Cube Touring Hybrid

The ONE is a good fit if price and straightforward equipment are the priority. The 9-speed gear system is sufficient for city traffic, flat bike paths, and moderate inclines. The 600 Wh battery offers more of a reserve than previous entry-level models with 500 Wh. Those who only occasionally go on longer tours therefore do not necessarily need to opt for the more expensive PRO.

The PRO is better positioned for regular tours in hilly regions. The Bosch Performance Line PX provides more torque, while the 11-speed gear system allows for finer adjustment on inclines. The 800 Wh battery reduces the need for charging stops on long daily stages. An air suspension fork can also be adjusted more precisely to the rider's weight than a simple coil spring fork.

The Comfort SLX pursues a different concept. Its Shimano Nexus hub gear system works with a Gates belt. A belt requires no chain oil and causes less dirt on trousers or hands. The enclosed gear system is low-maintenance for everyday use. However, its five gears offer fewer increments than the 11-speed derailleur system of the PRO. Those who ride many steep climbs and want to choose their gear ratio finely are usually better served by the PRO. For city rides and relaxed tours, the Comfort SLX is a practical alternative.

With older EXC models, the technical condition is more important than the equipment abbreviation. Battery health, mileage, maintenance of the suspension fork, and wear on the chain, cassette, and brakes influence the actual value. A well-maintained EXC with 625 Wh can be a more sensible choice than a higher-rated but heavily used used model.

The Cube Touring Hybrid uses Bosch mid-mounted motors from the Smart System. The motor is located at the bottom bracket and provides assistance based on pedal force, cadence, and the selected support level. This concept ensures balanced weight distribution and predictable handling. In a standard pedelec, the system cuts off motor assistance at 25 km/h. Faster riding remains possible, but requires your own pedaling power above this limit.

The 2026 model year Touring Hybrid ONE 600 uses the Bosch Performance Line with 75 Nm of torque. This motor provides smooth assistance and is suitable for city traffic, tours, and moderate inclines. The power is delivered in a controlled manner, which is pleasant when starting on wet roads or loose surfaces.

The Touring Hybrid Pro 800 and the Comfort SLX 800 feature the Bosch Performance Line CX with up to 90 Nm. The additional torque is particularly noticeable on climbs, when starting off with luggage, and at low speeds. On a flat route, however, 90 Nm does not provide a proportional speed advantage because all standard pedelecs only provide assistance up to 25 km/h.

If you mostly ride in flat terrain, the Bosch Performance Line with 75 Nm is usually sufficient. The difference compared to the PX is less noticeable there than on long inclines. If you regularly carry panniers, live in a mountainous region, or want to use a trailer, the PX provides more power reserves with up to 90 Nm.

Choosing the right gear remains important, even with a motor. Riding in too high a gear on an incline puts unnecessary strain on the drive system, chain, and cassette. A higher cadence and a lower gear allow the mid-drive motor to operate more efficiently. This improves control and can reduce power consumption.

The smart system connects the drive unit, control unit, and battery. Depending on the equipment, riding modes can be customized via the Bosch eBike Flow app. Software features and available settings may change. Therefore, the values approved for the specific bicycle remain the deciding factor for purchase.

For a 625 Wh battery, a range of approximately 50 to 125 kilometers is a reasonable planning corridor under mixed conditions. The large range results from consumption levels. If the system requires about 5 Wh per kilometer, approximately 125 kilometers are mathematically possible. At 12 Wh per kilometer, this figure drops to about 52 kilometers.

In eco mode, on flat terrain, and at temperatures around 20 degrees, about 90 to 125 kilometers are realistic if the rider is actively pedaling. Frequent inclines, headwinds, low tire pressure, and heavy luggage can significantly reduce the range. If a high level of assistance is used predominantly, one should expect more like 50 to 75 kilometers.

For a trip without a reliable charging option, a reserve of at least 15 to 20 percent is advisable. A planned route of 80 kilometers should therefore not be based on a theoretical range of exactly 80 kilometers. Cold weather should also be taken into account. At low temperatures, a lithium-ion battery temporarily provides less energy. Store the battery at room temperature if possible during the winter and only install it shortly before your ride.

The frame shape influences mounting, riding position, and handling. It is not just a matter of taste. The deciding factors are mobility, body height, preferred clothing, and how often you have to dismount in city traffic. Depending on the model year, Cube also uses the terms Classic and Easy Entry. Classic corresponds to the traditional diamond frame. Easy Entry refers to the low-step frame.

• The diamond frame has a high top tube and offers a direct, torsion-resistant construction. It is suitable for sport-oriented riders, large frame sizes, and tours at higher speeds. When mounting, the leg must be swung over the saddle or top tube. This can be impractical if mobility is limited.
• The trapezoid frame features a lowered top tube. Mounting is easier than with a diamond frame, without shifting the riding feel too much towards a low-step bike. This shape suits riders looking for a balanced mix of easy mounting and direct handling.
• The low-step frame has no high top tube. This allows you to step through the frame with minimal movement. This makes frequent stops at traffic lights and mounting with a loaded luggage rack easier. A Cube e-bike with a low-step frame is also practical if you have limited mobility in your knees or hips.

A step-through bike is often prematurely dismissed as less sporty. However, for everyday use and paved tours, this frame shape is sufficiently stable, provided the total weight and usage category are observed. The higher bike weight and low center of gravity still require care when maneuvering. A loaded e-bike, in particular, is not as easy to stabilize as a standard city bike.

If you ride in a skirt, dress, or tight everyday clothing, a step-through frame makes mounting easier. If you cover long distances at speed and prefer direct frame feedback, a diamond frame is a good option. The trapezoid frame is a good middle ground. A test ride should not just take place on flat terrain. Also test starting slowly, a tight turn, a short incline, and dismounting with luggage.

Choosing the right frame size remains more important than the frame shape designation. A step-through bike that is too large can be unwieldy despite the low standover height. With the correct size, you can reach the handlebars without stretching your arms and can safely place your feet on the ground when standing. The saddle, stem, and handlebars can subsequently be adjusted to your seating position.

Touring Hybrid and Kathmandu Hybrid are trekking e-bikes featuring Bosch drive systems, suspension forks, and full everyday equipment. The difference lies in their load capacity, motor, and intended use. The Touring Hybrid is designed for everyday use, bike paths, and relaxed tours. The Kathmandu Hybrid is aimed more at frequent riders, long journeys, and more demanding routes with luggage.

When comparing, the model years must be taken into account. Older Kathmandu Hybrid models often have a Bosch Performance Line CX with 85 Nm. For 2026 model year versions, Cube specifies a significantly higher maximum value of up to 120 Nm, depending on the model. The Touring Hybrid ONE operates with 75 Nm, while the PRO and Comfort SLX reach up to 90 Nm with the Performance Line PX.

For daily commutes, weekend trips, and mostly paved routes, the Touring Hybrid generally offers the better balance of features and price. The ONE covers typical commuting distances. The PRO, with 800 Wh and 90 Nm, already provides enough reserves for long day trips and hilly regions.

The extra cost for the Kathmandu is worth it if you regularly plan multi-day trips, transport heavy bags, or frequently ride steep inclines. The more powerful CX motor provides more support at low speeds. The IC 3.0 luggage carrier is designed for consistent touring use and is closely integrated with the mudguard and frame.

A more powerful motor does not automatically make the Kathmandu the better choice. In flat city traffic, a large portion of the power reserve remains unused. The higher torque can increase energy consumption and wear and tear when high riding modes are used continuously. For those who primarily ride on bike paths and do not transport heavy loads, the Cube Touring Hybrid is a more appropriately tuned bicycle.

Depending on the frame shape, battery, and equipment, a Cube Touring Hybrid weighs approximately 26 to 29 kilograms. The 2026 model year Touring Hybrid ONE 600 in the Classic version weighs around 26.1 kilograms. With the PRO 800, some step-through versions can reach about 29 kilograms. The Comfort SLX 800, depending on the frame variant, is roughly in the 27-kilogram range.

The weight is less noticeable when riding with motor assistance than when carrying it. Anyone who has to carry the bike up stairs daily or lift it onto a rear rack should try this out before purchasing. A battery can often be removed for transport. This makes the bike a few kilograms lighter, but it remains significantly heavier than a trekking bike without a motor.

For the 2026 model year, the maximum system weight for the Touring Hybrid ONE and PRO is 150 kilograms. The Comfort SLX is specified with a maximum of 140 kilograms. The system weight includes the bicycle, rider, clothing, luggage, and other accessories. It should not be confused with the available payload.

A calculation example illustrates the difference: A Touring Hybrid ONE weighs around 26 kilograms. With a rider weight of 90 kilograms and 12 kilograms of luggage, the total load comes to 128 kilograms. This leaves a calculated reserve of 22 kilograms before reaching the 150-kilogram limit. The maximum rider weight and the permissible luggage rack load also apply and must not be exceeded either.

According to the system weight table, the 2026 model year Touring Hybrid ONE and PRO are approved for a trailer load of up to 60 kilograms and a drawbar load of up to 8 kilograms. The Comfort SLX does not have a corresponding trailer approval. Different values may apply to older models. Therefore, information regarding the exact model, axle, and hitch must be checked before attaching a child trailer.

The hitch must not interfere with the brake line, shift cable, or axle mount. A suitable adapter axle is often required for thru-axles. The maximum system weight remains binding even with a trailer. For rides with a child, anticipatory braking, lower tire pressure within the permissible range, and regular inspection of the hitch are essential.