And, though you’d expect this to be a less of an issue as the speed picks up and the ground levels off, it’s the same weight distribution and reach issues that limit what you can do on fast, flowing trails. The rearward weight bias and short, high front end make steep climbs a challenge, allowing the front wheel to unweight and wander earlier than we’d like. But that’s not how we test bikes, because we expect even a beginner machine to be able to allow a new rider’s skills to develop – and it’s here that the Cube comes a little unstuck. Used in this way on undemanding trails, the Aim SL works fine. It’s easy to look around at the view, there’s not a lot of weight over the front end so arms and shoulders have less work to do, and it just feels “normal”. That means a short rider cockpit and tall front end, putting the handlebar in a position that less experienced riders will take to very quickly. Ride and handling: beginner-friendly geometry, but won’t help build a newbie’s skillsĭespite the high-end inspiration for the frame design, the Aim SL’s geometry is all about pandering to a beginner’s expectations. The Shimano brakes and well-finished own-brand kit look good and work well though, and the Schwalbe treads offer decent grip for the money. We expect cheap forks to show some sample variation, but had we paid for this bike, we’d have taken it straight back to the shop for a replacement.Įntry-level forks can vary from sample to sample – our cube’s fork was noticeably loose and rattly: entry-level forks can vary from sample to sample – our cube’s fork was noticeably loose and rattly Steve BehrĮntry-level forks can vary from sample to sample – our Cube’s fork was noticeably loose and rattly Our test bike’s fork also had noticeably loose bushes, to the extent that it rattled and clunked its way down the trail. The remote lockout will earn Cube some spec sheet bragging rights and we used it a couple of times just because it was there, but the lever’s position on top of the handlebar makes it horribly vulnerable to knocks. That’s a neat touch – and one we’ve never come across before.īacking up the impression of a trail all-rounder rather than a big hit bruiser is the 100mm (3.9in) travel Suntour XCM fork up front. Full-length cable housings bode well for reliable gear shifts whatever the British weather throws at you and rack mounts add to the Aim SL’s versatility, with the lower driveside mount even doubling up as a rear mech cable guide anchor point to prevent the housing from flapping about. The ‘so slim they’re almost anorexic’ seatstays are a breath of fresh air in a part of the market that’s often dominated by oversize everything, while the remainder of the Aim SL frame looks equally out of place on an entry-level machine.ĭetails such as the inboard rear brake calliper, cleverly arranged internal cable routing and bridgeless chainstays are all borrowed from further up the Cube range. Frame and equipment: a good chassis, with some neat touches, but some limiting spec detailsĪt first glance the Cube’s chassis looks as though it belongs to a more expensive bike.
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