The Stereo 170 is anything but an all-rounder, it is uncompromisingly designed for downhill riding. 180 millimetres at the front and 170 at the rear are a statement, and that with 29-inch wheels. A reminder of days gone by, when these types of bikes were called freeriders and bike parks were still rare.

"A big mountain machine with surprisingly agile handling that divides even the roughest trail into rideable small bites. A bike that not only seems to defy gravity, but has also exceeded our wildest expectations! How? Well, there's the slacker head angle, which allows the 180 mm Rock Shox Lyrik to do its job even more reliably. It is supported by its little brother, the 'Rock Shox Super Deluxe' shock with Twist Loc and flip-chip, which gives ambitious riders exactly the progression and control over the bike that they need in demanding passages."

Equipment

The equipment is fitting for such a powerful machine: top suspension from Rock Shox, the gears from Shimano's XT groupset with its 4-piston brakes, wheels and tires from E*thirteen. Unfortunately, the latter are "single ply" and only 2.35 inches wide, so more robust tires are required. The first flat tire was not long in coming. Otherwise, other parts from E*thirteen are installed, including the cassette with a range of 9 to 50 teeth.

Processing & details

The long-stroke Enduro looks relatively delicate. The look is deceptive. The Stereo is robustly built and this is reflected in the weight. 15.8 kilos is no mean feat, but the bike is almost a downhiller. The current trend is to "hide" the pivot points, and this model is no exception. The cable routing runs completely inside the frame and is nicely solved. The crucial frame points are fitted with protectors so that nothing rattles and the paintwork is preserved for a long time.

The test bike is fitted with a steel spring shock, but can be converted for an air shock. To adjust the characteristic curve for this, the deflection at the rear is fitted with a flip chip.

When you sit on the Stereo 170 and start pedaling, you notice that your preferred direction of travel is downhill. The heavy weight and coarse tires inhibit propulsion. Thanks to the steep seat angle, however, the pedaling is still okay. The bike runs very smoothly and sits firmly on the trail.

Up the mountain

On the climbs, you'll be glad that the shock can be adjusted remotely and you can pedal with a firm rear end. Of course, the high weight impairs efficiency, but the Cube climbs quite well and with stoic calm even over rough sections. You just need to be a little more comfortable.

Downhill

The energy you lose on the climbs is made up for on the descents. The Stereo 170 is well balanced and flattens everything out thanks to the sensitive and forgiving rear end and the long wheelbase. It is fast and often a little too fast. Fortunately, a powerful 4-piston brake is installed to get the speed back under control. The bike feels good in the hand and no obstacle is too rough, it rides like a downhiller. The Cube takes small and big jumps in its stride. If you mess up a landing, the suspension easily copes with it.

Conclusion

René Nay didn't promise too much. The Stereo 170 is a downhill-oriented fun machine with almost perfect equipment. A set of DH tires and that's it, then it's "just tschäderä lah"!

Recommendation

Bike parks, downhill tracks and shuttle tours are your preferred area of use? Then the Cube Stereo 170 TM 29 is the ideal bike for your fleet.

Specifications

Manufacturer/distributor

www.cube.eu

Test report published in issue 03/2020 of Ride Magazine
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