RIDING

To begin, all credit to Cube for sending a bike that was pretty much immediately fit for the hill. First impressions are of a shock and rear suspension which feel distinctively supportive and robust. This is something that was translated impressively over rougher terrain as the Cube really relished in getting stuck into work. Certainly the biggest plus on this bike is the co–ordinated shock/suspension that are smooth and incredibly constant throughout the range producing a ride that is easy to understand. It definitely comes into its own when tackling more difficult terrain, controlled with no spiking, no overly aggressive curve, just a supple ride offering grip and control.

But whilst the suspension system might well be one of the best I’ve ridden to date this season, there remains some other fundamental issues that need addressing. Weight is one of these and sizing another, because as good as the Cube design is it’s still a 40lb plus downhill bike, which when compared to others out there (Santa Cruz, Monndraker, Trek) is a little bit on the tubby side. This was certainly something that I thought about during the ride, it simply lacks the liveliness and immediacy of those bikes, even if the suspension is excellent.

In terms of there being only one size it really will limit the number of riders able to ride it. It falls into the ‘medium size’ category, riders up to about 5’ 10”. I can only imagine this will change for 2013 as there will certainly be demand on these. Standover appeared a bit high for the shorter riders that tried the Two 15.

In amongst the detail I found my foot catching on the chainstay on occasions and the steering was a little bit patchy, the tyres also did not offer as much grip as I’d have liked. On the plus side the soundproofing was superb.

With aluminium Specialized Demo’s and Trek Sessions hovering around the 5K mark, Mondraker Summum’s nearer 6K and V10’s heading for 7, it’s easy to see why the Cube is such a great buy given the specification. It is, but with Canyon offering an equally if not better spec’d Torque at almost a thousand pounds less and YT selling the Tues Lt (again with some of the best components) at less than £2400, the Two 15, even with its powerful suspension design, finds itself in the middle of one almighty arm wrestle.

Price: £4199

www.cube.eu