Cube One44 HPC SLX - rear FOX shock scratching frame

[Haste]

Hello,

I bought a brand new 2025 Cube Stereo Hybrid One44 SLX 800 a few weeks ago. After the first test ride on mostly flat and paved roads (no trails or off-road), I wanted to clean it and properly set up the suspension.

I noticed a slight cracking noise coming from the top of the frame every time I put weight on the bike (i.e., when I sit on it). The sound was coming from the top of the rear Fox shock. The shock was pressing against the frame with substantial force. The force was so strong that after just one 30 km ride, it removed paint and started scratching into the layer beneath it—this was the source of the sound.

If I place a piece of paper between the shock and the frame at that specific point, the paper is loose. However, when I sit on the bike, the paper gets squeezed so tightly that it can't be removed without tearing. So yes, there is contact—and it's quite strong.

I brought the bike back to the seller, only to find out that another bike they had there (same XL version, different color) had the same problem! I tried the paper test on that one too, with the same result.

How is this possible? Is this a bad batch of frames? A human error? Or a design flaw affecting all Cube bikes of this model? I can't believe they'd sell bikes where the rear shocks are damaging the frame. Such force on the frame seems dangerous in the long term.


In the attached picture, you can see the damage on the left side. The right side looks exactly the same, with another spot where the paint has been removed.

 

[Boogz83]

Can someone post a photo of the paper test and the part of the shock they are measuring?

 

[irie]

You'd imagine there would be a recall if it was a consistent error with every frame.

It could be bad manufacturing tolerances. But that is perhaps unlikely with a carbon frame as they all use the same template.

Installation error seems likely. Especially if there are two from the same shop!

Do different size carbon frames all use the same template?

No - but all size XL's will have the same template ...

That's cleared that up.

 

[Haste]

I've realized that I have another image of the other side. It shows a bit better how little space there is.

 

[Boogz83]

I've realized that I have another image of the other side. It shows a bit better how little space there is.

View attachment 163484There is def

I've realized that I have another image of the other side. It shows a bit better how little space there is.

View attachment 163484

There is definitely something wrong either with how the shock is installed or missing parts, or your frame is made incorrectly.
I get what you are saying about it being a bad design but this would be happening on every bike if it was down to design alone.
How many miles have you done?

 

[Haste]

How many miles have you done?

It was like this after the first ride, about 35km (22 miles) and as I said, the other XL size in the shop was the same. So not an isolated incident. Also, when seller reported it to CUBE, they told him they couldn't be bother with such minor defect and the only thing they could do for him is send him a new frame. I was completely mindblown by this situation as well.

 

[Cratterbury]

Reading all your posts after having just sold my Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 reassures I made the right decision and won't be getting another Cube. I'm new to this forum but was a member of the Facebook Owner's group and it's just full of issues and negative feedback. I also am aware most reported things tend to be complaints rather than praise, but there are so many cases of neglect and lack of customer service skills from Cube.

Many of the owners on the FB group had issues with motor mounting points cracking and Cube refused to honour it or accept it as a fault. One or two did manage to get a new frame after battling for months but most didn't. Cube even sends out conflicting and incorrect information on what torque the bolts should be tightened to!

Fortunately I didn't have a major issue, I just had a nasty creak/clicking every time weight or pressure was put on the cranks. I hardly rode it in fear it was the mounting points and it was only 12 months old despite having the noise for months with LBS's unable to identify it.

 

[highpeakrider]

Its hard to tell from the attached image if that's the right shock?
Mine seems to have an indent that clears the frame if it rotates.

 

[M066Y]

There seems to be plenty of space around the rear shock on my XL frame.

I’ve had issues with the chain guard coming loose, it looks like there’s nothing holding it at the back of the frame, with just a threaded insert glued in to the frame, not much good if a trouser leg catches it. Cube have agreed to replace the entire frame under warranty because of that.

I’ve also had problems with the crank arms working loose, which I’ve now seen are part of a safety recall that was announced today (23/07/25).

 

[M066Y]

There seems to be plenty of space around the rear shock on my XL frame.

I’ve had issues with the chain guard coming loose, it looks like there’s nothing holding it at the back of the frame, with just a threaded insert glued in to the frame, not much good if a trouser leg catches it. Cube have agreed to replace the entire frame under warranty because of that.

I’ve also had problems with the crank arms working loose, which I’ve now seen are part of a safety recall that was announced today (23/07/25).

 

[Haste]

There seems to be plenty of space around the rear shock on my XL frame.

I’ve had issues with the chain guard coming loose, it looks like there’s nothing holding it at the back of the frame, with just a threaded insert glued in to the frame, not much good if a trouser leg catches it. Cube have agreed to replace the entire frame under warranty because of that.

I’ve also had problems with the crank arms working loose, which I’ve now seen are part of a safety recall that was announced today (23/07/25).

That's very interesting, because the shape of your rear shock seems to be completely different. I don't even see the lockout lever?!? When did you buy it? Is this an aftermarket modification or did your bike come with it like this?

 

[M066Y]

That's very interesting, because the shape of your rear shock seems to be completely different. I don't even see the lockout lever?!? When did you buy it? Is this an aftermarket modification or did your bike come with it like this?

There is no lockout on mine. I purchased it Christmas 2024

 

[24Lemons]

Just signed up as my Cube One44 HPC SLX has the same problem. It went back to the shop after only a couple of weeks because of the creaking sound. They said they regressed the rear shock mount and it was fine for a while but the noise has returned over the last couple of rides.

I’ve owned it since January but the amount I’ve used it is very limited for various reasons.

I got the bike on the work stand and saw the issue pictured in this thread. A quick google brought me here.

I’m a bit concerned that being a carbon frame, it is more vulnerable to crushing force than a metal one, I’m worried that this might cause a crack to develop over time which will only be apparent when it fails.

Has anyone had any satisfactory resolution to this? It’s financed so I can always pursue it through the finance company if necessary.

 

[24Lemons]

A question. Sorry if it’s a stupid one but can the rear shock be mounted the other way round? I wonder if the thinner end would fit better into the crossbar bracket if that makes sense

 

[Old Codger]

A question. Sorry if it’s a stupid one but can the rear shock be mounted the other way round? I wonder if the thinner end would fit better into the crossbar bracket if that makes sense

View attachment 165111

The fixing points on each end are different.
Re your creaking problem: I had a loud creaking/ ticking problem (same bike as yours) when any force was put on the pedals. I returned to lbs because the bike had only done 400mls. They found two problems but unfortunately sorted them both at once so I can’t definitely say which was the problem.
There was slight play in one of the pedals so they were replaced with some better ones.
The bottom (piston end) of the rear shock is attached to the rear suspension by a “U” shaped piece. This is fastened to the shock by one bolt and to the frame by two bolts. The one bolt to the shock was loose.
I’ve since done another 500mls in complete silence.
If the bike wasn’t so new I would have worked through seat post/ cranks/ suspension pivots and then banged my head on a wall.

 

[24Lemons]

The fixing points on each end are different.
Re your creaking problem: I had a loud creaking/ ticking problem (same bike as yours) when any force was put on the pedals. I returned to lbs because the bike had only done 400mls. They found two problems but unfortunately sorted them both at once so I can’t definitely say which was the problem.
There was slight play in one of the pedals so they were replaced with some better ones.
The bottom (piston end) of the rear shock is attached to the rear suspension by a “U” shaped piece. This is fastened to the shock by one bolt and to the frame by two bolts. The one bolt to the shock was loose.
I’ve since done another 500mls in complete silence.
If the bike wasn’t so new I would have worked through seat post/ cranks/ suspension pivots and then banged my head on a wall.

Thank you for that. While my dealer managed to temporarily fix the creak coming from the seat post end of the rear shock, as you describe. I’m now concerned about the issue of the top end of the shock damaging the frame described on this thread. I have identical damage to the OP. That surely can’t be ok and wondering where I stand as the bike is just over 6 months old.

 

[Haste]

Thank you for that. While my dealer managed to temporarily fix the creak coming from the seat post end of the rear shock, as you describe. I’m now concerned about the issue of the top end of the shock damaging the frame described on this thread. I have identical damage to the OP. That surely can’t be ok and wondering where I stand as the bike is just over 6 months old.

The sound I heard from the shock scratching the frame was pretty much inaudible in a normal (outdoor) environment. I only noticed it at night in a completely silent indoor garage, and even then, I had to put my ear to the frame while putting weight on the bike to locate it.

The main reason why I returned the bike was my concern about the frame's longevity. In my case, the shock made contact with the frame even without fully sitting on the bike, about 30 kg of weight was enough to cause the contact. Considering my intended use, which is harsh terrain and trails with mild jumping, this kind of force on unprotected carbon would eventually compromise the frame. No one can really say how long it would take, but I didn’t feel like taking the risk. I'm not buying my bikes for a year or two...

The decision is completely up to you, but I believe that brand of this size should not be selling bikes with potentially catastrophic defects. They should have issued a recall and replace the shock with a different type that doesn’t cause this issue - like the inverted mount you suggested.

 

[24Lemons]

The sound I heard from the shock scratching the frame was pretty much inaudible in a normal (outdoor) environment. I only noticed it at night in a completely silent indoor garage, and even then, I had to put my ear to the frame while putting weight on the bike to locate it.

The main reason why I returned the bike was my concern about the frame's longevity. In my case, the shock made contact with the frame even without fully sitting on the bike, about 30 kg of weight was enough to cause the contact. Considering my intended use, which is harsh terrain and trails with mild jumping, this kind of force on unprotected carbon would eventually compromise the frame. No one can really say how long it would take, but I didn’t feel like taking the risk. I'm not buying my bikes for a year or two...

The decision is completely up to you, but I believe that brand of this size should not be selling bikes with potentially catastrophic defects. They should have issued a recall and replace the shock with a different type that doesn’t cause this issue - like the inverted mount you suggested.

Thant my worry too. I want some form of guarantee that the frame remains safe to use given the damage that has already been caused.

 

[Purple parznip]

His first reaction was that I should definitely bring the bike back. Then he said that Cube is downplaying the issue, claiming it's not a big problem, and gave me two options: either they would sand and repaint that part of frame, or I’d have to wait three weeks for a new frame. Mind you, this was a completely new bike, only four days old.

After a few back-and-forth discussions, he decided to give me a refund. But he also told me that Cube wouldn’t reimburse him. They were only willing to send him a new frame. The thing is, the new frame could have the same problem, which he admitted himself. I honestly don’t know what to think right now. How can they sell a fairly expensive bike that damages its own frame and then tell customers it’s fine? That kind of force on an unprotected carbon frame is definitely not okay in my book.

Silly question,but is it the correct shock for the bike?
have you researched what should be on it?

 

[24Lemons]

Silly question,but is it the correct shock for the bike?
have you researched what should be on it?

I’m pretty sure it is. All of the official photos show it and it’s the same as the one pictured by the OP

 

[Purple parznip]

I’m pretty sure it is. All of the official photos show it and it’s the same as the one pictured by the OP

Only asked as my stereo hybrid needed a new shock,so i thought i will put a coil on it,after calling tf tuned,a coil would not fit,so i put on a super deluxe ultimate instead.

 

[24Lemons]

I’ve been told it will be up to 10 days before I get a response from Cube regarding the shock issue. I’m not sure I want to ride it in that time as I don’t want to make the damage worse. If they then want to have it in to inspect, I doubt I’ll be riding much before September.

 

[Old Codger]

I’ve been told it will be up to 10 days before I get a response from Cube regarding the shock issue. I’m not sure I want to ride it in that time as I don’t want to make the damage worse. If they then want to have it in to inspect, I doubt I’ll be riding much before September.

I have a 2025 144 SLX and measured the gap between the shock and frame today.
The gap with no weight on the bike is 25thou. With the bike weighted and a little bouncing it just grips an 8thou feeler gauge, sorry I don’t have any metric gauges so you’ll just have to convert.
So that’s 17 thousands of an inch movement in the top bolt.
If I really took a drop on the bike, which I don’t, then I can imagine that there would be contact.
I suspect that amount of movement is probably normal for a shock mounting bolt but the size of the clearance is bad engineering.

 

[Ndanger]

Is there enough metal on the shock to shave off a bit in the area of contact so there is clearance until a solution is found? It sounds like thousands of an inch necessary to clear and have some fun riding while they figure it out.

 

[Old Codger]

Is there enough metal on the shock to shave off a bit in the area of contact so there is clearance until a solution is found? It sounds like thousands of an inch necessary to clear and have some fun riding while they figure it out.

It doesn’t take much figuring out really, Cube would have to rejig moulds for the frame which will be very expensive So they won’t do that until they make a new model.
It’s nothing to do with Fox as they just make shocks to be fitted on different makers frames. It’s up to the bike manufacturer where and how it’s fitted.

 

[24Lemons]

A little help needed please, CUBE are downplaying this, blaming a soft setup/extreme riding conditions or me being too heavy. All I can say is that all settings are as per factory recommendations for weight and I am well within Cube’s stated weight range.

Riding conditions have been very tame and nowhere near the stated capabilities on Cubes website.

They maintain the damage could not occur under normal usage. The bike shop feel it is a manufacturing issue but they aren’t getting anywhere with CUBE

 

[Bndit]

If the original shock which came with the bike contacts frame, it's manufacturing defect, and only right way to solve it is new frame with right mold/tolerances. Any other suggestions from cube/dealer are ridiculou.s

 

[Ndanger]

A little help needed please, CUBE are downplaying this, blaming a soft setup/extreme riding conditions or me being too heavy. All I can say is that all settings are as per factory recommendations for weight and I am well within Cube’s stated weight range.

Riding conditions have been very tame and nowhere near the stated capabilities on Cubes website.

They maintain the damage could not occur under normal usage. The bike shop feel it is a manufacturing issue but they aren’t getting anywhere with CUBE

"extreme riding conditions or me being too heavy" If you are within the bike weight range and not chucking it off of cliffs, how is it that they are able to determine the cause being the riders fault.

The bike suspension is designed for a specific range of motion, my question is, does the shock make contact within the range of motion. If so then the problem is self evident.

Out of curiosity what is the recommended rider weight limit.

Could I also ask what the One 44 is designed for and what its advantages are over the One 77. I am a big fan of the One 77 and consider it possibly the best value I have found and has a very capable suspension especially with the Fox 38 fork but I am not familiar with the One 44, is it a lighter bike.

 

[Haste]

A little help needed please, CUBE are downplaying this, blaming a soft setup/extreme riding conditions or me being too heavy. All I can say is that all settings are as per factory recommendations for weight and I am well within Cube’s stated weight range.

Riding conditions have been very tame and nowhere near the stated capabilities on Cubes website.

They maintain the damage could not occur under normal usage. The bike shop feel it is a manufacturing issue but they aren’t getting anywhere with CUBE

I'm certain CUBE is well aware they made a spectacular blunder - a one that could cost them a small fortune to fix, so naturally, they're downplaying it. A couple of lawsuits going the wrong way might suddenly make it very real for them...

 

[Eliadn]

Sometimes when your claim is refused by these multi billion corporations and you still think you are in the right (I think you are in this case), your LBS won't help and the manufacturer won't help, it's time to turn to higher authorities for an independent evaluation. If they decide in your favour, you can at least get a new frame or your money back. If not...well...

 

[24Lemons]

Latest update to my experience, the shop has inspected the bike and confirmed the bike is correctly set up. Despite this the rear shock does make contact with the shock mount and they have stated that it is absolutely not caused by user error. They have referred their findings to Cube for their consideration. I have also been keeping the finance company informed of progress.
Hopefully we can secure a swift resolution to this as I just want to be able to ride it!!