The Ultimate Cube Stereo Hybrid Upgrade (ONE44): From Stock Model to "The Beast"
A Cube Stereo Hybrid upgrade is a must if you want top-level performance from your electric bike. The factory setup of this e-bike is great for recreational riders, but for me it's always just a blank canvas waiting for surgically precise improvements. Here's how we turned this model into an unstoppable machine on the trail.
What does this Cube Stereo Hybrid upgrade include?
- Software: Connecting to the Bosch Diagnostic Tool 3 and unlocking the motor's full potential through the Flow app.
- Brakes: Replacing the factory brakes with a four-piston Shimano XT system for maximum stopping power.
- Suspension: Fitting a massive Fox 36 K Float Factory E-Optimized fork and a Fox Float X Factory shock.
- Wheels: Two DT Swiss sets for different conditions – a heavy Enduro set and a faster Trail tire set.
Project Kickoff – Love at First Ride
It all started at the M Bike shop in Sarajevo. The moment I picked up my new CUBE Stereo Hybrid ONE44 HPC Race 800, I knew this platform offered huge potential for my needs.
Right after leaving the shop, I installed the official Bosch Flow app and paired it with my phone. I wanted full telemetry and control over the data from kilometre zero.
Digital Unlocking and a Reality Check
After a careful transport, the real Cube Stereo Hybrid upgrade began in our MTB Evolution workshop. We connected the bike to the Bosch Diagnostic Tool 3 to update the software to the latest version and unlock the full potential of the Smart System. If you want a professional hand with this kind of job, take a look at our Bosch ebike service.
You can read what this software update brings and how much it changes the ride in our detailed Bosch Performance 2.0 system review. Then came the field test. The first ride in our bike park showed us exactly where we stood – there was plenty of motor power, but the components were screaming for help at my aggressive pace.
Surgical Cuts – Brakes and the Two Faces of Wheels
The factory brakes simply couldn't keep up with my riding and late, aggressive braking. They came off straight away, and the legendary Shimano XT system with four-piston calipers went on in their place. Ultimate stopping power is now guaranteed.
Next we sorted out the contact with the ground, and we did it twice. We built two sets of top-end DT Swiss wheels for completely different riding conditions:
- Enduro set: A combination of massive Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR II tires for brutal grip in corners and on rough rock.
- Trail classic: 2.6-wide Maxxis Rekon tires for faster, rolling trails, long rides and noticeably lower rolling resistance.
Waiting for Fox – Suspension That Changes the Game
As the crown of this project, I ordered the holy grail of e-MTB suspension straight from Germany. Up front goes the mighty Fox 36 K Float Factory E-Optimized 150 Grip X2, and at the rear the uncompromising Fox Racing Shox K Float X Factory. If you're weighing up your own e-bike suspension upgrade, our Fox suspension guide explains the models and differences.
I used the agonising wait for delivery and the wrestling with customs procedures to take care of some important details. I fitted new Crankbrothers Mallet DH pedals and Ergon GE1 Evo Slim grips for a perfect feel in the cockpit.
Then we moved on to security. I installed two GPS trackers. One is easy to find (let thieves "find" it and think they're safe), while the other means taking half the bike apart. I wish them luck if they try to carry it off! For more ideas, see our guide to protecting your bike from theft.
The Birth of the "Cube Evolution Beast"
At last, the new Fox suspension was in my hands. We got straight to work on the installation.
Several hours of precise work followed: installation and surgical tuning of the sag (suspension compression under rider weight) and rebound (return speed). It was crucial that this Cube Stereo Hybrid upgrade matched my weight, riding style and the aggressive frame geometry perfectly. If you want to dial in your own fork, our FOX suspension setup guide walks through it step by step.
The beast is officially born. With raw motor power and unleashed torque, a massive 800 Wh battery and my experience behind the handlebars, this machine no longer cares about gradient or terrain type. It just grinds through everything in front of it. With that, our ultimate Cube Stereo Hybrid upgrade is successfully complete.