Long-standing trail bike gets mid-sized wheels and tweaked suspension
Cube
have an almost bewildering array of full-suspension bikes, including options
with different geometry but the same travel. The AMS has been their all-round
mainstay for a while, and for 2014 it’s available with a choice of 650b or 29in
wheels.
The frame
The layout of the AMS is as old as the hills. While
some manufacturers put a lot of effort into positioning the rear shock as low
in the frame as possible, Cube keep things simple – the shock is positioned
horizontally under the top tube and driven by a rocker linkage at the top of
the seatstays. In theory a shock positioned down low gives a beneficial low
centre of gravity, but anyone who’s picked up a modern air shock will likely
agree that’s going to a marginal advantage at best. Cube’s set-up has the very
real benefit of simplicity, as well as keeping the Fox shock well away from the
dirt and making the CTD lever easy to reach.
Straightforward it may be, but the AMS frame has
plenty of subtle details, like the top tube that’s scalloped underneath to give
clearance for the shock as it compresses. There’s a port in the seat tube for
‘stealth’ dropper post hose/cable routing and you’ll find all the modern frame
features you’d expect – a tapered head tube, press-fit bottom bracket,
direct-mount mechs and post-mount rear brake.
The kit
You’ll find bits from several Shimano groupsets here,
with Deore, SLX and Deore XT all getting a look-in. Cube have wisely opted for
Shimano’s smaller 22/30/40t crankset option, which gives a very usable range of
gears with the 11-36t cassette. As you’d expect, it all works very smoothly,
although a clutch rear mech would cut down the clatter, especially with all the
chain you need for a 3x10 transmission. We were happy to see Shimano M615
discs, which follow the minimal lever design of the more expensive XT and SLX
brakes, and give ample control and excellent reliability.
The wheel package is a highlight – SUNringle Radium
wheels shod with Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25in tyres. Nics aren’t to everyone’s
taste, but they’re a solid choice for variable conditions. It’s a well-rounded
spec, with no obvious weak spots, and the all-up weight of a smidge over 30lb
is entirely acceptable. You even get a bike computer with it.
The ride
Cube describe the AMS as being for “long rides,
transalp tours and all-mountain fun”, which is pretty much on the money. It’s
not a raked out blaster and it’s not a singletrack razor, instead aiming for a
geometrical middle ground that works pretty well for most things.
It’s a relatively short bike, which means you don’t
have to move your weight all that far forwards or backwards to have a distinct
effect – it’s an easy bike to move around on, which helps when it comes to controlling
the grip in turns. There’s scope to go a little wider on the bar or shorter on
the stem, though given the relatively short front end it’d be a good idea not
to go too far – there isn’t masses of room to spare and you don’t want to end
up all scrunched up when in the saddle.
Cube have taken the opportunity presented by
redesigning the AMS for 650b wheels to rejig the rear suspension too, and it’s
paid off. We’ve found previous versions to have a slightly on/off suspension action,
not moving all that much over the small stuff but enthusiastically exploring
the depths of the travel once the bumps get big enough. The 130 HPA Pro doesn’t
go as far as feeling progressive, but there’s more sensitivity and it feels as
if there’s more in reserve. The climb/trail/ descend positions of the Fox CTD shock
are useful too.
Because the fork is from RockShox, there’s no matching
CTD lever up front. Fortunately the Revelation has good enough performance
across the spectrum to provide suitably balanced performance even if you’re flicking
the shock between settings. To get the best suspension balance you’ll need to
pick a shock mode and match the fork to it, but you can do that without it
feeling wildly off-kilter in one of the other settings.
Overall the Cube puts up a strong account of itself.
It’s well (if not spectacularly) equipped, decently stiff, has entirely
competent suspension and good all-round geometry that’s not hugely biased
towards any one kind of terrain or riding style. Roll in good dealer support and
it’s well worth considering.
SO GOOD
Capable all-round geometry Revised suspension set-up
gives good performance Well thought out component spec
NO GOOD
Some riders will favour longer, slacker geometry No
clutch mech means occasional clatter
The Cube is a balanced and capable all-rounder that’ll
do almost everything you ask of it
650b
A wheel size from the distant past that’s been
resurrected by the bike industry as a slightly bigger alternative to 26in without
some of the drawbacks for frame designers of 29in. It measures somewhere between
27in and 27.5in in diameter, depending on what size tyre you fit.
WEIGHT 13.7kg (30.2lb)
FRAME HPA Ultralight hydroformed aluminium, 130 (5.1in) travel
SIZES 16, 18*, 20, 22in
FORK RockShox Revelation RL Solo Air, 130mm (5.1in) travel
SHOCK Fox Float CTD
HEADSET Cube Z-t-(R)
WHEELS
Hubs: SUNringle Radium EM
Rims: SUNringle Radium EM
27.5
Spokes: Stainless
Wheel weight: 2.15kg F, 2.8kg R
TYRES Schwalbe Nobby Nic,
27.5x2.25in
CRANKSET/BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano SLX, 22/30/40t / Shimano
DERAILLEURS Shimano SLX F,
Shimano Deore XT R
SHIFTERS Shimano Deore
CASSETTE/CHAIN Shimano, 11-36t, 10-speed / Shimano HG
BRAKES Shimano Deore M615,
180/180mm
BAR/STEM/GRIPS Cube Rise Trail Pro / Cube Performance Pro / Cube Performance
SADDLE/SEATPOST Selle Italia X1 / Cube Performance
PRICE: 2800$
