CUBE Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Review

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Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Electric Bike Review
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Bosch Active Line Cruise Ebike Motor
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Bosch Powerpack 400 Battery
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Comfort Shape Handlebar
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Bosch Purion Lcd Display Urban Tape Grips
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Shimano Nexus Revoshift Grip
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Sr Suntour Nex E25 Spring Suspension Fork Color Matched
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Integrated Trelock Bike I Retro Led Headlight
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Herrmans H Trace Rear Light And Sks Fenders
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Retro Spring Saddle Racktime Rear Rack With Spring Latch
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Shimano Nexus 7 Speed Internally Geared Hub
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Step Thru Pistachio N Blue
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Step Thru Red N Mint
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Electric Bike Review
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Bosch Active Line Cruise Ebike Motor
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Bosch Powerpack 400 Battery
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Comfort Shape Handlebar
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Bosch Purion Lcd Display Urban Tape Grips
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Shimano Nexus Revoshift Grip
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Sr Suntour Nex E25 Spring Suspension Fork Color Matched
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Integrated Trelock Bike I Retro Led Headlight
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Herrmans H Trace Rear Light And Sks Fenders
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Retro Spring Saddle Racktime Rear Rack With Spring Latch
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Shimano Nexus 7 Speed Internally Geared Hub
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Step Thru Pistachio N Blue
Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Step Thru Red N Mint

Summary

  • A beautifully styled, well-accessorized, comfortable, wave style step-thru electric bike that's available in four frame sizes and two happy color options, reinforced frame feels sturdy thanks to thick downtube and reinforcement bar near head tube
  • Ready for anything with durable plastic fenders, a color-matched full surround chain cover, integrated lights (great headlight, 2 LED rear light), and a rear rack with spring latch, standard tubing, and pannier hangers
  • Mid-frame battery position keeps weight low and center, just like the motor, which improves stability when riding, premium Bosch drive systems are known for being reliable and smart with built-in shift detection systems, internally geared hub can be shifted at standstill and tends to be very reliable
  • Basic suspension fork with limited preload adjustability, but it is color matched! Priced higher than many cruisers due to premium parts like grips, saddle, hydraulic disc brakes, and Bosch systems, great dealer support but limited dealer network in the US and Canada

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

CUBE

Model:

Elly Cruise Hybrid 400

Price:

$2,999

Body Position:

Upright Relaxed

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Cruising, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Motor and Battery, 5 Year Frame

Availability:

United States, Canada, Europe

Model Year:

2019

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

54.4 lbs (24.67 kg)

Battery Weight:

5.5 lbs (2.49 kg)

Motor Weight:

6.3 lbs (2.85 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminium Superlite, Double Butted

Frame Sizes:

16.53 in (41.98 cm)18.11 in (45.99 cm)19.68 in (49.98 cm)21.25 in (53.97 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Large 54cm Measurements: 20.5" Seat Tube Length, 23" Reach, 15" Stand Over Height, 34.5" Minimum Saddle Height, 26.75" Width, 75.25" Length

Frame Types:

Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Red N Mint, Pistachio N Blue

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour NEX-E25 Spring Suspension, 50mm Travel, Preload Adjust, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

135mm Hub Spacing, 10mm Threaded Axle with 15mm Nuts

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

7 Speed 1x7 Shimano Nexus SG-C3000-7R Internally Geared Hub with 20 Tooth Sprocket

Shifter Details:

Shimano Nexus SL-C3000-7, Revoshift Half-Grip Twist Shifter

Cranks:

FSA Metropolis Comfort Cranks, Aluminum Alloy, 165mm Length, 40 Tooth Chainring with CUBE Closed Chain Protection (Color Matched)

Pedals:

CUBE PP Trekking, Plastic Platform with Reflectors

Headset:

FSA No.10, Semi-Integrated, 1-1/8" Straight

Stem:

CUBE Comfort City, 90mm Length, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, Three 10mm Spacers, One 20mm Spacer

Handlebar:

CUBE Comfort Shape, 680mm Width

Brake Details:

Magura HS11 Hydraulic Rim Brakes, Four-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

CUBE Urban, Tape Wrap, Locking

Saddle:

CUBE Retro, Springs

Seat Post:

CUBE Performance, Aluminum Alloy

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

27.2 mm

Rims:

CUBE SX24, Aluminum Alloy, Double-Wall, Reinforcement Eyelets, 36 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge, Silver with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Little Big Ben, 28" x 1.5" 700x38c (40x622)

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

50 to 85 PSI, 3.5 to 6.0 BAR, K-Guard 3 Puncture Protection, Reflective Sidewall Stripes

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Racktime Integrated Rear Rack with Spring Latch and Pannier Hangers (25kg 55lb Max Weight), Plastic SKS Fenders, CUBE Adjustable Rear-Mount Kickstand, Integrated Trelock BIKE-i Retro LED Headlight, Integrated Herrmans H-Trace Rear Light (2 LED), Metallic Rotary Bell

Other:

Locking Removable Seat Tube Mounted Batter Pack with Five LED Charge Level Indicator, Bosch Compact 1.3lb 2 Amp Charger, KMC Z610 EcoProTeQ Chain, 100 RPM Max Motor Support

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Bosch Active Line Cruise

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Peak Output:

500 watts

Motor Torque:

40 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Bosch PowerPack 400

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

11 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

396 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Estimated Max Range:

60 miles (97 km)

Display Type:

Bosch Purion, Fixed, 1.75" Backlit Grayscale Display, Buttons: Power, +, -, Walk, (Hold - to Cycle Through Readouts, Hold - and Press Power to Change Units, Hold + and - to Reset Trip, Hold + to Activate Lights)

Readouts:

Current Speed, Assist Level (Off, Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo), Battery Level (1-5), Odometer, Trip Distance, Total Distance, Estimated Range, Lights

Display Accessories:

Micro-USB Port for Diagnostics and Software Updates Only

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence and Pedal Torque, Power Output Relative to Pedal Input: Eco 40% 30Nm, Tour 100% 35Nm, Sport 170% 38Nm, Turbo 250% 40Nm)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

Written Review

To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This in-depth review was sponsored by BULLS North America. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of BULLS products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below and the BULLS electric bike forums.

Observations:

  • Compared to the 2017 version of this bike called the Elly Ride, CUBE has moved the battery from a rear rack design to mid-frame, positioning it behind the seat tube. This provides better frame stability and offers more space for cargo bags and panniers on the rack

Pros:

  • While the Bosch Active Line Cruise motor is the weakest in the line, it’s also the quietest and most energy efficient… which is why CUBE was able to use a less expensive lower-capacity 400 watt hour battery pack
  • Because the bike is using a Shimano Nexus internally geared hub, you can shift gears while standing still (great for moments where you have to stop unexpectedly and then get started again on a hill or with lots of cargo weight), internally geared hubs tend to be clean and they don’t drop the chain easily
  • The half-grip twist shifter mechanism is very intuitive for most riders, easier to use than trigger shifters, and it has a nice little window so you know which gear you’re in! I also like the big classic bell for friendly signaling
  • CUBE has chosen a full-surround plastic chain cover here that will keep your pant or dress ends clean and snag-free, that’s perfect for a deep wave step-thru like the Elly Cruise models
  • I really appreciate that the suspension fork, rear rack supports, chain guard, and even the motor skid plate are paint-matched to the frame! The bike looks beautiful and comes in two different colorways, including the aqua that I filmed and photographed and a berry red
  • Normally I complain a bit about the Bosch Purion display panel (because it’s smaller, lacks some of the advanced readouts, and doesn’t have an active Micro-USB charging port built-in) but in this case, the simplicity works well for casual riding
  • This ebike comes completely setup for rain or shine, day or night, because it has fenders, integrated lights (with 2 LEDs in the rear light and a very nice headlight), and even a bottle cage mounting point on the downtube! Great attention to detail
  • Notice how CUBE mounted a platform on top of the rear rack support? This thing is much easier to strap trunk bags to, clasp small objects with the spring latch, and even has side hangers for clip-on panniers, it’s ideal and shows more attention to detail
  • Did you notice that even the tires have reflective stripes painted on them? This is a great safety upgrade that compliments the bright colors and integrated lights to keep you safe at dawn and dusk
  • The ride is comfortable and efficient, it’s slightly more active than a cruiser with beach tires but you still get the lower attack angle and high air volume of 700c city tires, the angled stem and swept-back handlebar means you don’t have to lean really far forward, and the classy sprung saddle takes the edge off of bumpy terrain
  • Even though the suspension fork is kind of basic, compared to mountain bikes, you still get preload adjust to “pre-load” the spring inside, which is great if you’re a heavier rider or plan on carrying lots of gear, carefully remove the black caps on both sides of the crown of the suspension fork and then twist the dials the same amount so the springs are even
  • I love that this electric bicycle uses hydraulic brakes because they are more consistent and easier to actuate than mechanical (which get gunked up and can stretch), I also like that they chose rim brakes vs. disc because they are more durable when parking at crowded bike racks
  • It’s great that this bike comes in four frame sizes! Most cruisers and city bikes only come in one… maybe two sizes, so you get a lot of options for fit if you’re a petite or tall rider, and that’s part of what makes the price higher
  • CUBE sources high-quality parts, including the spokes and rims, which use reinforcement eyelets so they can handle extra weight and be ridden longer without going out of true or taking damage
  • I’m a fan of Bosch products, they tend to be reliable, sophisticated, but not overly complicated. Their ebike motors offer shift detection to reduce drivetrain wear and their batteries tend to be more reliable if dropped, according to dealers I’ve spoken with
  • I appreciate that the Bosch PowerPack battery can be charged on or off the bike frame, and the bike interface works with both the PowerPack 400 and 500, so you could borrow batteries or upgrade someday, it’s a well-supported design
  • Sometimes, wave style step-thru frames can feel flexy… but CUBE added an extra tube for stiffness and strength near the steering tube, their main tube is angular and extra wide vs. a basic circle tube, I also noticed that they positioned the bottle cage bosses up high on the downtube so it wouldn’t compromise the tube strength further down or get kicked as easily when mounting/dismounting the bike
  • The Bosch Active Line motor seen here, uses a standard sized chainring! There’s no reduction gearing like some of the older Bosch Performance Line motors, which increased noise and pedal drag
  • Great kickstand position, it’s mounted near the back of the bike so you won’t get pedal lock, and the stand itself offers adjustable length
  • CUBE is using an ABUS locking core to secure the rack battery and it comes with a little card that has a “Plus Code Card” code for ordering matching ABUS locks to secure your bike! This is handy because they you don’t need two separate keys for the bike battery and your folding lock or whatnot

Cons:

  • For the Bosch Active Line Cruise motors, the maximum pedal cadence support is 100 RPM vs. 105 for the Active Plus or 120 for any of the Performance Line motors, this means that you have to switch gears more actively to reach the highest top speeds (20mph in this case) vs. simply pedaling faster
  • I noticed that the plastic fenders and bell rattled around a bit when I rode across bumpy terrain, it’s a minor thing but some ebikes with metal fenders and flick bells could be quieter
  • Minor complaints, the charge port cover worked okay but the leash connector came lose… which makes it easier to fall off or get lost, also, the charger that comes with the bike is a slower 2 amp vs. the standard 4 amp that Bosch includes with their higher-capacity battery ebikes
  • The battery mounting position is a bit more cramped than the older rear rack design, you might need additional time and effort to unlock and remove it, and you might bump into the rear fender a bit while doing so, but it’s not a huge deal
  • The charging port on the frame is positioned on the left side, very close to the left crank arm. This can create snags and is just trickier to reach than the port was up high and not near the crank arm
  • Minor consideration about the headlight, they have new products now with side windows that further increase visibility, it would be nice to see CUBE adopting that style of light for their more premium city ebikes like the Elly Ride
  • Minor consideration about the suspension fork and headlight, there’s no lockout and the fork is heavier and just not as fluid as an air fork would be, the headlight is mounted to the fork arch which travels up and down so the light could bounce a bit, it would be cool if they put the headlight up at the handlebar
  • The Bosch Purion display is great in terms of small size and it has many functions that are useful but it is not removable which could lead to damage at bike racks and just more exposure to weather, and sometimes the buttons can be difficult to click (I usually push near the display face vs. the lower left edge because they angle towards the display), it also does not have a working Micro-USB charging port the way that the larger Bosch Intuvia display does… but it’s not a huge deal considering the smaller 400 watt hour battery on this bike

Useful Resources:

Review Updated On

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