MTB

On Test: Cube Sting WLS 140

We took out the new women's MTB from Cube Bikes

Cube bikes have really impressed us this year with their new range of women’s specific bikes.

German manufacturer, Cube, started producing bikes in 1993 and are most commonly known for their off-road rides. Supporting a number of men’s, women’s and junior riding teams, Cube has grown into a reputable global brand name.

Cube has been producing women’s specific bikes for a number of years, but it was only recently they dedicated an entire division to their design and development: Woman Like Series (WLS). For 2016, the WLS range covers a variety of disciplines: leisure, touring, sport and trail with their Sting model being their entry into the MTB market.

On their team of WLS designers and testers, is Lisa Breckner. Lisa is a mountain biker and skier at heart, with a wealth of racing expertise under her belt. She’s joined the Cube family to help promote and create women’s specific bikes which are comfortable and fun to ride for everyone.

One of the new 2016 WLS models to hit the bike stores is the new Sting WLS 140 which we’ve been testing here at TWC.

First Impressions

There’s little else that came to my mind when I unboxed the Sting, other than “wow”. The brilliant coral frame, matching decals and all the trimmings are certainly a sight to admire.

It’s apparent from the care and attention to detail, the women’s specific saddle and high spec components that Cube have pulled out all the stops with the Sting WLS 140.

The matte finish coral frame is constructed from ultralight aluminium and comes equipped with the esteemed Fox Float 34 forks, boasting a comfortable 140mm of travel. Fitted with a Fox Float rear shock, the sting is kitted out with a quality suspension system to tackle any trail obstacles.

The Cube WLS Sting 140 has a full Shimano XT group-set with a 2×11 drive-train. The cockpit houses 750mm carbon rise bars with XT shifters and levers, with a cable remote dropper post.

Understand your MTB gears

Rounded up on a solid DT Swiss tubeless ready wheelset, with Schwalbe’s Nobby Nic Kevlar 650b, this bike has everything you could need for a stable, comfortable and trail ripping stead.

The Test

The Cube Sting WLS 140 has been ripped down the trails at the Forest of Dean, handled the jump track at Afan Forest, and has been leisurely ridden around Pembrey country park. Safe to say, it’s been well and truly pushed and put through its paces.

One of the first things I noticed – or was relieved by – was they comfortable women’s specific saddle. The SDG Allure has a pressure relief channel, whilst support and padding kept me comfortable after hours on the bike.

The geometry of the Sting has been designed with women in mind which generally means keeping the body in a more upright position. The 67.5 degree head tube angle allows you to adopt a comfortable body position on the bike which aids with climbing, and doesn’t compromise on the downhill action either.

With a 2×11 drive-train, the variety of gears available to you ensure any incline is possible, and your only limitation is your fitness level. Transitions through the gears are made effortless with Shimano’s high end spec, and comfortable shifters.

The Shimano XT brakes are smooth and responsive, giving me full control over the bike at all times. Especially effective when tackling those tight technical sections, and when a little speed control is needed.

Overall

The Cube Sting WLS 140 is wonderfully playful. The vibrancy of the coral colour goes beyond the frame and straight into the ride.

It’s comfortable on all trail terrains with its smooth rolling tyres and suspension system, enables the Sting to glide over those roots and rocky features. The 17″ chain stay keeps the rear end in check, making it fun and easy to navigate through the hairpins.

Cube’s dedication to women’s riding is reinforced with their new WLS range of bikes. If the rest of the range is anything like the Sting, then I would say that it’s a very exciting time for Cube bikes, and their future in women’s riding is a promising one.

Sizes

The Cube Sting WLS 140 is available in three sizes. I’m 5’7″ and I was very comfortable on a 16″ frame

Small: 13.5″ / Medium: 16″ / Large: 18″

Spec

Ultralight aluminium frame
Fox 34 Float 140mm
Fox Float Rear Shock

Shimano XT rear derailleur 11-Speed
Shimano XT Hydr. Disc Brake
Shimano XT crankset 34/24
Shimano XT cassette 11/40
DT Swiss wheelset
Schwalbe Nobby Nic Kevlar
CUBE 100mm Adjustable Seatpost, Handlebar Lever, Internal Cable Routing
weight 13.05 kg

Price: £2,299

For more information, check out the Cube website here

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On Test: Cube Sting WLS 140

We took out the new women's MTB from Cube Bikes

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