Cube Stereo 160 Review
- Price Range: From £1,679.20 - From £3,899.00
- Discipline: All mountain MTB
- Usage: Trail and enduro racing
- Lightweight frames
- Versatile handling
- Excellent shocks on every model
- Sizing is a little small
- Tyres may not suit all conditions
- Not as aggressive as some enduro bikes
Updated: 29th March 2017
Overview
Taking on inclines and descents with ease, the Cube Stereo 160 is an all mountain full suspension mountain bike that’s capable of taking on the toughest tracks. With a large range of models to fit most budgets, the Stereo 160 caters to riders wanting a capable mountain bike to ride where ever they want.
With 160mm of fully active travel front and rear, the Stereo 160 has balanced and nimble handling characteristics. It is quite happy to be ridden on flatter trails, popping off of trail features, while also in its element on steeper, hairier trails, racing against the clock at enduro races. It’s a capable climber too, helping you to reach the top easier so you can enjoy the way down more.
Feature-packed and not missing a beat, the Cube Stereo 160 frames are all set for hard charging. The HPA models have ultralight, advanced hydroformed and triple butted 7005 aluminium frames. This combination of technologies has allowed Cube to accurately place more material in the places where the frame needs extra strength, while removing the material where it’s not needed to reduce weight.
Higher up are carbon options, with the C:62 and top end C:68. The C:62 frame has a minimum of 62% carbon in the frame. The C:68 has, you guessed it, a minimum of 68% carbon in the frame. This increases the overall strength of the frame while keeping weight low. All models have internal cable routing, Boost 148x12 rear spacing, ISCG mounts for a chainguide and PressFit bottom brackets.
It rockets uphill, yet it’s still lots of fun downhill - MBR
The 160mm travel front and rear of fully active suspension tracks well, offering huge grip.
With 160mm travel in the back from the four-bar system, the Stereo 160 offers full active suspension, even under braking and pedalling efforts. Controlling that travel on the entry level HPA Race is a RockShox Monarch RT DebonAir shock, while Fox Float DPS shocks are found on every model upwards, with the top alloy HPA TM model getting a Fox Float X, and the C:68 Action Team getting a Fox Float X Factory with slippery Kashima coating.
Up front you’ll find a mix of RockShox and Fox forks, each with 160mm travel. The HPA Race model gets a RockShox Yari RC, a RockShox Pike RC is found on the HPA TM and C:62 SL, and a Fox 34 Float with Grip damper on the HPA SL and C:62 Race. The range topping C:68 Action Team gets a Kashima coated Fox 36 Float Factory fork to match the gold of the rear shock and Fox Transfer Factory dropper post for blinging attire.
With choices between 1x and 2x setups, there’s plenty of options to get you moving.
A wide range of gearing is available on the Stereo 160 range, with all options offering enough to get you to the top of steep climbs and back down again quickly. SRAM gearing offers 1x11 setups with 10-42T cassettes for plenty of ratios. The entry level HPA Race gets a combo GX/NX SRAM drivetrain, and both the HPA TM and C:62 SL get X1 1x11 drivetrains. These models all have SRAM Guide 4-piston brakes for fantastic speed control.
Two of the three Shimano specced bikes have 2x11 speed drivetrains. The HLA SL and C:62 Race are driven by XT 2x11 speed groupsets with matching XT disc brakes, for reliable and crisp shifting. The range topping C:68 Action Team model gets an XTR 1x11 drivetrain with equally flashy XTR disc brakes. It’s not just for show though, as these are high performing, race-ready components. The chain on the C:68 is also locked in with an e13 LG1+ chainguide for extra security.
To match the Stereo 160’s personality, the wheels had to be both lightweight and strong, with grippy tyres to match. Cube has delivered this and more. The entry level HPA Race gets an Answer wheelset, whereas every model above rolls on custom DT Swiss wheels made specially for Cube.
On all but the entry level and range topper, the wheelset is a DT Swiss CSW AM 2.7, featuring 28 straight-pull spokes, keeping stiffness high and weight low. The C:68 Action Team gets higher-end DT Swiss CSW EM 3.7 wheels. They are all tubeless ready for your convenience. For maximum grip and traction, Schwalbe tyres adorn every model, ranging from Fat Alberts to super sticky Magic Mary rubber.
They roll, accelerate, climb and turn really sweetly, though, while being plenty stiff enough for most UK riding. - MBR
The Cube Stereo 160 is a versatile full suspension mountain bike. It can take on super steep and gnarly trails, but isn’t put off by gentler terrain. This gives it a wide range of riding possibilities, unlike some more aggressive bikes. It is as happy attacking enduro races at full tilt, as it is climbing to the top of your favourite trail loop. With a solid choice of models, there’s sure to be an option for you.
