Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 Review | One Of The Best Value e-MTBs We Have EVER Tested

The 2020 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 is the biggest travel e-MTB from Cube, and this year it's had a complete redesign with a new carbon chassis that's built around the powerful Bosch Gen 4 motor. Along with a huge 625Wh battery pack, revised geometry, and a tasty parts package, this is a seriously tantalising electric mountain bike for the money.
But is it any good? And how does it stack up against the competition?
Check out the Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 review here: flowmountainbike.com/tests/20...
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2020 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SL 625 Review
0:00 - Intro
0:38 - The Cube Stereo
1:18 - Cube The Brand
2:00 - Stereo Hybrid 160 Overview
2:14 - Frame Construction & Features
3:27 - Geometry
4:47 - Price & Spec
5:35 - Confirmed Weight
5:44 - Strengths
7:20 - Weaknesses
9:20 - Bosch Performance CX Motor
11:17 - Competitor Comparisons
12:42 - The Verdict
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Facebook - / flowmountainbike
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[@bikeninja956]

literally some of the best MTB content, specifically reviews, on youtube. So glad I found this channel..

[@kovkou1]

I'm living near the Cube "birth place" but this review from another side of the world is by far the most helpful! Thanks for that and keep up the great job :)

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Cheers Peter, good to hear you found the review helpful! [Wil]

[@stefanmuller2296]

I was about to order the 2021 Version of the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 and was looking for some reviews but kind of disappointed of all the shallow test on YT. This is by far the most detailed and helpful review of that bike! Thank you!

[@shahidbangi4192]

Hi, deciding between Cube Stereo and YT Decoy, any advice? What did you go for?

[@motoface5984]

Dude that is one frickin great review. Couldn't be clearer or more succinct. Top effort Flow peeps.

[@lordnaz666]

I got one of these a couple of weeks ago and have done about 130 miles on it so far. Great bike. Got a magic mary on the way too for the front end.

[@bernijr2692]

Great Review, but here in Spain there is no bikes to sell.. and i have to wait 2021 model... waiting for it! thanks mate!

[@kelvynbettridge]

Loved the review Wil. Flow needs a spin off channel just for ebikes though. No time for a subscription that still covers analog bikes. For those of us who have tasted the future there is no going back.

[@onemanmob6756]

Disagree. Both that Flow should stick to ebikes and that ebikes are better or that they are the 'future'. There's room for both, I personally own both, but if I was to keep just one bike - it'd be the non-e...

[@johnnywilliams7355]

Absolutely best review ever.any chance of doing one on the Cannondale moterra 3 cheers dude

[@lee0b138]

Just ordered the 2021 version of this bike cant wait to get it, 21 comes with maxxis tyres and zeb charger

[@icedearth1ful]

How you finding the bike?

[@lee0b138]

Excellent my local is puddletown forest , I've absolutely hammered this bike cant fault it only thing I was upset about was I wanted it in olive and black , but could only find the grey and black in my size at the time think I was really lucky to find that

[@lee0b138]

@@icedearth1ful are you looking to get one?

[@icedearth1ful]

@@lee0b138 got one on order should arrive tomorrow

[@kevinargust3694]

The motor noise gets ignored the more you ride the bike. It is there but I just don't fixate on it any more. As I had one of the first in the country, I took it back to dealer to check out the noise. After it was explained about the freewheel clutch, I thought it is not to dissimilar to having a loud rear hub ratchet, as in Hope pro hubs. I have a silent rear hub and a loud motor, Meh, I'll just ride my bike . There is also now a software upgrade for the motor taking it to 80Nm, the support at lower cadences has been improved and a motor overrun added for tech climbing.

[@emergingit]

Great review but the discerning thing at the moment are the motors, Bosch Clunk, Shimano Clunk and failures with the other brands. It might be time to sit out a purchase until some of these things are sorted?

[@niczoom]

Great review. Im looking at the 2021 version now. Priced at $7k @ 99 Bikes here in SA.

[@icedearth1ful]

Mine arriving tomorrow

[@neilbayley7539]

Ive got the TM wow love it

[@btk5256]

Reminds me of the orbea ! As far as asthetics 🤘🏽 I like it :)

[@carlsmtb3171]

What would you say regarding the 140 cube mainly for red trails? Or even the ORBEA Wild FS H30? There £3700 each but I need to decide within 24 hrs pretty much....I have the ORBEA on loan now and its really fun but the Cube seems to have the better specs, I don't know if it should be 27.5 vs 29 wheels or go for the 140 because its not a long travel bike, I probably wont be doing huge jumps etc any time soon...

[@cyclefactoryuk]

Nice review Wil 👍 Sam

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Cheers mate!

[@Hans82962]

I'm on the verge of ordering a new Stereo Hybrid 140 SL 750WH. very curious about it, now have a reaction pro 625wh testbike and like it so far

[@FraGGile22]

Did you get it ? If you did, how is it?

[@jonathanarchie6679]

I love mine. I started with a magic Mary up front. But will change to Michelin e-wilds now. I don't like the Hans dampf at the back neither. My wheels are wide though. Would they spec deferent in Europe Vs down under?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Good to hear Jonathan! Good shout on the E-Wild tyres, those look great! I've checked Cube's German website, and the rims are the same - the Cube EX30. They are 30mm wide externally, and 27mm wide internally. I believe the more expensive models come with wider rims (the Hybrid 160 SLT model comes with 30mm wide Newmen rims for example). Personally, I've found 2.6in tyres to be much better supported on rims with a 30-35mm inner width. [Wil]

[@altaiir4]

Amazing review! This bike looks really awesome. I don't know if I have choose this bike or Canyon Spectral CF 7 ON 2021. Is OK Cube frame size M for my 175cm height?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

The size Medium should be right for you - I'm also 175cm tall and it was the Medium size that I tested, which fitted well. [Wil]

[@altaiir4]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin You have right. Yesterday I bought Medium size and fits me perfectly! :)

[@volf4o]

This Cube is an electric mountain bike, while the Canyon is not.

[@janjayed]

Hey Will - I am in the market for a new pack and I like the harness system on your pack. What are you running ?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hey mate! That's an USWE Airborne 3 - nifty little backpack for sure, though a little tight on space for anything longer than 2-hours. USWE do larger volume packs if you're looking for more haulage though; www.uswe-sports.com/ [Wil]

[@andyh3065]

So one question I have (awesome review by the way - thanks) is how different is the 2022 version, if at all? Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hey Andy! It depends which model you're comparing it to. If we're talking about the Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC Race model, the 2022 version uses the same frame, motor and battery as the 2021 version tested in this video. The primary difference is the RockShox Domain fork, which uses a beefier 38mm chassis compared to the Lyrik on the older model. If you're looking at one of the higher-end Stereo Hybrid 160 models, the frame has changed for 2022. These get a longer reach and a steeper seat tube angle. Some of these models come with a bigger 750Wh battery and the updated Bosch Smart System. There are a few other differences, which we detailed in our recent review; flowmountainbike.com/tests/cube-stereo-hybrid-160-review-2022/ Hope that helps! [Wil]

[@andyh3065]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin thank you so much. That’s really helpful. I’ve just started down the e-mountain bike rabbit hole and my head is exploding. Trying to get the right balance of price / performance for my style of riding is no simple task. Looking for what I guess used to be called an “all mountain” bike (currently pedaling a Knolly Warden) with a good level of kit but

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Definitely worth checking out the Merida eOne-Sixty as well, that's a brilliant e-MTB at a very good price. The Canyon Spectral:ON is another bike we've thoroughly enjoyed testing, and being sold direct-to-consumer, the pricing is pretty good too. [Wil]

[@andyh3065]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin thanks heaps again. I’ll have a sticky at those too. Really appreciate the help and engagement with your viewers. 👍

[@jerryx2000]

I think currently Specialized is taking the throne.

[@XBOX360Zocka]

yes, the throne of taking a shit ton of money for a fcking joke of parts

[@penknifemonkey]

To make everyone aware, the small plastic cover around the motor is very weak. It will soon smash off, costs £39 and Cube don't have it in stock and don't intend to have it in stock any time soon. It's clear Cube are not supporting after sales. You have been warned.

[@snogfesthosebeast]

Bought on today. Slightly different specifications with all XT.

[@MrBigad77]

Looks good and would be interested but what’s the point in a review on a bike you now can’t get in Australia?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hello there Adam! When we first received the bike, 99 Bikes had just landed a bunch of stock, though we've since been informed that most of them were snapped up shortly after our First Look article went live. Seems like it's been a popular bike! We acknowledge that we could have rushed the test to get a review out sooner, but we'd rather not compromise on our testing process, as we want to provide an honest and in-depth critique of every bike we have on for review, which we think is of more value to our readers and viewers. We hope that experience comes through in both the written reviews on the website, and the video reviews on KZbin. All of that said, we've been told by 99 Bikes that fresh stock is due to arrive next month - it'd be worth getting in touch with them if you're interested in that particular bike. Hope that helps! [Wil]

[@MrBigad77]

Flow Mountain Bike cheers for replying. Good points you make. You reviews are good fellas. 👍

[@Denis-gs3gk]

what about cheap decathlon stylus?

[@oskarstaudte]

A guy did a review on ytb aswell, sorry I cant find the link anymore, and apparently its quite good!

[@ryanhirst955]

I have the 2021 version, only downfall with this bike is it loves to pedal strike. Its very annoying. Also the plastic cover under the motor is rubbish, mine broke after 1 hit on a rock.

[@TeamCykelhold]

2020, the year where 65 HTA is steep. 2040 we will be on 35 HTA bikes.

[@esdubya]

What with German bike brands and seat tube lengths and standover heights? Cube, Canyon in my experience are like 30-40mm or more longer than American bike brands! 125mm dropper is just not gonna cut it! I want/need 170mm or more! Seems the Germans haven’t got the longer slacker lower memo! From other Euro brands!

[@Andrea-pv4xn]

cube hybrid.....top ebike

[@hoangvienvan3689]

After about 3 years the last Keurig stopped working kzbin.infoUgkxBrV-RbF5Nk0Rlt9i15aao-YMzqzTG8Vf initially was able to unblock, however eventually we couldn't fix. That one was a replacement unit sent by the manufacturer after we had problems with our very first Keurig. This works fine (lol, at least for now) however I didn't realize the water reservoir was so much smaller than our prior unit. With 2 people having one or two cups of coffee each morning, it seems like I'm refilling it daily. Otherwise just happy to have the convenience of pod coffee vs. making a morning pot.

[@shimasfaris2917]

Here in the uk its 4200

[@Tallretrodude]

that 5 dollar card takes off a grand? what are they actually worth then?

[@Denis-gs3gk]

yea... how lower could it get??

[@marcogodel2257]

This Video is not fair, or your location isn´t fair ;) Your Price here, is enough for the 160 SLT what has the latest Lyrics Suspension and Sram Wireless components. Even "only" 6k you are full on XT + Fox Factory. The 160 TM Version (what is also much better then the tested Bike) is on Fox 36 and, MT7 and 500% Sram. I hope that bikes are available on your Site soon, too. For a good price. You will enjoy it !! Location location location :)

[@muellerflorian0408]

Australian Dollars is not the same as Euros... Do the math

[@marcogodel2257]

@@muellerflorian0408 I did, and the price is to high :)

[@muellerflorian0408]

@@marcogodel2257 with the member card its exactly like in germany

[@GeertSamuel]

I got one a few week ago. Biggest disadvantage? My “friends” don’t want to ride with me anymore and talk shit about me now. So now I’m alone out on the track, which is disappointing. This bike took me a while to setup. I had a 2020 29” fs from Cube, that bike was “one with my ass” within one ride. First ride on this emtb for me ended up in the hospital, luckily just bruises and nothing broken.

[@oruam474]

Any ideas how to use this beautiful bike without this odd display?

[@plaicknaa]

You need the bosch display in order for the motor to work. You could switch to the newer and in my opinion better bosch kiox display.

[@siriosstar4789]

Cubes quality and price cannot be beaten in Europe . Just too good for the price, They destroy the completion . Sure you can get better more prestige's bikes but you will have to take out a second mortgage on your house . 😂

[@IndigoSun-hz6cq]

Subscribed just because you're not shouting at the camera. Will get a Like if you don't call me dude! My 2024 Cube SH 160 SLX arrives next week :)

[@contactluke80]

Do they do a 29'er in the Stereo Hybrid 160?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

They don't Luke. However, both the Stereo Hybrid 120 and the Stereo Hybrid 140 use 29in wheels. Only the biggest travel model, the Stereo Hybrid 160, uses 27.5in wheels. Incidentally, I've been wondering what this bike would ride like with a mullet setup, so a 29in wheel and fork up front. That would slacken out the geo a touch, and give a bit more stability up front for high-speed descending, though I suspect that kind of modification would void the warranty on the bike as a whole. [Wil]

[@eGazTheFirstAustralian]

Ford fairlane? What's a ford fairlane? I remember ford prefect in 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but ford fairlane?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hullo Gary! It's a big ol' Aussie sedan, I guess like a Cadillac of sorts. Big, heavy, plush, though not the sportiest ride - a pretty good way to describe the Cube Stereo Hybrid 160. [Wil]

[@tobias1991o]

Are you taking the piss? It's almost 6k.

[@onemanmob6756]

Definitely best value per character in the name. Looks ugly (subjectively). Good review though!

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks mate, glad you dug the review! [Wil]

[@bf424]

It's only $6,300 with the 99bike discount...it won't leave a hole on your wallet says he.

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

JUST 7 thousand ahum and errr that is steep

[@follyfour506]

Good review but how fussy are you . Tyres are no good the cockpit is fussy it rattles a bit . My god first world problems .

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

It's almost as if our job is to critically review bikes for our readers 😂 [Wil]

[@enzolazzeroni285]

Completely redesigned? It's the same model like 2020....bah

[@Limmis]

This is the 2020 Version!

[@areufcknserious6098]

🤣🤣🤣

[@colintraveller]

WTAF ....Are you smoking ... How can you have the nerve to claim that bike represents the best value at £3999 which costs more than a fucking Honda 125cc Motorbike from a choice of 5 models . Put that into perspective Why in the fuck would anyone waste there hard earned cash on a E Bike .. that can't even recharge whilst on the go .. I remember the days when you could by Dynamo powered Lights . And it's 2020 and those that churn out E Bikes can't even incorporate a Dynamo system in a E Bike ffs . There is something fundumentally wrong when E Bikes/MTBs .. cost more than a Motorbike . And those who do reviews are unwilling to state that very fact

[@adrianhrusca4067]

It's best value apples vs. apples...They don't influence the market prices globally for eMTB,s. Even regular MTBs are very expensive. True.