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Got an opportunity to pick up one up used at good value, couple of years old. just going to be using it for larking about - nothing competitive so the weight isn't going to bother me much.
Spec looks good, pikes and XT etc. geometry isn't bang up to date.... but I'm not either.
Heard a few stories about premature bearing wear but not much else, reviews are scarce. so owners (if any) is it a short cut to bouncy fun or sudden disappointment?
I've got one - a 2016 model the TM model with ally frame. I like it. It's not got the most up-to-date geo but it rides well and is well specced and looks OK. You have to size up though (I have 20" frame and I'm 6' tall). My only niggles is the rear shock bottoms out and so I never have it fully open and I notice more few pedal strikes on it than my hardtail (Sonder Transmitter). I've changed the tyres (2.5" on front) and did this years 'Ard Rock Enduro on it and it was ace!
The frame size naming's a bit weird on them- it makes more sense to read the sizes as small, medium, large & XL rather than use the numbers as a guide because the seat tubes are around 40mm shorter than the sizing suggests. This isn't a bad thing, because the reach is still decent with loads of standover. I'm really enjoying my 2016 (small) 140 with 26" wheels in it.
The 2016 geometry (here if you're fussed) isn't even that far out, the HA's 66° on the 160.
Yeah, I've had an 18" cube hardtail and it felt very cramped, this one is 20" even though I'm 5ft 10"
you'll need a large if you're 5'10"
I've heard some have had pivot problems but I have three mates with Stereos and they've all been fine.
20" is the large isn't it?
seems like 16,18,20,22 with 22 being the XL.
top tube seems short though
I'd call the 20" 'medium' because the seat tube's about 18" long, not 20". My 16" 140 is really a 14" (360mm seat tube) but the reach is ~410mm or so with a 35mm stem on it it's long enough for me. I do like small bikes though.
edit- I'm 5'8"
20″ is the large isn’t it?
seems like 16,18,20,22 with 22 being the XL.
top tube seems short though
You're kind of getting mixed up; think of the 16 as an XS, 18 as S, 20 as M and 22 as L. The seat tubes are around 2" shorter than the stated size which goes some way to explaining the 'short' top tubes. They're not really short, they're in proportion to the actual sizes of the frames-
yeah large is "20"
I have a 20" 140 Stereo and it's fine for me - 5'10"
I have the 2015 TM140 so effectively the same except 10mm different at the front (mine has 150mm Pikes.)
Size 20, seat tube is actually only 18". I'm 5'9". I wouldn't want it any smaller as the reach is quite short.
Can't fit angle adjust headsets though so I've bought a 160mm air shaft to swap over next time I do a lowers service
Sounds like the 20” should be spot on for me. Cheers
Got messed about by the seller so it never happened. although in the meantime a significantly better stereo with XTR di2 has come up, and also an alternative specialized enduro that is cracking value.
The thought of XTR gets the geek in me all excited, as does the sub 12kg weight on a 150/140mm bike. The specialized would be around £400 less but is a bit more weighty, and I'm thinking 160/165mm is actually overkill for my needs.
The Stereo 140 with a 150-160mm travel fork is the pick of the bunch IMO, I never feel under gunned!
Yes they are not the longest bikes around or the most extreme geometry. The previous version of the frame has one of the lowest standovers of any of the main stream brand equivalents, which makes them really good on tight steep stuff. Where you have to be active over the frame and muscle the bike around. Think Goyt valley trails (the ones hidden in the woods), technical, steep with awkward drops into sharp corners!
The three lads I know who ride 160's seem happy with them and they're no slouches! They are due for replacement and are probably the fugliest bikes Cube churns out!
Well that's what I want it for, a step up from my 100mm 29er xc full suss that is also pretty manoeuvrable and can climb and descend well. Right, off to view then.
The Stereo 140 with a 150-160mm travel fork is the pick of the bunch IMO, I never feel under gunned!
That was how I had mine when I first built it up, I've since reduced the rear to ~125mm (using a shock with less travel but the same overall length) and lowered the forks to 140mm and it's brill 🙂
You will probably need a longer dropper than the ones they come supplied with to take full advantage of the standover and the 2018/2019 frames have longer seat tubes, for a small gain in reach around 10-12mm per size! Whether that matters to you, only you can answer!
I doubt you will be disappointed. I've yet to have anyone who has thrown a leg over mine (yes we ride each others bikes from time to time), call it a bag of shit! Believe me, in my riding group, the lads don't hold back and call a spade a spade!
@ Kayla1 - Mmmm an unusual set up how come?
I just wanted a cheap short-ish travel FS that I could use for local DHs and stuff and the Stereo 120 didn't have ISCG mounts, and this 2016 140 frame came up for £notverymuch on ebay. The only thing that's different is that the rear end doesn't have as much travel as it would normally (my choice, I swapped the shock for a shorter travel one) but the 140mm forks are still there or thereabouts. I've got 26" wheels in it as well... It's smashing 🙂
Oh ok.
Im currently running a 2018 Stereo 160Tm . I've had various Enduro bikes over the years and can truly say the Cube is the easiest to ride and service. They're aren't the most redical geometry wise but a pair of offset bushings and a shock volume spacer kit and I've got mine running just how I like it. I'm 6'1 with a 34" inside leg and find a large with a 45mm stem perfect fit.
Well, I’m now the proud owner of one of these
https://www.cube.eu/uk/products/fullsuspension/stereo/cube-stereo-140-c68-slt-275-zeroblack-2016/
Its filthy, but immaculate underneath the grime. Connecting it to a pc was a new experience!
Noice report back with your findings after you have thrashed the arse off it!
Tyres might be a bit flimsy if you are into rock smashing and it's still on Nobby Nics.
Spent enough cash for now will stick with the NNs 🙂
suspension settings were all over the place, backed everything off and will slowly dial it back up over a few sessions, but it is feeling pretty plush now, and balanced.
Firnware on the XTR all updated. Set it to S2 so it should auto shift on the front as I go up and down the cassette. Utter geek out