Review : CUBE Hooper - Commuting\Fitness Bike

posted by Dave, Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Here is a Review from Simon on CUBE’s fantastic bike called the Hooper .. it’s Hub Geared bike (8 speed) with Disc brakes ..

The CUBE Hooper not just a commuting work horse.

I’ve just bought the CUBE Hooper via the cycle to work scheme from Gill Cycles in Ulverston as a low maintenance bike for commuting. Having ridden it around the south lakes area, and the 10 miles to work (and back) for a week or so, it turns out to be a much more capable machine than just a low maintenance commuting work horse. It’s very strongly made machine and rolls along surprising well considering the bullet proof wheels and tank like construction. Shimano Alfine 8 speed hub gears work very well, with a very useable range on offer. I’ve ridden the bike up some fairly challenging 1:5 slopes, far steeper than your average commute without a problem, the brakes are fantastic going down the hills, particularly in the wet! Handling is more relaxed than my usual road bikes but predictable, no OMG moments in corners under braking.

I’ll be using this bike for a lot more than just slogging to work and back, I’m planning to give it real test with a tour of the lake district over a couple of passes, we’ll see just how useable those gears really are, I’ve no doubt the brakes are more than up to the descending.

Positive comments lots; in the first week the CUBE Hooper has taken over as the bike of choice over my Specialised Tricross Comp, which will now be on the transfer list. Negative comments none that I can think of. Improvements….. Drop handle bar option, and what about a belt drive for a really low maintenance version.

Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, I would.

The CUBE HOOPER costs £999 and is available from Gill Cycles