Cube’s Cargo Hybrid Sport
Cube’s New Stylish Cargo Hybrid Sport is a Versatile Utility Vehicle
When given the opportunity to review Cube’s new Cargo Hybrid Sport e-bike, the inner child in me was ecstatic. By all accounts, I was not alone, as everywhere I went this stylish e-cargo bike turned heads like I was driving a red Ferrari.
Cube’s Cargo Hybrid Sport is geared towards everyday applications, whether taking children to school, grocery shopping, beer runs, or garden centre visits. It can handle loads of almost any kind, making it one versatile utility vehicle for work or play.
Needless to say, it’s no wonder that e-cargo bikes are gaining in popularity worldwide, as they are a very smart urban mobility solution with virtually no parking hassles, no CO2 emissions, no hefty car insurance premiums, along with minimal upkeep costs.
Powering the Cargo Hybrid Sport is a Bosch Cargo
Line Gen 4 motor, their latest model, with a max output of 85Nm of torque and a continuous rated power of 250 watts. An integrated 500-watt, 36-volt lithium-ion battery will keep you going for most day-to-day applications, but Cube also features a built-in option for an additional battery for even more impressive load-carrying options.
Cube’s low payload design allows a lower centre of gravity, which means additional weight does not adversely affect handling. With 60kg of payload capacity in the box section along with another 20kg on the optional rear rack, you’ll be able to tackle almost any move you have in mind.
A sturdy aluminum beamshaped frame supplies adequate strength to support the complete bike that weighs in at 45kg with the battery. The box is made of a strong EPP foam plastic composite with a harder metal ring surrounding it. That translates to lightweight build and strength to safeguard precious cargo, along with comfort where needed for children. Accessories are also available to accommodate up to two kids, including seats, belts and arm rests.
Cube also offers a clear plastic tonneau cover that can be open or closed depending on how wet the day is. This unit is hinged so that children can enter and exit the box easily. The seatbelts, foam bench and backrest were very easy to install.
During our test with two kids, there was a great deal of enthusiasm to keep the e-cargo bike in Turbo mode. One rated the ride as a 9 out of 10, and the other 11 out of 10. Converting the box back for regular package loads was as simple as removing the bench.
For another field test, I loaded up the Cargo Hybrid Sport with 35kg of tools and completed a daily commute of 15km, out and back, on mostly flat backstreets for two weeks. The motor performed flawlessly with a very satisfying hum.
There are four levels of assist: Eco, Tour, Sport and Turbo. The assist level can easily be toggled by hand while on the move. As expected, the lighter the gear and the flatter the terrain, the more prolonged the pedal assist.
The Bosch Cargo Line Gen 4 motor offers support up to 32kph, which was more than adequate. The computer display provides real-time calculations of range which will depend on the terrain, the weight being carried, and the mode level. The battery took 3.5 hours to fully charge, which was faster than Cube suggests in their manual.
Starting from a full stop, especially when loaded, I found it easiest to sweep down through the gears and select a
higher assist level. Turbo mode was best for starts or when faced with a stoplight on a hill, while Eco mode was the most fuel-efficient and adequate for most excursions.
Part of the testing included a steep local hill that I climbed several times with a 35kg load in each mode, including no assist. While it was barely rideable with no assist, Eco mode supplied plenty of torque to do the task. The other settings were even better.
Cube has also included a walk-assist mode in cases where pushing the weighted e-cargo bike may be a challenge.
The Cargo Hybrid Sport is set up with a Shimano Deore single chainring 38-42 drivetrain operated by thumb shifters. This gearing was more than capable, even carrying a 55kg load when the assist was off.
The Magura 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes on enormous 203mm rotors were more than enough stopping power for full loads. Another nice feature is the stock SR Suntour Mobie Cargo 80mm front suspension fork, which smoothed out the ride for the precious cargo and my tools as well which tended to bounce around when testing the fork in the “off” position.
The Cargo Hybrid Sport comes with front and rear lights along with fenders to keep you from getting that telltale black stripe up your back from wet roads. Another nice touch is the one-size-fits-all design with an adjustable quick-release seatpost and a By.Shultz Speedlifter Classic stem to adjust the handlebars. The frame is also split at the seat stay should one wish to install a belt drive.
I would consider swapping out the flat pedals as rubber pedals and water can make for a slippery combination. Also, a seatpost with markings is preferred so that it can be easily set up for different-sized riders.
Cube has put a lot of thoughtful engineering and experience into the design of their new Cargo Hybrid Sport e-cargo bike. It’s clearly a versatile utility vehicle and an important workhorse that will be quite apparent from your first ride.
The SRP is $7,199. For more information, please visit...
www.cube-bikes.ca/2021/cargo-hybrid-ebike/