Bike preview: CUBE Action Team Stereo 140 C:68 29 Trans Provence

Team switches to the 29er version for Trans-Provence following Greg Callaghan's victory on the big-wheeled Stereo at the Irish leg of the Enduro World Series. Nico is 175cm and rides a 20" frame.
Nico is 175cm and rides a 20" frame.

The hottest 29er full suspension trail bike just got even hotter. When we brought out the Stereo 140 SHPC in 2013 - the first manafacturer of a long travel 29er - we set the bar very high. With the new Stereo 140 C:68 29er, we've raised it even higher. A completely new full carbon frame, equipped with the finest next generation components, paves the path to the future - and guarantees endless fun for perfectionists, singletrack junkies and trail shredders everywhere.

Frame
Improving on the best 140mm 29er isn't easy. Our engineers aren't interested in change for the sake of it - just perfection. That's what's on offer in 2016 from the full carbon chassis, produced using our Advanced Twin Mould Monocoque technique, with an extraordinary fibre content of 68% and our Efficient Trail Control (ETC) suspension dynamics. A better combination of efficiency, durability and low weight simply isn't possible. In order to meet the demands of the new breed of all mountain and enduro riders, we gave the Stereo 140 29ers even more standover clearance and a new, longer top tube. Wide Boost hubs also increase chassis and wheel stiffness, so that the Stereo C:68 maintains its lively ride feel and precise steering for technical trail riding.

Components

Nico uses a Race Face SIXC 35 770mm wide handlebar with a 20mm rise and a Race Face Atlas 35 with 35mm. The CUBE Natural Fit ergonomic grips are improving comfort and grip.

The Shimano XTR Di2 2x11 transmission with a XTR 36x26T crank and 11-40 cassette. Blending exclusivity with practicality, it delivers perfect gear changes - every time.

We also fitted Fox Factory shocks with Kashima coating - a 36 fork with 160mm up front and, at the rear, a Float X shock - both custom-tuned to CUBE Action Team requirements.

Shimano's Saint brake system (203mm/180mm) delivers the phenomenal stopping power you'd expect.

All new Fox Transfer 150mm dropper post means more maneuverability in tricky trail sections.

Superlight DT Swiss EX Spline One wheels deliver blistering acceleration and remarkable durability. Nico rides Schwalbe Magic Mary SG tyres at the front and Hans Dampf SG or Magic Mary SG at the back, depending on the course.

Geometry

C:68 Technology
C:68 is all about highly innovative carbon technology, less resin and a higher fibre content. A fibre content of 68% and tiny nanoparticles in the resin minimises weight while increasing stiffness at the same time. For 2016 we optimised this high end material for new frame sizes too.

Spread Tow Carbon Material allows this because of the flat structure of the fibre bundles. These are not round but have a stretched out cross section. This results in less gaps that have to be filled with resin. Because of the biaxil batt structure two directions of layering the fibres can be accomplished with one layer, respectively. Consequently, wall thickness can be reduced by up to 25% without compromising stiffness or durability of the frame.
C:68 (top) compared with conventional production methods (bottom)


The application of precisely dispersed nano particles in the resin system lifts the durability of a C:68 frame on an unparalleled level. A conventional resin system can cause damage at the interface of the individual fibre layers at extreme external forces as can occur when crashing. The nano particles that are implanted there cannot be separated by these forces. As a result, the internal resistance and thus the durability of the bike frame is increased exponentially. Especially in extreme light construction this factor is important because it makes a light and stiff bike also safe and robust.

Only the balanced combination of High Modulus Spread Tow Carbon material, evenly disperses nano particles and Ultra High Modulus fibres produces the material of every bike owner‘s dreams: C:68.

C:68 (top) compared with conventional production methods (bottom)