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The Cube Nuroad EX is based on the further-developed HPA (High Performance Aluminium) frame, made from double-butted aluminium. Visually, the frame stands out thanks to its intricate ‘Smooth Welding’ – ground-down weld seams that make the tube junctions appear almost as if they were cast from a single piece. As well as creating a clean aesthetic, this process reduces stress peaks at the joints. The frame is designed to be extremely versatile: thanks to numerous mounting points, a luggage rack, ACID mudguards, a lowrider on the full-carbon fork and a side stand can all be easily retrofitted. The cables run neatly inside the frame via the integrated C.I.S. headset system, and the tyre clearance accommodates tyres up to 50 millimetres wide.
Our verdict: An all-round, worry-free package
The Cube Nuroad EX It’s a well-designed all-rounder for gravel newcomers and practical riders. The sleek aluminium frame, complete with a carbon fork, 1x12 GRX groupset and powerful disc brakes, offers excellent value for money. A robust, versatile gravel bike without any frills – extremely good value for money and ready for any everyday ride or bikepacking adventure.
Sporty performance meets exceptionally smooth running
Cube relies on its tried-and-tested Gravel Comfort Geometry. Experience shows that the riding position is moderate – a balanced blend of sporty performance and comfortable long-distance capability. A sufficiently long wheelbase and a flat steering angle should ensure a smooth ride on loose gravel and fast descents.
The EX model’s specifications demonstrate its suitability for rough terrain. At its heart is a lightweight full-carbon fork with a tapered steerer tube, which is designed to effectively filter out subtle road vibrations and thus help prevent hand fatigue. An integrated seat post clamp saves weight and emphasises the modern, clean design.
Straightforward and a real climber
For the drivetrain, Cube has opted for the gravel-specific Shimano GRX 1x12 groupset (RD-RX822-SGS rear derailleur combined with ST-RX610 shifters). The absence of a front derailleur makes gear changes simple and intuitive – ideal for riding off the beaten track. A 40-tooth chainring at the front, paired with a Deore cassette (10–51 teeth) offers a wide gear range of 510 per cent – perfect for steep gravel climbs, although the gear steps are slightly larger than on double-chainring systems.
Reliable stopping power is provided by the Shimano GRX BR-RX410 hydraulic disc brakes with flat-mount mounting and 160 mm rotors at the front and rear. Modulation and braking performance are good with minimal effort required, even in wet and muddy conditions.
Solid grip on gravel and tarmac
The robust Newmen Performance X.R.25 tubeless-ready aluminium wheels are fitted with 45 mm-wide Schwalbe G-One R Performance tyres. The fork and rear triangle can accommodate tyres up to 50 mm wide. The Schwalbe G-One R Performance tyres offer excellent grip on loose terrain, but above all, they provide very low rolling resistance on tarmac. Thru-axles (12x100 mm at the front, 12x142 mm at the rear) give the entire system high stiffness and steering precision.
Aluminium vs. carbon: A comparison with the Nuroad C:62 ONE
The move from the aluminium Nuroad EX model, priced at 1,299 euros, to its most affordable carbon counterpart, the Nuroad C:62 ONE (1,999 euros) is, in absolute terms, quite reasonable and might be worth considering for some prospective buyers. So when is the €700 surcharge worth it? The C:62 full-carbon frame noticeably reduces the overall weight – from 10.5 to 9.2 kilos, according to the manufacturer – and offers better vibration damping. The extra cost is particularly worthwhile for ambitious athletes and long-distance riders seeking maximum efficiency and reduced weight. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a robust workhorse for bikepacking, commuting or tough all-year-round use, and don’t need to worry about every gram, the more durable aluminium EX model offers excellent value for money and performance.
The Cube Nuroad EX: a fact check
- Price: 1,299 euros >> available here
- Weight: 10.5 kilos
- Frame/fork: Aluminium, UDH dropout, thru-axles (12x100mm / 12x142mm), full-carbon fork
- Drive components: Shimano GRX 1x12 (rear derailleur RD-RX822, crankset FC-RX610 40T, cassette CS-M6200 10-51T)
- Brakes: Shimano GRX BR-RX410, 160/160 mm
- Wheels: Newmen Performance X.R.25 Tubeless Ready
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One R Performance, 45 mm
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief