Electric bikes: The ultimate guide
Review in brief
Cube makes one of the best and best value compact designs out there.
- Superb practicality and performance in compact form
- Choice of hub gears or derailleur
- Very good value for money
- Good-sized battery
- Belt drive option would be good
About Cube
Cube was founded in 1993 in Waldershof, Bavaria. The brand is available through specialist retailers in 67 countries worldwide. It offers 350 different bikes and e-bikes, as well as accessories and clothing
About the Cube Compact Hybrid electric bike
At 23kg-24kg, weight is the only real downside and an inevitable result of all that power, great spec and build quality.
• Two models
There are two models of the Cube Compact Hybrid, a less pricey ‘base model’ with hub gears and the slightly less powerful Bosch Active Line Plus motor, and a Sport version with the very powerful Bosch Performance Line motor and derailleur gears
• Great performance
They combine superb performance with great build quality and everything you’d want for e-biking in all situations; powerful integrated lights, mudguards, kickstand and sturdy rear rack (with the option to fit a front rack, too).
• Hub gears
We particularly liked the hub gear version; this uses a Shimano five-speed rear hub especially made to withstand the extra forces from the powerful mid-drive motor, and hub gears are brilliant low-maintenance items.
• Chunky tyres
We also loved the 2.5in-wide balloon tyres on 20in rims which are so surefooted you can even venture onto off-road trails and canal towpaths and the like.
• The battery
The 500Wh battery should give many hours riding before needing recharging, too, and comes with one of the best battery guarantees there is.
Want more electric bike reviews?
If you have finished reading this review, return to our 'Electric bike ultimate guide' for more electric bike reviews.
