AMAZING VALUE! Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 Review - Electric Mountain Bike

Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 is a LONG TRAVEL electric mountain bike with a GREAT PRICE!! At £3999 its an extremely good value ebike you're getting a LOT of bike for your money!
Check the Full Specs HERE: bit.ly/2CMFccC
Huge thanks to Stickers Decals Graphics for sorting out replacement LYRIK FORK decals after a crash! Check them out here: stickersdecalsgraphics.co.uk/...
DISCLAIMER: Cube paid for me to produce this video. This has allowed me to work with The Bike Pilot to film, capture and produce the video. In no way did Cube have any control or influence over the video, narrative or final content. I will always try to highlight positive aspects and let you know of anything that doesn't work correctly, or seems not great quality. I believe that being open and honest is important. As brands now have direct access to YOU, my loyal audience via my channel, you deserve to know all the good stuff and bad stuff about the products I'm testing!
Video Contents:
00:00 - Intro
01:16 - Bike Specifications and Weight
02:19 - Bosch 625Wh Battery
02:44 - Bosch Generation 4 85Nm Motor
03:25 - Riding the bike on the trails
03:50 - Stock Schwalbe Tyres
04:17 - Getting the Suspension tuned
05:17 - Carbon Frame Stiffness and Weight Distribution
05:52 - Reach and Geometry
06:27 - Long Travel E-Mountain Bike
06:52 - Great Value for Money
07:25 - Rear Brake Issue
07:42 - Climbing Performance
08:03 - Enduro bike or Trail bike?
08:47 - Final Thoughts
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[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hey all. Thoughts on the Cube 2020 ebike range? Lots of bike for the money, right?!

[@gordonkcampbell4081]

Now comes with the Zeb 💥

[@MTBs]

Very nice bike! Would choose a 29 inch trail version instead personally though.

[@lloydwiggins9370]

Only see 1 big problem with this bike You cannot buy one anywhere 🙁 been looking for weeks and their all out of stock

[@GedandMichele]

They are coming and same with everything else just at the moment

[@TheParped]

Would be interesting to see a comparison of the Base yt decoy and this now that they are in the same price bracket of £3999. Thoughts?

[@dom020876]

140 vs 160 video would be awesome.I'm kinda torn between the two.

[@shahed_hossain]

Please review 140 vs 160 TM. Love all of you reviews. Thanks

[@mimo98]

I bought this bike in December 2020 when it became available here in UK. Great bike and value for money and really enjoyed it since. I agree with everything you mentioned in your review. Took it to Italy last summer and it was a super performer up the Italian mountains.

[@lordnaz666]

I bought one of these earlier in the week and I'm having a blast on it!

[@ronaldomac4918]

So fast forward 8 months or so, would you still recommend it....? quite tempted (when they are availible again)....... :)

[@gordonkcampbell4081]

Everyone is loving this bike 😍 Really appreciate the genuine review 👍

[@stuartduncan5865]

Action team review next please. And the orbea wild FS review you spoke of when you had the bike last. Great work, keep it up Rob! 👍🔥

[@JobeMI6]

Superb review Rob 😊👍🏻 I have been here from the beginning, you were good then, but you have pretty much nailed what your audience want. Great work 😊👍🏻

[@franciscosegura1960]

Believe when I tell you there is no one like you. Always a pleasure to listen to you and learn from your videos, of course. From southeast Spain,

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Wow, thank you

[@franciscosegura1960]

Not only that but also it is so tempting to watch more than once your videos. That is what I am doing right now. Double pleasure. No doubt

[@shiftymuckers6627]

Nice one Rob, been waiting for this one. Would love the 160 vs 140 comparison. The 140 TM is still on my list, if I can manage to find one anywhere!

[@mikekay213]

Hands down best emtb channel on KZbin, production quality is A1.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks Mike! We always put everything we can into these vids!

[@ChupacabraOffroad]

Agree!

[@obviouslyohno]

You deliver what I need !! Amazing dude, amazing channel.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks!

[@aronicap]

I' ve got 140 Stereo Hybrid SL one month ago and i' m very happy about It.Great bike , very funny , very playful , very nice!!

[@bradjames7570]

Would love to see a 140 vs 160 review, love your channel Rob 👍

[@ericm8811]

Hey Rob Rides Emtb! Thanks for sacrificing yourself testing those bikes on your favorite trails to bring us these videos! You should know by now I'm going to ask about the hubs? Are they name brand or some generic hubs that cube sneaks in when nobody is looking and could cause expensive problems later on? Almost ran into a juvenile black bear on a neighborhood downhill trail me and some friends where blazing down last Saturday night! Came round a corner and slammed the breaks on and yelled at the bear I saw mid trail 15 meters ahead of me! I skidded to a stop about 7 meters from the bear and it took off into the bushes at the trails edge! My helmet light and yell must have freaked it out! My buddies and I didnt want to hang around so we took off further down the trail! Mega adrenaline rush! Ride ride ride!

[@juanjosebravoguerrero4271]

Very, very good videos and amazing channel. Great Rob!!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks Juan !

[@MrBonanist]

Thx Rob for the great review as always! Got my (lucky?) hands on one of the 2021 with the new Zeb fork & Kiox before they are sold out. Pickup this week first ride next weekend! i chose this one over the 140 due to 27.5 vs 29, find it more "fun" to "efficient" but should future rides dictate i could change it up to a mullet due to the 44mm setup :)

[@nealonthis548]

I have recently bought the 160 stereo hybrid race and it is 5* all day! Absolutely frickin awesome👌🤙 Would definitely recommend.

[@bernijr2692]

GREAT VIDEO! as always!

[@2coolforyourdog]

Thanks Rob, your reviews are very good

[@kevinpullen1141]

Thanks guy's for the advice. Found the nukes in orange that will go with the blue and orange of the frame colour. 👍👌

[@ianross225]

Rob, excellent review and supports my choice for Joan, my partner, who is new to biking. Nice that you went entry level and where many will be. I wanted exactly the mix you suggest with more of a trail orientation plus comfort for longer trails. The price for the package is excellent. On the down side is it’s weight, not for riding but hefting around. I have a Trek Rail 9.7 which is similar on paper (ok, a 29’er) but notably lighter and as a medium quite roomy for my 5’ 9” height. The Cube is a small but very compact. I’d appreciate your thoughts on the Trek Rail some time. Both bikes, incidentally, have the new Bosch upgrade. Took the Trek to Box Hill yesterday and the difference is significant as you’d expect. Keep up the great testing. Best, Ian

[@josepheustaquio5544]

always enjoy your videos Rob!!! About to pull the trigger on a new eMTB in the coming months... I STILL CANT DECIDE ON WHICH ONE

[@stanleyg.4063]

Hei, wow the video quality gets better and better. So much cuts. A lot of work nice to see. Only 1 question . When you feature the 2021 spezialized e-bikes? Greetings from Norway. And man the trails that you ride looking so clean no root and rocks like here every where

[@olliejames3846]

In love with my cube Acid hybrid one 500, whilst it may only be an entry EMTB, punchy Bosch motor! Love cube

[@leno4920]

Another superb quality presentation Rob. Almost wasted on a mere ebike! 😂

[@stephanthiel4358]

Great vid as always Rob! A suggestion. You ride many routes on many different locations. How about saying where you are (as you did in this vid) and listing the route names. Im not suggesting listing them per section, but just in the description, like for instance i saw the familiar “Telegraph poles” section... just a thought

[@TomaszMajek]

Just bought the '22 version of this one, from what I read much improved geometry/dynamics. I was a bit hesitant but OMG is this an AMAZING bike. The suspension is just right for me at 195 lbs, the reach is just right, the bosch drive system is amazing I got home after a hard hard 1h45m ride with 2200 ft climb in eMTB mode and a 30 min ride home on the road at max Turbo boost mode with 70% battery remaining when I got back. The handing is spot of sweet spot between enduro and trail; it's actually a fantastic compromise of handling characteristics. LOVE the bike. Better in almost all aspects than the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay A70 I tried!

[@theaircooledcollective8600]

Great review, great pictures, great angles, great overall (neutral) perspective. Top job! Are the 2020 still for sale in the UK? Wanting the XL version myself now!

[@capailldubh]

Have the 2017 140. Great bike and still going strong.

[@Tehjupsis]

yes,definitely need 140 vs 160. I've been wondering which one to get. Will go test ride when their back in stock in Finland.

[@cameron6642]

Brilliant review, thanks 🤙🏽

[@blacktiger955i]

It's compression damping that determines comfort because it's that that allows the suspension to absorb bumps or not. After all, the compression damping adjuster is where you'll find the lock out setting.

[@RamenNoodles22]

Just put down a deposit in a 2021 model because of your video. Excellent review!

[@markkinder5922]

Got my queue Siri 0160 about three weeks ago, really love it

[@jamesmitchell3330]

I've no real interest in mountain bikes, but I met you when you were filming this bike on the stones near to Peaslake last weekend and you gave me a link to your channel - I loved the video showing the great runs through Pitch Hill. Hope to see you back on Pitch Hill soon!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hi James - great time meet you! I remember chatting with you briefly by the stones. Can’t wait to get back to the hills! Best regards, Rob

[@timmoffat6890]

Yes please! Do a comparison between 140 and 160

[@kawaZR1000]

👍 thanks for this really informative video. Would be great to see the 140 stereo in comparison to the 160. 👍

[@RobRidesEMTB]

No probs!

[@TheSharvis]

My 160 Action Team gets delivered tomorrow...can't wait, but invis first before riding on Sunday😃

[@kevinpullen1141]

How much of the frame work does it cover. 👍

[@rossbingbong]

Hey Rob, just ordered the 140 based on your reviews👍 couldnt afford the 160

[@BertineFamily]

Yes, please do a 140 vs 160 comparo vid

[@kodakflashman1252]

I got the 2020 140 TM for the same price. Thought it was great spec at original £4700, practically bit their hand off at the lower price! Had it for 3 months now & can't fault it for local riding area (South Downs). Going to bring it to Surrey Hills soon, and hopefully give it a proper workout in the Lakes later this summer

[@matthewjenks9490]

Quality review Rob

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks Husky!

[@deaxter_hero2085]

Hi Rob, great vid, would appreciate 140 vs 160 comparison.

[@pigshed]

Excellent camera work @the bike pilot ...

[@TheBikePilot]

Cheers Zim :) Team effort..!

[@marksteer3182]

I have the 2020 SL 140...would love to see your video on that bike or the comparison video you mention at the end

[@stevenblanc8301]

I would love to see you test the new 21 Cube Hybrid SL160 love to see how the tyre, suspension and motor upgrades compare to the 20 model

[@mr1982davies]

just ordered the 2o21 model yes can't wait with the newer updates that come with it zeb fork maxxis tyres new display

[@bullseye0112]

Rob can you do a video on just mullet e-bikes? Good stuff keep it coming

[@stickersdecalsgraphics]

Always our pleasure to help you out 👍😉

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks again!

[@johnvocatura1019]

Cool. Thanks man.

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

This bike has got the looks for sure! Which one would you pick for all mountain biking, the Cube or the E one Sixty? Nice job!

[@Enernoski]

140 vs 160 yes please. Also some comparing to Radon Render and Focus Jam on best value for mony, would be awsome 🦾 Cheers

[@Andi89lectro]

I own a 140 (paid 3600€) and my friend a 160 (paid 4100€) , both bought 4 months ago. We both are new to mountainbiking and we ride trails and some downhill (small jumps and drops of 40-50cm) - 140 rides realy smooth over bumps, but is not as agressiv in turnes as the 160. Therefor i bought a shorter stem (140 had 60mm0° [changed to 50mm30°], 160 has 50mm0°) and I`m realy happy now (made the steering more direct and faster) - The 140 feels a little better in climbing over rocks with the 29", but has a dissadvantage over the 160 with the tires that have a little larger profile. - The brakes of the 140 have more initial bite that you have to get used to, the 160s is more refined. Overall we are both realy happy with our bikes and we ride the same stuff, for us beginners its more our skill that limits us, than the bikes

[@GedandMichele]

Defo interested in the 140 v 160 comparison Rob.Just can't demo a Focus, Orbea or Cannondale Motera anywhere so Cube it is thanks to a demo from Nevada in Westcott

[@mr1982davies]

great review rob considering this but the 2021 version with the new zeb fork im 6ft 1 and gonna go xl but im keen to see if i run it a mullet set up how it would perform im also going to swap out the shock for a coil set up i think

[@Content465]

Sweet ride brother 🇨🇦🤙

[@obviouslyohno]

140 vs 160 would be could be good availability(160) is not that great even here in Germany, at least online ;)

[@obviouslyohno]

Just bought the 2021 version of the Cube stereo 160. Its already available in Germany

[@alrandall5264]

I would like to see a 140/160 comparison video. In fact I've got a post on the forum asking for opinions on this as I am looking to upgrade my Trek Powerfly. Orbea is my favourite at the moment but the Cube looks like a contender. Most of my riding is in FOD blue and red downhills.

[@kevincromar4055]

Great video, would you choose the cube over a Merida e160 limited?

[@milocuevas]

Hey Rob, would be interested on a 140 vs 160 video on the 2021 models!

[@Extremegaz25]

Cheers rob looks good still don't know if the 140 or 160 is the best option.

[@Jimbojetset84]

Would love to see a video on your thoughts on the new Shimano motor/upcoming tech. Release date? Possible spec? Is it going to surpass Bosch or Brose or has the new Bosch update caught them out and they will just be playing catch up.

[@flv1333]

4:59 You lost the battery cover! love the vids, keep up the great work!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yeah I did - took it off and didn't put it back on! Had to go back and find it 😂😂

[@TheBikePilot]

Good spot. We had to go back and find it :)

[@bentaylor7530]

This one is defo on my list . A 140 v 160 would be spot on. Cheers rob. Great vid as always

[@makelos29]

Beautiful fit and finish

[@DavidSmith-wy5js]

Rob 140 v 160 please, liked your test thanks d.

[@bartoszplo]

Great video. Is it the breaks that are squealing so much? That is something that would drive me nuts.

[@christopherfairfowl5521]

Great videos, where were you cycling? Thanks

[@MrSmoothasf]

Got the model up from this coming this week with Zeb forks which I'm excited to try out and compare to my fox 36s. Reading through the specs I was really happy until the handlebars..... Its like someone at cube asked their mum to pick a handlebar. Needless to say a nice set of wide bars will be going straight on. I use a fox dhx2 coil at the moment and wondering whether I will need to swap the shock out for a coil shock immediately?

[@jeremiahdimaapi8857]

Would love to actually see a Cube 160 SL vs Orbea Wild FS H30

[@Jack-ws3os]

Thanks for the great video! Just watched your video on the Vitus e sommet and am torn between the two so which one would you advise is the best for the money?

[@klaxhu]

Hi Rob, love your videos! Researching to buy an eBike in the < 5k EUR Budget. Bike will be generically used for simple trails and occasionally enduro, also occasionally through town and climbing up to my local trail in Zurich, Switzerland. I watched a few of your videos, some twice :D I also do have a 20% discount on Trek and need to decide if its worth going with Trek or some of the other of your choices from your reviews. Any chance you will review one of the bikes in the Trek Rail 5 line-up?

[@niczoom]

In Australia, our local distributor 99 Bikes sold out of this bike a while back. Im now waiting on the 2021 range which Im told will be coming Sep/Oct. The guy at 99 said they are bringing in 2 models, the 'Race' & 'ActionTeam'. The ActionTeam priced at $8300 AU could be the one.

[@homeatspace]

Today, I've sold my 160 tm, because everything besides the spec on paper, is not a good quality. It rides nice, but after every ride, you need to check every screw. Now I've got the KTM Macina Kapoho prestige 2020.

[@eunicef1]

Great vid, thanks. Down to £2,900 now!

[@Stevo_YouTube]

If my bike shop gets this in before they get the Orbea Wild FS H25 I will go for this I think.

[@Jayt750]

I love the look of the 140 and 160 in the action team colours, but that rattle would drive me utterly bonkers.

[@vogelimarc8795]

Glue and Rubber works fine 🤣

[@SP-ss4uo]

Definitely do a 140 vs 160 comparison

[@TCK71]

Excellent review............. what happened to the bike chart, value v fun etc!?

[@shanefunnell542]

I have the cube 140 pro 2022 model love it

[@howtotop520]

hell rob, what are you doing? its like ... better than top gear , i love that, you are best at EMTB testing :-)

[@hassebir]

Second that!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

haha thank you so much, we love making these vids!

[@beanucardwell8528]

Yup !

[@stephenbrown5844]

Got a top range cube, AMAZING BIKE

[@jessieaguilar795]

How would cube 160 or 140 compare to the YT Decoy Pro 29 that you reviewed Or even ths Scott Genius 920 eride? Thanks

[@NOK2014_Corfu_Activities]

I would like to see 140 vs 160 review. I am in between and still haven't decided yet cause their prices are so close. I have a non electric 120 Stereo with 130mm front and I was wondering if a 140 would be too close, and so, with no much difference from what I already own, but nevertheless better in some few steep hiking goat trails or 160 would be a better overall choice for the times I come to face a goat trail or a trail with more chunky stones. I would like climbing and range to be taken in consideration, if you have time and don't mind cause most of the trails are not in the rich of hand. Mostly I am talking about 45-75k rides with max 1000-1500m climbing to hit drops. A nice Idea would be to consider in the test the cheap decathlon. Anyways, thanks for your videos. I have to say that in the island I live, climbing is also crucial as descending. The cube 120 stereo has be proven for me a great climber and a fast trailer even with 2.6 29er wheels.

[@razorsharp9850]

So much doubt on one like these or the 140. Cracking my brain.

[@TheHyTek]

I love this bike

[@eGazTheFirstAustralian]

I bought a 2020 Nature Hybrid 400. Great bike for commuting to work 10k each way each day. The Bosch 50Nm Active Plus Gen3 at times seems to cause vibration under pressure. But in all the hundreds of Bosch engine KZbins I've watched not one reviewer has ever mentioned vibration to the feet through the pedals. A couple have mentioned a knocking from the 75Nm engine. Is it possible you could look into this anomaly?

[@TheCallOfDutyFreak]

I got a Cube reaction Hybrid ex 625 almoost as expensive and its a hardtail :P

[@MrBigad77]

So undecided on weather to go with a emtb, the 21 model is on my list(wait till November) new slash 8, get a deal on 2020 canyon spectral, wait to see 21 strives and Megas, or the new 141 privateer(jan) bloody should kept hold of my bike a bit longer. Too many to choose from.

[@ben1910]

Would also like to hear your thoughts on the 120 Looking at getting a ebike and as a man who currently rides full rigid im still unsure i need all that travel

[@1spiders1]

Good one

[@carlsmtb3171]

Wish I could get Rob to comment on what’s better between the 2021 160 vs the Orbea Wild......I was getting a 160 then a 140 and now the wild!

[@a.kolokotronis]

jjust ordered 2023 action team. so anxious...

[@jtjensen05]

Firsttime e mtb buyer. This one or the Vitus E-Sommet VR? I see the 2021 Cube is now available with maxis tyres and the boch kiox.

[@007flode]

Hi Rob very good video. I'm wondering to buy this bike, but am not sure what size I should buy. on Cube's table I end up on M-L is it then best to go for M? I am 177cm Thanks

[@vincef7487]

Killer review, as always. But I still find myself concerned with the durability of a carbon fiber frame as compared to that of aluminium. 🤔

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Never personally had an issue with any Carbon bikes in my experience....

[@rpbartlett]

Hi Rob, when do you expect to have the stereo 140 sl 2021 to test? and is there any other bikes in that price range you recommend over the cube's

[@cryptout]

I recently found your channel and really enjoy your reviews of the lower-end bikes. I do wonder (coming from motor sports) why you don't review these bikes with proper tires, preferably the same type?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Good question! Bike tyres can add easily add over £100 to the cost to change and I believe in testing them stock with what they came with, as they are designed with the bike capabilities in mind. Some bikes come with appropriately specced tyres, others don't (to keep price and weight down) so I think its not fair to swap them out and spend even more money where the manufacturer should get it right in the first place.

[@offshore911]

i have it ;-) agree absolutely with your reportage

[@edyciobanu3293]

Hi, i also have the bike. Do you hear an annoying noise of plastic when you are riding the bike over rocks or uneven ground or it’s just my bike ?

[@offshore911]

@@edyciobanu3293 Hi, i performed round about 100km on trails and steep downhill, where i thought its too much. the bike worked as good as i expected. Especially the geometry and the weight are absolutely controllable and nice to drive. No Noises recognized! I only adjusted the Sram and the discbrakes ,thats it.

[@TheBikePilot]

@@edyciobanu3293 That may be the Bosch Rattle..

[@bernieboi8943]

I'm looking for this emtb or the 140mm one.. I live in fairly flat grounds, Netherlands. Will the 160mm be overkill? It looks so sexy though.

[@neilbayley7539]

Got the tm 160mm love it

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Nice! Enjoy!