Cube Kathmandu

The CUBE Kathmandu is perfect for you if you are a passionate adventurer and trekking enthusiast. It is your reliable partner for long journeys and challenging tours in different landscapes.

The CUBE Kathmandu is also ideal for relaxed weekend trips. If you want to enjoy nature and escape from everyday life, this bike offers you comfort and the necessary equipment to make your trips unforgettable.

The model levels build logically upon one another. With each level, individual components become lighter, more finely graded, or easier to adjust. Therefore, the most expensive model is not automatically necessary for short daily rides. Those who ride many vertical meters, regularly transport luggage, or cover several thousand kilometers each year will benefit more from the superior shifting and suspension forks of the higher-end variants. In newer models, the Shimano Cues groupsets largely replace well-known series such as Shimano XT.

While the Shimano XT traditionally stands for sporty lightness and particularly fast gear changes, the focus of Shimano Cues is on extreme durability and smoother shifting under load. The model classes also differ specifically in terms of their braking systems as you move up: while the entry-level ONE model starts with reliable basic hydraulic disc brakes, higher classes like the SLX feature more powerful brake calipers and larger brake discs on the front wheel, which offer more braking power and heat resistance, especially on long descents with heavy luggage.

The main difference between the Cube Kathmandu Pro and the EXC lies in the gearing and the tires. The Pro features a Shimano Cues 2x10 drivetrain, while the Cube Kathmandu EXC comes with a 2x11 Cues setup. This gives the EXC an extra gear and a wider range for varying inclines. The difference is less noticeable on a flat commute, but more pronounced on long climbs and with frequent changes in pace.

The EXC also uses Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tires instead of the Marathon Green. The Marathon Mondial is designed for tours with varying surfaces and is well-suited for cycling trips that alternate between asphalt, hard-packed gravel, and forest paths. The EXC is about one kilogram lighter than the Pro. If you frequently need to carry the bike up stairs or want to accelerate quickly without motor assistance, this difference is relevant.

The Cube Kathmandu SLX is worth the upgrade over the EXC primarily due to the RockShox Paragon Gold air suspension fork, the higher-tier Cues components, and the more powerful braking system. The fork offers 65 mm of travel and can be precisely adjusted to the rider and luggage. A larger brake rotor on the front wheel supports controlled braking on long descents.

There is no fundamental difference in the number of gears, as both models use a mechanical Cues 2x11 drivetrain. However, the SLX relies on components from the U8000 series. If you mainly ride on flat, everyday routes, the EXC is usually sufficient. For high annual mileage, many descents, and frequent luggage transport, the SLX offers the more compelling equipment.

A Cube Kathmandu test should not evaluate the bike solely on its groupset and weight. The interplay of seating position, handling stability, luggage transport, and everyday utility is crucial. The Trekking Comfort Geometry creates a moderately upright posture. It relieves more strain on the hands and neck than a sporty cross-bike geometry without making the bike feel sluggish.

The rear triangle uses a thru-axle. Together with the tapered head tube, it supports precise handling when the luggage rack is loaded. This is more important on cycling tours than the lowest possible curb weight. Two fully packed panniers significantly change the weight distribution. A stiff frame and a stably attached luggage rack then keep the bike on course better.

The Integrated Carrier 3.0 is firmly integrated into the frame construction. Bags and baskets can be attached using suitable adapters. The maximum permissible luggage load for the 2026 model year versions is up to 25 kg. However, this limit only applies as long as the permissible total weight is also maintained. A load of 25 kg is therefore not possible in every combination of rider weight, accessories, and luggage.

The suspension fork filters out potholes, curbs, and rough gravel. ONE, Pro, and EXC use Suntour suspension forks, with the Pro and EXC models equipped with adjustable air suspension. The SLX and SLT feature the RockShox Paragon Gold. An air suspension fork can be adjusted to the actual system weight via air pressure. This is helpful if you alternate between riding without luggage and with heavy panniers.

Hydraulic disc brakes are standard equipment on all models. They require less hand force than mechanical brakes and provide predictable performance even in wet conditions. With heavy luggage, however, the braking distance will still increase. For long descents, you should use both the front and rear brakes together and avoid riding with the brakes constantly dragged.

The standard tires are 47 mm wide. This width offers a useful compromise between rolling resistance, puncture protection, and comfort. The ONE and Pro roll on Schwalbe Marathon Green tires, while the EXC, SLX, and SLT are equipped with Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tires. The maximum clearance for tires is approximately 48 mm. Significantly wider mountain bike tires therefore cannot be fitted.

The table shows the difference between system weight and rack load. Even if the calculation shows that 40 kg of the total weight capacity is still available, the luggage rack must not be loaded with more than 25 kg. For the classic Kathmandu models, Cube defines a maximum rider and bicycle weight of 115 kg. By adhering to this limit, exactly 25 kg of the maximum system weight of 140 kg remains available for luggage. Depending on the exact weight of the specific model (approx. 15.5 to 17.3 kg), the maximum permissible rider weight is therefore approximately 97.7 to 99.5 kg.

Plan for a reserve when planning a cycling trip. A full water supply, provisions, and a heavy lock can quickly add several kilograms to the scale.

If your calculation ends exactly at 140 kg, it leaves no room for luggage added later. Therefore, weigh the packed bags rather than just their empty state.

The Cube Kathmandu Hybrid must be considered separately when it comes to the question of weight. Due to the Bosch motor, battery, and reinforced components, these e-bikes usually weigh significantly more than the classic Kathmandu bikes, depending on the model. The permissible system weight can also differ for hybrid models. For an accurate calculation, you must therefore always use the specifications for the specific model year and the chosen version.

The Cube Kathmandu belongs to category 2. It is intended for asphalt, paved bike paths, and unpaved trails with a moderate level of technical difficulty. This includes well-maintained forest trails, farm tracks, and packed gravel. On such surfaces, the 47 mm wide tires provide sufficient contact area, and the suspension fork reduces hard impacts on the front wheel.

The Kathmandu is not built for demanding trails. Steep drops, jumps, loose root sections, and rough rock fields exceed its intended range of use. Its geometry, tire clearance, and short suspension travel differ significantly from those of a mountain bike. If you want to ride primarily on technical forest trails, a hardtail with wider tires and more suspension travel is the more suitable choice.

Compared to the Cube Nature, the Kathmandu places a greater emphasis on touring and cargo. The integrated luggage rack and full road equipment make it ready for travel right out of the box. The Nature, depending on the version, offers a sportier ride and, as a cross bike, is geared more toward varying surfaces. If you regularly transport panniers, the Kathmandu is a better fit. If you mostly ride without luggage and prefer a more active riding position, the Nature is more suitable.

A trailer may be used in compliance with the manufacturer's specifications. The robust and integrated construction of the IC 3.0 rack contributes significantly to high stability and thus to the bike's suitability for trailers. However, the hitch must be attached using the trailer manufacturer's original system to a suitable thru-axle or a designated quick-release skewer, as clamping to the frame tube, seat post, or directly to the IC 3.0 luggage rack is not permitted. Therefore, the luggage rack itself is not an attachment point for the trailer hitch.

For models from the 2020 model year onwards, the total trailer mass including cargo must not exceed 60 kg. The vertical load must be between 2 and 8 kg and is deducted from the permitted luggage rack load. If, for example, the vertical load is 6 kg, a maximum of 19 kg remains for the luggage rack. The permitted system weight of the bicycle still applies and must not be exceeded by the rider, bike, accessories, luggage, and the applied vertical load.

A maximum speed of 25 km/h is intended when using a trailer. Braking distance and cornering behavior change due to the additional mass. Brake pads, brake discs, tires, and wheels may wear out faster. Before the first ride, the hitch, safety strap, axle, and tire pressure should be checked. A short test ride without a child or sensitive cargo will show how the combination behaves when starting and braking.

Choose the model based on your actual routes and not just the highest trim level. For the daily commute, shopping, and occasional weekend trips, the ONE is often sufficient. The Pro, with its air suspension fork and 2x10 drivetrain, offers a more balanced entry point for regular touring.

• Choose the Cube Kathmandu ONE if you are looking for a fully equipped trekking bike for everyday use and occasional excursions.
• Choose the Cube Kathmandu Pro if you ride regularly and want an adjustable air suspension fork.
• Choose the Cube Kathmandu EXC if you are planning longer tours, more elevation gain, and trips with luggage.
• Choose the Cube Kathmandu SLX if lower weight, a high-quality air suspension fork, and more powerful brakes are important to you.
• Choose the Cube Kathmandu SLT if you prefer automatic gear shifting and want to shift gears as little as possible yourself.

Before purchasing, also check the frame shape. The classic diamond frame offers sizes from 46 to 62 cm. Trapezoid variants make mounting easier and are available in smaller sizes. The right size cannot be determined by height alone. Inseam, desired riding posture, and flexibility also influence which frame is suitable.

During a test ride, the saddle should first be adjusted to the correct height. Then, ride with both low and high cadences, test tight turns, and brake in a controlled manner from a medium speed. If you intend to use panniers later, a test ride with additional weight is also worthwhile. This will help you determine whether you are happy with the seating position and handling under realistic conditions.