CUBE Cargo Sport Hybrid Review

This review was provided for free, but Cit-E-Cycles supplied a temporary demo bike for me to test. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of CUBE products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the CUBE electric bike forums.

Observations:

• This is a front loading box bike designed to haul cargo or up to two children. The two wheel design improves maneuverability compared to a three wheel trike, allowing the rider to lean into turns. It also reduces the overall weight of the bike and maximizes storage while minimizing width at 29.5″ (so it can easily fit through a standard sized door).
• To me, the CUBE website can be overwhelming at times because they seem to list every build of a bike individually. I’ll try to simplify what I see for the Cargo model. I believe that it comes in two builds: Cargo and Sport Cargo. The non-Sport build features an Enviolo CVT (continuously variable transmission) which is heavier than a derailleur and cassette but allows for shifting at standstill and could be seen as cleaner and more durable. The Sport is the less expensive of the two, and it uses a Shimano Deore derailleur with a 10 speed cassette (and is what I tested for this review). Both the regular Cargo and Sport models come with either one battery pack or two, for extending range. So, even though the official site lists 12 variations of the bike, it’s really just Enviolo or Deore 10-speed and one or two batteries that we’re talking about, as well as some color options that have changed from 2021 to 2022.
• CUBE seems like a sporty brand to me that’s focused more on mountain biking than family or cruiser type products. I noticed that the handlebar design, grips, and saddle were all sportier than the similarly designed Urban Arrow Family. They added some unique hardware such as the slower-steering Viscoset headset, adjustable height stem, and larger Super Moto-X rear tire. In general, I trust CUBE in terms of quality, dealer support, and parts replacement (especially since they’re using the Bosch drive system). I believe that parts will be easy to come by and the bike should be reliable. The biggest differences I noticed between this and the Urban Arrow Family was the limit of two kids in the box vs. three, fewer accessories for the front box in general (no sun cover, child seat, side pockets, floor mat etc.) and a less obvious rear rack solution. This is just one more bike in the wide range of CUBE products vs. being from a cargo-dedicated brand like Urban Arrow.

Pros:

• Some box bikes utilize a three wheel design, which adds weight, changes the steering dynamic, and tend to be wider. The two-wheel setup that CUBE provides with their CARGO is actually very stable, natural to ride, and very easy to steer in my experience. By putting the box element up front, the captain can easily see their cargo or small passengers, which feels more natural than occasionally looking over your shoulder or into a mirror to see a rear passenger or trailer. I also like that the box isn’t as wide and can fit through most standard doorways since it’s 29.5″ wide.
• The frame on this ebike is very sturdy, but also fairly light because it’s all aluminum alloy. I noticed that it bolts together in some unique ways (possibly making it easier to ship and assemble for shops?) and the mid-step frame tubing is approachable enough while minimizing material to keep the bike lighter. Note that everything except for the suspension fork stanchions and chainring appear to be aluminum alloy, which is light and won’t rust if scratched.
• While the bike only comes in one frame size, the long 430mm seat post and adjustable height stem provide a really good range of fit options. The handlebars are also fairly wide and have a bit of rise, so you can swivel them forward or back to increase or decrease reach.
• The touch points are all very comfortable and natural, but lean towards sporty. As a mountain bike rider, I felt the saddle was active, but comfortable, and the locking grips felt very secure. The bike is setup with full length crank arms and generic plastic platform pedals with rubber tread that felt sturdy but aren’t as aggressive or sharp as mountain bike pedals (I would probably replace them with wider pedals myself, but that’s pretty cheap and easy).
• Putting the bike up onto the kickstand was intuitive and easier than I thought. You just push the stand down and block it with the side of your shoe, then pull back on the handlebars to deploy it. When finished, you can actually sit on the bike and then rock forward for the stand to automatically stow as you ride away. I’m not sure I’d do that, it seemed easier to stand over the frame and push it forward and stabilize the bike with the handlebars, then step onto the pedal and push off.
• I appreciate reflective tires and bright integrated lights, as well as reflective stripes on the optional rain cover, but noticed that this box bike didn’t have as many reflective stickers as the Urban Arrow Family. The bike feels safe and visible enough though (especially with the bright colored paint on the box), but the CVT version is all black. I like how the the headlight has side windows so the light beam is visible from more angles.
• The bike keeps you fairly clean with wide 75mm plastic fenders. There’s also a plastic chainring guard to protect pant legs and dresses from touching the chainring and greasy chain, though no full chain cover.
• The front box area was pretty comfortable, even for me, and I love how the safety belts are 3-point with an intuitive center release (if you pay extra for the seat). I also love the many drain holes in the bottom that make cleaning easier. I noticed that the box on this bike was a couple of inches wider than the Urban Arrow Family model, so that might provide a bit more space for passengers seated side by side.
• In addition to being reflective, the tires that were chosen offer puncture protection. I highly recommend keeping the tire pressure up between the recommended 30 to 55 PSI so you don’t get a pinch flat.
• It’s wonderful to see a cargo specific suspension fork on this electric box bike! The SR Suntour Mobi offers 80mm of travel, has lockout adjust (if you’re on smooth terrain and want to reduce bob), as well as preload (for supporting heavier or lighter loads).
• The wider 2.15″ size for the front tire adds stability, traction, and some comfort due to higher air volume… but the rear tire is excellent with 2.4″ width and taller 27.5″ diameter. This lowers the attack angle and provides more air volume for comfort. Consider swapping the rigid 30.9mm seat post with a suspension post to maximize comfort for a bit extra money.
• Bosch makes some of the best motors and controllers out there, and this 4th generation Cargo Line is super powerful with up to 85 newton meters of torque. It’s also very safe feeling because the system measures wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque over 1,000 times per second!
• I’m a big fan of the Bosch Intuivia display panel, even though Bosch has some fancier newer designs. The Intuvia is large and easy to read, has a dedicated button pad for changing assist levels without taking your hand off the left grip, it has a Micro-USB charging port, the display is even removable for reduced wear and tear if you have to park outside. If you want to use the eBike Connect smartphone app from Bosch, you can pay a shop to upgrade your display to the Bosch Kiox or Nyon, which are both compatible with this system.
• I love the Bosch PowerPack 500 battery for its size, shape, durability, and availability… and you could also use the PowerPack 400 in the same interface if you have one. You’re able to do many things with their mounting design and options. Even if you mount two batteries, there is still room for adding a bottle cage on the steer post right where you’d want it and you don’t have to buy an adapter or anything special! Furthermore, CUBE added a second bottle cage mount below the top tube, which could be used for more fluids (though it’s fairly horizontal, so your bottle might leak a bit) or a folding lock or mini pump.
• The Bosch 4 amp ebike charger is very compact and fast. It has a proprietary plug design and can be used with the batteries on or off the bike, which is great since the bike itself is so large and might not be able to park near a plug. If you have two batteries setup on this ebike, I believe that they would charge and discharge in tandem and the Bosch Intuvia display shows infographics for both including charge level! It’s one of the most advanced dual battery setups on the market that I’ve seen.
• Since this ebike is so large and heavy, it’s nice to have a reliable drivetrain with a wide range of pedal cadence options. Whether you stick with the Sport model with 10-speed Shimano Deore or pay more for the Enviolo 380-degree CVT (continuously variable transmission), they are durable and proven. The Shimano Deore derailleur has a one-way clutch built in to keep the chain tight, it uses excellent trigger shifters with a two-way high and three-shift low lever, and the Bosch motor controller has shift detection which reduces strain on the chain and sprockets.
• I love the dynamic range estimate readout on the display, since the battery charge level infographic is a bit less precise (only showing 5 bars of battery capacity). As you change the assist level, the range readout automatically updates to help you plan rides without running down to zero. I also appreciate that the bike has walk-mode so you can move the bike through uneven terrain without having to do all of the work yourself… and I like that the lights button is active so you can turn the lights on or off as you wish.
• If you plan to use the front box area for kids or cargo and need a spot for your own gear, CUBE sells an optional rear rack called ACID Sic 27.5 that could be used with panniers, a trunk bag, and even a trunk bag with bottle holster. It costs extra, but is designed well, improves rear fender strength, and works seamlessly with the rear light placement.
• The rear light design is very good, even though it looks simple. There are four bright red LEDs built into the fender that are visible from many angles. The design seems very durable because it’s not protruding and won’t get bumped or snagged easily in this position as it’s not at the very end of the fender. I love that it’s a bit higher up for improved visual footprint.
• Excellent ebike rated hydraulic disc brakes ensure a smooth stop. The levers are four finger, allowing for a strong grab and pull, and they have adjustable reach to fit different sized hands. The front rotor is 180mm, which is almost overkill given the 20″ wheel size, and the rear is 203mm like you’d see on a downhill mountain bike. Both brake calipers are quad piston. You get excellent stopping power, brake modulation due to the larger oil reservoirs on the brake housing, and great cooling with the larger pads and discs.
• Overall, weight is very well distributed on this electric cargo bike, and it handles well. The bike feels stable and has an oka turning radius given its length, as shown in the video review above. It definitely turns slower than a shorter bike, but is something you can get used to, and easily put a foot down to one side if it starts to tip as I did on part of my test.
• Even though it doesn’t come with a rear wheel lock, I apprecaite that the frame is setup to mount one easily and securely. I also noticed threaded eyelets for adding a non-cube rear rack if you swapped the seat collar for one with threaded eyelets. It feels like there are some good options and you’re not completely locked into CUBE specific accessories.
• This is a small thing, but I appreciate that the seat post has markings that show height so you can easily get back to the settings you prefer if there are multiple people using the bike in the same family or group.
• Excellent five year frame, two year electronics warranty against manufacturer defect… and a decent network of dealers who can actually help in Europe, Canada, and the United States. The Bosch charger, battery pack, and displays are all very well supported and easy to find, even when traveling!

Cons:

• I compared this bike to the Urban Arrow Family quite a bit, because they appear very similar, and one thing I noticed is that the mid-step frame has a higher standover height and longer reach (potentially a con for petite riders). Just something to keep in mind, I love that the stem and seat post are highly adjustable, so it could fit taller rider more comfortably.
• This ebike is longer than most, and the front wheel is rather small at 20″ vs. the large 27.5″ rear. This means that the axle point is lower… and there’s also a steering arm system and double leg kickstand below the cargo box. You get a lower center of gravity, and strong wheel with 20″, but it also could lead to more high-center moments or frame scrapes when riding over tall objects. I also bumped my toe on the rim of the front box while pedaling (though my foot was pushed forward on the pedal, this could be something to look at if you have very large feet). Thankfully, all metal components besides the suspension stanchions and chainring are aluminum alloy and won’t rust if they are scratched.
• Larger bikes can be difficult to transport from the bike shop to your home and don’t easily fit in most car racks. Some shops will help deliver, or you could find a local bike repair van company like VeloFix to give you a hand. I appreciate that the Sport version of the CUBE Cargo bike has a quick release rear wheel for simple DIY fixes.
• While I appreciate the sporty feel of a two wheel cargo bike, which can lean side to side, they do require more balance to start than a three wheel cargo bike. Furthermore, the front wheel is difficult to see for most captains so you turn the handlebar and the bike just turns vs. seeing it happen as you look forward and down as you would on a traditional non-cargo bicycle. That said, I love how the steering is setup because it’s strong and very responsive, and I love how the headlight points where you steer. The longer handlebar and slower Viscoset headset helps to make the whole thing feel natural and controlled.
• The bike is very heavy at 100lbs (with no rear rack, no accessories, no second battery pack) which makes changing flats more difficult and riding without battery support more difficult. You can reduce weight by removing the 5.7lb battery pack, but the bike is still heavy… though not as heavy as most competing box bikes I’ve tested, such as the Urban Arrow Family.
• It’s great that CUBE offers two drivetrains, but they both have trade-offs. The more affordable and lightweight option is the Sport with Shimano Deore 10-speed cassette, but it gets dirtier, is more vulnerable to physical damage, and cannot be shifted at standstill. The Optional Enviolo CVT continuously variable transmission hub is heavier, more expensive, and not as easy to shift under load. It may be the best choice for people who are less familiar or comfortable changing gears with a trigger shifter because it has a half-grip twist shifter.
• CUBE chose the ABUS Amparo locking core and keys for this bike, which do not offer “keyed alike” matching. So, if you purchase a folding lock or rear wheel lock such as the ABUS Shield, you’ll need a second set of keys. I believe that if you order the double battery setup, the keys would match, but not if you order that separately.
• The bike is expensive, eve if you go for the single battery Sport version shown here, it’s still $6,000 USD or more, and that’s without adding the child seat, cover, rear rack, or any other accessories. While this is still less than some competing electric cargo bikes, it’s definitely a more premium product in general.
• Compared to something like the Urban Arrow Family, the CUBE Cargo just doesn’t have as many custom accessories such as floor mat, side bags, sun cover, third seat, child carrier that I’ve seen. The website seems to only list the second battery option, rain cover, double child seat with three-point harnesses, and rear rack. Also, the front cargo box has a lower weight capacity of 132lbs vs. 200lbs+ implied by Urban Arrow. I did not see a total max weight rating for the CUBE Cargo.
• Since the front and rear tires are different sizes, there’s less convenience when stocking replacement parts. I also noticed that Urban Arrow chose the basic spoke mounted rear wheel speed magnet and sensor vs. the newer more tucked in refined speed sensor that mounts to the wheel hub.
• This is unsubstantiated by me, but I read on some forums that at least one owner had experienced the rear fender breaking. He or she thought it was kind of fragile. You may have better results by adding the ACID Sic 27.5 rear rack that would connect to the top of the rear fender as well as the seat stays, but that will cost extra.
• The bike I reviewed appears to be from the 2021 season with blue and red accents. If you got the non-Sport version it would have been all black. For 2022 the colors all changed and they appear to relate to the trim level and battery setup. I guess what I’m saying is that it’s nice to sort of have color choices, but they have more to do with trim level than customer preference.
• The bell is kind of cheap, but worked okay during my tests. The chainring has a guard, but it’s just plastic vs. aluminum alloy. There’s no chain cover, but the frame tubing seemed to keep my pant legs from touching the chain. I feel like all of these solutions are good, but not great or really refined like I’ve seen on some other products.

Useful Resources:

• CUBE electric bike dealers.
• Official CUBE website.