CUBE Kathmandu Hybrid One 500 Review Short

The Kathmandu Hybrid One 500 is the entry point model for the Kathmandu line. It's a feature complete ebike that that comes with fenders, a rear rack, and integrated lights. It's available in two colors, four frame sizes, three frame types (high-step, mid-step, and deep wave step-thru as shown in the video), and sold predominantly through independent electric bike dealers. The drivetrain is a 10-speed 11-42 tooth cassette and Shimano Deore derailleur that does not include the one-way clutch line some of the higher models. The drive system is a Bosch Smart System Performance Line CX motor offering 85 newton meters of torque, it comes with the PowerTube 500 battery pack, and LED Remote with Intuvia 100 removable grayscale display.
Some of the drawbacks I noticed are no bottle cage bosses on the step-thru wave model, a spoke mounted magnet for the rear wheel speed sensor vs. a hub mounted design that would be less exposed, a fairly high weight of 58 pounds, regular 9mm axles with skewers vs. thru-axles, a charge port that is low on the frame and in the path of the left crank arm, a battery protection shield that is color matched and does not lock to the frame, no USB charging ports for smartphones and other electronics, the need to use the ABUS key to unlock the battery slot when re-inserting, the headlight is mounted to the fork arch which is unsprung (I prefer the crown or the stem or handlebar which are sprung and higher). Some positives are that the fender mounts directly to the suspension fork lowers, and CUBE offers a great warranty. All of the hardware is high quality, well fitted, and the bike should be fairly durable. Although the suspension fork has no lockout, it does have preload clickers to pre-load to match your weight and function properly vs. bottoming out or being too stiff.
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[@efiu12]

8:22 Wasn't expecting the hat and glasses. For a second there, I thought I was watching 'Fear and loathing in Las Vegas' :) Cheers!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Oh, that's totally what I was going for... Johnny Depp or Hunter S Thompson :P kidding aside, I just try to protect my skin because my family has had cancer and I burn easily :)

[@peterreece6547]

I think on low step bikes if there is a bottle carrier on the frame there’s is a chance of kicking it off with your foot especially some one my size with his UK size 12 shoe. My bike is a step through frame, which is necessary for me(erm I’m an old fart who can’t get his leg over the seat) if there was a mounting for bottle or security cable in that space I certainly would find it a nuisance.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I agree, perhaps not everyone with a wave step thu frame would use a bottle cage. Some might put a folding lock, a GPS tracker, or leave it empty, but I like to have the option personally. It’s one of the little trade offs that I call out. One work around is to use a strap on bottle cage like the SKS Anywhere mount.

[@peterreece6547]

If I have need of water bottle I can carry it in the pannier erm also on my trips out on the bike there are coffee shops/café where I part take in coffee and cake. Also the speed at which I ride I tend not to get in a sweat maybe if I was 50 years younger I would ride a lot faster and there would be a need for water. In my mid 70s everything is done at a sedate pace🦽😴

[@bobdole2112]

I bought a Cube Kathmandu Hybrid EXC 750 black´n´silver last year. Really pleased with it. There are wireless charging options now, when switching out the Kiox display, for your phone. Needs an adapter though. Great review - good to see some minor changes this year.

[@jcoats5529]

Nice ride

[@GaryFujiokaSr]

It's fun watching your reviews and sensing what you're going to call out; lack of bottle cage bosses, charge port location, pedal lock, rattling fenders. These look like nice bikes, I'm surprised there's no belt drive option?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I agree that this would be a great candidate for a Gates Carbon Drive setup! There's one more review coming for the Pro model Kathmandu, and some other bikes. I've been focusing a lot on the new site design. Which ebikes would you like to see covered, Gary?

[@BDX55]

My wife and I have the previous generation Kathmandu Pro. Hers is step through and the battery cover placement is a real pain, getting the battery out is difficult, you have to get your finger nail in and pull on the battery. Whereas the battery on my high step just drops out when you unlock it.

[@MarioGoatse]

Did I miss what year this is? I don’t think you said it. Is it 2023?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yes, I believe these Kathmandu models are all 2023

[@miker_c137]

I think CUBE is falling behind and still building e-motorcycles, too heavy. Companies like Marin, Specialized, Evari, N+, Crow and others are building mid-motor ebikes in the 40 lbs or less range with good power and good batteries, with well equipped drivetrains. So you can get them on a bike rack, you can get them up to your apartment. These Cubes feel like good last generation or two generation ago bikes.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Perhaps they are limited by the Bosch systems. I love how reliable they are, but I haven't seen a lightweight option yet. The motors and batteries are built for strength, smarts, and durability vs. something like the Specialized SL drive system that was a partnership with MAHLE. There are others like Fazua etc.