Home
Reviews
Brands
CUBE Reviews
CUBE Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Review

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Electric Bike Review

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Bosch Performance Line Speed Motor

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Bosch Powertube 625 Battery Pack And Plastic Cover

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Handlebar Ergonomic Grips Deore Xt Shifters

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Bosch Intuvia Removable Lcd Display

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Sr Suntour Mobie 45 Lo R Air Suspension Fork 100mm Travel

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Front View Acid Pro E 110 Headlight

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Empty Downtube Abus Battery Bay Lock

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Acid Samox E Cranks 175mm Plastic Pedals

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Back View 4 Led Integrated Fender Light

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Battery Charging Port On Bike

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Bottom Bracket Motor Shield

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Integrated Rear Rack With Racktime Platform Top

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Magura Mt5e Hydraulic Disc Brakes 203mm Rotors

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Natural Fit Saddle Comfortflex Foam 30 9mm Seat Post

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Schwalbe Marathon E Plus Tires 28 2 15

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Shimano Deore Xt 12 Speed 10 51 Tooth Cassette

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Two Bottle Cage Mounts On High Step Frame

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Steel Chainring 38 Tooth Plastic Cover

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Tool Free Adjustable Kickstand Natural Fit Saddle

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Bosch Standard Ebike Charger 4 Amp

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Bosch Electric Bicycle Charger

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Bosch Powertube Battery Plug Led Charge Readout

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Stock Left Side

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Stock High Step Black

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625 Stock Mid Step Black

A feature-complete speed pedelec, ideal for ebike commuting or touring. Available in five frame sizes across two frame styles, high-step and mid-step, but only one color scheme. Very wide 10-51 tooth cassette with high end Shimano Deore XT derailleur and shifters. Premium integrated lights with excellent positioning for the headlight, puncture resistant reflective hybrid tires designed specifically for fast riding, and durable plastic fenders improve safety and add utility.
Comes standard with the highest capacity Bosch PowerTube 625 battery pack and their faster four amp charger. It's secured to the frame using an ABUS keyed-alike cylinder, which can be matched to additional cable, folding, and u-locks. Premium Magura MT5e hydraulic disc brakes are lightweight, predictable, and incredibly powerful. The large 203mm rotors and radial quad piston calipers are powerful and fast cooling.
SR Suntour air suspension fork is highly adjustable, fairly lightweight, and quite beefy for a hybrid electric bike like this. The tapered steer tube, 15mm thru-axle design, and thicker 34mm stanchions are trail capable and well-suited to 45km (28mph) riding. Upgraded Alexrims with reinforcement eyelets, locking ergonomic grips, tool-free adjustable kickstand, minimalist chain cover, comfortflex saddle, and two year comprehensive warranty set this ebike apart.
The battery cover does not lock to frame, though the battery itself does. The bike is fairly heavy for a hardtail with an air fork because of the high capacity battery and integrated rear rack. While the display is easy to read, removable, and has a Micro USB charging port built in, it is not compatible with the Bosch wireless smartphone apps like other newer models. The motor is fairly loud and uses energy quickly, the fenders can rattle quite a bit when off-road, no side windows on the headlight, the bike is priced higher than average due to the premium parts.

Make:

CUBE

Model:

Kathmandu Hybrid 45 625

Price:

$4,899

Body Position:

Forward, Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban, Commuting, Touring

Electric Bike Class:

Speed Pedelec (Class 3)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Motor and Battery, 5 Year Frame

Availability:

United States, Europe

Model Year:

2021

Total Weight:

57.5 lbs (26.08 kg)

Battery Weight:

7.8 lbs (3.53 kg)

Motor Weight:

6.4 lbs (2.9 kg)

Frame Material:

High Performance Aluminium (HPA)

Frame Sizes:

18.11 in (45.99 cm)19.68 in (49.98 cm)21.25 in (53.97 cm)22.83 in (57.98 cm)24.4 in (61.97 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

High-Step 54cm Frame: 20.5" Seat Tube, 22.5" Top Tube, 16" Reach, 31" Stand Over Height, 37" Minimum Saddle Height,43" Maximum Saddle Height, 28.5" Width, 75.5" Length, 45.5" Wheelbase

Frame Types:

High-Step, Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Matte Black with Gloss Black and Red Accents

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour Mobie 45 LO-R Air Suspension, 100mm Travel, Lockout Clicker, Rebound Adjust, 34mm Black Anodized Stanchions, 100mm Hub Spacing, 15mm Thru-Axle with Quick Release

Frame Rear Details:

135mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack, Fenders, Chain Cover, Bottle Cages

Gearing Details:

12 Speed 1x12 Deore XT Derailleur with Shadow Plus and One-Way Clutch, 10-51 Tooth Cassette

Shifter Details:

Shimano Deore XT Triggers on Right (Two-Way High Lever, Three-Shift Low Lever)

Cranks:

ACID by SAMOX E-Crank, 175mm Length, 38 Tooth Steel Chainring

Pedals:

CUBE K218 Plastic Platform with Small Molded Pins, Reflectors

Headset:

FSA, Integrated, Sealed Cartridge, Tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" (44mm to 56mm Outer Diameter)

Stem:

CUBE CPS Pro, Aluminum Alloy, 17° Angle, 100mm Length, 4 Bolt Clamp, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, One Tapered 15mm Spacer, Two 10mm Spacers, Two 5mm Spacers

Handlebar:

CUBE Branded, Aluminum Alloy, Low-Rise, 720mm Width

Brake Details:

Magura MT5e Hydraulic Disc, 203mm Rotors, Magura Quad-Piston Calipers, Magura MT5e Two-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Ergonomic, Rubber, Inner Lock Ring

Saddle:

CUBE Natural Fit, Sequence+, Comfortflex Foam

Seat Post:

CUBE Performance Post, Aluminum Alloy, Height Indicator Labels, Two-Bolt Saddle Clamp

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.9 mm

Rims:

CUBE Branded Alexrims EX23, 6061 Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, ETRTO 622x23, Tubeless Ready, Reinforcement Eyelets, 36 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge, Black with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Marathon E Plus, 28" x 2.15" (55-622)

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

30 to 60 PSI, 2.0 to 4.0 BAR, Reflective Sidewall Stripe, ADDIX E Rubber, Flat-Less Puncture Protection

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Custom Thick Plastic Fenders, CUBE Integrated Carrier 2.0, CUBE Adapter Compatible, SnapIt Compatible and Rail, Racktime Platform (Standard Gauge Tubing, Pannier Hangers, Spring Latch, 25kg 55lb Max Weight), CUBE ACID Pro-E 110 Integrated Headlight (110 LUX 550 Lumens, Runs Off Ebike Batter), Fender-Integrated Rear Light (4 LED, Runs Off Ebike Battery), Clear Rubberized Sticker Slap Guard, Adjustable Length Kickstand (Single 4mm Hex Bolt Mount, Twist Bottom Portion to Adjust Length), European Version Includes: Brake Light Activation, Handlebar Mirror, License Plate Mount, Electronic Horn

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube Integrated Batter Pack, 1.5lb 4 Amp Bosch Battery Charger, Maximum Cadence 120+ RPM Motor Support, ABUS PlusCode Lock and Key, Total Weight of Rider, Cargo, and Bike Combined: 140kg (308lb)

Motor Brand:

Bosch Performance Line Speed (4th Generation)

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Torque:

85 Newton meters (Eco: 40, Tour: 50, Sport: 60, Turbo: 85)

Battery Brand:

Bosch PowerTube 625, 18650 Cells

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

16.7 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

601.2 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

11.2 hours

Estimated Min Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Estimated Max Range:

95 miles (153 km)

Display Type:

Bosch Intuvia, Removable, Adjustable Angle, 2.75" Grayscale Backlit LCD, Buttons: Reset, i, Power, Lights, Settings Menu: Hold Reset and i when Powered On

Readouts:

Shift Assist Recommendation (Up, Down), Battery Charge Level (5 Bars), Assist Level (Off, Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo), Current Speed (MPH/KMH), Odometer, Trip Distance, Estimated Range, Clock, Max Speed, Average Speed, Trip Time

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad on Left, Buttons: Walk Mode, +, i, -, 5 Volt Micro-USB Port on Right Side of Display

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Rear Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence, and Pedal Torque over 1,000x Per Second, Power Output Relative to Pedal Input: Eco 60%, Tour 140%, Sport 240%, Turbo 340%)

Top Speed:

28 mph (45 kph)

Hide Advanced Search

Search Now

Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

Trusted Advertisers

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:

The Kathmandu is a popular model in the CUBE lineup, and the 45 here is their speed pedelec (Class 3) version of the bike that can go 45km/hr (28mph) vs. just 32km/hr (20mph) like the others. It’s an excellent choice if you want to ride faster to keep up with traffic or shorten your commute time. This particular model is only sold in the US and parts of Europe that allow Class 3 models. For those who do purchase in Europe, the bike will include an electronic horn, bar-end mirror, brake light activation, and license plate holder as they are required by law.
While this particular model comes stock with the older (but very good) Bosch Intuvia display panel, Bosch has also made the Kiox and Nyon display panels available as retrofit upgrades to be sold and installed separately for those who wish to utilize the Bosch Connected ebike app, heart rate monitors, and GPS navigation features which I describe in more detail in this forum post.
I was impressed that the CUBE website listed the bike as weighing 57lbs and my own measurement was 57.5lbs. That’s very accurate and makes me trust the company because some competitors do sneaky things like weigh without the pedals or just don’t list a weight at all. Furthermore, they were up front with me about the possibility of some delays based on international shipping and availability. They just seem like a good company.

Pros:

This is a fully featured electric bike with everything you need to ride comfortably in almost any kind of environment including sunny, rainy, pavement, gravel, and packed dirt trails. Notice the air suspension fork with lockout and rebound adjustability, the hybrid tires that offer additional stability based on their width and air volume, and the integrated fenders and lights. All of this, and it’s the speed pedelec version that’s capable of higher speed riding. Here’s my review of the standard Kathmandu with Bosch CX motor that’s well suited to trail and mountain conditions where Class 1 ebikes are allowed but not Class 3 like this one.
The fenders and chain cover are made from plastic that won’t get bent, won’t rust, doesn’t weigh as much as metal, but is thick enough to feel sturdy and not vibrate a whole lot. They were fairly quiet on pavement and packed trails, but I did hear some rattling on clumpy grass at higher speeds (as shown in the video review above).
Ergonomics and comfort are addressed by the adjustable suspension fork, higher volume tires, locking ergonomic grips, and custom memory foam saddle. These upgraded accessories, combined with five frame sizes and two frame styles (low-step and mid-step) really set this ebike apart. Comfort is important when riding long distances and at higher speeds, and this ebike has the highest capacity battery from Bosch right now, the PowerTube 625. For even more comfort, consider swapping the rigid seatpost with a 30.9mm suspension post like this, or a cheaper one that might require a 30.9mm to 27.2mm shim adapter like this.
Unique integrated rear rack provides a clean look while reducing rattling and failure points. Most rear racks are bolted on to the frame at four points, but this rack was welded to the frame and painted to match! The Racktime platform on top is bolted on, but adds a spring latch, slider accessory interface, space for a trunk bag and additional pannier hangers on the sides that won’t interfere with a top bag. The platform is positioned far enough back that the seat can be lowered all the way down without colliding with your gear. It supports up to 25kg (55lbs) of weight, and will probably work with most child seat carriers that connect from the sides, like this one. It’s really the best of all worlds, except that it lacks bungee loops at the very bottom. I do appreciate that it also supports the rear fender in two spots, which reduces rattling noise there.
Excellent integrated lights here! The headlight has a bright 110 LUX beam that is angled down so as not to blind oncoming traffic or cyclists, and it’s positioned up high on the handlebar vs. down on the suspension arch. This means the beam won’t be blocked by the fender and wheel. The rear light uses four LEDs instead of just one, and it’s built into the fender, it won’t get blocked by the rack or bags as easily as many other designs, and it appeared to be very durable.
Amazing drivetrain with 12 gears and a super wide 10-51 tooth cassette (over 500% gear ratio)! This provides easier starts and climbing, as well as comfortable high-speed cadence support. The Shimano Deore XT derailleur is durable, lightweight, and somewhat adjustable because it has a one-way clutch to reduce chain bounce at speed. You can click this clutch into the downward position to loosen the derailleur for easy wheel removal (and both wheels have quick release for easy trail maintenance). Note that there’s a clear plastic sticker on the right chainstay to protect the paint if the chain does touch it when riding off-road.
I like the Shimano Deore XT trigger shifters that CUBE chose for this electric bicycle, because they offer two-way action on the high lever. This means you can use your right index finger for braking and dedicate your right thumb to shifting to higher or lower gears. And, they offer a multi-shift low lever for dumping gears quickly as you approach a hill. Some of the cheaper shifters have one-way high levers that don’t support this option and very few have rubberized grip like the XT model here, it feels great.
Top of the line Magura MT5e electric bike specific brakes with lightweight carbotexture housing material, radial quad piston calipers that follow the curve of the rotor, and huge 203mm rotors that offer an increased mechanical advantage for stopping and more surface area for cooling. These brakes are really excellent, Magura is one of the nicer brands, and their levers actuate very predictably, offer adjustable reach, and just feel great. The European version of the bike has a brake light switch built into the levers, so you get an added feature vs. the American version where the rear light is just on or off based on your choice from the control pad.
I was impressed to discover that the lights on the American version can be turned on or off, just using the dedicated light button on the Bosch Intuvia display! Some speed pedelecs do not allow users to turn the lights off or they force them to be on during charging (cough, Specialized, cough), so I love the freedom here that CUBE is offering.
Larger wheels create a lower attack angle, which provides a smoother ride. The bike comes with name brand ALEXRIMS that have reinforcement eyelets for extra strength and 36 spokes, to last and last (great for touring or trekking). The rims and tires also come tubeless ready if you wish to convert for less weight and lower tire pressure options.
Excellent Schwalbe Marathon E Plus ebike specific tires here. They come with a puncture protective liner built in, as well as reflective stripes on the sides to keep you visible. At 28″ x 2.15″ these tires provide enough air volume to act as a shock absorber at lower pressure, and enough width to provide stability that reduces falls if you ride across cracks, train tracks, or loose gravel trails.
Both wheels offer quick release for easy trail maintenance and transport. The removable battery is nice for reducing weight if you’re mounting the bike on a car rack or storing the bike frame in a hot or cold environment (try to keep the battery charged and store it in a cool, dry location), and even the seat clamp is quick release… it’s setup for versatility vs. security, so consider a long cable and saddle cable to secure them with your U-lock or folding lock when visiting cities.
CUBE paid extra for an ABUS locking core and key to secure the battery, and this particular model can be matched to other ABUS accessories like U-locks, frame locks, folding locks, and cable locks. This means you don’t need as many keys to operate and park the bike, it reduces clutter and saves time. However, I’ve heard that ordering custom keyed locks can take months, depending on the hardware and season… ask your shop.
The Bosch Intuvia display panel is one of my favorites. It’s large, easy to read day or night, even bright conditions. And, it has a Micro-USB charging port built into the side for maintaining a phone or other electronic accessory. This display is also removable, which prevents tampering and reduces scratches and fading of the LCD. Bosch now offers the Kiox and Nyon as optional retrofit upgrades if you want a color readout, smartphone app, heart rate monitor support, and GPS integration. I actually really love the Intuvia.
The 4th generation Bosch Performance Line Speed motor is one of my favorite ebike motors ever. It’s super smart (responding to pedal cadence, pedal torque, and rear wheel speed over 1,000 times per second), lightweight at roughly 6.4lbs 2.9kg, and uses a full sized standard chainring with no reduction gearing drag. The motor controller even provides shift detection, easing back power when it thinks you are changing gears. This reduces drivetrain wear and derailment.
The 4th generation Bosch Performance Line CX, Speed, Cargo Speed, and Cargo motors have been upgraded from 75 newton meters of peak torque to 85nm! Additional features are increased power at lower cadence and Extended Boost which smooths out power between pedal strokes, which is great for climbing technical terrain. So, even though this is the Speed version of the motor, it is still very capable of climbing and hauling heavier loads. The bike is rated to carry a total of 140kg (308lbs) which includes the 57lb weight of the bike, so keep that in mind, it’s closer to 250lbs total, with 55lbs of that being available for the rear rack.
The custom frame was purpose built to hide the battery pack and orient the motor in such a way that shorter reach can be achieved on the smaller frame sizes and the chainstays can be shorter for tighter turns. Notice the plastic motor housing with cooling vents below and on the sides, the motor has a plastic shield surround for protection off-road.
I love that CUBE squeezed two bottle cage mounts onto the high-step frame, and one bottle cage mount on the mid-step. Interestingly, they even seem to have a fender or rear rack mount in addition to the existing rack and fender near the rear dropout. I point this out in the video review. They just nailed it, which could make a difference for travelers with special add-on gear.
Another small detail is the kickstand hardware. It’s very tight and sturdy, not rattling around much when stowing or riding over bumpy terrain. You can adjust the length by simply twisting the plastic base section… no tools required! It’s a proprietary stand that mounts at the rear using just one bolt. It’s positioned far from the cranks, so you won’t get pedal lock like many other ebikes I’ve tested.
Overall good weight distribution, the motor and battery are positioned at the center of the frame and kept very low. This improves stability and handling, which is important if you’re transporting gear, traveling off-road, or navigating wet or icy roads.
Sealed bearing headset and bottom bracket provide protection in wet environments. This reduces creak and premature wear. Note the tighter ISIS splined spindle and longer 175mm crank arms on this ebike. These are performance parts… the longer cranks provide smooth, efficient, natural pedal movement but are only possible when a frame is higher off the ground with 28″ 700c wheels, otherwise you risk frequent pedal strikes. The smaller sized frames may have shorter 170mm crank arms, but I couldn’t confirm this.
CUBE is one of the bigger European (German) brands that I perceive as being reliable and trustworthy. They offer great value on their ebikes, and provide a two year comprehensive warranty with five years warranty on the frame.
The saddle on this ebike is clearly an upgrade, it has red accents to match the frame color scheme and uses memory foam! I appreciate how all of the little details on this bike were taken care of to optimize performance and aesthetics. Notice the black hubs, spokes, and rims with glossy branding marks (like the Alexrims logos), it’s very tasteful vs. loud and obnoxious.
One very minor detail, the cranks don’t spin backwards freely. There’s a bit of resistance built-in (even though the drivetrain chainring and chain don’t actually cycle backwards like a normal bike, as is the case with many mid-motor ebikes). Anyway, the benefit here is that the cranks and pedals won’t spin out of control and hit your shins, which hurts ;)

Cons:

CUBE has a Canadian website, and a European website, but they don’t seem to have a United States website. So, you might struggle to get the official price and see photos and details relating to the North America version of this ebike. I did, but was able to reach official reps at the company to get my questions answered, which are all conveyed within the stats and review details here.
Weighing in at roughly 57.5lbs (26kg) for the high-step, the Kathmandu is fairly heavy for a hardtail electric bike with premium parts like the air suspension. Some of this has to do with the high capacity Bosch PowerTube 625 battery pack, lights, fenders, and frame-integrated rear rack. While the fenders and rack platform can be removed, the metal support structure of the rack cannot.
I like the rear rack because it matches the frame color and has a versatile Racktime platform on top with spring latch and pannier supports, but CUBE could have easily welded bungee loops or pannier blockers to the lower portion for an extra cargo option, and they did not.
I found it time consuming and somewhat difficult to remove the battery pack from this ebike because of the crowded front wheel + fender position. It’s a multi-step process where you first remove the plastic cover, then insert the key and twist hard against a spring lock, then press the battery lock tab and carefully remove the 7.8lb pack.
Since the plastic cover for the battery pack does not lock to the frame, it could get stolen more easily than some alternative designs… but at least it’s standardized and probably easier/cheaper to replace.
I was a little disappointed to discover that the key must be inserted and twisted against the lock spring to re-insert the battery pack. This can be difficult to accomplish while also holding the battery in position and trying to align it properly, it requires extra coordination. The upside is that it probably locks the battery more securely than some of the alternative battery mount designs.
Even though the drivetrain has a nice plastic cover to protect pants and dress ends, there is no chain guide mechanism to reduce chain drops and the chainring is standard vs. narrow-wide. I usually see two alloy plates, a seat tube mounted plastic guide, or narrow-wide tooth pattern on the chainring for ebikes that are designed for light off-road use or high speed riding. Thankfully, the Shimano Deore XT derailleur has a one-way clutch that adds tension for riding (just click the grey lever into the up position to lock it), this will also reduce chain slap and noise when riding on bumpy terrain.
CUBE products are mostly sold through dealers. They are a well-known global company, but their dealer base is somewhat limited in North America (Canada and the US) and this particular model is only being sold in the US and Europe. If you don’t live near a big city, you may struggle to find this bike, and it may not be available online.
The bike is only available in one color scheme. It looks pretty good and I feel that the tones are gender neutral, but given the five sizes and two frame styles, it’s a bit of a drawback if you’re getting one for you and a partner who wants to look unique or different to tell the bikes apart.
I really love the fourth generation Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-motors because they are powerful and natural, but they do produce additional whirring noise compared to lower power options, and even some similarly rated products from competitors like Yamaha, Brose, and Shimano. I’m glad that they are using standard sized chainrings now vs. the earlier generations that had reduction gearing.
The location of the battery charging port is very low on the left side of the downtube, pretty close to the left crank arm. When plugged in, the charging cable actually blocks the rotation path of the left crank arm, so be careful not to bump the pedals. Consider charging the battery off the bike, and do store it in a cool dry location when not in use as extreme cold and heat will impact the cells.
CUBE chose to use the older left chain stay mounted Bosch speed reader and spoke magnet vs. some of the newest designs which are positioned near the disc brake caliper mount so they won’t get bumped out of position as easily. I’ve tested demo bikes that actually had the spoke magnet twisted a bit already, so pay special attention to this even when buying brand new.
While the fenders that come with this ebike appear to offer great tire coverage, the front one produced a noticeable rattle noise when riding through grass because it’s only connected to the suspension fork lowers and arch with rubber band type clasps vs. screws. Plastic seems to rattle more than aluminum alloy or steel, but is very flexible, durable, and lightweight.
The headlight is super bright, positioned well, and appeared to be very durable with a metal housing, but it doesn’t have side windows that could keep you visible from more angles. This is a minor complaint, but something that is done well by competing lights as seen on something like the BULLS Iconic EVO TR 1 Speed.
As much as I love the Bosch Intuvia display panel, it does not offer bluetooth or Ant+ wireless connection that would work with the Bosch smartphone apps and other fitness devices. You can upgrade to the Kiox or Nyon in many cases, if you order the part and pay your shop for some help.
The stock plastic pedals aren’t as wide as I’m used to, so my foot didn’t feel as secure when testing this ebike. It’s pretty affordable to replace them with something like the Wellgo MG-1 Magnesium platform pedals, which have great traction and are lightweight.

Useful Resources:

January 29, 2024 (10 months ago)

CUBE Supreme Sport Hybrid ONE 400 Review

MSRP: $3,499
MODEL YEAR: 2022

An approachable step-thru electric bike that's available in four frame sizes and one color. Includes custom plastic fenders, sturdy chain cover, rear rack with bungee cord, and bright integrated lights that run off the main battery. E-bike rated tires are designed to handle more weight, higher speeds, and they include reflective stripes for improved visibility.. The Bosch PowerTube 400 battery pack is completely hidden inside the downtube, and it's easy…...

Read Review

CUBE Cargo Sport Hybrid Review

MSRP: $6,000
MODEL YEAR: 2021

A sporty box bike with a suspension fork that can handle up to two children in the front, and maneuver like a traditional bicycle on two wheels vs. three. Bike weight and cargo weight is low and center for stability. larger 27.5" x 2.4" rear wheel adds comfort. All hardware is aluminum alloy vs. steel, so it won't rust and weighs less. Thoughtfully designed passenger seats, rain cover, and double battery options expand the possibilities.. Available with a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain (this is the Sport model) or Enviolo CVT…...

CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC TM 625 27.5 Review

MSRP: $7,250
MODEL YEAR: 2021

An enduro electric bike with long travel 170mm front 160mm rear air suspension by Fox. Available in four frame sizes and four parts levels, the TM is CUBE's mid-tier offering. Internal PowerTube 625 battery pack is hidden from view, the weight is kept low and center, the charging port and locking mechanism are well placed.. Nimble 2.5" front and 2.4" wide tires offer reduced weight and precise application-specific tread patterns.…...

CUBE Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Review

MSRP: $2,899
MODEL YEAR: 2021

Great value for a more premium product here. This is a versatile hardtail electric mountain bike with quality fenders and lights. It's functional in urban and off-road environments. CUBE sells an optional rear rack that reinforces the rear fender and allows the Reaction Hybrid Performance to be used for commuting purposes.. Bosch motor, downtube integrated battery, and compact display make this a reliable and aesthetically pleasing…...

CUBE 20″ Compact Sport Hybrid Review

MSRP: $3,499
MODEL YEAR: 2020

One of the most powerful, adjustable, and high-quality compact electric bikes I've ever tested. Available in two colors but only one frame size... the extra-long seat post and telescoping height stem provide good fit for a range of rider heights. Low-rise handlebar, adjustable angle stem, ergonomic grips, and memory foam saddle all improve comfort.. The handlebar can swivel 45-degrees to line up with the bike frame, making it easier…...

CUBE Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 625 Review

MSRP: $3,999
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A high-quality ebike platform capable of long distances and steep climbs. Available in five frame sizes and three frame styles including step-thru, mid-step, and high-step. Only available in one color, but all accessories have matching accents (frame, fork, stem, handlebar, and saddle).. Reliable extra-large Bosch PowerTube 625 battery pack provides excellent range and is completely hidden inside…...

CUBE Town Sport Hybrid One 400 Review

MSRP: $2,599
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A high quality electric bicycle that's well-suited to neighborhood, city, and commuting applications. Available in five sizes, the easy-entry frame is very approachable, offering low standover height and excellent bottle cage mount positioning. Hydroformed tubing is beautiful but stiff with reinforcements and internal walls that reduce frame flex without adding too much weight. Proven Bosch PowerPack 400 battery is known for being durable and reliable. The mounting interface…...

CUBE Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 Review

MSRP: $2,999
MODEL YEAR: 2019

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…...

CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 500 Review

MSRP: $3,399
MODEL YEAR: 2018

Hardtail electric cross country mountain bike with nimble 2.6" plus sized tires, Boost hub spacing and a sturdy 15mm thru-axle on the front wheel, upgraded Alex rims with reinforcement eyelets. Only available in high-step, but the frame comes in six sizes and the smaller two…...

CUBE Touring Hybrid Pro 400 Review

A feature complete urban electric bike setup for safe commuting, available in five sizes and three frame styles (high-step, mid-step, or step-thru) to optimize performance or approachability. Extremely well balanced with drive system weight low and center, the battery mount is sunk…...

CUBE Stereo Race 160 Pro 500 27.5 Review

MSRP: $5,999
MODEL YEAR: 2018

An all-mountain style electric bike with 160 mm travel, RochShox Yari RC fork with 34 mm anodized stanchions and Boost hub spacing, Fox Float DPS EVO rear shock and modified Horst Link swing arm. Premium Bosch Performance Line CX motor offering 120 RPM cadence support, up to 75 Newton…...

CUBE Touring Hybrid Pro 500 Review

MSRP: $3,199
MODEL YEAR: 2017

An efficient but zippy trekking style electric bike, well-suited to commuting in hilly environments because of the powerful Bosch CX mid-drive, larger 500 watt hour battery extends range. It comes with everything you need to deal with wet riding conditions and darkness, I…...

CUBE Cross Hybrid Pro 400 Review

MSRP: $2,599
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A sporty, value-priced, cross style electric bike with high-end Bosch Performance Line CX motor offering great power and torque for light trail use or steep-hill assistance. Available in a an impressive range of five sizes and two frame styles (high-step and…...

CUBE Reaction Hybrid HPA Race 500 Review

MSRP: $3,399
MODEL YEAR: 2017

The more affordable CUBE cross country style electric bike that would double as a fun urban commuter with the addition of a rear rack, available with 27.5” or 29” wheel size depending on frame size. Remote lockout on the RockShox air fork allows for seamless transitions between bumpy and smooth…...

CUBE Elly Ride Hybrid 400 Review

MSRP: $2,999
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A beautifully styled, upright, wave step-thru electric bike that's available in four frame sizes and two fun color options, reinforced frame feels stiff and stable. Fit and comfort are a priority with this ebike and the suspension fork, sprung saddle,…...

CUBE Reaction Hybrid HPA SL 500 Review

MSRP: $3,799
MODEL YEAR: 2017

One of the coolest looking Bosch powered hardtail ebikes I have seen, matte black and gloss black accents on the frame, fork and wheelset blend perfectly with the motor and battery casing. The battery is sunk into the downtube for protection, lower weight distribution, and a nicer…...

CUBE Reaction Hybrid HPA Pro 29 Review

MSRP: $2,999
MODEL YEAR: 2015

One of the most affordable and versatile Bosch powered mid-drive electric bikes I've seen to date. Solid performance for city riding (with bosses for adding a rear rack!) but also very…...

CUBE SUV Hybrid SL 27.5 Review

MSRP: $4,799
MODEL YEAR: 2015

High performance urban electric bike with light weight carbon fiber fork and an automatic shifting system that maintains the cadence you set with NuVinci H Sync. Larger Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires provide some cushion, 27.5" wheelset strikes a balance between efficiency…...

Richard F (Alaskan on EBR Forum)

4 years ago

Nice review of an obviously outstanding bike that offers an excellent component selection and good value.

I know that this site needs to generate revenue in order to continue providing the valuable service that is so clearly valued by so many. If Amazon is a sponsor here, I get that.

If Amazon does not support EBR, why support them? I would suggest when you post a link to a recommended accessory, you do so direct to the maker of that item, if they sell direct to the public.

Amazon is already way too big, sending everyone to Amazon rather than supporting the smaller companies, like Kinekt, that actually make the product and sell it to the public at the same price would serve to support far more deserving companies rather than a predatory outfit like Amazon.

Court

Great point Richard! I try not to force outbound links or suggest equipment that is unnecessary, but I do often link to Amazon and bring in $100 to $200 per month as a result. These funds help to host the forums and pay staff to moderate. EBR pays thousands each month for forum moderation support (close to $4k) and even more on development. I’ve tried not to flood the site with banners or be misleading with reviews. I don’t link to affiliate programs, or cover one specific brand or type of bike. I’m actually friends with the folks at Kinekt and have invited them to become advertisers in the past, but they have not. In moments like this, where I’ve spent and energy time pitching a company (very reasonable advertising rates) for banners and direct links and they have passed, I use Amazon as a fallback. As an aside, several companies reached out to purchase EBR these past few years. I decided to keep the site and continue running it as authentically as possible. While that does include some Amazon links, I try to be as transparent as possible about the category listings, local shops map, and the three accessory banners. I’m doing my best, and I appreciate your encouragement to support the little guys. Amazon pays me, they make it easy, and my goal is to make choosing the right bike and accessories honest and easy for visitors. I’m open to more feedback from you anytime, and I hope this answer provides some insights into where I’m at right now and why I arrived here. You may notice that I often show product screenshots in video reviews (like Kinekt, Thudbuster, Redshift Sports) and those are always free and based on my thoughts about what a good fit is.

The time I had on this bike was extremely pleasurable. Super smooth and nimble. Bosch is a great platform. Very comfy ride.

Nice! I’m glad you enjoyed the bike, and I agree that Bosch has one of the best drive systems out there right now :D

Dave Matthews

Thanks for letting me try this bike out Court. I was very impressed with the smooth power that was on tap. Great shifting as well. Super comfy bike with a really nice setup. This would make a killer commuter, and/or regular ride.

Beautiful bike.
Thanks again

Absolutely, Dave! I had a blast riding around through the forest and trying your Giant Stance E+ 2 out. I’d love to ride again, will be in touch once I’m back in Canada so we can connect!