We just got a glimpse from across the pond of Cube‘s new bikes for 2013. Upgrading their carbon 29er stable, they’ve revised the Cube Elite Super HPC 29 hardtail, shown above, and are showcasing the new full-suspension AMS 100 HPC Super 29.
Both bikes get Cube’s “Agile Ride Geometry”, which sets the BB height and fork angle the same as on 26ers and modifies the standard front derailleur positioning to provide more tire clearance and allows for very short chainstays. It also keeps the seat tube directly in line with the BB shell. The head angle is kept the same using a custom offset fork.
With this setup, all frame sizes have identical seat angles and less toe overlap. Cube claims “Agile Ride Geometry” gives the bikes the great handling and agility of a 26″ with the speed and rollover of a 29er. More on both after the break…
The hardtail Elite Super gets upgraded with a stiffer, lighter carbon than Cube’s previous Elite Super or Reaction 29 build. It’s also made stiffer with a Syntace X12 rear dropout. Featured is a Shimano XTR groupset, Easton EC90XC wheelset, and internal routing. Note the trick use of a direct-mount rear derailleur!
AMS 100 HPC Super 29
The full suspension AMS 100 HPC Super 29 is built lightweight for XC and Marthon races. With 100 mm travel, it weighs in under 10kg (sub-22lbs, claimed). Groupset is SRAM XX and with an Easton EC90XC wheelset. The frame is virtually all carbon, with alloy bits “reduced to an absolute minimum…with all bearing seats and the linkage plates made of full carbon.”
Note the more traditional derailleur hanger on the full sussed. Seat tube on this one’s kept straight and intersects the downtube just a bit above and in front of the BB.
This is a teaser, we’re guessing the full 2013 release comes at Eurobike if not before.
