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.

 

[Joecrow]

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.

What did the seller say about it and what are they doing to investigate/correct the problem? Certainly seems something is not right.

 

[Haste]

What did the seller say about it and what are they doing to investigate/correct the problem? Certainly seems something is not right.

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.

 

[Old Codger]

I have the same bike as you, four weeks old in a medium.
I can get a 5mm spacer between my rear shock and the frame and it never gets near the frame.
I don’t suppose the top pivot is loose or if loosened can you re- position it? Just guessing.

 

[Haste]

I have the same bike as you, four weeks old in a medium.
I can get a 5mm spacer between my rear shock and the frame and it never gets near the frame.
I don’t suppose the top pivot is loose or if loosened can you re- position it? Just guessing.

As I wrote in my post, I brought it back to the seller and he removed the shock and tested all bolts. And I also did the "paper test" on another XL version in a different color, which had exactly the same problem.

I also visually checked one L size and it had more clearance. I'd say at least 1-2mm more space, but I did not do the paper test, so I can't say for sure whether there’s contact or not.

I didn’t see any M sizes, but if the M size really has even more clearance, then there’s definitely something wrong with these frames!

 

[Old Codger]

As I wrote in my post, I brought it back to the seller and he removed the shock and tested all bolts. And I also did the "paper test" on another XL version in a different color, which had exactly the same problem.

I also visually checked one L size and it had more clearance. I'd say at least 1-2mm more space, but I did not do the paper test, so I can't say for sure whether there’s contact or not.

I didn’t see any M sizes, but if the M size really has even more clearance, then there’s definitely something wrong with these frames!

Sorry but I misinterpreted your problem as I wasn’t at my bike.
I was thinking of the gap between the body of the shock and the top tube, not the gap at the end where the pivot is.
I just checked mine with the paper test and when sitting on the bike the shock does grip the paper but I haven’t heard any knocking.
So the shock is moving forward slightly, more on yours, this can only be play in the bearing bushing, either in the central pivot bolt or the outer bearing casing, assuming the bolt is tight. I would have thought that your local bike mechanic would have gone straight for this.
Here in the U.K. we have 14 ( or 30 ) days in which to return the bike for any reason for a refund. After that up to six months the dealer has to have one chance to do a repair then you can reject it for a manufacturing fault, which this is.
I will now be keeping an eye on mine and listening for any knocking within the next six months.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[steve_sordy]

That looks like a design fault, a manufacturing fault, or a different shock has been fitted to that which the designer specified. In all cases, I would return the bike as not fit for purpose and never look back.

You cannot be expected to use a bike that will damage itself during normal usage!

 

[irie]

The bike is faulty so return the bike and get your money back.

Don't get sucked into the "try this and see if it works, if not try the next thing" loop.

Buy something else.

 

[Colw1]

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.

View attachment 161481

 

[Colw1]

Hi I have a 2024 stereo hybrid 140 race and am having a clicking sound when riding (driving me mad) I have greased a re torqued all the pivots around the shock also the seat rails and post but with no luck
But mine is the same when you put weight on it it clicks I would love to see more pics of the procedure you used with the paper

 

[Haste]

Hi I have a 2024 stereo hybrid 140 race and am having a clicking sound when riding (driving me mad) I have greased a re torqued all the pivots around the shock also the seat rails and post but with no luck
But mine is the same when you put weight on it it clicks I would love to see more pics of the procedure you used with the paper

Hi, the 2024 model has a different frame with a completely different (vertical) shock mount. I don't think the 'paper test' applies here The 2025 model has very little space between the shock and the frame near the top pivot due to its specific shape. See attached images.

 

[Haste]

I just checked mine with the paper test and when sitting on the bike the shock does grip the paper but I haven’t heard any knocking.

That's unfortunate. So it does grip the paper. Have you checked that specific part of the frame for any damage? Use a strong flashlight to inspect the paint. If there's no damage after weeks of use, it might not be as severe as it was on mine. The sound is secondary - at least in my case, because it requires a really quiet room to actually hear this kind of sound.

 

[Old Codger]

That's unfortunate. So it does grip the paper. Have you checked that specific part of the frame for any damage? Use a strong flashlight to inspect the paint. If there's no damage after weeks of use, it might not be as severe as it was on mine. The sound is secondary - at least in my case, because it requires a really quiet room to actually hear this kind of sound.

Can’t see any marks on either side. Will monitor in future though.

 

[Boogz83]

As I wrote in my post, I brought it back to the seller and he removed the shock and tested all bolts. And I also did the "paper test" on another XL version in a different color, which had exactly the same problem.

I also visually checked one L size and it had more clearance. I'd say at least 1-2mm more space, but I did not do the paper test, so I can't say for sure whether there’s contact or not.

I didn’t see any M sizes, but if the M size really has even more clearance, then there’s definitely something wrong with these frames!

 

[Boogz83]

What was the outcome with the damage to the frame? I removed my shock the other day and there should be a silver sleeve that the boots goes through, are you sure this isn’t missing on your bike?

 

[RustyIron]

he decided to give me a refund.

That's the best possible outcome. Sanding and painting is a half-assed remedy. I'm glad he didn't push you in that direction. Now that it's his problem and not yours, have you decided what brand bike you're going to buy?

 

[Boogz83]

That’s good you got a full refund. I would almost certainly say it must have been put together wrong either missing the insert sleeved or loos wrong bolt.
If this was an issues with the frame there would be hundreds of cube 144/177 with this issue.

 

[Haste]

If this was an issues with the frame there would be hundreds of cube 144/177 with this issue.

Don't forget that it also depends on the shape and mounting of the shock, not just frame. Btw, they had another bike in that store, exactly the same spec, just different color, and it had exactly the same problem. The seller mentioned that XL versions with this spec have the least clearance in that area, making them all highly prone to the problem. Also, user @Old Codger has the same bike in M size and his bike also fails the "paper test", it also grips the frame. So I guess there are hundreds of these bikes with this potentially catastrophic problem. IMHO, Cube has f-up the 2025 carbon frame design, they should have stayed with the vertical mount they had used for many years.

 

[Boogz83]

Are you sure the bikes with the issues are assembled properly with the insert piece? It just seems odd as to why the design would effect some bikes and not others

 

[Haste]

Are you sure the bikes with the issues are assembled properly with the insert piece? It just seems odd as to why the design would effect some bikes and not others

So far I have not seen a single bike with this spec, that would not grip the frame with the rear shock. Some frame sizes may apply less force, so they might not visibly scratch it, but the issue is still there. So far, I have seen 3 by myself and Old Codger's bike is 4th., so that's 4 bikes. Bit too much of a coincidence, don’t you think? I wouldn’t have known about it myself if I hadn’t noticed the scratches and come up with the paper test.

 

[Boogz83]

Agree that is odd and cube seem clueless! I’ve had my motor bushes falling out for the last 6 months and they haven’t come up with a Solution yet!
How many bikes have you seen that are actually damaged by the rear shock?

 

[Plyphon]

Shocking!

(excuse the pun)

 

[Old Codger]

Don't forget that it also depends on the shape and mounting of the shock, not just frame. Btw, they had another bike in that store, exactly the same spec, just different color, and it had exactly the same problem. The seller mentioned that XL versions with this spec have the least clearance in that area, making them all highly prone to the problem. Also, user @Old Codger has the same bike in M size and his bike also fails the "paper test", it also grips the frame. So I guess there are hundreds of these bikes with this potentially catastrophic problem. IMHO, Cube has f-up the 2025 carbon frame design, they should have stayed with the vertical mount they had used for many years.

I’ve done about 700 miles now and other than the paper test I’ve not heard any knocking or got any marks on the frame.
However I’ve had a bad creak/tick which seemed to be coming from the cranks under load. The shop found two problems, the hidden bolt that fastens the rear shock piston to the u-shaped bracket which pivots onto the frame was loose and a pedal had play in it.
Because they did both at the same time I can’t be certain which one was the culprit.
Any movement at the top end of the shock has to come from play in the top bolt/bush. As we are talking fractions of a millimetre which could happen in lots of shocks, the problem here is the gap is too small. If this happened out of warranty I would grind o bit off the top of the shock trunnion.

 

[Boogz83]

This is why I was suggesting to previous posts that if damage has occurred to the frame from the shock then the explanation is that either the rear shock was not installed correctly, the bolt was loose or sleeve was missing.

Don’t get me wrong I think cube design and build quality is awful! But if the shock hitting the frame was purely down to design fault there would be thousands of bikes out there with damaged frames.

 

[Plyphon]

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!

 

[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?

 

[Plyphon]

Do different size carbon frames all use the same template?

No - but all size XL's will have the same template. Unless they have multiple and one is off... but we're getting into the realm of Occam's Razor at this point.

 

[Old Codger]

In my opinion the gap between the shock and the frame has been designed too small. They must think that play never occurs in the top bolt or bushing.
It would be interesting to know the wear rate of a steel bush in carbon compared to one in aluminium.

 

[Haste]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned here is that carbon frames can flex in certain directions and considering the size of the gap is <1mm, this could also play a role.

So yes, I also think that the gap is designed far too small, especially for a carbon bike, which is also meant to support various shocks from multiple brands. (Suntour, Rockshox, Fox...)

Anyway, on my XL version, even without any weight on the bike, the clearance was so small that I could barely fit the dreaded piece of paper between the shock and the frame.

 

[Old Codger]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned here is that carbon frames can flex in certain directions and considering the size of the gap is <1mm, this could also play a role.

So yes, I also think that the gap is designed far too small, especially for a carbon bike, which is also meant to support various shocks from multiple brands. (Suntour, Rockshox, Fox...)

Anyway, on my XL version, even without any weight on the bike, the clearance was so small that I could barely fit the dreaded piece of paper between the shock and the frame.

You need to get some thinner paper.