My new bike: 2020 Cube Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 625

[Daan from Haarlem]

Hi. I'm in the UK and have just recently bought this bike (black and white). Really enjoying using it for the few weeks I've had it. Just a quick question - does anyone know if the front and rear wheels use quick release skewers or thru-axles. I'm not sure how to tell the difference as apparently both can have quick release levers. I want to know so I can replace them with Hexlox secure bolts to prevent any thefts whilst parked up in London.

Thanks

Rob

Hi Rob!

I'm not familiar with determing which system is used with our Kathmandu's but my mechanic took the entire rear wheel of within 1' so I'm as interested as you are...
Using a lot of locks kept the bike safe so far!

Best Daan

 

[Vikingblod]

By the looks of it (pics) it’s the same as mine. I replaced the quick release skewers with pin locks, it was quick and easy. I bought the set so also replaced the seat post quick release as well.

if in doubt simply remove one.

 

[E-Wheels]

Hi. I'm in the UK and have just recently bought this bike (black and white). Really enjoying using it for the few weeks I've had it. Just a quick question - does anyone know if the front and rear wheels use quick release skewers or thru-axles. I'm not sure how to tell the difference as apparently both can have quick release levers. I want to know so I can replace them with Hexlox secure bolts to prevent any thefts whilst parked up in London.

Thanks

Rob

They are quick release

 

[robertdc]

They are quick release

Thanks for confirming that. Much appreciated.

Rob

 

[robertdc]

By the looks of it (pics) it’s the same as mine. I replaced the quick release skewers with pin locks, it was quick and easy. I bought the set so also replaced the seat post quick release as well.

if in doubt simply remove one.

Thank you. I've ordered the Pinhead skewers now. Meanwhile just making do with a cable through the wheels.

 

[robertdc]

Hi Rob!

I'm not familiar with determing which system is used with our Kathmandu's but my mechanic took the entire rear wheel of within 1' so I'm as interested as you are...
Using a lot of locks kept the bike safe so far!

Best Daan

Hi Daan

Sounds like they're quick releases after all. Know what you mean about the locks. I had to park it up in central London yesterday and ended up using two D-locks, one chain lock and a cable to try and secure everything. The weight of all those locks is horrible though. That's why I want to use the security bolts wherever I can, just so I can carry less and spend less time securing it every time I stop off somewhere.

Rob

 

[Vikingblod]

I got the ABUS Granit XPLUS based on the reviews and testing. It's pricey but so was the bike. Only challenge was finding a spot to mount it. The seat down tube was to big for the mount provided. So ended up putting it on the rear rack. So far so good. Having the Pinlocks and this lock makes me feel comfortable when leaving it parked.

 

[Explorer-1]

.... Only challenge was finding a spot to mount it. The seat down tube was to big for the mount provided. So ended up putting it on the rear rack. So far so good. ....

Nice option. I can't remember if mine came with mounting options or I opted for without as my bike didn't have a mounting place. My rear rack does not have such thick supports, but I might go looking to see if one or both of mine came with mounts. I have those U locks in both sizes, they are good locks, and I have a couple of their flat Bordo style which use different mounting. So far I've not used them much as my bikes are not for commuting (covid-19 may change that) so I've not had to leave it when the risk is too high. Usually it's off in some trail while I'm hiking, and people would probably just steal my lights and junk in my pannier rather than the bike out there. The U locks don't work very well on my fat tire bike. Yes, the weight of a good lock (or 2), or chain and lock, is an issue even with an e-bike.

 

[Daan from Haarlem]

Daan,

Is the top speed of the speedchip only 35km/h? Here in Canada assistance stops at 32km/h, which is pretty quick when on busy bike paths as your passing most other riders. The bike is so stable and smooth so there are times you want to go faster, so I find myself pedaling the bike around 34 to 36km/h, but that’s hard to keep up for very long.

It‘s a great bike, we have had a late spring in Toronto, but that has not stopped me getting out, I ride it whenever I can.

Neil

Enjoy Neil! Just passed my first 1000 KM! I love this bike!

 

[Admin]

Great post @PugetSoundguy! This is an awesome bike... I just finished reviewing it today after Cap's Bicycle Shop told me it was one of their best sellers. Pretty neat to see the extra large PowerTube 625 battery pack. The more I ride the 4th Generation Bosch Performance Line CX, the more I like it... and I haven't even tried the software update for 85 newton meters of torque yet! Anyway, here's the writeup https://electricbikereview.com/cube/kathmandu-hybrid-pro-625/ and I'll stick the video below too

 

[Explorer-1]

Not bad review, but 625Wh is not high capacity any more, it's basically standard, just that Bosch has always had low capacity batteries. A proprietary charger plug is not "nice", it's very bad and should be called out as such. It means many people are forced into over priced chargers from the manufacturer and the resellers can further mark them up because of limited to no competition for their customers. I've never heard someone call a prioprietary connector a good feature. Seems like objectivity has been decreasing to appease manufacturers, maybe related to this whole fee based approach which seems to have failed under pressure from the manufacturers.

 

[FoxAdriano]

Hey friends, I'm about to order the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 500. I'm not an expert. In fact it will be my first E-bike. Can someone tell me if the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 500 is relaxing and comfortable as a city bike driving on a paved roads for long distances?

 

[Vikingblod]

Any bike can be as relaxing as you like. I am usually having to much fun to relax. Regarding comfort, I find it very comfortable for long rides which is related to the balloon tires, front suspension, seat post and gel seat. I seldom wear biking shorts on this bike like I always do on my road bike.

I have been very happy with mine and no regrets.

 

[FoxAdriano]

Nice reply, I thank you. But is the saddle soft and fluffy enough or is it hard enough? My ass is not that of 30 years old. I am 66 years old and I'm afraid I will have to replace it and spend more money.

 

[Vikingblod]

The seat is definitely not fluffy, I find it sturdy, firm but forgiving (no hard spots). I am 60 and it works well for me.

 

[Explorer-1]

Nice reply, I thank you. But is the saddle soft and fluffy enough or is it hard enough? My ass is not that of 30 years old. I am 66 years old and I'm afraid I will have to replace it and spend more money.

Saddles are very personal, what works for one may not work for another and it is not just about age. You have to try it, and if it does not work, get another. If you adjust the bike so you have a very upright position vs more crouched position, this also changes the saddle that one usually wants for a couple of reasons. You may have to get a different saddle, and you probably want a good suspension seat post. After that you should be more than fine.

 

[Marrduk24]

Hi
I have been looking at Cube Kathmandu bikes too and comparing them to Gazelle and Bulls.

To OP and others interested in Class 3 speed, in EU that’s known as S-pedelec class. Cube Kathmandu has only one model that can go to 45 Kph (ie 28 mph). It’s Cube Kathmandu 45. That’s the only model that has Boss Performance Speed Motor. All other models have performance line CX motor, which doesn’t to upto 28 mph.
BTW I am in NYC and I can’t find Kathmandu 45 anywhere in the US. So my only options are to import it from EU or buy Bulls Twenty8 E45 or Gazelle Medeo T10+ locally.
I do find Cube is more expensive in North America than EU.

 

[bob armani]

Here's a picture...
View attachment 47443

Nice lines and curves on that bike. Looks like it was well worth the trip. Alaskan always gives great credible advice and guidance on this forum. Glad he was able to help! Enjoy your new bike and ride safe!

 

[skritikos]

I bought the same bike in the 63" frame as I am 6' 3", 2 weeks ago as well. Had it shipped from Bow Cycle in Calgary to Toronto it arrived 5 days later. I assembled it myself, pretty easy, but did have a problem with the lower headset bearing that got damaged during shipment. Bow Cycle is working to get a replacement but it's just a metal cage with bearings so short-term I picked up loose bearings and packed them manually. In the end it's likely better this way as there are more bearings.

Can you please share some more photos of your XL (62cm) frame?
I'm 6'6" and looking into buying a Cube Toruring or Kathmandu ebike. It's so hard to find photos of their XL sizes though.
Thank you!

 

[FoxAdriano]

Hello friends, something strange happened to me and I ask again for advice in this Forum. I used the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 625 for 10 days, then returned it to the shopkeeper who gave me my money back.
It had various flaws:
1) Broken charger cable connection plug
2) Rubber cap covering the pin is broken
3) During a ride, when you stop the pedals and then resume pedaling, the pedaling has a delay and does not pedal instantly (half pedaling empty). Maybe it's the freewheel problem?
So now I'm back to square one and I don't know what to do again.
I liked the Cube even if not very much, it felt a bit heavy even during the journey.
Now the Cube came out even in a newer color, lunar´n´grey:
https://www.cube.eu/it/2021/e-bikes...-kathmandu-hybrid-pro-625-lunarngrey-trapeze/

But I also like the Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 2 Remixte a lot and even its the color:

Tesoro X 2 Remixte

Questa e-bike da strada e da fuori strada è completamente equipaggiata per il trekking. Fuggi dalla vita frenetica e rifugiati nella natura.

www.cannondale.com

But I can't try the Tesoro Neo X 2, I have only make the order.
So I'm back to square one.
Which one do you recommend between the two e-bikes?
My eye is not as trained as yours and I ask: which of the two do you like more?
Thank you

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