Cube Kathmandu Hybrid

The heart of the Kathmandu Hybrid is the powerful Bosch drive, which offers you powerful support for effortless e-trekking. No matter whether you're conquering steep climbs or covering long distances, this drive will reliably get you to your destination.

The integrated luggage rack of the Kathmandu Hybrid is not only stable, but also fits beautifully into the design of the bike. This means you can store all your luggage safely and concentrate on what's important: enjoying your journey.

The comfortable and safe geometry of the frame ensures that you don't have to miss out on comfort, even on long tours. The CUBE Kathmandu Hybrid is designed so that you can enjoy every ride to the fullest without compromising on safety.

The model hierarchy ranges from ONE to Pro and EXC, through to SLX and SLT; C:62 denotes the lightweight carbon models, while ONE11 indicates the full-suspension version. ONE and Pro cover typical everyday and touring rides, while EXC/SLX/SLT receive increasingly sophisticated brakes, shifting systems, and suspension components. (Model year 2026 specifications – the specific data sheet is always the authoritative source.)

ONE vs. Pro: Both utilize an SR Suntour NX1-32 LO Air suspension fork with 100 mm of travel. The ONE features a Shimano Cues 10-speed drivetrain and hydraulic MT200 brakes, while the Pro is equipped with a Shimano XT rear derailleur/Deore cassette (12 speeds), more powerful MT420 four-piston brakes, a Kiox 500 display, and a suspension seatpost. Weight: approx. 27.5 kg (ONE) vs. 28.1 kg (Pro). The ONE is sufficient for bike paths and functional equipment; for long distances, inclines, or carrying luggage, the Pro is worth the upgrade.

EXC is the trim level between Pro and SLX: mechanical Shimano XT 12-speed shifting, Fox 34 AWL fork, MT420 four-piston brakes with ABS, and a dropper seatpost. SLX additionally features electronic Shimano XT Di2 shifting, while SLT adds Magura brakes with ABS and a Bosch ConnectModule for GPS tracking.

The aluminium and ONE11 models use the Bosch Performance Line CX, while the lightweight C:62 carbon models use the Performance Line SX. With the Performance Upgrade 2.0 introduced in 2026, the torque of suitable CX drive units can be set up to 120 Nm via the eBike Flow app; Cube delivers 100 Nm as standard, and the full 120 Nm must be unlocked via a software update – however, higher power increases wear and energy consumption.

The Bosch Smart System connects the motor, battery, display, and eBike Flow app: system updates, customizable riding modes, smartphone navigation, eBike Lock (disables assistance when no digital key is detected), as well as eBike Alarm and location features for models equipped with a ConnectModule (partly via a paid Flow+ subscription).

In addition to battery capacity, range depends heavily on the support level, rider weight, luggage, elevation gain, temperature, wind, and tire pressure. The 800 Wh battery offers more reserves for climbs, headwinds, and cold weather, but increases the weight: aluminum models with 800 Wh weigh approx. 27–28 kg, while C:62 versions with 400 Wh weigh only 16.4–18.3 kg, depending on the configuration. Rule of thumb: trips of under 60 km/day and frequent carrying favor the lighter C:62 variant, while tours of over 100 km or heavy luggage favor the 800 Wh version.

The Kathmandu Hybrid is available as a diamond, trapezoid, or easy-entry frame. Diamond frames offer high rigidity for sporty riding and heavy loads; trapezoid frames make getting on easier with a lower top tube (Pro 2026: 46–58 cm); easy-entry frames omit the high top tube entirely and are suitable for city traffic with a loaded rack (ONE 2026: 46–62 cm).

Determine your size: Measure your inseam while barefoot, multiply by 0.66, and compare with the available Cube frame sizes (an 81 cm inseam results in approximately 53.5 cm) – test ride both sizes if you are between measurements. The Integrated Carrier 3.0 firmly integrates the luggage rack into the frame and reduces lateral movement under load; maximum payload is 25 kg, with up to 8 kg on a compatible upper mounting surface.

The maximum permissible weight includes the bicycle, rider, clothing, and luggage. Cube limits the rider weight for ONE/Pro models to 110 kg, and for EXC/SLX/SLT models to 125 kg; the maximum permissible weight ranges between 135 kg (C:62) and 160 kg (EXC/SLX/SLT), depending on the variant.

During the test ride, pay attention to: secure ground contact when stopping, an incline in several assistance levels, controlled braking without locking the wheels, a realistically loaded luggage carrier, the comparison of the display/gearing/seat post between ONE and Pro, and lifting the bike in case it needs to be carried regularly.

Brief conclusion: Commuters with flat routes will get along well with the ONE; the Pro is worth it for frequent use due to more gears and stronger brakes; EXC/SLT offer ABS and more technical reserves; C:62 scores with low weight, ONE11 with suspension comfort (albeit with higher maintenance requirements).

For the Kathmandu Hybrid 45, at least a class AM driver's license is required (included in higher classes such as B); a simple moped proficiency certificate is not sufficient. Minimum age for class AM in Germany: 15 years; different rules may apply abroad.

Further requirements before the first ride:

• Valid operating license or EU type approval with vehicle documents
• Motor vehicle liability insurance, proven by the mounted insurance license plate (insurance year: March 1st to the last day of February of the following year)
• Requirement to wear a suitable protective helmet
• Components required for the type approval (rear-view mirror, horn, lighting, license plate holder) must be retained; approval-relevant components must not be arbitrarily replaced with bicycle parts

The CoC documents certify the approved vehicle data and are required to take out insurance – please keep them in a safe place.

Children & Trailers: The Kathmandu Hybrid 45 is a single-seat vehicle. Neither a child bicycle seat nor a child trailer are permitted; the regulations for bicycle child trailers do not apply here. Cargo trailers also require a suitable operating permit for the towing device, trailer, and load – check the CoC documents and manufacturer approval before installation.

With the Kathmandu Hybrid 45, you are generally not permitted to ride on cycle paths – neither within nor outside built-up areas, regardless of whether bicycle use is mandatory. As a moped, the vehicle must generally use the road; use is only permitted if the traffic area is explicitly approved for the appropriate motor vehicle class.

Within built-up areas: Use the road instead of cycle lanes, advisory cycle lanes, or pedestrian/cycle paths; bicycle streets are only allowed if there is an additional sign for motor vehicles. Motor vehicle regulations apply (speed limits, traffic lights for general traffic, motor vehicle alcohol limits).

Outside built-up areas: There is no general permission for cycle paths here either – the moped regulation ("mopeds allowed") does not automatically apply to S-pedelecs. Individual federal states/municipalities can approve areas through clear signage; without this, the vehicle must remain on the road.

Engine off: Turning off the motor does not make the S-pedelec a bicycle – license plate and helmet requirements as well as road use regulations still apply. For bike paths where they are not permitted, the only option is to push it (at which point you are considered a pedestrian), which is impractical for longer distances given the vehicle weight of around 28 kg.

Bus & train: Transport is not regulated uniformly and depends on the terms and conditions of the respective transport company – some treat S-pedelecs like bicycles, others exclude them. Check the conditions of your specific route before purchasing, especially for long-distance travel and on buses.

The Bosch PowerTube 750 (750 Wh, integrated into the down tube) works with the Performance Line Speed motor, LED Remote, and Kiox 300 display within the Bosch Smart System. A fixed range specification is not very meaningful: body weight, luggage, tire pressure, temperature, elevation gain, and wind affect consumption—most significantly speed, as air resistance increases quadratically. Maintaining a constant 40 km/h consumes significantly more energy per kilometer than 25 km/h.

For 20 km each way (40 km/day), the battery is sufficient under normal conditions even at high speeds, with a reserve for detours and battery aging. At 30 km each way, charging at the workplace may be advisable, especially in winter (lithium-ion batteries provide less usable energy in the cold). At a real average speed of 40 km/h, approximately 50–70 km is realistic under favorable conditions; with headwinds, cold, a heavy load, or inclines, it is more likely 35–55 km. For commute planning, the lower figure is recommended.

Improve range: keep tire pressure within the manufacturer's recommended range, adjust the assist level to the route, accelerate smoothly rather than abruptly, shift gears early, plan for extra reserve in cold weather, and keep a charger at your workplace if necessary.

At around 40 km/h, the demands on brakes, tires, and lighting increase. Equipment includes: hydraulic Magura MT5e braking system with 203 mm discs at the front/rear and brake light; SR Suntour air suspension fork (100 mm); Supernova M99 Mini Pro lighting system (up to 250 lux) with rear light powered by the main battery; Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus tires (55 mm) with puncture protection; Supernova horn as required equipment; rearview mirror (must not be removed/replaced with non-approved models); integrated IC-3.0 luggage carrier.

Braking system: At double the speed, the kinetic energy that the brakes must convert into heat quadruples – hence the use of large discs and four-piston brakes. Regularly check brake pads/discs; discs can be very hot after downhill stretches.

Luggage & system weight: Permissible system weight up to 140 kg (vehicle, rider, clothing, luggage). With a vehicle weight of approx. 28 kg, this leaves around 112 kg for the rider and payload – a 95 kg rider can therefore still carry approx. 17 kg of luggage. The permissible luggage rack load applies in addition; distribute heavy items low and evenly in side panniers.