Diving into steep singletrack with the motor still on ‘sleep’ mode the bike has a trustworthy and firm feel to the dynamic. Weighting both tyres is simple, steering is precise and the speed if anything seems marginally faster than on a normal 140mm bike on the same track. It is surefooted, reasonably silent and even on cheap tyres it offers grip. The smiles grow, I hit a few jumps, no problem, cut a new line into off–camber, no issue, and then confidently attack all rock and root to the end of the trail. At which point I begin thinking ‘how the hell I’m going to explain all this’. And rapidly went back for seconds, thirds, fourths…
As mountainbikers we all sometimes suffer form massively overanalysing bikes and components. Bikes matter, components matter, yet the difference in performance between one part and the next can sometimes be lost or overcooked in what has become ritualistic bickering. ‘What would the web say about this dissident bike’ I wondered.
The good news for technophobes is that the stability and speed keeping characteristics of a (near) 50lb bike on the hoof are quite something. That’s with the motor off. However you cannot dance around a bike like this as you can on a modern lightweight trail bike. But then the fact that it doesn’t dance and skitter around will be a good trait for some riders. It will hold a line better and more resolutely than a traditional bike. Weight transfer is less of an issue too.
As a bike for skills it has many benefits, no more so than the amount of downhill runs you can punch out in a short space of time. On a two to three minute track with good direct access consider about six runs per hour to be comfortably achievable, at which point you’ll need to start thinking about heading back.
The curfew is a negative, and whilst the Cube is weightless on climbs, on gently dipping singletrack trail it’s not as fast or as lively as a non–motordrive bike – yet it’s very close. And many people will argue (which they have done with wheels) that speed doesn’t matter. Still, I think a good sub 30lb 140mm bike is better, but that comes with a caveat. And that’s if you have the skill to generate more power from the ground by constantly moving the bike into position as the ground changes. Riding the eBike requires a different approach, it’s ‘wheels on the ground’ stuff, yet as I said on many trails with the motor off, it’s not necessarily slower.
The uphills are a non–discussion. Going back to a traditional method begins to feel painfully slow and like pedalling through sand with the rear brake on. Perception soon changes once you’ve been on an electric bike.
What I was most interested in was its downhill sureness. Better than a spindly 140 and what massive potential surely lies here. When (note not ‘if’) this bike becomes 160 and lighter then people will definitely begin starting to make comparisons and be forced into decisions. eBikes have massive potential.
It’s a head scratcher. Downhill Luddites will start questioning their £30 a day diesel assisted uplift. Enduro riders will begin thinking that a morning’s ride could potentially take in ten descents rather than five, with more ground covered. Trail riders will obviously think distance, and long distance riders will think adventure. Comparisons WILL be made. It’s what mountainbikers do. I now have to adapt immediately between 27.5/29 and ‘e’ mode with travel between 130–200mm.
But it’s all good stuff. Feels like a mountainbike, rides like a mountainbike, yes I fancy a bit more travel, a burlier fork, a coil damper. But I cannot really compare it to that electric kitchen carving knife that I hate so much, the noisy, unnecessary tool that’s more cut that carve. Does the Cube allow you to feel your way into the terrain? Yes it does. It means that the climbs no longer need to be fireroad bashes but opens up true singletrack climbs all year round. You cannot hate a bike that opens up more technical ride time.
You can still put down the hammer and murder yourself for a couple of hours of full effort on this bike, remember it’s still pedal assist, you cannot ride with no input. Choose your mode from eco through to turbo, distance to power climbing, the Stereo is a great bike with good angles for charging, and that always comes first. Still, I’m sure there’ll be a gang of Robin Hood’s waiting to take this one out.
Where am I at with the Cube? Well I’m loving the liberation of hills, but prefer not to be a slave to the battery. It’s a bad, bad bike.
SOME CALL IT CHEATING?Words by Tim Wild
I love this mountain bike. Yes, it is a mountain bike.
The potential of having a motor to assist you (assist is the operative word) is obvious: shuttle yourself to the top of the hill with the assistance of the motor, turn if off and use gravity to come back down. Repeat until you run out of battery. Jones did this until he could barely function as a human being…
It’s not just the downhill approach that benefits. Trail riding is a blast but requires a more refined approach; keeping the motor engaged and the bike in its weightless sweet spot is essential. Get it right and previously mundane flat trails have a whole new lease of life. Climbs start getting out of hand with previously unconsidered ascents now fair game.
Socially I’m not sure where they fit and I think they are a long way from being widely accepted or welcomed. Despite the wry smiles, smirks and disparaging looks I’ve had, I have no qualms about riding a bike like this.
I get why people might not like them. Trail erosion pops up, fat people clogging–up trails is popular and ‘the point’ of mountain biking is up there in the list of gripes.
Well, naysayers, I have bad news for you. Despite trying my best I have been unable to ‘rip up’ any trail surfaces. The power to the wheel is well regulated; the wheel will only spin out on the steepest, loosest climbs. Breaking–bumps and ruts shouldn’t be an issue; these bikes don’t work well with a clunky stop/start approach.
And what about the fatties? Well, ride one and you will see that these aren’t passive; you have to sweat and put the effort in. Besides, you still need skills to get around on one; there is no autopilot for technical terrain.
So, to ‘the point’ of mountain biking… well, it’s fun isn’t it? I’m not against the clock; I’m alone in the woods with a bike. I’ve been told a few times that the bike is cheating. Who exactly am I cheating? How do you cheat at fun? The speed, grip and stability of this bike make me laugh out loud, alone, in the woods. That’s not cheating, that’s how mountain biking should be.
These bikes will not take over, but they will be very popular. Get over it.
Price: £4699
Still curious about electric bikes? Try these:
Electric mountain bikes – Spawn of Satan or just good fun?
