Starting at the top, Cube tried to further optimize their Hanzz and the Fritzz 180 for the 27.5-inch wheel size. In the end, these attempts resulted in two almost identical bikes, of which the "Fritzz 180 27.5" remains. This is an all-rounder which, according to Cube, combines the lowest possible weight, maximum stability and the best riding characteristics.

Thus, the climbing characteristics of this 180-millimeter beast should already come close to those of its smaller brother, the "Stereo 160 HPA 27.5". With the same weight, the Fritzz also offers more reserves with the extra suspension travel and therefore has the characteristics of a small downhill bike. With the combination of low weight, a 74.7-degree steep seat angle that ensures good transfer of pedal forces and the generous suspension travel, the new Fritzz is very versatile, from touring to trips on the downhill slopes.

From enduro to alpine cross
Cube's great success with the AMS models with 130 millimetres of travel has prompted the manufacturer to expand its 27.5-inch range with the "Stereo 140 27.5" in carbon and aluminum. At less than 1,800 grams for an 18-inch frame size, this carbon frame is very light. Together with the good climbing characteristics, the downhill properties of this all-mountain and trail bike should even make it suitable for Alpine crossings. On the other hand, the "Stereo 140 27.5" is also expected to be suitable for enduro use.

Light and fast
With the 2015 "Elite C68 29", Cube has set itself the goal of developing the bike from scratch. The most important starting points are material, shape and geometry. In terms of materials, Cube has set itself the goal of not only maintaining the high stiffness and weight values of the current Elite, but also improving them. Through the shape, the design of the tube cross-sections and dimensions, the German manufacturer achieves that the "Elite C68" is optimally stiff and even lighter with less material. In terms of geometry, Cube places the rider more centrally and therefore more sportily on the bike, with the aim of improving the riding characteristics uphill and downhill. However, the ergonomics have clearly not been ignored. The frames each come in a version for the mechanical and electronic XTR Di2. The "Elite C68" is the first hardtail frame to be prepared for a dropper post with internal cable routing. In addition, the front derailleur mount can be removed on the Di2 version.

The material, i.e. the carbon, is central to the development of the new "Elite C68 29". This, but also the design of the fibers - the so-called layup - is improved on the carbon frames from Cube. In addition to the mix of medium and high-strength carbon fibers, a new material is used. This is called "High Modulus Spread Tow Fibres", which is also combined with a new resin mixed with nanoparticles. These fiber bundles are not round as usual, but have a flat, rectangular cross-section. This makes the spaces between the fibers smaller, which is why the smaller spaces require less resin, which in turn saves weight.The new resin with nanoparticles helps to improve the impact resistance of the frames. Normally, the forces of an impact can delaminate the layer structure (layup) of a frame - i.e. separate the layers from each other. With the new resin, the forces are virtually prevented from spreading. This keeps impacts more localized, reducing the risk of delamination of the carbon layers.The C68 in the model name indicates the ratio between the proportion of fibers and that of the resin. Normally, manufacturers go for a fiber/resin ratio of 60:40, but by using the new fibers and the new resin, Cube can shift this ratio to 68:32. C68 stands for the fiber content of 68 percent as used in the C68 models Elite-29 and Litening, but also in the top version of the "Stereo 140 27.5".

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