CUBE Bikes Two15 HPC SLT XL 2022
Reviews / DH Bikes
402,599
At a Glance
The Two15 is Danny Hart’s machine of choice and CUBE’s top downhill bike. Carbon frame, kitted with 29’’ wheels and just the best components money can buy.
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About the brand
CUBE bikes was founded in 1993 by Marcus Purner. The German company designs and assembles their bikes in Bavaria, right next to the Czech border. Although not a true global player, CUBE is immensely popular in Europe, mainly for their entry level and mid range price point bikes. They are known for their good value for money. Currently the privately owned company employs close to 1000 people. In their production facility they can produce up to 4000 bikes per day. Besides the assembly facility there is a warehouse that can stock up to 200.000 bikes and a 1500 square meter showroom, innovation center and test laboratory.
When it comes to sustainability, the German Giant is surprisingly silent. There are no sustainability practices, goals or methods mentioned. Nothing noted on what they can do to shrink their impact on the environment through logistic plans, renewable energy use or environmentally friendly packaging.
The product
CUBE has two different versions of their Two15 frame. One is made of hydroformed aluminium while the other has a front triangle made from their HPC (High Performance Carbon). The alloy versions are only available in a 27.5 wheel size, while the carbon SL and SLT models come with the big 29’’ hoops.
Frame sizes available are Medium Large and XL. There are 4 different price points available, depending on frame material and specifications, and we were lucky enough to swing our leg over the top of the range SLT model.
No penny has been spared with Fox factory suspension, Race Face carbon bars, Magura MT7’s, Race Face Atlas wheelset and the SRAM X01 DH groupset. Even with all this bling the retail price is set at a surprising 5999 Euros.
Geometry wise, this machine rocks a 63.2 / 63.8 variable head angle, and the reach for a size Large is a nice 464mm. For comparison you’ll find a 462mm on the Santa Cruz V10, 466mm on the Specialized Demo, 480mm on the YT Tues and 477mm on the Commencal Supreme DH (all size L). Nice touch is the angle set that comes with the frame, although it only allows you to change the angle with 0.5 degrees.
Chainstay length also determines a lot of the bikes’ handling, and here we find a 445mm on all sizes. For comparison, this is a 440mm on the V10, 448mm on the Demo, 440 on the Tues and 456mm on the Commencal.
The head tube length is rather long with 125mm, which results in a fairly high bar height. Comparing them with the others, you’ll find the CUBE’s head tube 10-20mm longer. This can definitely be a problem for people that like a lower cockpit setup.
Although the colorway is a little timid in it’s black / dark grey matte finish, the level of detail is top notch. Internal cable routing, integrated seat post clamp and proper frame protection on the downtube, chainstays and seatstay will ensure a long life. Nice detail is the bump stop integrated on the frame too.
Our XL test bike put 15,9kg on the scale, without pedals. Sadly there were no suggested settings supplied with the bike so setup was up to us.
Out on the trail
After the initial setup, we took the machine to the DH tracks of Verbier. Anyone that’s ever been there can tell you there is a huge variety of trails available from flat out high speed to rocky rooty technical. First thing we noticed was the high cockpit. We tried lowering it as much as possible, and after a few runs we started getting used to it. This position did turn into the bike's favor when things got steep. The higher position really gave you the confidence to just charge down, without the fear of going over the bars.
The suspension on the Two15 is very progressive, which makes a very plush ride. Downside of this is that you need to run the forks fairly low on pressure to match the rear, and with the suspension set up like this, it is best suited for a more passive riding style. If you are the rider that works the bike a lot, likes to push, pull and tug the bike over the trail, the Two15 will get you tired. However when you take more of a passenger approach, heels down, elbows out and hold on for dear life, this bike will rocket you through the rough stuff.
In terms of which type of trails this bike loves most, it’s definitely the high speed, big swoopy turns with lots of rough stuff to soak up style. Slow and technical riding involves a lot of maneuvering the bike, which felt a little like wrestling at times.
Spec wise this bike definitely didn’t disappoint. One thing I would swap though, would be the tires. Or at least switch to an insert system like Cushcore. The Super Gravity casing is saving some weight, but if you’re a rougher rider it might not offer enough puncture protection. The Soft compound is grippy, but once you’ve tried the Super Softs, there’s no going back.
Verdict
With modern trail and enduro bikes, you often hear “You don’t need a DH bike anymore '' these days. The CUBE definitely proves you wrong on that front. After riding these trails on many 140 - 170 travel machines this summer, the Two15 really showed what a DH specific geometry and that extra 50mm of suspension can do.
All in all, if you are after a DH specific machine and you’re the type of rider that likes to plough through the trail with reckless aggression, this machine is for you. The top of the line SLT version does cost quite a bit of money, but the value for money is really spot on, and you can always opt for the more affordable HPC SL that retails at 3899 Euros.
This review was in Issue 68 of IMB.
For more information visit CUBE BikesRelated
By Jarno Hoogland
Jarno's life has revolved around two wheels ever since he swung a leg over his first BMX at age 4. After a BMX and DH racing career, he moved on to work for bike shops, distributors and brands before ending up in the editors seat at IMB. Based in the ultimate testing ground in the Swiss mountains, he runs his guiding operation and makes sure every IMB issue is filled with top notch content.
