Bike of the Week | Cube 20" Compact Hybrid

Last week’s stunning Trek Madone SLR was a bike singularly focused on speed, with a stunning paintjob and a slightly alarming price tag.

This week’s offering from Cube couldn’t be more different. The 20" Compact Hybrid is an ultra-practical electric bike with fun-sized 20in wheels, built for everyday utility.

Retailing at a more attainable £2,299, the Compact Hybrid is powered by a Bosch motor system and looks to be the perfect urban commuter and grocery-getter.

Small wheels and medium-sized ambitions

Small wheels have some key advantages for bikes like this, giving you loads of room for front and rear racks while keeping cargo closer to the ground for a lower centre of gravity and better handling.

They also help keep overall dimensions compact and, along with a step-through frame and adjustable cockpit, the Cube should fit most riders despite coming in just one size.

The Compact Hybrid is very well-equipped out of the box, with a full complement of lights and mudguards, that all-important kickstand, and a bell.

Chunky 2.4in tyres should shrug off potholes, while the upright riding position invites you to look the world in the eye as you cruise about town cheerily.

Cube supplies a rear rack as standard, and the bike features a mount for a front rack too, as fitted to this test bike.

Because the Compact Hybrid is an ebike, load lugging should be a breeze. Cube specs Bosch’s Active Line Plus drive unit, which is one tier above the entry-level Active Line and offers a nominal 50Nm of torque to shove you along.

This is matched to a Shimano Nexus 5-speed internal gear hub for a very simple drivetrain that should need minimal maintenance.

At a claimed 23.7kg, the Cube is no lightweight, but with a charged battery it looks perfect for zipping about the city day-to-day.

We’re big fans of small-wheeled utility bikes here at BikeRadar, having previously admired Velo Orange’s Neutrino and the similarly diminutive machines that keep Frankfurt airport moving.

Their quirky looks and can-do personality are deeply appealing, so we’re looking forward to trying the Compact Hybrid out in its natural habitat. Do you fancy a bit of mini-wheeled fun?