Cube Editor Hybrid

The Cube Editor Hybrid is an urban e-bike for daily commutes on asphalt, bike paths, and paved park trails. It belongs to the light e-bike category. These bikes prioritize a low system weight, subtle motor assistance, and a ride feel close to that of a classic bicycle. This distinguishes them from heavy city e-bikes, which are often built with large batteries, suspension forks, and extensive comfort features.

The Aluminium Superlite frame houses the motor and the integrated battery. Smooth welds and internally routed cables keep the look clean. At first glance, it is therefore not always apparent that it is an e-bike. The comparatively slim down tube also contributes to this impression.

In its basic configuration, the Editor Hybrid does not include mudguards, a luggage rack, or other attachments. This saves weight and suits riders who mainly use their bike in dry weather, commute with a backpack, or only want to mount the components they actually need. The FE models, on the other hand, are prepared for the daily commute in changing weather.

The riding position is sportier than that of a comfort-oriented city e-bike, yet remains suitable for urban traffic. A straight handlebar allows for direct control. The rigid carbon fork keeps the front end light and responds precisely to steering inputs. Since there is no suspension fork, the 50 mm wide tires handle some of the shock absorption. The Pro model is equipped with Continental Contact Urban tires, while the SLX and SLT models roll on Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency tires. With the correct tire pressure, they can noticeably cushion cobblestones, dropped curbs, and minor bumps.

The Editor Hybrid is suitable for riders who frequently start and stop, maneuver through heavy traffic, or need to carry the bike into a basement and up steps. The lighter weight is also practical for bike racks and narrow storage rooms. Those who prefer a very upright riding position, front suspension, or maximum range for long tours should compare the concept with a classic city or trekking e-bike.

Without motor assistance, the bike can still be ridden like a normal bicycle. The compact Bosch drive system creates only minimal additional pedaling resistance when the assist is switched off or when riding above the assisted speed. This is particularly helpful on flat city routes where the motor is not needed at all times.

The Bosch Performance Line SX was developed for lightweight e-bikes. Weighing approximately two kilograms, it is more compact than many drive systems for heavy trekking or mountain bikes. Nevertheless, it provides up to 55 Nm of torque and a maximum power output of up to 600 watts. On a regular pedelec, assistance ends at 25 km/h.

Power delivery depends significantly on the rider's cadence. Those who pedal faster can call up more assistance. This fits the sporty character of the Editor Hybrid. The motor does not push with maximum force at slow crank speeds, but rather reacts to the rider's input. This keeps the riding experience closer to that of a bicycle without a motor.

• The motor weighs approximately two kilograms and keeps the overall weight of the e-bike low.
• Up to 55 Nm of torque provides assistance when starting off, on inclines, and against headwinds.
• The maximum power of up to 600 watts is available with high rider effort and an appropriate cadence.
• The sprint mode dynamically increases assistance as the rider increases their cadence.
• The motor responds precisely to pedal pressure, thereby facilitating controlled starts in city traffic.
• When the drive is switched off, pedaling resistance remains low, so the Editor Hybrid can also be ridden reasonably without assistance.

In everyday city use, the 55 Nm of torque is sufficient for typical climbs, bridge inclines, and frequent acceleration. The Editor Hybrid is not a cargo bike and is not designed for heavy trailers or steep off-road routes. However, because of the bike's low weight, the motor has less mass to move. This is why the assistance can feel more powerful than the pure torque figure might suggest when compared with a heavier e-bike.

The Sprint mode is suitable for short, quick bursts of acceleration. It responds to an increasing cadence and releases more power accordingly. This is helpful when pulling away from traffic lights or on short inclines, for example. Those who ride with a low cadence and in a high gear do not make the best use of the SX motor's potential. Shifting into a lower gear in good time improves the drive unit's response and simultaneously reduces the load on the chain, belt, and gears.

Under low load, the motor operates unobtrusively. At high power, it is acoustically perceptible, especially at a high cadence. This is due to the design and is not an indication of a defect. In return, the rider gets a lightweight drive system that creates less drag than some heavier motor units when the bike is coasting above 25 km/h.

The Editor Hybrid Pro is the right choice if lower weight, a more affordable entry point, and classic operation are the priorities. The Shimano Cues derailleur system offers clearly defined gears and can be shifted under light pedal load. A derailleur is easily accessible and can be maintained with standard bicycle components when worn. However, it requires regular cleaning and lubrication. The maintenance effort increases with frequent riding in the rain and during winter.

The Editor Hybrid SLX uses a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal gear hub. The shifting mechanism is protected inside the rear hub, meaning it comes into less contact with water and dirt. You can also shift while stationary. This is practical in city traffic if the bike comes to an unplanned stop at a red light in a high gear. Before starting off again, a lower gear can be selected without moving the pedals.

The eight gears of the Alfine hub cover typical city riding. For flat and slightly hilly routes, the gear range is generally sufficient. On longer steep climbs, a derailleur offers more flexibility depending on the gear ratio. In return, the internal gear hub requires less ongoing maintenance and keeps the external drivetrain uncluttered.

For the Editor Hybrid SLT, Cube combines a Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal gear hub with a Gates belt drive. The eleven gears allow for finer increments and a wider range of gear ratios than the eight-speed hub. This is noticeable in varying terrain and at different speeds.

The belt does not need to be oiled and stays clean during operation. Pant legs therefore do not come into contact with chain oil. In addition, a correctly tensioned belt runs quietly and is less sensitive to road dirt than an exposed chain. The system is not completely maintenance-free, however. Belt tension, pulleys, and the internal gear hub should be checked during regular inspections.

At Cube, the abbreviation FE stands for Fully Equipped. A Cube Editor Hybrid FE already comes from the factory with the important components for daily commuting. These include mudguards, a luggage carrier, a lighting system, and a kickstand. The exact design of these components depends on the model and model year.

Mudguards keep splash water and road dirt away from clothing and the bicycle. The luggage carrier holds compatible bags, so that laptops, groceries, or a change of clothes do not have to be carried in a backpack. The permanently installed lighting is powered by the e-bike system. A separate battery for the lights is therefore not required. The kickstand makes short stops and loading the luggage carrier easier.

Due to the additional components, an FE version weighs approximately 1.4 kilograms more than the corresponding base model. Those who feel every kilogram when carrying the bike and do not require commuter equipment can choose the reduced version. For daily rides to work, the FE version is often more practical because all components are pre-assembled and coordinated.

The FE designation describes the equipment, not the gear system. A model name can therefore include both the equipment level and the FE suffix. Before purchasing, you should check which shifting system, drive, and braking system are installed on the respective variant.

The down tube houses a Bosch CompactTube 400 with 400 Wh capacity. The battery weighs approximately two kilograms and was developed for lightweight e-bikes. Its slim design allows for a narrower down tube than that of many large trekking batteries, which helps preserve the typical silhouette of an urban bike.

The CompactTube 400 is permanently integrated into the frame of the Cube Editor Hybrid. It cannot be removed for daily charging. The charging cable is connected to the bike's charging port, meaning the bike must be parked within reach of a power outlet. This point is particularly important for riders who park their e-bike in a communal basement, a garage without electricity, or on the street.

The fixed integration saves on components for locks, guides, and removal mechanisms, thus contributing to the low weight and slim frame shape. It is less flexible when charging than a removable battery. Anyone who cannot carry the bike into their home should check before purchasing whether a suitable power outlet is available at their usual parking spot.

Providing a fixed range for an e-bike is not practical. Consumption depends on the support level, rider weight, outside temperature, tire pressure, route, wind, and cadence. Frequent starting also requires more energy than steady riding. In flat city traffic, a 400 Wh battery can last significantly longer than on hilly routes with high support.

As a rough planning guideline, approximately 40 to 100 kilometers are possible with 400 Wh. The lower half of this range is more realistic with high support, low temperatures, and many inclines. Those who ride in a low support level and pedal vigorously themselves can approach the upper half. These figures are not a guaranteed range.

For longer journeys, the Editor Hybrid can be used with the Bosch PowerMore 250 Range Extender, provided the specific model is prepared for installation. The additional battery provides a further 250 Wh and is attached to the frame. Together with the CompactTube 400, this offers a nominal capacity of 650 Wh.

The additional capacity corresponds to 62.5 percent of the main battery. Under comparable riding conditions, the range can increase accordingly. In practice, the additional weight and changing route conditions will affect the result. For your daily commute, the range extender can be left at home. For longer tours, it is simply attached as needed.

The PowerMore 250 is particularly useful if your typical route is well covered by 400 Wh, but you occasionally plan longer trips. This way, the bike does not have to permanently carry a large and heavy battery. Before purchasing the additional battery, you should check whether the required mount and the appropriate connection options are available.

The carbon fork deserves special attention during classification. A rigid fork is lighter and requires less maintenance than a suspension fork, but offers no adjustable travel. Carbon can dampen fine vibrations, but does not replace suspension on poor surfaces. Comfort therefore depends heavily on tire pressure.

Excessive tire pressure does not automatically reduce rolling resistance and makes the bike feel more unsettled on pavement. Pressure adjusted to the rider's weight and load improves ground contact and damping. In doing so, the tire's permissible pressure values must be observed.

The permissible system weight includes the complete, ready-to-ride bicycle. If a model weighs 18 kilograms, for example, and is approved for a system weight of 135 kilograms, this leaves 117 kilograms for the rider, clothing, luggage, and accessories. The approval for the specific model is always the deciding factor.

For primarily paved commutes, the Editor Hybrid offers a practical blend of low weight and electric assistance. The base version is suitable for riders who need as few add-on parts as possible. An FE version is a sensible choice if the bike is to be used daily regardless of the weather and luggage needs to be transported on the bike.