Tom reviews the Cube Stereo

So far, we’ve been impressed with the Cube Stereo One55, it’s definitely a worthy consideration if you’re looking for a do-it-all bike.

Indeed, the term ‘do-it-all’ carries significant weight in mountain biking. Unlike surfing, where boards are more affordable, and surfers often own multiple to suit various conditions, most mountain bikers don’t have the luxury of a diverse bike collection. Budget constraints often limit riders to a single bike, making the search for a versatile all-rounder a common quest.

Watch our video review of the Cube Stereo One55 here:

With 155mm of rear travel and a 160mm fork, the One55 straddles the line between light enduro and aggressive trail riding—just as a true all-rounder should. Cube labels the One55 as their all-mountain bike, which positions it alongside the likes of the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo, Focus Jam, Scott Genius and Canyon Spectral.

The Stereo One55’s Features and Geometry

At 179cm tall, our test rider chose a size large. The large frame offers a reach of 477mm, a 64.2° head angle in the slack setting, and 438mm chainstays. It features a 76.7° seat angle—numbers we find quite sensible. This bike serves as a prime example of modern mountain bike geometry, striking a balanced middle ground that’s reassuring for a do-it-all bike. The well-regarded 4-bar suspension design further solidifies its credentials.

The frame is made from Cube’s C:62 carbon, notable for its clean finish and array of smart features. One such feature is the geo-adjustment inserts in the headset, allowing a 0.6-degree shift in head angle and a +/- 2mm change in reach. While these adjustments may seem minor, they do noticeably affect the bike’s ride characteristics. Changing the geo is straightforward; simply rotate the inserts, which have notches to indicate the current setting.

Conveniently, the frame includes downtube storage, a feature becoming increasingly common. Cube even provides a pouch to keep items secure and quiet. An additional external mount under the top tube offers quick access to essentials.

Examining the frame reveals extensive integrated protection. Key areas like the downtube and chainstays are covered, along with subtler spots, such as rubber blocks, to prevent heel rub and protection against cable rub in the rear triangle. These details contribute to maintaining the frame’s condition.

This model weighs in at 14.3kgs, set up tubeless and without pedals—a respectable weight for a robust bike.

Our only critique of the frame’s construction involves the cable routing through the headset. Given the absence of wireless components, the cable clutter here led to some unavoidable rubbing and squeaking when turning the handlebars.

Components/ Spec:

The overall specification of this model is well-balanced, particularly considering its mid-range price point of $7,199. While it’s unrealistic to expect top-of-the-line components at this price, Cube has made thoughtful compromises where needed to deliver a reliable bike.

The bike features a SRAM GX drivetrain, a solid groupset that has demonstrated consistent and reliable performance across various bikes we’ve ridden. Although it might not be the most luxurious choice, it’s trustworthy and durable. We are, however, intrigued about when bikes at this price point will start featuring mid-tier wireless drivetrains as a standard offering.

On the suspension front, Fox is responsible with a Float X2 rear shock that comes with a climb switch as well as low-speed compression and rebound adjustments. This dual nature offers a simplified setup but also somewhat restricts your ability to fine-tune the shock’s performance. Despite this limitation, we found the shock to be very predictable and confidence-inspiring throughout its range of travel. Fox has recently revamped the Float X2 to address some well-known reliability issues, although only time will truly reveal the efficacy of these updates. The shock is Trunnion mounted and features standard dimensions—205mm x 60mm—making it relatively straightforward to find replacement or upgrade options should you need them.

The front end is equipped with a 160mm Fox 36 fork that boasts the Grip 2 damper, found in Fox’s higher-end Factory models. This allows for maximum adjustability in both high and low-speed compression and rebound. We experimented with using one and then two volume spacers in the fork and ultimately settled on two, allowing us to maintain small-bump sensitivity while still offering support deeper into the fork’s travel. With these adjustments, we could adhere closely to Fox’s recommended settings, making minor tweaks to both rebound and compression.

There are two components we’d consider upgrading on this bike. The first is the dropper post, which comes from Cube’s own in-house brand and offers 150mm of travel. While this might suffice for some, we found that 150mm is somewhat outdated for a light enduro bike like the One55. Dropper posts with 200mm of travel are becoming increasingly standard and would offer a more versatile option for both climbing and descending.

The second upgrade, while less urgent, involves the SRAM G2 RS brakes. While they are an improvement over the previous generation’s Guide brakes, they still require a significant amount of lever pull to achieve optimal stopping power. This is adequate for general trail use but may fall short in more demanding, technical terrains. If you’re seeking a bit more bite, we recommend exploring different pad options from SRAM, which can enhance the brakes’ overall feel and performance significantly.

The G2 RS brakes featured on the One55 SLX have reach adjustment, but they lack the contact/bite point adjustments found in SRAM’s higher-tier models. Once you’ve experienced the luxury of this level of fine-tuning, it’s hard to go back. It allows a more personalised feel to the brake, tailored to individual preferences.

In summary, the One55 comes spec’d with a well-thought-out selection of components that offer a solid foundation, leaving room for future personalisation and upgrades.

Cube Stereo ONE55 C:62 SLX 29

• Frame | C:62 Monocoque Advanced Twin Mold Technology, ISCG05, Boost 148, UDH™, 150mm Travel
• Fork | Fox 36 Float Performance Elite FIT GRIP2, 160mm Travel
• Shock | Fox X2, Performance Series
• Wheels | Newmen Evolution SL A.30, 30mm Inner Rim Width
• Tyres | Maxxis Assegai, MaxxGrip/EXO+ 2.5in Front & Minion DHR II MaxxTerra/EXO+ 2.5in Rear
• Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-Speed
• Brakes | Sram G2 RS, 200/180mm Rotors
• Handlebar | Race Face Turbine R 35, 800mm Width
• Stem | Race Face Turbine R 35
• Seatpost | CUBE Dropper Post, Handlebar Lever, Internal Cable Routing, 30.9mm
• Saddle | SDG Bel Air V3 Lux Alloy
• Confirmed Weight | 14.3kg
• RRP | $7,199 AUD

Climbing:

Bikes designed to be all-rounders usually lean towards descending capabilities, given that most riders find descents more enjoyable than climbs. However, the Cube One55 strikes a remarkable balance. It’s a proficient climber, particularly for a bike in its category.

Several features contribute to its climbing prowess. First, it’s lighter than many competitors in its class. Its full 29er setup offers excellent rollover and traction. The suspension minimises bobbing, and what little movement there is actually enhances traction when clambering up climbs.

A 76.7° seat angle ensures a comfortable riding position on long climbs; while the current seat angle is effective, we think nudging it to 77° or more could offer even greater climbing comfort with a more upright seating position when the trail turns upward.

Descending:

If you’re considering the One55, it’s likely you’re after a bike that excels in descents—and it doesn’t disappoint. In its slack setting, where we found the bike most enjoyable, the head angle is 64.2°. It’s slack, but not overly so. For comparison, we’ve ridden the Transition Patrol, another popular 160mm travel bike, which features a significantly slacker 63° head angle. The Cube’s marginally steeper angle offers a balanced ride—slack enough for confidence on steep sections but responsive on flatter terrain.

With its 438mm chainstays, the One55 achieves a good balance between stability and agility. It tracks well but is also nimble enough to flick the rear end around as needed. In contrast to some mullet bikes we’ve tested, which offer easy cornering and forgiveness, the Cube’s full 29er setup requires commitment in turns. If you’re tentative or tap the rear brake, the bike tends to stand upright. But commit to the turn, and the One55 carves through corners beautifully.

Where the One55 really excels is on classic singletrack descents—trails that naturally follow the hill’s fall line

Where the One55 really excels is on classic singletrack descents—trails that naturally follow the hill’s fall line. On such technical runs, especially with good line-of-sight, the bike truly shines.

Its knack for carrying momentum is particularly satisfying. For this reason, we think the One55 would excel as an enduro race bike, especially in Australian conditions where the terrain tends to be flatter. Its ability to maintain speed is one of its most endearing qualities.

Options:

New for this year, Cube provides the ‘Stereo One’ in four variants: the One22, One44, One55 and One77. Based on a similar four-bar frame with a very similar silhouette, the choice is up to the rider.

Flow’s Verdict:

Earning the ‘do-it-all’ label is a tall order, but Cube’s Stereo One55 SLX rises to the challenge. Exceptionally versatile, for Sydney’s rocky and technical terrain, this would be our choice if we could only have one bike. However, it leans towards the less aggressive end of the spectrum, which explains its commendable climbing and singletrack abilities.

For those seeking a bit more brawn without straying from the Cube line-up, the longer travel Stereo One77 might be more to your liking; while you’ll sacrifice some uphill efficiency, the additional 10mm of travel could offer increased confidence on challenging terrain. Or the other direction, the shorter travel One44. could be a good fit for you, all sound options.

Don’t forget to check out our video review for a more in-depth analysis and to see the One55 in action on the trails.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER - Tom Wilson

Hometown

Kiama, NSW

Height

179cm

Weight

75kg

RIDING STYLE

The tyre-rolling cornering type