Just because a bike has understated looks, don't assume that it doesn't also have a wild side. Our new Stereo 120 HPC SL - available with either 27.5 or 29 inch wheels - is a true wolf in sheep's clothing. By combining a superlight carbon main frame with an aluminium rear end and next generation Fox and Shimano components, we've created an extraordinary lightweight bike capable of taking on anything you care to throw at it. If you like to ride everything from epic multi-day adventures to singletrack blasts on your home turf, start here...
Our previous Stereo 120 was hugely successful as a 29er. The new Stereo 120 HPC's 27.5 and 29 inch wheel options build on that reputation. The bar is raised by combining Agile Trail Geometry (ATG) - which ensures that it has the same lively, agile handling as its predecessor - with the perfect balance of stiffness and low weight - achieved with the Advanced Twin Mould carbon main frame and 6061 T6 rear end. The PressFit bottom bracket, internal cable routing, X12 quick release axle, tapered head tube and smaller, forged Trail Motion Rocker linkage all contribute to making the frame even lighter and stiffer, so you can focus on the race or the next tricky section of trail.
Shimano's XT has been a mountain biking benchmark since its launch. But the 2016 groupset - with highlights like the 11 speed cassette (11-40), even better brakes and several features that have previously been available only on the range-topping XTR group - sets the bar even higher. The same is true of Fox's new suspension components, which perform even better than before thanks to the use of Kashima coatings. It's hard to believe just how efficient 120mm of travel can be. The Syntace Carbon cockpit, RockShox Stealth dropper post and CSW MA 3.7/3.9 wheels with DT Swiss technology round off this accomplished all-rounder.
Stereo 120 HPA Race 
Stereo 120 HPA SL 
Stereo 140 HPA Pro 27.5 
Stereo 140 HPA Race 27.5 
Stereo 140 Hpa SL 27.5 
Stereo 150 HPA Race 27.5+ 
Stereo 150 HPA SL 27.5+ 
Stereo 160 Hpa Race 27.5 
Stereo 160 HPA SL 27.5 
Stereo 160 HPA TM 27.5 
Stereo 140 C:62 Race 27.5 
Stereo 140 C:62 SL 27.5 
Stereo 140 C:62 SL 29 
Stereo 160 C:62 Race 27.5 
Stereo 160 C:62 SL 27.5 
Stereo 140 C:68 SLT 27.5 
Stereo 140 C:68 SLT 29 
Stereo 160 C:68 Action Team 27.5 
Stereo 120 HPC Race 
Stereo 120 HPA Pro 
We optimized our new dropout design based on the Syntace X12 through-axle system, enlarging the area of the frame where the hanger is mounted. We can now fit the longer Direct Mount hangers. Shifting precision and stiffness is therefore improved. With the new design it's also possible to swap the whole contact area of the axle with the hanger should the system be worn out.
This technique uses a complete core to provide the perfect frame form during the lay-up process. As with the Twin Mould technology, precise inserts are used to ensure extra strength at high-stress frame points. This combination offers maximum control over fibre orientations during the lay-up and production process. The Advanced Twin Mould high-tech carbon manufacturing process translates to outstanding product safety and quality together with optimum weight and stiffness characteristics.
The Agile Trail Geometry carries over the Agile Ride Geometrys benefits but with more focus on aggressive trail use. This can be achieved through a more compact frame construction with an even lower top tube and improved standover height. The result is more freedom of movement on the bike for the rider and a lower centre of gravity which guarantees agile handling and more riding fun.
Our Efficient Trail Control series works so that everyone can have more fun on the trail. With 27.5 and 29er wheel options our frames cover the widest range of riding on every terrain you can imagine. The low leverage ratio and linear rate curve makes the bike very sensitive, avoids bobbing and offers full usable travel all the time. Steep seat tube angles and slack head tube angles make these dream machines ready for action on the descent where you can use the full amount of travel to be on the safe side.
Sophisticated suspension kinematics are only able to work correctly if the associated shock is properly tuned. We researched and found a specific shock setup in cooperation with Fox Racing Shox, using extensive testing for almost every CUBE full-suspension model.
The key requirement is for continuously active and fully usable travel, with the rear triangle unaffected by pedalling or especially braking forces. There are a number of ways of achieving this CUBE favours a four bar design with a chainstay pivot. Here, one of the pivots is located between the dropout and the chainstay, ensuring that braking does not have a negative effect on the movement of the rear wheel. By carefully positioning the remaining pivots, we obtain the finest riding qualities for our full suspension bikes both uphill and downhill. This fact is proven by many top test results in leading magazines over the last few years.
Internally routed cables offer many advantages. Cables are protected from dirt for longer life, weight is saved thanks to the absence of external housing and the bike has a clean, sleek appearance.
The post mount rear brake system is found on all carbon fiber frames and top aluminum full suspension models. Two bolts and the IS adpater arent needed anymore, and fewer parts means less weight. In this case we save 30 grams. This may not sound a lot. But there's potential to save weight in every detail.
With Press Fit bearings, the bottom bracket bearings are pressed directly into the frame and not screwed in as usual. This gives a wider bottom bracket shell and allows us to build a wider down tube and more broadly-spaced chainstays. Every millimetre of additional width gives a significant improvement in lateral stiffness.
Dropper seat posts are getting more and more widespread, but to integrate them optimally in the frame, they have to be factory fitted. With the Stealth Ready frames, it is possible to build in a dropper seat post with internally routed cables, which besides the clean look, helps prevent any cables getting jammed. The exit of the cable on the frame if not required will be sealed with a cover for protection.
This steerer tube design is stiffer than a conventional straight steerer and yields a more secure ride feel even in difficult terrain. Minimal flex at the front of the frame means the greatest possible steering precision. With the larger steerer, the forks become more rigid. At the same time weight is saved due to the absence of bearing shells as the lower bearing is fully integrated into the head tube. On all of our CUBE carbon models the upper bearing shells are also directly in the frame, so that once more a few grams are saved and the energy transfer is very direct.
The Trail Motion Rocker features optimized leverage ratios for every bike and intended use, giving fast reacting yet stable suspension in every situation. The computer-designed one piece rocker construction gives maximum stiffness for the best suspension performance while still being extremely lightweight.
On polished, brushed aluminium and all HPC frames, the logos and graphics are applied in multi-layer wet paint. We use this surface treatment technology mainly to save weight.
In this system, a cone is used to form a play-free connection. It is only necessary to tighten the axle from one side. The position of the wheel is done by an insert in the right-hand dropout which is secured by a bolt. The main advantages of the Syntace system are quick and simple changing of the wheel, reliable position of the brake disc and higher stiffness of the rear of the bike. This allows the assembly to be made lighter than a conventional through-axle.
