Hello everyone,
I need help deciding between two e-MTBs. It's will be my first e-bike.
I'm unsure whether someone with my skill level (beginner to moderate) and use-case (touring + light trails) would actually benefit from the more expensive model, or if this is mostly desire talking.
The bikes:
https://www.cube.eu/de-en/cube-stereo-hybrid-one44-hpc-slx-800-shiftblush-n-art/102520
https://www.cube.eu/de-en/cube-stereo-hybrid-one44-hpc-at-800-actionteam/102810
Option 1: 5000 CHF (SLX)
Realistically everything I need.
Option 2: 7000 CHF (AT)
It adds:
- Bosch ABS Pro
- Shimano XT Di2 electronic shifting
- Higher spec suspension (Fox Factory vs Performance/Rhythm)
- Better drivetrain and components
- Visually more appealing to me
The cheaper model would mean giving up ABS and electronic shifting.
Most notable differences listed:
| Differences | Cube STEREO HYBRID ONE44 HPC SLX 800 | Cube STEREO HYBRID ONE44 HPC AT 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 5000 CHF | 7000 CHF |
| Shock | Fox Float X Factory, Adjustable LSC/LSR | Fox Float Performance, Adjustable LSR |
| Suspension Fork | Fox 36 Float Factory GRIPX | Fox 36 Float Rhythm GRIP |
| ABS | Bosch ABS Pro | – |
| Chain | Shimano CN-M8100 | KMC e12 |
| Cassette | Shimano XT CS-M8100 | Shimano Deore CS-M6100 |
| Crankset | ACID MTB Hybrid Carbon | ACID MTB Hybrid Pro |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano XT Di2 RD-M8260-SGS Electronic Shifting System | Shimano XT RD-M8100-SGS |
| Handlebar | Race Face ERA 35 | CUBE Rise Trail Bar 35 |
| Wheelset | Newmen Beskar 30 | Newmen Performance 30 |
My use-case:
- Touring with my parents (they ride e-bikes)
- Trailing (Difficulty S0, S1, rarely S2 / green to easy blue)
- I ride more for nature and fitness, than adrenaline.
- I want to improve in trailing, but will likely not ride extreme terrain.
I consider myself a beginner.
I do not have much know-how about bike hardware.
Financial:
I can afford either without financial stress. The 7000 CHF bike equals roughly two years of my hobby savings, so it's not a small difference. But it won't hurt my stability.
The question:
At my level and use-case:
- Would I realistically benefit from ABS and electronic shifting?
- Would I notice the difference in suspension and higher-end components?
- Or is the 5000 CHF model already more than enough for what I ride?
If the upgrades are mostly wasted on me, I'll go with the cheaper one.
If they genuinely improve handling, safety and hold up better long term, I'm open to the higher spec AT model.
Thank you for any advice or experience you can share with me.
by LucaDarioBuetzberger
2 Comments
The cheaper bike is more bike than you will ever need for how you plan on riding. I’d go for that.
Plus you’ll be spending some additional money on all the touch points, eg saddle, grips, pedals.
Then you need a helmet, clothes, liners, shoes etc. So there’s plenty of other things to buy to scratch your itch.
Edited for clarity
Just to give you some perspective:
I ride a cube reaction TM. A non electric hardtail for less than half of the difference of the price between those bikes. I ride trails that are rougher than everything you described.
That’s great news, because it’s safe to assume that you’re good with each of those bikes, no matter what.
If money is absolutely no concern – and keep in mind you’ll be spending more on tools, protection, clothing, maybe a coach, …
Go for the one that brings you more joy. there is no bad choice here.
I for one have no interest in Abs and electric shifters etc. But I also find more joy in my non electric MTB than in my ebike.
But that’s the beauty of this hobby. Is can be as cheap or expensive as you want. As electric or mechanic as you want.