Cube Litening C:68X: High-end aero road bike from the Upper Palatinate

The model history of the Cube Litening stretches back almost to the early years of the bike brand from the Upper Palatinate, which was founded in 1993. But never before has the technical and visual leap from one Litening generation to the next been as huge as with the current road bike model, which is now being launched just in time for the start of the Tour de France 2019 was presented. Everything - really everything - is new about the new Litening C:68X. A new name would have been logical. On the other hand, the name Litening, which is not only aimed at low weight, but also includes the English word for "lightning", has never been more appropriate than for the new model Aero road bike from Cube.

Cube Litening has its own frame shape

While the old Litening was still a rather conservative racing bike with classic proportions and round tube cross-sections, its successor presents itself as an uncompromising aero bike that cuts a fine figure alongside renowned representatives of the field such as the Specialized Venge, Cannondale System Six and Trek Madone. What is striking is that the development team led by chief engineer Bernd Schenkl has succeeded in giving the new Litening its own unique shape despite incorporating design trends such as Kammtail tube profiles, handlebar/stem units and the compact rear triangle with low seat stays that is now typical of modern road bikes. Schenkl benefited from the experience he had gained during the development of the sensational Aerium triathlon bike presented in 2018. Schenkl transferred the extremely narrow down tube, the typical bottom bracket area and the triangular angle between the seat tube and top tube from the Aerium to the Litening.

For Cube, the motivation for such an ambitious project was not least the fact that the brand will be present at the Tour de France for the third time in a row this year as a supplier to the Belgian Pro-Continental team Wanty and thus on the biggest stage known to cycling. Last year, the old Litening looked a little dusty next to the sometimes avant-garde competition. This will certainly not happen with the new Litening.

First ride impression with the new Litening C:68X

Shortly after the presentation of the aero road bike, we had the opportunity to gain an initial riding impression on a one and a half hour test lap. The fact that the bike is particularly fast was immediately noticeable; the bike is reminiscent of competitors such as Venge or System Six. However, it was important to Cube not to subordinate all riding characteristics to aerodynamics. When designing the comparatively slim aero seatpost, the fibre layup was therefore chosen to maintain a certain level of suspension comfort. The Cube Litening does not feel as hard as the Venge and System Six. However, it doesn't come close to the almost magical suspension comfort of the Trek Madone - although these initial impressions still need to be confirmed by measurements in the TOUR lab. In any case, the Wanty pros can look forward to a particularly fast and otherwise pleasant to ride bike for the Tour de France and beyond. Cube promises an improvement of a remarkable 30 watts in the wind tunnel at 45 km/h compared to the old Litening. Perhaps the third attempt will finally bring the Wanty team its much longed-for first stage win.

The new Litening is available in four versions, each in six sizes from 50 to 60 centimetres. The entry-level model is the Litening C:68 Pro with Ultegra Di2 equipment and aluminium wheels from Newman for € 3,999. The Litening C:68 Race with SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset and Newman wheels with 35 millimetre high carbon rims costs €4499. The two high-end variants Litening C:68 SL with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and Litening C:68 SLT with SRAM Red eTap AXS, both with DT Swiss wheels with 68 millimetre high carbon rims, cost €6499 and €7499 respectively. A lot of money for a road bike - no question. But compared to what other brands charge for comparably equipped bikes, the four Litening models are fairly priced. Always on board is a handlebar/stem unit made of carbon, through which the cables for the gears and brakes run invisibly into the frame or fork. This means that the Litening is only available with electric shifting systems and as a disc-only model. Rim brakes are no longer provided. This is also a clear indication that Cube is opening a new chapter in the road bike sector with the new Litening.

Technical data for the Cube Litening C:68X

• Frame: Litening C:68X Monocoque Advanced Twin Mold Technology
• Circuit: Ultegra Di2/Dura-Ace Di2/Sram Force/Red eTap AXS
• Brake: Flat Mount Disc
• Impellers: Newmen or DT Swiss (see model variants)
• Sizes: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 cm
• Weight: 7.2 to 7.8 kilos

Further information can be found on the Manufacturer website.

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