A top-of-the-range gravel bike at a bargain price: ​CUBE Nuroad C:62 SLT in our tour review

Conclusion by Max Fuchs, Tour editor

8.0 kilos, carbon as far as the eye can see, and SRAM Red AXS with 13 speeds: On the Nuroad C:62 SLT As ever, CUBE doesn’t skimp on the spec. Weighing in at around 1,150 grams in size M, the carbon frame is said to be very light yet stiff; what’s more, the top-of-the-range model rides on super-tall Newmen Streem G.62 CS carbon wheels and fast Schwalbe G-One RS Pro tyres, 45 millimetres wide.

CUBE is thus clearly positioning the Nuroad at the faster end of the gravel spectrum. At the same time, the Nuroad plays to its strength of versatility: mudguards, a rear rack and even a third bottle cage can be fitted. The frame accommodates tyres up to 50 millimetres wide; with mudguards fitted, there’s still 45 millimetres of clearance. The balance between a race bike and a long-distance gravel bike works surprisingly well, at least on paper. And the price of this stylish gravel bike is incredibly competitive given its spec. With other manufacturers, you sometimes have to pay almost double for a similarly specced model.

Key facts about the CUBE Nuroad C:62 SLT

• Price: 5,999 euros >> available here
• Weight: 8.0 kg
• Frame: C:62 Carbon, Advanced Twin Mould
• Fork: C:62 Carbon
• Circuit: SRAM Red XPLR AXS E1, 13-speed
• Translation: 42 teeth / 10–46
• Crank: SRAM Red XPLR Wide with power metre
• Brakes: SRAM Red AXS HRD, 160/160 mm
• Wheels: Newmen Streem G.62 CS Carbon
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One RS Pro, 45-622
• Ground clearance: up to 50 mm
• Cockpit: CUBE IC Aero Carbon, one-piece
• Seat post: Newmen Advanced Carbon, 27.2 mm
• Sizes: XS to XL
• Maximum rider weight: 100 kg

Carbon frame with racing DNA

CUBE builds the Nuroad C:62 SLT around a C:62 carbon frame featuring Advanced Twin Mould technology. CUBE positions the fibres with maximum precision around a negative mould and adjusts the fibre density to suit areas subject to greater stress. The result is said to be a particularly light and stable chassis. CUBE quotes a weight of around 1,150 grams for the frame in a medium size.

Visually, the Nuroad has a pleasantly tidy appearance. The seatpost clamp is concealed within the frame, the cables are mostly routed internally, and the one-piece IC-Aero cockpit tidies up the cable clutter at the handlebars. It looks fast – and that’s exactly what this bike is designed to be. Anyone who carries out their own bike maintenance will need to bring an extra dose of patience and skill to the task due to the high level of system integration.

SRAM Red AXS: They’ve pulled out all the stops here

When it comes to the drivetrain, CUBE has gone for the very best SRAM has to offer. The Red XPLR AXS E1 offers 13 gears and combines a 10–46 cassette with a 42-tooth chainring. For fast gravel rides, the gear ratio offers plenty of range and finely graduated steps. The climbing gear, on the other hand, is quite steep.

A particular highlight: CUBE even fits the bike with a power metre crankset as standard for data-driven training. For those who take their training data seriously, this provides power measurement and electronic gear changes as a complete package, without the need for retrofitting.

CUBE remains consistent when it comes to brakes too. The Nuroad is equipped with SRAM Red AXS HRD brakes, featuring 160-millimetre discs on both the front and rear wheels.

Eight kilos meet 45 millimetres

This bike’s total weight of 8.0 kilos immediately stands out. However, CUBE hasn’t achieved this low weight by using narrow ‘cheat’ tyres, but by fitting 45-millimetre-wide Schwalbe G-One RS Pro tyres. The tyres are tubeless-ready and run on super-tall Newmen Streem G.62 CS carbon rims.

The package sounds like a clear brief: as much forward momentum as possible, good aerodynamics, yet still enough comfort and safety for long days on rough terrain. The maximum tyre clearance of 50 millimetres also leaves room for even wider tyres.

A racing bike with touring capabilities

This is where the Nuroad gets interesting. Despite its sporty spec, CUBE has fitted the frame with plenty of mounting points. There’s space for mudguards and a rear luggage rack, as well as a side stand. The fork even offers two mounting positions for luggage racks; according to CUBE, the lowrider mounts allow up to ten kilograms of luggage to be carried at the front.

In addition, there is a third bottle cage mount on the underside of the down tube. A top tube bag is even included as standard. Whilst this doesn’t instantly turn the €5,999 race bike into a touring bike, it does clearly show that CUBE hasn’t developed this Nuroad solely for chasing fast times.

Editorial commentary

CUBE hits the mark with the Nuroad C:62 SLT an interesting aspect of the current gravel scene. The bike openly flirts with road racing: 8.0 kilos, carbon wheels, SRAM Red XPLR, a power metre and an aero cockpit speak for themselves. At the same time, CUBE has fitted the frame with enough mounting points to ensure that even a multi-day tour won’t be derailed by luggage issues.

It is precisely this combination that makes the Nuroad more exciting than a pure gravel racer. Those looking exclusively for the fastest times may find models that are even more thoroughly optimised for speed. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lightweight gravel bike for fast training rides, long day trips and the occasional bikepacking adventure, this offers an unusually well-equipped all-round package at an extremely fair price.

Plus

• Very low total weight of 8.0 kg
• Fully equipped
• Up to 50 mm of tyre clearance
• Numerous mounting points for luggage and mudguards
• Third bottle holder
• Value for money

Minus

• Fully integrated cockpit makes maintenance more difficult
• A maximum rider weight of 100 kg leaves little leeway for heavier riders and their kit