Cube AMS SLT Full Suspension 29″er: On Test: by c_g
Only this summer and as such as one of the later adapters, did CUBE announce their entry to the 29″er scene (here). During Eurobike´11 I brought to you their line consisting of 10
different models (7 hard tails made of carbon and alloy, and 3 full suspension versions, here). Most recently we have had the opportunity for a short term test of one of their hard tails, the CUBE LTD SL, which I liked a lot (here).
From that brief but intense history you can imagine that we were excited when we received their top of the line AMS SLT bike – a 120 mm full suspension rig decked out with top level components.
The frame itself is beautifully manufactured out of triple butted and hydroformed 7005 alloy tubing with all those en vogue goodies like tapered head tube for semi-integrated head sets, internal cable routing, Press Fit bottom bracket, thru axle X12/142 mm rear and direct mount front derailleur, that seem to be necessary to make a good frame. Are they really?
Anyhow, the matte black anodizing (which CUBE claims to be especially scratch resistant), low key silver/blue decals and blue anodized bits and pieces make for a very elegant appearance. Some nice features – in my opinion at least – are the straight seat tube that is offset in regards to the bottom bracket allowing for a full seat post insertion if needed and the beautifully sculptured 3-D forged drop outs with the exchangeable derailleur hanger. Mentioned above – the dropouts and rear axle are not the usual 12 mm thru axle but the licensed X-12 which I am really interested to see how it works out.
CUBE product manager Frank G. further pointed out how the “Size Tuned Kinematic 4- Pivot Suspension System” means that every piece of the system (pivot locations, 3-D forged rocker link, …) are different on every size to make sure travel and feeling on all are the same. A claim I cannot verify having only one size for test, but it is worth noting 
.
The 120 mm of travel front and rear travel should make for a very forgiving chassis, but how will it do in terms of balance and riding stability? How will I like the new Adaptive Logic shock?
Like all Cube 29″ers – it comes in 4 sizes (17”, 19”, 21” & 23”) – we received the 19” size.
The handling is tuned in a way that CUBE claims to be mimicking their 26” bikes and is called “Agile Ride Geometry” – something that worked out really nicely in the before mentioned hard tails. But would it remain true for the full suspension as well? For those in need of refreshing – Cube is utilizing a 51 mm offset in all their 29″er forks. Due to our info the formerly protected design is now open to purchase on the OE market and thus is employed on the CUBE bikes.
The spec list reads like the “who – is who of bike components:
-
-SHIMANO XTR “Trail” group set with 24/32/42 triple cranks and dual spring rate RD-M 985 rear derailleur (no more chain slap on rough grounds?)
-FORMULA R1 brakes (180 / 180 mm)
-SYNTACE F109 stem, Vector Carbon bar (740 mm wide, 8° sweep) and P6 “High-Flex” post (Why they went for the more expensive Hi-Flex -version on a suspensionbike seems luxury to me, but a good one in this case )
-EASTON EC90 wheels (not available for now, which is why we received the equally trick CUBE exclusive DT-SWISS CSW MA 2.0 straightpull wheelset, 28 spokes. We are promised the production wheels sometime during the course of this review.)
-FOX SHOX F32 fork (Factory Series, Kashima coating, 120 mm fork, tapered & 15 mm thru axle) and FOX RP23 (Boost Valve, Adaptive Logic, Kashima coating)
-
The weight is a decent 12.2 kg (~ 26.7 lbs) with the heavier wheels and so the claimed 11.8 kg (~ 26 lbs) seem to be optimistic but possible. We will ride the bike as delivered for now and see when/if the EASTON wheels arrive.
As usual for CUBE the bikes are excellent value and the AMS SLT is no exception – it comes at € 3999.-.
So much for the intro. Stay tuned for my first ride impressions soon here.
RIDE ON,
c_g
It really is a lot of bike for the money…
What surprised me in the geo of this bike are the shortish Toptubes, expecially in the XL. That would be a dealbreaker for me.
But considering the physical offset seat tube: what are these numbers based on?
I wonder if a compare with the different sizing theories might be in order. The work you did with the different rigid forks, different offsets, different axle to crown heights was a great read, and very educational. I see bikes labelled for my size with up to 1.25″ difference in top tube length. Combine that with the transition from hardtails to up to 5.5″ bikes proliferating in the market, and it really can be quite difficult to keep up. With all the different bikes you guys test, who better to translate all of that to the average Jane or Joe?
Let us hope that the scratch resistant coating is also good at shedding dirt.
Please show close-up photos and explain about the offset seat tube….I don’t quite get it?
@ larsv & Schwin_ding: The way sizes are defined and communicated is something peculiar indeed. For me personally it is a simple matter of looking at the effective TT lenght and picking the correct size from there. Pretty simple and staight forward for me but possibly confusing from the outside since sizes may be very different by tradiotional means.
@ yog: yes, let´s hope – I have been thinking the same
. For the offset seat tube take a look at the 3rd pic (showing the bike from the left side) and you will understand, no rocket science there.
Sorry c_g still don’t get it. In a diamond frame all three main tubes are in the same plane. If you offset the seat tube they are no longer in the same plane. Is the bottom “tilted” to the non-drive side? Is the tube straight, curved at the bottom? If you set the seat tube away from the drive side at the BB shell, how does it intersect with the top tube? Sorry, I still don’t get it…
Yogi, the seat tube is offset from the center of the BB towards the front of the bike. It’s basically mitered and welded to a spot on the downtube just in front of the center of the BB shell. It allows for more clearance around the front derailleur, main pivot area. The only real confusion might arise from the seatube angle. Typically that dimension is determined by measuring along the seat tube from the center of the BB shell. By moving it forward, there will be an actual and effective ST angle and depending upon how different they are, fit can be affected if the rider has the seatpost at either of the extremes.
Thanks Thom!
So really the seat tube is forward canted, not really offset(which I think of as set off to one side or the other).
Now I understand why the other geo’s may be off. I guess effective top tube length should be unaffected. Thanks again!
@Yogi: sorry to add to your confusion, but no, it is not canted forward
It is really offset. The tube and BB are not in line, as you can see in pic three.
@ c_g: If Cube’s numbers are effective TT lenght’s, they really are short for the size of the bike. It looks as if the physical angle of the seattube is corrected to mimmick a normal ST?
Are there any Cube dealers in the US, or do you have to order from their site to be shipped from Germany?
Also, love the site. As a semi-noob I learn so much about mountain biking in general, and the different components with every article I read. Thanks!
Hi,
I’m affraid that you are on your own SirNotAppearing.
Cube is using 4 bars Horst Link system and Spesh won’t allow other FSR suspension users in USA without patent money…
Cheers!
I.
To all of you in the dark about STA and ETT on any design without a straight seat tube that is attached to the centre of the BB:
This why the entire bike industry and its customers would benefit from STACK and REACH measurements. Some manufacturers allready use it, f.e. Salsa. Spread the word!
The AMS 29er looks great in person! I thought it really stood out from the rest of the Cube line on the trade show floor. Unbelievable spec for that price.
Reach ‘n Stack would be helpful for the front end. But not conclusive for the position of the saddle.
Raising the saddle will bring it much more rearward than with a conventional ST. Especially considering my seat height ?.
So the resulting position may be quite a bit longer than the numbers tell us… Where can I fit a 22”?
The bike is amazing value indeed. I’m playing with a “purely hypothetical build list” at the moment, something “red and homegrown”. For the same spec you can easily add 1000€ to the price of the Cube…
. Really interested in the review though.
Almost makes you consider buying a Cube
Any carbon version ahead?
I am pretty sure there is – if the platform is selling well. Just take a look at their offerings in 26″ and you´ll see what may be coming.
@LarsV, you are right: It is not conclusive for the position of the saddle.
That said, you are not going to sit in a different place in relation to the BB on a different bike, right? Please tell me you are not!
Some disagree, but I am a big follower of the mantra that a riders’ position for a certain purpose should be independant of frame dimensions. It should depend on factors like power output, comfort and injury prevention.
So, if you know what the horizontal and vertical distance is between your saddle and the BB, what kind of construction is between the BB and your saddle is irrelevant to choosing bike size, up to a certain point (*).
If you agree on that, to find the right size, stack and reach should suffice? To find out how much (if at all) setback the seatpost should have, more information is needed. I must admit that is a total guesstimate with this kind of bikes. I had the same problem with a Giant Anthem 29er that I am building up and I ended up trying to figure out angles and offsets from a catalog picture…
(* If you cannot achieve your ‘ideal’ saddle position with readily available seatposts, you will need a different size, but that is very rare. Your body measurements or limitations would be way out of the ordinary or bike fit could be very wrong.)
pozapierdala? bym
“pozapierdala? bym”
Damn right, Tell’m,dogg!
Hi fella`s,
Are you a 100% sure that the slt comes with Easton ec90`s ?
I have one on order, but my dealer says it comes with Easton haven`s.
I would be chuffed to bits if it came with ec90 as I am planning on running 2 wheelsets and its cheaper to make some diecent AM wheels, rather than a race wheelset.
If that is the case, I just can`t see how cube does it at that pricepoint.
Cheers,
Sox
@ Bobby Sox: Hello – NO, I am not 100% sure. I have seen it specced with EASTON Havens during Eurobike, but in a recent conversation it was stated to come with EC90s. I have directed this question to CUBE for an answer and will post my finding when the next post is due.
(Unfortunately it ddin´t come in time for my already published First Impression/Mid Term post.)
UPDATE: I have just been informed that the AMS SLT will be delivered with EASTON Havens.
Thanx c-g.
One last question. What size have you got on test? A 19?
Bobby Sox – Yes I am testing/riding the size 19″.
@ Bobby Sox, I’m assuming you picked the 19″ yourself to suit you so what height are you and how is it “space” wise? I am 5′ – 11″ and no chance to sit on one as yet. My LBS here in the UK has advised me this morning there is only 3 left unsold from the run scheduled at the factory for week 09/2012 so I have ordered a 19″ blind to make sure I get one, just hope it’s the right size as 17″ and 21″ already sold out.
I agree with many here in feeling the build spec is fantastic value for money (even if the wheels are now Haven’s and not the previously stated 90′s) can’t wait to get my hands on it which should be week 2 of March.
The question above, re how tall are you, should have been directed to c_g, sorry for any confussion.
@ Santacruzblues: I am about 1,82 m (~ 6 ft) with an 82 cm (32″) inseam and more or less standard proportions – the size 19″ fits me just fine.