With the "Stereo 150 C:68 TM 29", Cube presented a race-ready Enduro Twentyniner today. Ready to race means 14.67 kilograms in size L and with pedals. The bike, with 150 millimeters of rear travel and 160 millimeters of front travel, is also uncompromisingly equipped - simply ready to race. We were allowed to test ride the newcomer in advance and in the most beautiful rainy weather.

The new Stereo 150 29 in the "C:68 TM" version in "gray'n'orange" is not just an eye-catcher. No compromises were made with this bike, because it is virtually ready to race off the shelf - from the control center to the tires. Cube already specifies a weight of 13.9 kilograms for size M. The pedals add around 450 grams plus a little extra weight for the size L frame. So the scales stop at 14.67 kilograms during the follow-up check. That sounds quite plausible. Some people may now swallow empty and think that the bike is heavy. Enduro race bikes are not lightweights. They have to withstand loads that are not very far removed from those in downhill racing.

Even "fat" bikes climb well

We're done with the weight issue, there's nothing to complain about. However, it is noticeable, but you soon get used to it. Anyone who has ridden big enduro bikes knows that long climbs can be mastered with them. However, this was not possible during this test day, so we can assume that this also applies to the new Stereo. In terms of climbing characteristics, however, the geometry of the seat is more important than the weight, and Cube have done a good job here. The Stereo pedals very comfortably and impresses with good power transfer and a sporty, comfortable upper body position.

The Stereo 150 is almost free of drive influences, resulting in a barely perceptible bobbing. This hardly gets any stronger when sprinting, which is very helpful when accelerating out of corners.
On steep climbs, you need to shift your weight forward a little more to keep the front wheel on the ground, but "it" can be forgiven due to its downhill-oriented geometry. In technical uphill sections, however, the bike is easy to maneuver. With 30 percent negative travel, the Fox X2 shock offers plenty of support when negotiating steps and other obstacles without diving in unnecessarily deep.

Savior in times of need

The Enduro Twentyniner doesn't disappoint on the descents. It offers a high degree of smoothness and a lot of safety on steep and rough terrain. Although the wet conditions prevent a bolder riding style, they bring other advantages. As the stones dry out, they become more slippery. Riding and braking errors are therefore punished more quickly. However, the Stereo ensures that test rides on the bike continue more than once and are not painfully interrupted.
The Twentyniner is generally easy to control and maneuver. Where the bike does need a little more physical effort, however, is in tight corners, where the high level of composure works against it.

The suspension is nice and soft in the upper travel range and works efficiently through the fast bumps. Despite the early onset of progression, which gives the bike its liveliness in fast-changing corners, the 150 millimetres of travel at the rear can be fully utilized. With the combination of X2 shock and Float 36 fork from Fox, the Cube has a top suspension system.

Despite the pronounced progression, the Stereo 150 29 doesn't feel rock hard, but surprisingly comfortable. The bike is therefore recommended for ambitious riders, but you definitely don't have to be a racer to have a lot of fun on this bike. The X2 shock also offers enough adjustment options to "tame" the suspension a little for a more passive riding style.

Conclusion

With the "Stereo 150 C:68 TM 29", Cube has developed a veritable racing weapon that is uncompromisingly robust and functionally specified. As an enduro racing bike, it offers almost all ambitious bikers all the advantages they need for demanding tours. At a retail price of CHF 5,399.00, the bike is almost a bargain.

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