We pit two lightweight enduro bikes from the David and Goliath of European brands against each other

By Robin Weaver

Published: Friday, 26 April 2024 at 15:00 PM


In this test, we pit Last’s lightweight enduro rig, the Tarvo MX, against Cube’s Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 enduro race machine to see how they compare.

Cube is a household name, with bikes in almost every cycling category, while fellow German brand Last is a far smaller brand.

The bikes share a number of similarities, including lightweight carbon frames, Fox Factory suspension and Schwalbe tyres. Both sport the same amount of front and rear suspension travel.

For modern-day enduro bikes, they’re surprisingly kind to the scales, making them a perfect match for a head-to-head battle.

It’s hard to ignore the difference in pricing between the bikes. We were hoping to have the top-spec Cube Stereo One77 for testing, but even if we did, the Last would still be more expensive.

Modern-day enduro bikes have all the expectations of the best trail bikes piled onto their saddles, while they need to come close to downhill bike performance on the descents.

If they feel sluggish on the climbs or nervous going down, they’re going to struggle on a big enduro day out.

To put them to the test, we lapped our favourite trails at BikePark Wales, as well as taking on some of the sketchiest natural trails the Forest of Dean and South Wales have to offer.

After a very closely fought contest, the results were certainly interesting.


Introducing the bikes

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29

Cube’s Stereo One77 has 170mm of travel at the front and rear. – Andy Lloyd /our Media

This lightweight enduro bike boasts 170mm of rear-wheel travel and two different shock mounts; one for coil shocks, the other for air-sprung shocks.

Top-tier Fox Factory suspension, along with a carbon Race Face bar, and Shimano XT brakes and gears, makes for a seriously appealing build.

Cube has really moved its geometry on over the last few years, ensuring the One77 is, on paper at least, up-to-date and ready to rip.

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 key details

  • Two for the price of one: Thanks to the additional drilling at the lower shock mount, coupled with the flip chip in the upper, you can switch easily between coil- and air-sprung shocks, with no compromise, no matter which shock you choose.
  • Toughen up: Cube’s choice to go for the lighter Super Trail casing on the rear tyre helps shed some grams but isn’t as tough as the Super Gravity casing found on the Last’s rear tyre.
  • Roots manouevre: The Stereo One77 has some seriously clean lines, thanks in part to the internal cable routing. Rather than slot the cables and hoses through holes in the main tubes, Cube has routed them through the top of the headset.

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 specifications

  • Sizes: M, L, XL, XXL
  • Weight: 14.92kg (large, without pedals)
  • Frame: Carbon, 170mm travel
  • Fork: Fox 38 Factory, 170mm travel
  • Shock: Fox X2 Factory
  • Wheels: Newmen Evolution SL A.30
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Addix Soft Super Trail 29×2.4in (fr) / Schwalbe Big Betty Addix Soft Super Trail 29×2.4in (r)
  • Crankset: Shimano XT with MRP SXg chain guide
  • Derailleur(s): Shimano XT
  • Shifter(s): Shimano XT
  • Cassette: Shimano XT
  • Chain: Shimano CN-M1600
  • Brakes: Shimano XT (203/180mm rotors)
  • Bar: Race Face Next R 35 Carbon
  • Stem: Race Face Turbine 35, 40mm
  • Grips: Acid Disrupt
  • Seatpost: Fox Transfer Factory
  • Saddle: Natural Fit Nuance SLT Carbon
  • Price: £4,999

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 geometry (Slack/Mod)

SMLXL
Seat tube angle (degrees)76.7 / 76.576.7 / 76.576.7 / 76.576.7 / 76.5
Head tube angle (degrees)63.8 / 64.463.8 / 64.463.8 / 64.463.8 / 64.4
Chainstay (mm)435435435435
Seat tube (mm)405420470470
Top tube (mm)589 / 591610 / 611633 / 635659 / 661
Head tube (mm)103105115135
Wheelbase (mm)1229 / 12221250 / 12421274 / 12671297 / 1289
Stack (mm)626 / 627627 / 629636 / 638654 / 656
Reach (mm)452 / 450472 / 470492 / 490512 / 510
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Last Tarvo MX

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
Last’s Tarvo MX boasts 170mm of rear-wheel travel in the mixed wheel-size setup . – Andy Lloyd / Our Media

This boutique carbon frame was, when it was launched, the lightest enduro frame on the market, according to Last.

That low weight is down partly to the use of a flexstay at the rear, rather than having a pivot on the chainstay or seatstay – something not often seen on enduro bikes.

It’s offered with 29in wheels front and rear, or with a smaller 650b wheel, as tested here. With the smaller wheel in place, it dishes out 170mm of rear-wheel travel.

Last Tarvo MX key details

  • Swap shop: Swapping out rocker links enables you to reduce the Tarvo’s travel (turning it into one of the brand’s shorter-travel trail bikes), or switch to a 29in rear wheel and drop travel to 160mm.
  • Under cover: Last’s down tube storage isn’t anything unique for the most part, but the lid that covers it is. Rather than a clip or lever to lock this lid in place, Last uses a strong magnet to keep the contents sealed away.
  • Skinny legs: To help keep weight down, Last offers the Tarvo with a skinnier Fox 36 fork. There are other options from Fox and RockShox available, though.

Last Tarvo MX specifications

Last Tarvo MX geometry

165175185195
Seat tube angle (degrees)76.57676.276.4
Head tube angle (degrees)64646464
Chainstay (mm)432432433444
Seat tube (mm)385415455510
Top tube (mm)580611642675
Head tube (mm)95110120130
Fork offset (mm)42424242
Bottom bracket drop (mm)27272727
Wheelbase (mm)1198122712681312
Standover (mm)732730734738
Stack (mm)617631640649
Reach (mm)432454485518
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How does the Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 compare to the Last Tarvo MX?

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 full suspension mountain bike
Not everyone will be enamoured with the headset cable routing found on the One77.

Enduro bikes have come a long way over the last 10 to 15 years.

Most brands now know what works for the demanding trails we’re all adamant we want to throw ourselves down when it comes to geometry, and travel figures have plateaued, offering close to downhill bike levels of squish at either end.

With an even greater focus on downhill performance, bike weights have crept up, though.

Dependability is, of course, important, so we can understand why.

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
A small, rubber flap just behind the bottom bracket junction on the Tarvo MX helps to prevent mud filling the gap between the front and rear triangles.

But what if you were to create an enduro bike with a trail bike weight?

Could it still be reliable? European brands Cube and Last certainly seem to think so.

Framing the question

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 full suspension mountain bike
The One77 has a different mounting position to fit a coil shock in order to optimise performance.

Before we delve into ride characteristics, it’s important to take a look at the two frames. While they might share some design aspects, they’re otherwise quite different.

Both are made from carbon fibre and decently lightweight.

According to Cube, the Stereo One77 frame weighs 2.3kg, while Last says the 175-size Tarvo weighs only 2.1kg.

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
Carbon protecting carbon? Last clearly goes the extra mile when it comes to detail.

Cube has leant on years of experience to craft the One77 from its C:68X carbon fibre, using ‘Advanced Twin Mold’ manufacturing technology, which it says makes for a strong, stiff and lightweight frame.

Last builds its carbon bikes by hand, in Germany, and says it makes only 100 frames per year.

What’s really interesting is the Tarvo can be paired with different rocker links, reducing the travel and turning it into the Cinto, Asco or even downcountry Celos (you can’t convert the Asco or Celos into the Tarvo, though, because the carbon layup isn’t robust enough).

When it comes to wheel size, Cube only offers the One77 with 29in hoops, though the Tarvo is available as a 29er or in its MX build, as seen here, with a smaller 650b rear wheel, thanks to the change in rocker link.

Cables on both frames are routed internally to help maintain the lovely clean lines, but the Cube’s slither down through the headset, which may put some people off.

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
If you don’t like riding with tools in your hip pack or backpack, there’s internal frame storage under a magnetised flap on the Tarvo MX.

Similarly, both frames use the SRAM UDH mount, which should make repairs that bit easier if you’re out and about, and in need of a derailleur hanger.

The Tarvo frame comes with some internal storage, which makes carting kit around a little easier if you don’t like riding with a pack.

Flexing muscles

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 full suspension mountain bike
Fox’s X2 Factory shock offers masses of external damping adjustment, which should help riders of different sizes get the One77 feeling just right on the trail.

Cube’s suspension approach comes from the tried and trusted four-bar linkage, which drives the Factory-level Fox X2 rear shock to deliver 170mm of rear-wheel travel.

Don’t like the air shock? Well, rather than try to create a one-size-fits-all kinematic, Cube has taken things a step further, adding a flip chip and additional lower shock mount specifically for a coil shock, should you wish to swap.

In its MX guise, the Tarvo also offers up 170mm (it’ll get 160mm with the 29er wheel link in place), although Last has opted to use a flexstay design rather than adding a pivot on the chainstay or seatstay.

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
Thanks to the progressive nature of the Tarvo MX’s suspension kinematics, a coil shock works well with the frame.

In this case, Last says despite all the travel on tap, the seatstay doesn’t need to flex all that much, thanks to its careful choice of pivot points.

Flexstay designs may have been more popular on cross-country bikes in years gone by, but are becoming established in the longer-travel segment, thanks to brands such as Merida.

The Tarvo MX’s kinematics are said to be progressive enough for riders to choose a coil or air-sprung shock, working with either.

Last also alters anti-squat figures across the frame sizes by adjusting pivot-point position.

Stat attack

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
Last uses a flexstay instead of a rear pivot (the flex occurs in the seatstay), helping to reduce the frame weight and maintenance.

But what of the all-important geometry? Angles between the two bikes aren’t a million miles off.

I measured the head angle of the Cube at 63.8 degrees (Cube includes angled headset cups, enabling you to tweak this by 0.6 degrees).

The Last is identical and both bikes share the same 345mm bottom bracket height. Effective seat tube angles are fairly steep.

With the saddle set to my preferred height, I measured the Last’s as 77 degrees, while the Cube was a touch steeper at 78 degrees.

As for sizing, things differ between the two bikes, with Cube offering M-XXL frames, while Last’s size range is denoted by rider height and has four options to choose from (165, 175, 185, 195cm).

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 full suspension mountain bike
For racers, the included MRP chain guide helps when it comes to keeping the chain firmly where it needs to be.

Reach on the size-175 Tarvo MX I tested was 454mm, while the One77 was 470mm on the size large (the medium – which has a reach of 450mm – wasn’t available).

Both bikes have short seat tubes, measuring in at 415mm and 420mm respectively.

The One77 uses 435mm chainstays across all frame sizes, while the Tarvo’s differ slightly across the range, though not by a whole lot. While the 165 and 175 frames get 432mm stays, they’re 1mm longer on the large then jump to 444mm on the 195 frame.

Stack height on both frames is within a few millimetres (the Tarvo is very slightly taller). Both brands cut their fork steerer tubes quite short, limiting further adjustment to bar height, which is a little frustrating.

Mixing and matching

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 full suspension mountain bike
Cube’s Fox 38 fork is the same Factory spec, but uses larger-diameter, stiffer 38mm upper tubes.

Cube offers the One77 C:68X in three builds, with the SLX 29 the mid-price option. The build list is impressive, all things considered.

Up front sits a Fox 38 fork with 170mm of travel, paired to the X2 shock at the rear.

Like the shock, the fork is from Fox’s Factory line-up, so gets Kashima-coated stanchions and the vastly adjustable GRIP2 damper.

Taking care of stopping are the Shimano XT four-piston brakes. It’s a Shimano XT affair when it comes to the gearing, too.

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 full suspension mountain bike
With a light lever feel and plenty of power, there’s a lot to like about the Shimano XT brakes found on the One77.

While it might not be wireless or even electronic, the XT transmission is a workhorse, with many of the benefits that come with the pricier XTR equivalent – but for less cash.

Other notable mentions include the flash Race Face Next R carbon bar, the Newmen Evolution A.30 wheels and Schwalbe Magic Mary and Big Betty tyre combo.

Both tyres use the Addix Soft rubber compound and Super Trail casing. This particular build, with the large frame, weighs in at 14.92kg.

Last bikes, on the other hand, are anything but off-the-shelf, with myriad upgrade options enabling you to change just about every part of the bike before parting with your cash.

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
To help keep weight down but comfort high, Last offers the Tarvo MX with the Fox 36 Factory fork.

Our rather flashy build got some upgrades from Last, driving the final price skywards a little. Swapping to alloy rather than carbon Newmen wheels would offer a substantial saving, and would bring the two bikes closer in terms of spec.

That said, like the Cube, the Tarvo MX comes with Fox Factory dampers, too. However, to help keep weight in check, Last has gone for the skinnier-legged 36 fork instead, although it still delivers 170mm of travel.

At the rear, a coil-sprung DHX2 shock handles the 170mm of back-end bounce.

Gearing is provided by SRAM’s X0 Eagle AXS Transmission and SRAM also takes care of braking, in the shape of its Code Ultimate Stealth stoppers.

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
The grippy, Addix Ultra Soft Tacky Chan tyre from Schwalbe certainly helped the Last stay stuck to the trail.

Schwalbe features again here, but this time it’s the newer Tacky Chan tyres.

Last has opted for the sticky Addix Ultra Soft at the front with a Super Trail casing, while at the rear, it’s Addix Soft rubber but a tougher Super Gravity casing.

This bling build tips the scales at a scant 13.55kg, more than 1kg lighter than the Cube and close to 3kg lighter than many of our Enduro Bike of the Year contenders in 2023.

Overall, despite the price discrepancy, the two builds aren’t exactly light years apart. But how do they ride?

Eager to please

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 full suspension mountain bike
While not quite as fancy as the gearing found on the Tarvo MX, Shimano’s XT 12-speed transmission is a proper workhorse and hard to fault.

Straight from the get-go, the Cube accelerates uphill with relative ease.

There’s little in the way of suspension bob when seated, and the steep seat tube angle perches you up and over the bottom bracket, making it a very comfortable position to sit and spin the cranks.

There’s certainly an air of trail bike to the One77 as you start winding your way up the hill.

Of course, it helps that Cube opted for a faster-rolling front tyre compared to that on the Last, but regardless, the One77 feels sprightlier than its travel figures might suggest when you’re winching up fire roads.

On more technical inclines, the rear end tracks the trail eagerly, keeping the rear tyre in contact with the dirt, maintaining traction and enabling you to put the power down.

The Last is a little less enthusiastic when pointed uphill.

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
SRAM’s X0 Eagle AXS Transmission gearing shifts impressively under power.

The super-supple coil shock sinks quickly into its stroke and on harder efforts, even when seated, made me reach for the shock’s low-speed compression lever to firm it up and boost efficiency.

This lever is easy to reach and does just as intended.

Thankfully, it’s not a full lockout. That means the rear wheel can still inch its way up and over rocks and roots when needed to, which certainly makes a difference on sketchy, loose climbs.

Like the Cube, the seated position on the Tarvo MX is a comfy place to be.

The low weight of the Tarvo MX comes into play on long days, though, helping to keep the legs that bit fresher when pedalling lap after lap.

Going against gravity

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
The low-rise carbon bar and alloy stem from Newmen add cost that could easily be saved without impacting the ride quality of the Tarvo MX.

There’s no getting away from just how flickable and fun both of these bikes are. Rip into a flow trail, jump line or trail-centre descent and it’s easy to pick up and place the tyres almost exactly where you want them.

Although the slightly more compact rear end and smaller wheel of the Tarvo MX make it a touch easier to manual, I had no issues chucking the One77 around when I wanted to.

Both bikes are reactive and agile, making them a blast to play around on as you speed down the hill.

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 full suspension mountain bike
At the rear of the One77, Cube has opted for the lighter Super Trail casing, rather than the tougher Super Gravity used on the Last’s rear tyre.

Stick a jump in their way and they’ll eagerly be thrown sideways if you’re willing to risk it.

While the Cube has a touch more pop to it, the progressive nature of the Tarvo MX means there’s still support in the rear suspension when you need to load the bike up on a lip and send it.

On tighter, more technical trails, the Last feels impressive in how quick it is to slow down then accelerate back up to speed.

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
You might find yourself reaching for the low-speed compression lever on the shock to help make the Last a more efficient climber.

The Tarvo seems happiest when it’s dodging, ducking, dipping, diving and dodging some more.

The Cube and its bigger wheels feel keen to maintain a more consistent pace just about everywhere. This bike feels fast and easy to ride quickly from the get-go.

Slapping through jagged, steep turns, it feels more direct than the Last, with more feedback through the Race Face bar and chassis.

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 full suspension mountain bike
Fox’s Transfer Factory post proved to be dependable throughout testing.

When really pushing, I could feel the Super Trail casing of the Schwalbe rear tyre starting to squirm, so added a little more pressure.

That extra pressure resulted in the rear end giving up grip a little more readily when compared to the Last, which felt more planted through the turns.

It’s not all plain sailing for the Last on these types of trails though. In treacherous conditions, the SRAM Code brakes couldn’t quite match the punch of the Shimano XT stoppers on the Cube.

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
We’d happily swap to a larger rear brake rotor to help boost braking power on the Tarvo MX.

I’d have happily taken a larger, albeit heavier rear rotor on the Tarvo MX to boost stopping power, given the choice.

On faster trails, there’s no denying how easily the Cube managed to maintain its pace.

The taut frame and well-supported suspension give the One77 a direct feel when pressing and pumping through the trail’s undulations, generating speed without having to turn the pedals.

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 full suspension mountain bike
Cube’s front-tyre choice, although one of the best tread patterns on the market, uses a slightly firmer rubber compound that isn’t quite as grippy.

The Tarvo is certainly no slouch, but the stickier front tyre, suppler rear suspension and smaller back wheel mean you need to work a touch harder to feel you’re matching the One77’s speed.

When things get rough, there’s no taking away from how well-damped the Tarvo MX feels.

Belt into braking bumps or a field of boulders and this thing seems to cut out the chatter and vibration, muting it to a low, inoffensive hum.

Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
The SRAM Code brakes couldn’t quite match the four-piston Shimano XTs for initial bite and punch on the Cube.

This helps keep your hands and arms feeling that bit fresher, despite the firm, skinny grips. This ability to tune out the buzz doesn’t equate to a dull or boring ride, though.

It’s still reactive and responsive in these situations, but manages to isolate the rider nicely from the impacts pounding on the wheels and tyres. Better yet, it’s almost completely silent, too.

Could the skinnier Fox 36’s extra flex play a part here, too? Possibly. At 68kg, I certainly didn’t struggle with steering precision or unwanted flex.

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 full suspension mountain bike
The Race Face Next R 35mm bar is seriously stiff and not one of the comfiest bars we’ve tried.

The Cube skips at pace through the bumps, with more cable rattle and feedback apparent when things get raucous.

Heavy, blunt impacts can reverberate more through the One77. This doesn’t upset the bike as such, but it starts to take its toll on your hands on longer runs.

While there’s no shortage of speed, rougher trails can feel harder work on the Cube after a long day in the saddle.


And the winner is…

Male mountain biker in red top riding the Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
Mountain bike suspension is designed primarily to improve control on rough terrain.

Which bike is best, then? Well, that’s a really tough call to make. Both are ridiculously fun and incredibly easy to ride fast.

While the One77 pedals a little more like a long-travel trail bike, its ability to maintain speed, react to the slightest input and handle just about any trail going makes it an incredible all-rounder.

The Tarvo MX feels better damped and more planted when things get really wild, but it still retains the light, agile feel of a lighter-weight bike when you want to throw it about on something a little mellower.

The closely matched geometry also means both bikes seem more than happy taking on just about any trail.

But while the One77 might have the outright advantage when it comes to holding speed, there’s something so appealing about the Tarvo MX.

Even if you were to pare back the upgrades, the foundation is something really special.

It might not feel quite as perky on the climbs, or pedal as efficiently, as the Cube, but plunge into something terrifying and the composure and silence on offer make for a seriously confidence-inspiring ride.

Yes, it’s expensive and a little different, but it works, and it works well. Although the Cube is a solid bet, this time, the verdict goes in favour of something a little more niche and exotic – the Last.

Overall verdict

Last Tarvo MX

Male mountain biker in red top riding the Last Tarvo MX full suspension mountain bike
The Tarvo MX loves nothing more than being thrown from turn to turn.

Verdict: Reactive and fun to ride, but still plenty of traction and control when you need it. It’s silent and well-damped in the rough stuff, and more than happy getting stuck into just about any type of trail

Pros: Nimble and planted through the turns; low weight makes for a lively but controlled ride; damped feel makes it comfy to ride at pace in the rough

Cons: Not the sprightliest on climbs despite low weight; cheaper parts wouldn’t hinder ride

Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29

Male mountain biker in blue top riding the Cube Stereo One77 C:68X SLX 29 full suspension mountain bike
The One77 is agile and fast, and more than happy to be chucked around in the air.

Verdict: The Cube feels natural, agile and a lot of fun to ride. It might not be the comfiest bike in really rough terrain, but it climbs well and carries serious speed

Pros: Carries speed well; great shape; agile and playful; great parts package

Lows: Isn’t as forgiving in the rough as some; a tougher rear tyre would be good