2011 Cube Bikes

The Cube Hanzz is the big hitter in the lineup and features 190mm of travel out back and 180mm up front on both models. The 65.5 degree head angle strikes a middle ground for handling, but the 1.5" head tube allows you to adjust this with the use of an aftermarket headset. Built up with a combination of Saint components and a Fox Float RC2 FIT up front on the SL model (pictured here) - the price tag reads $3299 GBP. There is also the Pro model which features a pair of 180mm Fox Vanilla R forks and a selection of SLX bits to bring the price in at $2299 GBP.

A 12mm axle mates with replaceable dropouts on the Hanzz and ties the four bar linkage rear end together, keeping stiffness high. Hydroformed tubing and neat welds keep the strength up and still allow the full SL build to hit under 32lb off the shelf. Realistically, sub 30lb shouldn't be too hard with a few choice component changes.

The SL comes fitted with an 8.5" x 2.5" Fox RC4. The lower priced Pro comes fitted with an RC which may lose a couple of adjustments over the SL, but is still a quality shock at a killer price. The frames are identical and feature large cartridge bearings on the pivots with custom low profile hardware.

Several bikes on display at the show had a variation on this front mech stub idea - there if you want to fit a front mech and ride the climbs, but easily removable should you prefer a shuttle or chairlifts so you can fit a chain device for the descents.

Stepping down a bit in travel is the Fritzz, their 160mm travel 'all mountain' bike. As with the Hanzz there are a couple of spec options, this one being the top end SL which comes with a full XT groupo and looks pretty smart with the orange and gunmetal finish.

Featuring what Cube call DTC (Dual Trail Control), this second generation of the suspension system fully floats the shock between the seat tube mounted rocker and the chainstay. The large volume RP23 keeps a handle on the travel. Standard 160mm travel Fox 36 Talas RC2 FIT's are shown here, matching the 160mm of the back end nicely. A 67 degree head angle keeps things stable on the descents and a 74 degree seat angle should keep the bike feeling sharp on the climbs.

We're looking to get some time on this over the next couple of months, so we'll be reporting back. With a mix of 3x10 Shimano XT kit and Formula The One brakes the bike comes in at under 30lbs with a price tag of $3049 GBP. The Pro model, like that in the Hanzz range, comes fitted with a slightly lower spec and a much lower price, this time $2449 GBP. The trade off is SLX vs XT and Formula RX braking. Suspension is identical and the weight penalty is just under two pounds so there's some serious bang for your buck in that ride. Keep your eyes peeled for a review soon.

The Stereo is the next bike down in the travel stakes and comes with 140mm at each end, as well as lighter tubing and is aimed at mountain marathon and epic rides. What this says to us is that it'd be great when spending all day in the saddle, where you want the control, speed and comfort, but without the weight penalty. To this end the Pro pictured here uses the same DTC suspension system as the larger Fritzz and the same Fox RP23 being driven by the floating link. A 68 degree head angle should keep stability on the descents. Revelations up front drop the travel slightly (150mm from the Fox 36's 160mm), but also reduces the weight and front end height. Ranging from $1849 GBP to $2649 GBP for the aluminum framed version, there is also a carbon spec which looked stunning. Prices for these start at $2499 GBP.

Details! Here we see the level to which Cube have gone to engineer subtle features into their frames. Ultra light weight racing hardtails still see their brakes getting cooked on some courses. Which is why Cube have designed this brace to not only increase strength and stiffness of the dropout area, but also channel air onto the disc and help reduce overheating.