Cube bikes range: what model is right for you?
Cube is a German bike manufacturer which boasts a wide ranging stable, with road bikes for racers, endurance plodders and everyone in between as well as a full roster of mountain bikes, hybrids and kids bikes.
Founded in 1993 and based inWaldershof, Cube is responsible for the race readyLitening C:68 SL, raced by UCI Pro-Conti team, Circus Wanty–Gobert.
We've taken a look at the models available to give you a little help if you're shopping within the range.
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Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Litening frames feature an aggressive geometry designed to suit racing cyclists.The most recent re-design saw the Litening gain added aerodynamic features, the brand says development involved1000 hours of computer modelling and over 100 hours of wind tunnel testing.
The bike takes notes from theAerium C:68time trial bike, and has been carefully designed to be just inside UCI limits. The Litening C:68 range consists of several rungs: the SLT, SL, 'Race' and 'Pro'. Each boasts the brand's very best C:68X carbon, and identical race fit geometry.
The differences are in the spec level. Top of the range, the SLT features SRAM Red eTap AXSandDT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 62 wheels with ceramic bearings. The entry level model is the Pro, with Ultegra Di2, Newmen Evolution SLR 32 wheels.
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Cube C:62 range is the brand's 'jack of all trades' - the idea being you can use this bike to commute, for easy spins, sportives or to race, thanks to a blend of endurance geo with nimble handling, comfort, and even aerodynamics.
In terms of geometry, the Agree is less aggressive than the Litening, but more so than the Attain - sitting it comfortably in the middle of the range when it comes to long and low vs upright. The carbon used across the range is the second-to-top-end C:62.
All models are disc brake and the range starts with the Agree C:62 Race, sporting an Ultegra hydraulic groupset. The top end build, on the other hand, is specced with the 2x12 SRAM Force AXS wireless groupset.
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Attain is Cube's most endurance focused frame, featuring its most relaxed road going geometry. The Cube CSL Race Carbon fork is used across all models to soften road vibration, whilst aero Flex Stays at the rear are narrow to cover off the same job.
There are rim and disc brake models, with the range starting out with an aluminium frame and Shimano Claris groupset. The nine-bike line-up includes a carbon frame and a mixture of Shimano Ultegra and 105 with rotor stoppers.
Cube Cross Race C:62 SLT
In the Cube Cross Race cyclocross range, the range-topping Cross Race C:62 SLT comes with an all-carbon, premium grade frame and fork, along with a carbon cockpit and wheels.
The drivetrain is SRAM Force eTap AXS and Cube routes the rear brake hose through the bike’s head tube. Cube says that this eliminates cable rub and allowed it to develop a lighter down tube with less reinforcement.
Cube's party trick on the Cross Race is the use of cable routing through the head tube, as opposed to the down tube. This keeps the cables well out of harm's way, and means that the downtube can be slimmed down.All bikes in this range use disc brakes, though frame material and groupsets vary as you move through the models.
Cube Nuroad
The Cube Nuroad is the brand’s adventure-focussed bike. The bikes have tyre clearance for rubber as wide as 40c and are spec’d with disc brakes.
This year carbon frames have been introduced to the range, with the top model sporting a “mullet” drivetrain: road shifters are combined with a mountain bike cassette and derailleur to give a monstrous 10–50 tooth spread.
Models begin with an alloy frame and Shimano Tiagra groupset. Attention has been paid to the brake calipers though, with flat mount TRP Spyres being utilised. These calipers actuate both pads - similar to a hydraulic set-up - and are a significant improvement over other mechanical discs.
Cube bikes: about the brand
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
Cube is a German bike brand which was founded in 1993 by MarcusPürner - initially making his debut using a 50 square metre area in his father's furniture factory.
The headquarters remain in the same town, Waldershof in Germany. The company has, however, expanded substantially, now using a 20,000 square metre facility.
Most renowned for its mountain bikes, Cube also manufactures a wide variety of road bikes - and these have featured at the Tour de France, ridden by wild card team Wanty–Groupe Gobert.
As well as bicycles, Cube also creates a wide range of clothing and accessories for road and mountain bikers, from jerseys and bib shorts to shoes and helmets.
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