On Test | The 2022 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 is a whole lotta bike for the money

German mega-brand Cube has updated its e-MTB lineup for 2022, adopting the latest Bosch Smart System to offer greater range, improved connectivity and new tuning options. Along with the Bosch updates, the engineers have used the opportunity to roll out some welcome improvements to the Stereo full suspension line. To get to grips with all the changes, we’ve just got our hands on a 2022 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 to put to the test on our local trails.

2022 cube stereo hybrid 160 hpc actionteam
The Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 has been updated for 2022 with a new frame, a bigger battery and a much neater user interface.

An overview of the Cube Stereo Hybrid 160

The Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 is the longest travel option in Cube’s full suspension e-MTB lineup. Designed for enduro-style riding, the Stereo Hybrid 160 is built around a monocoque carbon mainframe with alloy chainstays and seatstays. It’s rolling on 27.5in wheels, and it features a 170mm travel fork with 160mm of rear travel.

If that sounds a bit much, you could always look towards the Stereo Hybrid 140, which features 29in wheels and 150/140mm of travel. For recreational riders there’s the Stereo Hybrid 120, which is equipped with less travel again, faster rolling tyres and a more upright riding position.

In comparison the Stereo Hybrid 160 is a much burlier bike, with the top models coming with a Fox 38 up front, a piggyback shock, and aggressive 2.4in wide Schwalbe tyres.

2022 cube stereo hybrid 160 hpc actionteam
As the biggest travel option in the Cube e-MTB lineup, the Stereo Hybrid 160 uses a four-bar platform and trunnion-mounted shock to deliver 160mm of rear travel.

Bosch Smart System

As with the previous version, the 2022 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 is powered by a Bosch Performance CX Gen 4 motor. Battery Capacity has increased however, with the new PowerTube 750Wh battery sitting within the downtube where it’s shielded by a full-length plastic guard.

The old Purion display has moved on in favour of the bright and crisp, full colour Kiox 300 display, which sits centrally over the stem. There’s also a new controller for cycling through menu options, changing the assist level and turning the system on and off.

Following a growing trend in the MTB and e-MTB world, the new Stereo Hybrid 160 routes all of its cables, wires and the rear brake hose through the Acros headset. There’s also an updated charge port at the base of the seat tube, which now features a swivelling door that clicks into place when closed.

2022 cube stereo hybrid 160
The Acros headset features a hidden steering limiter and channels that guide the cables internally through to the downtube.
2022 cube stereo hybrid 160 hpc actionteam
The excellent Performance CX motor from Bosch has been updated to sync with the new Smart System.

Geometry updates

Thanks to the new frame, the Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 receives a number of updates to its geometry. The 65° head angle remains the same, though reach has grown by around 15-25mm across the size range. The seat angle is also a fraction steeper, moving to 76°.

While the rear centre length and BB drop remain the same, the increased front centre length should improve high-speed stability over the previous generation Stereo Hybrid 160 we tested previously.

On the note of sizing, Cube will only be producing the new Stereo Hybrid 160 in three sizes: Medium, Large and X-Large. For shorter riders, the previous generation frame will still be offered in a Small, though only in the base HPC Race model.

2022 cube stereo hybrid 160
The new frame features a substantial increase in reach to help improve high-speed stability.

Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 price & specs

There are several models available in the Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 lineup for 2022, with prices starting at an impressive $7,699 AUD for the HPC Race model. As mentioned above, this bike features the old frame design, and as such it comes with the smaller 625Wh PowerTube battery.

The most expensive bike is the Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SLT, which has a retail price of $14,999 AUD. However, it’s worth noting that Cube’s Australian importer, 99 Bikes, offers a significant discount off the retail price via its ‘Club 99 Membership’, which costs $5 AUD.

For example, the bike we’re testing, the Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC Actionteam, has an RRP of $11,499 AUD. With the Club 99 membership, that price drops to $10,349 AUD.

It’s certainly a sharp price given the carbon frame, Bosch powertrain and attractive spec, though we’ll be putting it to the test over the coming weeks to see if the performance matches the expectations. Keep an eye out for our review, and read on below for the detailed specs and pricing for some of the key models in the 2022 lineup.

2022 cube stereo hybrid 160 hpc slt
The top-end Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SLT gets SRAM AXS wireless shifting, powerful Magura MT7 brakes, and Fox Factory suspension.

2022 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SLT

2022 cube stereo hybrid 160 hpc actionteam
Our test bike, the Actionteam model, still features Fox Factory suspension, but pairs it to a Shimano XT groupset to bring the price down by a healthy margain.

2022 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC Actionteam

2022 cube stereo hybrid 160 hpc sl
Coming in under $10K, the Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SL uses the same chassis, Bosch motor and 750Wh battery as the top-end models.

2022 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SL

2022 cube stereo hybrid 160 hpc race 625
Using the older generation frame and 625Wh battery allows the HPC Race model to come in under $8K. It’s also the only model available in a Small.

2022 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC Race

2022 cube stereo hybrid 160
The Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC Actionteam is an eye-catching bike that offers impressive spec for the money. We’ll be testing this bike over the coming weeks to see how it stacks up against the competition. Stay tuned!

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