Are Cube and Bosch short changing or leaving short riders behind with the 2022 bikes and new technology?

[Buggbairn]

Hi all from Bonnie Scotland

Lets cut to the chase here, I'm 5 ft 5 In (165cm) according to Cubes sizing suggestions I should be riding a Small frame. I currently don't own an Emtb.

What will Cubes stance be on supplying new bikes to small framed riders?

Will they continue into 2022 charging full price to buyers for tech that has been superseded?

Surely small riders can't be left behind for too long, can they?

Is it on Bosch to supply a shorter battery for smaller frames?

What are folks opinions on how this will pan out in the next 12 months?

I may end up purchasing a medium frame bike in order to get the new tech but that frame might be slightly bigger than I would have gone for any other time however, we're only talking 2 or 3 cm increases in main dimensions between the small to medium frame.

Unfortunately due to my location, lack of Stock, covid, brexit etc etc I cannot get my backside on a new bike. I may have to just hit the button and hope I've done the right thing, this predicament leaves me a bit anxious if I'm honest.

 

[Mikerb]

You make it sound like the Cube StereoHybrid 140 or 160 is not avaialble in size small..........it is and only real difference between between the size small and the larger sizes is the use of the 625 battery as opposed to the new larger capacity battery ( for which you pay an additional weight penalty).
Or are you referring to the extra bells and whistles from Bosch? I guess it depends whether you really want a mountain bike or a Iphone on wheels!! Get the bike that fits and just ride rather than ride a bike thats too big just because it gives you information you dont need!!

 

[Buggbairn]

You make it sound like the Cube StereoHybrid 140 or 160 is not avaialble in size small..........it is and only real difference between between the size small and the larger sizes is the use of the 625 battery as opposed to the new larger capacity battery ( for which you pay an additional weight penalty).

As far as I'm aware the 2022 small framed bikes don't get any of the new Bosch kit ie the battery, kiox 300 display, ability to ride without the main display and the new style pickup on the back wheel. All this new gear seems to come in a package which is omitted from all cube small or x-small frames in their Stereo Hybrid range

 

[Mikerb]

Yes..no 750w/h battery but 625w/h is not exactly shabby. You can upgrade the standard Purion to Kiox etc if you interested in that sort of display but nothing of the new Bosch system ( the motor is the same) is worth compromising bike fit..............and of course there are plenty of other brands to chose from besides Cube. Regardless, you main problem is getting your hands on any new bike and if you plan buying a new EMTB probably the most important thing is buy from a local bike shop which means getting on the order list.

 

[Buggbairn]

Yes..no 750w/h battery but 625w/h is not exactly shabby. You can upgrade the standard Purion to Kiox etc if you interested in that sort of display but nothing of the new Bosch system ( the motor is the same) is worth compromising bike fit..............and of course there are plenty of other brands to chose from besides Cube. Regardless, you main problem is getting your hands on any new bike and if you plan buying a new EMTB probably the most important thing is buy from a local bike shop which means getting on the order list.

I was under the impression the new Kiox 300 display cannot be supplied as an upgrade, am I wrong?
My LBS has been told by Cube they'll be getting 4 bikes in to be sold, none of which will be small frames.
Cube was my choice down to affordability.

 

[Mikerb]

I was under the impression the new Kiox 300 display cannot be supplied as an upgrade, am I wrong?
My LBS has been told by Cube they'll be getting 4 bikes in to be sold, none of which will be small frames.
Cube was my choice down to affordability.

The Bosch website gives full details of the display options
Performance Line CX: the most sporty Bosch motor for eMTBs - Bosch eBike Systems (bosch-ebike.com)

 

[Buggbairn]

The Bosch website gives full details of the display options
Performance Line CX: the most sporty Bosch motor for eMTBs - Bosch eBike Systems (bosch-ebike.com)

Unless I'm mistaken the new Kiox300 display and all it's functionality cannot be added to the older kit (Bosch eBike System 2 )

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

I’m sure that Bosch will bring it’s new Smart stuff to the 625 (and 500) batteries soon.

 

[Zimmerframe]

Personally I wouldn't worry about it. It's still the same motor, just with some additional electronics for bluetooth and to enable over the air updates/user tuning via an app. The Bosch is well setup as standard for most needs though so it's less of a requirement compared to other systems.

Cube have reduced the bikes weight for 2022, so you're getting the best of both worlds, lighter bike, but not weighed down with the new heavier battery. If it was an Orbea, they'd charge you £2000 more and call it the floating cube because it's lighter with a smaller battery

And no, you can't use the new Kiox. The new system uses all new connectors for everything as the two systems aren't compatible. Mike was just saying that if you wanted more functionality, you could upgrade to the existing kiox display instead of the purion. It depends what's important to you. If you think the tuning is vital for you, you could upgrade to the existing niox display as you can do the same with that.

 

[leix_toffee]

I am sure I read/heard something somewhere that Bosch are bringing out smaller batteries for the new system soon. The 750 was brought out first as it's "Flagship" product.

 

[ggx]

I am sure I read/heard something somewhere that Bosch are bringing out smaller batteries for the new system soon. The 750 was brought out first as it's "Flagship" product.

probably not available for 2022 range, unless a midle season release happens.

 

[Ricky_1973]

Hi @Buggbairn , I'm currently (since September 2020) on a M sized hybrid sl 160 being 167cm tall and I'm really really happy with it. For a brief moment I had the opportunity to drive a Small 160 and it didn't feel as good as the M size. It felt 'narrow' for me compared to the Medium sized. Looking at the comparison between 2021 and 2022 Medium size I personally (as you stated also) don't think I'd notice the difference as hard as I think I'd expect.

 

[Chris ledger]

The 750w battery and smart tech is only available on the sl bike and above if i read correctly so will also depend on the model you want not just the size

 

[MrPeaski]

On the hardtails, anything RACE spec or below or any small frame size gets either 625Wh or 500Wh battery and current 2021 spec displays.

Similarly with the full suspension range, RACE spec and below and all small frames get 625Wh battery and current 2021 spec displays

 

[Buggbairn]

I’m sure that Bosch will bring it’s new Smart stuff to the 625 (and 500) batteries soon.

That's my hope but without proof I'm not convinced it will happen anytime soon. An announcement from Bosch would clear things up.

Personally I wouldn't worry about it. It's still the same motor, just with some additional electronics for bluetooth and to enable over the air updates/user tuning via an app. The Bosch is well setup as standard for most needs though so it's less of a requirement compared to other systems.

It may be the same motor but the controls and their features seem to be updated quite significantly. The Bike frames themselves see to differ not just in physical size.

I am sure I read/heard something somewhere that Bosch are bringing out smaller batteries for the new system soon. The 750 was brought out first as it's "Flagship" product.

If you find any news on that I'd appreciate you sharing it with us.

 

[Buggbairn]

Hi @Buggbairn , I'm currently (since September 2020) on a M sized hybrid sl 160 being 167cm tall and I'm really really happy with it. For a brief moment I had the opportunity to drive a Small 160 and it didn't feel as good as the M size. It felt 'narrow' for me compared to the Medium sized. Looking at the comparison between 2021 and 2022 Medium size I personally (as you stated also) don't think I'd notice the difference as hard as I think I'd expect.

Ricky I may PM you later with a few sizing questions if thats okay?

 

[Buggbairn]

I have 3 images I've shown here.

2022 160 HPC TM 750 - Size Medium

2022 160 HPC TM 625 - Size Small

2021 160 HPC TM 625 - Size Medium

The 2022 small sized 160 HPC TM appears to be last years bike with a new paint job and a hiked up price tag. They haven't even bothered to do away with the now redundant cable entry port on the front triangle of the bike. Is it the case that all of Cubes 2022 small or X small frames are last years designs ? If so I'd feel a bit short changed.

 

[Zimmerframe]

Well, you said you've not bought yet .. So you still have the choice. If you don't like the spec/bike for the money, just buy a different bike ?

I think most people who have a 21 bike like it, so if the small/medium is still that frame, it's not like they've gone backwards, they've just upped the spec and the price, but costs have gone up all round and everyone's prices have increased - if you think that's not fair, buy an unsold 21 bike or a second hand 21 bike.

It feels a bit like you're torturing yourself rather than looking at what there is and enjoying it ? If you're really not happy with NOT having a huge display swapped for a huge control panel instead then you're screwed. The purion is horrible, but it works and is 0.0000001% of the experience of actually riding the bike. I've not noticed Danny complaining when he's been riding the 21 bike.

The Bosch motor is great. the 625 wh is great. Yes, there are other options now, but do you really want a load of disco fish hanging off the handlebars and are bluetooth connection errors really that important to riding a bike ?

If you want connect-ability, 700+wh, size small just buy a Levo Comp ?

 

[Buggbairn]

There is some validity in your post for sure, the imminent purchase of what is most likely still to be a Cube bike is mostly down to value for money, the price of which will almost quadruple that of my last new bike purchase.

Given the extreme limitations I have regarding trying out these bikes I just want to ensure that if my purchase is down to 95% online tech talk, reviews and photographs that I'm doing the right thing with my final choice.

And yes it does somewhat feel frustrating and torturous

I do appreciate everyones opinions and advice, Emtbs and their technology is something that is very new to me

 

[sunstoner]

I get it man. Id be the same.

Youre purchasing now, which puts you in 2022 bike territory. Its a lot of cash and its gotta be right.

We can tell you how good our 2021 bosch emtbs are but you want the latest tech not lasts years, why would you when spending big bucks.

We're stuck with our bikes so have to be happy with what we have although we are tbf (most of us anyway). So are happy to promote our 2021 models, Where you have a choice of sorts.

Depending on how much your dosh is burning a hole in your pocket you might want to sit tight and see what happens esp as the new bosch gear was only announced a couple of weeks ago or so.

There can only be more options made available over the coming months. Else its grab a 2021 bike time wherever possible!

Good luck!

 

[thbo]

I don’t know if you’ve looked into it already or perhaps just don’t care for them, but Rocky Mountain has a big Powerplay system upgrade (incl new “in-house” motor of the usual 108Nm, integrated display, new app, and 722Wh battery) in the works with an official launch later this sept/oct. The frames and geometry of the new Altitude Powerplay are as close as possible to the EWS and prize winning 2021 Altitude enduro mtb. Top dollar Altitude Powerplay C90 Rally Edition comes only with a Fox Factory DHX2 coil shock in the rear. Small sizes have 27.5" while medium+ have 29". Rocky is also known for value for money component wise (in my market at least). I’m sure it will be discussed on this forum when launched. Just 2p.