Cube Stereo 140 Review

There are three models in the Stereo 140 range, the Race, SL and TM. Each bike shares the same carbon frame that has been redesigned for 2018. The HPC monocoque carbon front triangle is made using Twin Mould Technology. This manufacturing technique accurately aligns the individual carbon layers during the manufacturing process so that there is no superfluous weight. This makes the frame tough, durable and lightweight. The 6061 aluminium alloy rear keeps the tried and tested four bar suspension design from the previous models but now has hidden pivots for cleaner lines. The Geometry has been tweaked for 2018 with a slacker 66.5 degree head angle and slightly longer reach measurements.

The new Trunnion shock mount means that the shock takes up less space in the frame. This has allowed the designers to lower the top tube which lower the stand over height and makes the bike easier to manoeuvre. Cable routing is all internal and the neat entry ports in the head tube keep things neat and tidy as well as preventing any cable rub on the frame or fork. Boost hub spacing makes room for wider tyres and also allows for a stiffer wheel build.

The 140mm of rear suspension travel is ideal for trail riding and the active four bar FSP4Link design means that the suspension keeps working even while pedalling and braking. The Race and SL both get a Fox Float DPS rear shock that features 3 position compression damping adjustment. This gives you the ability to firm up the suspension for climbing, maintain a good platform for pedalling on traverses and open it up completely for the descents. The Stereo 140 TM has more of an aggressive focus and gets Fox DPX2 shock for improved consistency on long technical descents.

All the bikes get a 150mm travel fork up front which adds a little extra capability on the descents. The Stereo 140 Race has a Fox 34 Rhythm fork with a Sweep adjust grip damper controlling the compression damping. The SL also gets a Fox 34 fork but the 3-position Micro-Adjust GRIP damper gives you a little more control over the compression damping. The more enduro focused 140 TM gets a FOX 36 fork which is significantly stiffer for more capable performance on challenging trails. Both the Fork and Shock are Factory versions on the TM so you get the very best damping performance.

As you would expect from a bike that’s built to ride every trail on the mountain, the Cube Stereo 140 features a wide range of gears for both climbing and descending. Both the Race and the SL are fitted with a Shimano 2x11 speed drivetrain. The Race gets an SLX/XT mix while the SL gets the slick shifting of a full XT drivetrain. You get a SRAM 1x12 speed drivetrain on the TM. As well as offering a massive 500% gear range, this makes gear shifting more intuitive.

All the bikes in the range have hydraulic disc brakes with large rotors for extra stopping power. The Race and the SL both get Shimano stoppers with extra powerful SRAM Code brakes on the TM. Race Face takes care of the finishing kit on all the bikes and each features a dropper post so you can make the most of every trail section.

For 2018 all models of the Cube Stereo 140 roll on 27.5” wheels. These offer the ideal balance between rapid rolling and nimble handling, offer a playful feel and are great for trail riding. All the wheels and tyres can be run tubeless although you need to tape the rims on the 140 Race.

The wheels are different on each model. The Stereo HPC Race gets Answer Atac wheels while the SL gets lighter weight Fulcrum Red 55s. The 140 TM has Newman Evolution SL A.30 wheels with a wide 30mm rim that offers great support for wider tyres, especially when running low tyre pressures.