Cube AMS Hybrid One44 in the test: Uncompromisingly good?

Product news / E-MTB: With the Cube AMS Hybrid One44, the manufacturer from Upper Palatinate is finally presenting its first light E-MTB. With its modern design, versatile character, Bosch SX motor and a weight starting at 16,2 kg, it should find many friends - especially since the price of the new bike is refreshingly attractive.

Update May 09.05.2024, XNUMX: Test of the Super TM variant

After Cube has been almost suspiciously quiet about new bikes in recent months, the bike giant is now back with a bang: The Cube AMS Hybrid One44 is not only the first E-MTB in the AMS model series, but also also the first modern light E-MTB from the manufacturer from Upper Palatinate. Designed as a light trail bike with 140 mm of suspension travel, it comes with the new Bosch SX drive including a 400 Wh battery, low weight and, as is typical for Cube, a pretty attractive price.

Nice motor integration and permanently installed battery

Like almost all Light E-MTBs of the past few months, the new Cube AMS Hybrid One44 is powered by the lightweight Bosch SX motor. Its 55 Nm torque is on a par with its competitors, but in terms of maximum power it can keep up with full-sized full power units with up to 600 W. However, this high level of performance can only be achieved in certain situations and over a limited period of time, like ours in our detailed test of the drive have found out. The motor is combined with the also new CompactTube 400 battery. Operation is carried out by the Bosch System Controller in the top tube in conjunction with the wireless mini remote; There is no real display, at least ex works.

The integration of the drive unit on the Cube AMS Hybrid is very elegant: the rather large motor disappears into the slim silhouette of the bottom bracket area and is significantly less bulky than on most other e-bikes with Bosch SX. The battery is in the down tube and unfortunately cannot be removed. This is also how Cube was probably able to achieve the low frame weight of just 2.100 g (manufacturer's information). However, it is questionable whether this will make many friends, as the removable battery has always been a feature of Cube e-bikes. After all, if you want to expand your reach, you can the Bosch PowerMore 250 range extender retrofit.

Universal trail bike with 140 mm travel

The basic concept of the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 is that of a classic trail bike. The 140 mm suspension travel at the front and rear, the 29 inch wheels and also the geometry match this. This also shows that the differences to the well-known Stereo Hybrid 140 are not huge - half a degree here, a few millimeters there; The area of ​​application of the two bikes is very similar and the main difference lies in the drive system and, above all, the weight. The geometry can also be adjusted to suit your own requirements and preferences using special bearing shells on the headset.

Cube AMS Hybrid One44: Models and equipment variants

The Cube AMS Hybrid One44 will be available in four equipment variants, which are divided into two groups and all rely on the same frame and drive system: While the SLT and SLX models place particular emphasis on low weight and therefore make compromises in terms of equipment , the two Trailmotion variants are trimmed much more towards sporty trail use. For the first time there are two Trailmotion variants within one model series: In addition to the well-known TM variant, there is also a higher-quality Super TM model.

The pricing is definitely positive: it starts at just 5.999 Euro for the SLX model, which is already well-equipped with XT gears and brakes, Newmen wheels, and Fox Performance suspension. The more affordable of the two TM variants is particularly attractive: for €6.499, you get a Sram GX Eagle transmission and Magura MT7 brakes in addition to a Fox Performance suspension.

Cube AMS Hybrid One44 C:68X SLT

The light top model Cube AMS Hybrid One44 C:68X SLT 400X 29 (what a name...) weighs a record-breaking 16,2 kg according to the manufacturer, but you have to make compromises here and there: On the one hand there is the 2- Piston variant of the Shimano The extremely light Maxxis tires will also quickly reach their limits on off-road terrain. On the plus side, however, the bike can boast its otherwise very high-quality equipment with Fox Factory chassis including Grip180 cartridge in the fork, Shimano XTR gears and carbon cockpit.

Fork: Fox 34 Factory Grip2
Mute: Fox Float Factory
Circuit: Shimano XTR
brakes: Shimano XTR M9100 (180 / 180mm)
impellers: Newmen Advanced SL A.30
Tire: Maxxis Rekon MaxxTerra Exo / Maxxis Rekon Race Exo
Seat post: Fox Transfer SL Factory

Weight: 16,2 kg
Price: 7999 Euro

Cube AMS Hybrid One44 C:68X SLX

Even with the “entry-level model” you get solid, partly high-quality equipment with a much more versatile character than the SLT top model. In addition to the proven XT gearshift, there are also 4-piston brakes with a large disc at the front and the tried and tested Fox Performance chassis. Opinions may differ when it comes to tire choice, but for trail fans a change would be worth considering.

Fork: Fox 34 performance
Mute: Fox float performance
Circuit: Shimano XT
brakes: Shimano XT M8120 (203 / 180 mm)
impellers: Newmen Advanced SL EG 30
Tire: Schwalbe Nobby Nic SuperGround Soft / Schwalbe Wicked Will SuperGround Speedgrip
Seat post: Cube droppers

Weight: 17,3 kg
Price: 5999 Euro

Cube AMS Hybrid One44 C:68X TM

For us, the highlight of the new Cube Light E-MTB is the affordable TM version. For a really fair 6.499 euros you are immediately trail-ready with a more than solid Fox Performance chassis, powerful Magura MT7 brakes and a proven Schwalbe tire combination with a soft rubber compound. The Sram GX Eagle AXS transmission, which is usually only available on e-MTBs in significantly higher price ranges, is quite remarkable. Strong!

Fork: Fox 36 performance
Mute: Fox Float
Circuit: Sram GX Eagle AXS Transmission
brakes: Magura MT7 (203 / 180 mm)
impellers: Newmen Advanced SL EG 30
Tire: Schwalbe Magic Mary SuperTrail Soft / Schwalbe Nobby Nic SuperTrail Soft
Seat post: Cube droppers

Weight: 18,4 kg
Price: € 6.499

Cube AMS Hybrid One44 C:68X Super TM

For the first time in Cube's history, there is now also a "Super TM" model in addition to the normal Trailmotion equipment. It sounds complicated at first, but it makes perfect sense: Until now, the TM variants were limited to one price range. Now there are two models for different needs and budgets. The Super TM model is also the spearhead of the portfolio in terms of price and combines trail qualities with a low weight. The price is steep at just under 9.000 euros, but you still get a level of equipment here that would clearly break the 10.000 euro mark elsewhere.

Fork: Fox 36 Factory Grip2
Mute: Fox Float
Circuit: Sram XX Eagle AXS Transmission
brakes: Magura MT Trail Carbon (203 / 180 mm)
impellers: Newmen Advanced SL A.30
Tire: Maxxis Assegai MaxxTerra Exo+ / Maxxis Dissector MaxxTerra Exo+
Seat post: Fox Transfer Factory

Weight: 17,7 kg
Price: 8999 Euro

The Cube AMS Hybird One44 Super TM in practice

We were able to test the new Cube Light E-MTB in the Super TM version extensively over several weeks. We were impressed by the low weight of 17,8 kg in frame size L and without pedals - despite the robust components. The frame itself also has nice detailed solutions, such as the frame protector on the chainstay on the non-drive side to prevent abrasion marks from the heel. Opinions may differ when it comes to the cables routed through the headset - the clean look contrasts with rather complex maintenance.

On the trail, the bike was particularly impressive thanks to its intuitive handling and playful character. Its low weight combined with the robust components ensures high handling qualities and light-footed handling, especially on flowing terrain. The lively but comfortable rear triangle invites experienced riders to take off, provides beginners with a lot of security and offers touring riders a lot of comfort.

However, when it gets steep, blocked and demanding, the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 reaches its limits. An experienced pilot is needed here to keep the rather nervous handling under control. But: In this terrain, a trail bike with 140 mm doesn't have to get top marks. The specified component package almost without exception cuts an excellent figure. Small compromises have to be made when it comes to braking performance at the rear: We can recommend an upgrade to a larger brake disc, especially for heavier drivers.

The bike was unobtrusive in a positive sense when it came to stiffness: despite its low weight, there was no noticeable flex - great!

Web

www.cube.eu