old socket of a similar diameter and cut castlations into the old socket with an angle grinder so that the socket fits into the nut, tighten up job done. Don't forget to put some loctite on the threads, buy a new inner tube, adjust the battery cover button nut. Don't use the last chain sprocket ✌👍

[@joebot2127]

Those badges seem to fall off easily. I have found two of them on walks. Thankfully I now have a spare.

[@TheOrangep7]

There not major problems and it’s a good priced bike.Thinking of getting the same bike.

[@ruirodtube]

Theflick 1 I love this bike. I highly recommend it despite the small problems.

[@dontknowbetternameatm]

good pricing? i have to work 20 months to afford this bike.. wtf????

[@ruirodtube]

dontknowbetternameatm I’m sorry to hear that. Would you be setting 100% of your income aside for 20 months or a part of it you could save?

[@dontknowbetternameatm]

@@ruirodtube only part of it, my netto salary is only 420 euros, apartman + food and some important things, so its hard to save some from it but its not impossible

[@ruirodtube]

dontknowbetternameatm I understand. I wish these bikes were less expensive so that everyone would be able to join the sport!

[@antonoat]

Some people may think your issues are minor, honestly I would be extremely unhappy, I'm hoping that choosing a bike from Riese and Muller would guarantee higher quality and less failures! The quality of this Cube bike is really terrible. Thanks for sharing your experience it is appreciated, cheers from the UK.

[@ruirodtube]

The quality of the Cube could be better but there’s nothing too seriously wrong with it. I’m sure that after the first revision at the bike shop all the kinks will go away. The R&M is a great bike but I shouldn’t expect any of their models to be good mountain bikes.

[@vonyp6018]

There is 1 spacer I think. You will need green fox ones if you want a plusher suspention. I have 140 sl too but the 16 inch version. I was in between sizes and prefer a smaller bike with lay back seat post rather than a dropper. I had a new battery after 60 miles and a new mech hanger (I bent mine) , the bike has been great

[@mtbromania]

A lot of problems for a bike like this, I have the model from 2018 but I didn't encounter such issues, I guess that Cube made some heavily cost reduction for newer models, to bad to see this. :(

[@ruirodtube]

Trifu Ion some of the problems mentioned come from Bosch, such as the lockring, the e-bike connect server and the brand logo. Others come from my bike shop which didn’t pay attention to the cable length and placement of the controls. The battery cover just needs an adjustment (one bolt). The derailleur and cassette rant is an issue related to that type of transmission. Overall none of those issues are deal breakers. It’s still a great bike.

[@mtbromania]

@@ruirodtube For sure you will have a great time riding this bike. Enjoy it! :)

[@vonyp6018]

Seen your rant :) Use a chain wax. Good all rounder. It doesn't gunk up

[@9thbigfoot]

Great review. I ordered the same bike but it will arrive in 3 weeks. Looking out for the problems, thanks.

[@ruirodtube]

Hope you enjoy it! Have fun!

[@grahambeech4634]

Hi. Great videos detailing your bike’s travels and history so far. I bought the Cube Kathmandu SLT 2 months ago and have so far covered just over 1000km. No major problems but it’s going in for its first service tomorrow. When I was cleaning it earlier I noticed that the arrow on the chain was also pointing backwards the same as yours when the chain link is above the crank but obviously points forwards when the link is below the crank. I hope that makes sense lol. have no idea if it correct or not and will check when it gets serviced.

[@grahambeech4634]

Well had the bike serviced. Just a software problem with the Kiox and an update for the motor. I pointed out the direction of the arrow on the chain and was told it was ok. Checked chain after collection and still the same. I am none the wiser but assume the Techs know what they are doing.

[@ruirodtube]

Good to know. Maybe it's nothing but odd to have an arrow on the chain to mean "nothing" nevertheless.

[@grahambeech4634]

Having had a bit of a look into it I think it is to help you work out which link is the ‘quick release’ link and the arrow is pointing in the direction you need to ‘squeeze’ the links together to get it to open.

[@anemos304]

Excellent review ! Thank you! I'm interested for the same ebike.

[@ruirodtube]

ANEMOS thank you for the compliment. I”m please that you liked it. I highly recommend this bike despite the small issues. I just love riding it. Just keep an eye out for the problems I mentioned.

[@anemos304]

@@ruirodtube Keep riding and we are looking forward for the next review of the 2000 km !!!

[@Unr3aLpm]

i was pleasantly surprised about this model but after you showed all the dirt behind the batery i guess i go for KTM

[@ruirodtube]

Unr3aLpm I believe that if the bike shop adjusts the screw at the top of the enclosure the cover will be 99% tight. It’s something to lookout for when you receive the bike and ask your shop to adjust immediately. This detail isn’t a show stopper at all. I recommend you go for this bike!

[@ParapentistaJuergen]

I am just waiting for my one, being the same model. Viewing your findings, I am a bit worried, as I would expect a higher quality from a 4K+€ bike. Does Cube does not do quality checks before sending a bike out?

[@ruirodtube]

Jürgen Schiele don’t be worried. Most of the problems I mentioned would have been fixed on the first inspection at 400 km if the bike shops had not closed because of the current situation. I highly recommend this bike and made this video so that we keep an eye out for those small problems and not allow them to become worse. Let me know when you receive your bike.

[@ParapentistaJuergen]

Ruirodtube I received my bike yesterday by UPS as all shops where closed. It was pre-configured by my dealer regarding my personal days and was really easy to mount. Today I did a quick 20km tour and I can tell you that I am deeply impressed. It’s an awesome bike. Luckily none of your findings did show up on my bike. Wish you could see me smiling. For these 20km, 29% of battery power has been used (mostly in eMTB mode), which should be good for 65-70km with a fully charged battery. Cheers, Jürgen

[@jerryx2000]

Jürgen Schiele don't forget 4K is cheap for an ebike.

[@ruirodtube]

Jürgen, that bike does indeed put a lot of smiles on the riders’ faces 😆 I’m glad you had none of my issues. Enjoy it!

[@macoveialex6823]

Best review. Seen all the bad staff.

[@ruirodtube]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Most issues have been solved in the mean time but it takes months to get the parts from CUBE. Cheers!

[@macoveialex6823]

@@ruirodtube I'm trying to buy a CUBE now.. can't find any.. all out of stock.

[@motoboy6666]

Thanks for posting this! The contact for the battery being down in that place, filling up with water and dirt seems really bad, wonder if this is common for most/all brands? I think theres too much issues on this for me to be happy if i bought it for 4000, its a mtb and things break but the bike dont seem well put together, and not the quality you would like. Still a nice package on paper, and probably rides well.

[@ruirodtube]

There were a few fit and finish issues with the bike but I was able to tighten the screw that holds the cover and now it's snug. No more dirt or water gets in. The package is very complete. It rides very well. Overall I'm very pleased. It does require a bit of cooperation with your bike shop or a bit of maintenance skills from yourself. Cheers!

[@Kiteloopcentar]

Your rear derailier is probably bent, like mine SLX, its factroy / design set up. U can always easily change direction of chain, 1 min job. And for battery cover its also 2 min job try to turn bolt few times to shorten it. I seams to me that bike shop did every thing that could be done in a wrong way :) I have Cube Stereo SL 160, 1300km, every thing works perfect.

[@copychicken]

mine came with rocksocks in front and not the fox. and the drop post lever is different.

[@ruirodtube]

Giannis Chatzis that’s not normal. The SL trim comes with the Fox.

[@copychicken]

Put some anti puncture fluid in the tires. its a must.

[@ruirodtube]

I'm not yet convinced that going tubeless is better than using tubes. The advantages seem as important as the disadvantages. Why do you think it's a must?

[@ruirodtube]

There's a detail I didn't catch until several weeks after shooting this video - the seat tube ring was mounted in the wrong direction :-) You can see it at 7:34 at the top right of the picture for instance. The people putting this bike together were seeing everything backwards that day :-)

[@DrMoe.Lester]

Looks like most of your problems were because of a shitty assembly from the bike shop. Thanks for the vid

[@pascal1380]

For the chain on my bike i use squirt wax. Everything stays a lot cleaner and last longer.

[@ruirodtube]

And how do you apply the squirt wax? Does it come in a spray, or a tube or do you have to dip the chain in the product like I've seen on a wax application video?

[@pascal1380]

It commes in a little bottle. I put one drop on every chainrol. The side of the chain stays clean. After wet ride, dry the chain with a cloth and lube it again. In this way rust minimizes and is the chain ready for next ride.

[@pascal1380]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYvTXn16qtlmpsk I do it like this..

[@armstrong3010]

Really interested in this bike. Great video. Importantly though, what red wine is that on the wall?

[@ruirodtube]

Thanks. It's a great bike. Good value for the money. It was Port wine. It's a "clin d'oeuil" to my origins. I'm Portuguese :-)

[@cambike]

Go tubeless, you will really feel the difference, as an amateur I can really feel the difference, also don’t have issues of tyres going down on you. If you undo the two allen bolts holding the caliper on the fork, press the brakes and then tighten, they will centre, then you will probably stop the vibration, possibly due to uneven force each side of pads. (Only telling you because I had the same issue)

[@ruirodtube]

Thanks for the tips. I'll give them a try! Cheers!

[@Itsthejourneynotthedestination]

jeezo, I'm thinking about getting the same model as yours, I'm not inspired.

[@ruirodtube]

Stuart McIntosh no worries. I highly recommend this bike. Just keep an eye out for the issues I mentioned and do regular maintenance.

[@kylerobinson6102]

Did you wind up getting a Cube Stereo?

[@MsDenver2]

You need to used a Teflon chain lube to help with cleaning

[@andreasschultz8552]

The Schimano XT rear derailleur is supposed to be bend/curved. I could be that you introduced the drag you feel by straightening it up.

[@ruirodtube]

Andreas Schultz actually I flattened it because it had too much drag already and making the metal plate closest to the wheel flat helped remove some vibration. I’m not sure however if the entire derailleur isn’t bent left or right following some impact. Anyway, I didn’t touch the rest of the derailleur.

[@MsDenver2]

Your the 3rd review I’ve watched with problems on the cube e bike , it’s putting me off having one , doesn’t say much about there quality control?

[@ruirodtube]

Donna, Cube's quality control isn't the best. Especially not on this particular bike. They managed to mount several things wrong: the sequence of the left hand controls, the length of the dropper seat cable, the chain, the seat post ring, the battery cover, the chain lock-ring. Now that you know about these issues make sure your bike shop tightens everything up before you accept the bike.

[@stamK.]

Cube sells millions of bikes. So there are millions of happy owners out there. Its normal to have some problem cases too.

[@rachelrobinson4923]

Great review thank you. What make is your bike stand??

[@ruirodtube]

Rachel Robinson thank you. The bike stand is the OFFICINE PAROLIN Stabilus Cavalletto Universale www.officineparolin.it/supporti-bici/cavalletti/stabilus/ I bought it at the Cube local bike shop and I knew it was great from the moment I saw it. It folds completely flat and it is delivered with a dedicated bag to carry it around 👍🏻

[@MsDenver2]

Try sticking some rubber in that space on the cover , should seal it

[@ruirodtube]

Hi Donna, I actually went ahead and screwed it tighter and now it seals correctly. You won't believe me but I'm still waiting for a shop appointment since April 2020 - Tomorrow is the 1st of August. I called almost every week but they're overwhelmed with the Covid situation.

[@ΙπποκράτηςΟικονόμου]

Great videos, thank you! I got the Reaction Hybrid Sl two weeks ago but I dont know If I should buy the stereo...... Do you use tubeless? What tyre pressures do you usually go with?

[@ruirodtube]

Ιπποκράτης Οικονόμου you’re welcome! I highly recommend the stereo for sure! It’s a lot more comfortable for your butt and lower back. I don’t use tubeless although I’m quite curious about it. I go with 15 psi on my tire although the tire manufacturer recommends a minimum of 17 psi.

[@cambike]

I messaged you some time ago about HR monitor connecting to KIOX, problem was my HR monitor, was a Garmin and they will not sync with KIOX, got a polar h10 and works great, thanks for the help. Might do a similar video of my Trek Rail now its done over 1000 miles, you think I should?

[@ruirodtube]

Thanks for the feedback. Good to know that not all hr monitors work. I certainly think you should post a review of your Trek Rail over 1000 miles. If I was on the market for that model I would certainly look it up to make up my mind. Let me know if you do! Cheers!

[@stamK.]

You just need a Bluetooth enabled HRM. Some Garmins and Polars (and many others) are Ant+ only.

[@emtbrheingau]

Great Video! I have the same problem with the Lockring! Do you know which Look Tool can be used? I have tried the original Bosch Lockring Tool for Gen. 3 Motor. Didn‘t fit. The distance of the crank is too far. The crank of the Gen. 4 Motor is longer outside.

[@ruirodtube]

Didi Zet thanks! I have no idea which lock tool can be used. Currently I’m using a flat head screw driver and a hammer to tighten the lock ring but the torque isn’t sufficient and it comes loose during each ride. I wish someone would come up with a torque tool that you could use without having to remove the pedal.

[@emtbrheingau]

Thx for your answer. I have wrote a Mail to Cube and now i am waiting for an answer. If i get an answer i will tell you.

[@emtbrheingau]

The answer from Cube! Dear Mr. XX, Thank you for your message and your interest in our products. Please note that the bike mentioned is a bike with a Gen 4 engine. Please contact your CUBE specialist in this regard. This is your contact person for all questions about your Cube Bike. Your dealer will be happy to answer any questions and concerns you may have. Unfortunately, direct processing is generally not possible. Thank you for your understanding. Best regards from the service Your Cube service team Not so helfull! 🤷🏻‍♂️ at the Time

[@kevinargust3694]

@@emtbrheingau I have an old ISIS bottom bracket tool that fits perfect Think they are about £12 on Amazon

[@emtbrheingau]

@Kevin Argust THX! I bought „XLC Zapfenschlüssel, schwarz, 10x5x5cm“ on Amazon for 8€. That Tool works for me.

[@radicalturkey]

clean your casette with a pressure washer. Avoid the hubs, and it will clean in about 10 seconds.

[@jbarjj2715]

Tire leaking air? Cleaning dirt out of the cassette? Yeah it's a mountain bike. Baeeaaatch.

[@ruirodtube]

J Bar j J 😂😆

[@user-iu1qd2eq8s]

Hi! How do you clean your bikes and chain? Your videos are great.

[@ruirodtube]

Hi J B, that's a long story so I encourage you to watch a video I recorded on the subject. Since then I moved into an apartment and I recently purchased an e-bike with a Gates Carbon Belt and a Rohloff internally geared hub to avoid having to clean/lubricate the bike after/before each ride. Cheers!

[@stamK.]

You have a bent disc rotor in front. This is why you feel this pulsing. Ask them to check it for you.

[@ruirodtube]

Thanks for the advise. I'll have them check it out.

[@petervranec]

Hi @Ruirodtube. I've got the same exact bike. It's just awesome. However, there is some difference in counting my km by Kiox and GPS in mobile/watch. The Kiox (connected to my Phone) shows a bit more than other Phone or Watch (with GPS). Did you have the same issue? Could adjustment of the wheel circumference help? Have you tried to adjust the wheel circumference? Thx in advance.

[@ruirodtube]

Hi Peter, the first thing I do when receiving a new bike is to select the shortest wheel circumference available in the head unit. There are two advantages to doing this: 1) The indicated speed and the GPS speed become much closer 2) The motor supports you to a higher REAL speed. Cheers!

[@JAG-32165]

Hi where did you get the front wheel mudgaurd

[@ruirodtube]

JAG 32165 hi, I got it at the local Cube bike shop. It’s a Cube brand part.

[@tassos_r]

Was it better at a 100 km?

[@Black_Onyx]

For the fork spacers you can find this information on the Fox website on the Fox 34 Manual at the bottom of the page ( 140mm E-bike fork comes with 3 spacer from factory) : www.ridefox.com/fox17/help.php?m=bike&id=1041

[@Black_Onyx]

For your front brake issue make sure that your rotor is not bent : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWHGY3iwZ9tjhrc&feature=emb_logo

[@ruirodtube]

Pascal Pereira I download the documents and made a separate video demonstrating the correct way of adjusting both suspensions. However, the documents refer to two types of forks, a ‘normal’ 34 and a ‘speed pedelec’ 34 which is what this is (E-tuned) and on that table the 140mm e-fork has a couple of spacers, so I’m not sure. I just know that no matter what I do I can’t bottom-out the fork. Also, the fork has 21 clicks of rebound adjustment but the documents only mentions 11. I don’t believe Fox keeps those documents up to date, unfortunately.

[@Black_Onyx]

@@ruirodtube What's differenciate the internal from the normal 34 Rhythm and the 34 Rhythm E-Bike Tune, is only 1 spacer more on the E-bike version. For the rebound, you need to match it with the table "Suggested Rebound Settings- 34mm FLOAT and Rhythm" and chose the grip Rebound. FOX keep their documents up-to-date. You have a document for each fork year ;). If you like to have a plusher fork then you will need to remove spacers for sure.

[@macoveialex6823]

5:57 use thread lock solution.

[@ruirodtube]

Thx for the tip!

[@Sarin2024.]

what is your opinion bout bosh performance cx 4 gen ?

[@ruirodtube]

basciu5 xxx I like the fact it has no internal drag once the electric support stops. At that point the e-bike feels like a normal bike. I also like that the support in Tour mode has increased from 120% to 140% which I appreciate because that’s the mode I use the most. The new motor makes noise in two separate pitches and you can hear both distinctively but there’s no rattling or anything else annoying. In any mode the assistance of the motor is stupendous. The e-mtb mode really is a ‘set and forget’ type of mode, which is great when you’re going fast on ondulating terrain. Besides the lock-ring issue I mention in the video I really love it.

[@iagainstmyself]

@@ruirodtube can u tell me more about that ? "The new motor makes noise in two separate pitches and you can hear both distinctively but there’s no rattling or anything else" i just bought a cube reaction hybrid pro and i have the same noise from the motor ,one which is smooth and one like is grinding something ,is not loud at all ,but i can notice it ,i don't know if is normal or not, also somethimes when i pedal i feel something like a small vibration in the pedals ,do you experience something like that ?

[@kazbba]

@@ruirodtube Hi, Just buying 140 hpc version with bosch gen 4 , quick question - whats a range with elevation ?

[@jerryx2000]

10:22 zezezezezze thats the Deutschland abs 😂. Where I live I can rent eMTBs for 50$. So I will stick to that.

[@ruirodtube]

:-) Renting an eMTB for $50 a day seems like a good deal to me. I would do the same if I could. What matters is to keep riding! Cheers!

[@jerryx2000]

@@ruirodtube I have a fully MTB & love to ride it. The weight difference compared to an eMTB during trail riding is night & day. I rent the eMTB every 2 months to do more rounds ,-)

[@PerfodDk]

The plate on The deralliur should be bend,,, you are an amateur

[@ruirodtube]

Yes, I am an amateur. Learning every day. 😅

[@goAndDie4Me]

Thousand of euros and all you got is crap!

[@ruirodtube]

Sleepy what do you mean? IMO it’s the best mountain e-bike in the market in 2020 with a combination of features and a price you can’t find elsewhere.