Cube Attain HPA SLX: A high-quality aluminium road bike at an affordable price

Within the Cube range, the Attain is positioned as the comfort-oriented road bike. However, the current model has very little in common with traditional entry-level road bikes. The Superlite aluminium frame has been fitted with many features now commonly found on significantly more expensive bikes. These include cable routing through the headset, a tapered head tube, thru-axles on the front and rear wheels, and an integrated seatpost clamp.

Visually, this makes the Attain look considerably more modern than many of its aluminium rivals. In particular, the welded seams, which have been smoothed using the ‘smooth welding’ process, give the frame a higher-quality appearance than one might initially expect given the choice of material. At the same time, with its aerodynamically shaped down tube, Cube is taking a distinctly sporty approach. Rather than a leisurely touring bike, the Attain is designed to be a road bike that tackles long distances comfortably yet efficiently.

Conclusion

​The Cube Attain SLX is aimed at road cyclists looking for a sporty and modern bike without necessarily wanting to move straight up to the carbon category. The high-quality aluminium frame, the full-carbon fork, the latest Shimano 105 groupset and the well-thought-out comfort features combine to create a well-balanced overall package.

Comfort without a sluggish driving experience

What’s interesting here is the balance between sportiness and riding comfort. Whilst many endurance road bikes focus primarily on a relaxed riding position, Cube also aims to reduce disruptive vibrations. To achieve this, it features slim seat stays and a full-carbon fork, designed to effectively absorb shocks and uneven road surfaces. Combined with tyre clearance of up to 33 millimetres, this creates a complete package that should prove impressive even on longer rides or on rougher roads.

The mounting points beneath the top tube are also practical. Small bags for a spare inner tube, a CO₂ cartridge or tools can be attached there without detracting from the bike’s clean lines. For marathon cyclists and ambitious amateur road cyclists in particular, such details are often more valuable in everyday use than saving a few grams of weight.

Tried-and-tested Shimano 105 components

When it comes to components, Cube has opted for a complete mechanical Shimano 105 groupset from the latest 12-speed generation. The classic combination of a 50/34-tooth crankset and an 11-34 cassette offers a wide range of gear ratios, making it suitable for both fast flat sections and more challenging climbs. The 105 groupset has been a firm favourite for years and offers much of the functionality of significantly more expensive groupsets.

Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes are responsible for stopping power. They are just as reliable as the gear system and ensure consistent braking performance even in wet conditions or on long descents. Riders who regularly cycle in low mountain ranges or the Alps are likely to appreciate this added safety.

A well-balanced wheel and tyre design

Cube hasn’t skimped in the wrong places when it comes to the wheelset either. The Newmen Performance R.32 wheels are among the established models in the aluminium segment and are paired with 32-millimetre-wide Continental Grand Prix tyres. This combination promises good grip, low rolling resistance and noticeably greater comfort than narrower set-ups.

This is complemented by the modern cockpit featuring the Cube CIS stem, which routes the cables directly into the frame and ensures a tidy front end. Whilst the cockpit is not fully integrated, as is the case with some aero road bikes, the solution still looks significantly more high-quality than external cable routing.

Key details at a glance

• RRP: 1,299 euros
• Weight: 9.9 kg (manufacturer’s specification)
• Frame: 6061 Superlite aluminium
• ​Frame sizes: 47, 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 62 cm
• Circuit: Shimano 105, 2x12-speed
• Brakes: Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes (160/160 mm)
• Wheels: Newmen Performance R.32
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 32 mm

Assessment of the overall package

The Cube Attain SLX is aimed at road cyclists looking for a sporty and modern bike without necessarily wanting to move straight up to the carbon category. The high-quality aluminium frame, the full-carbon fork, the latest Shimano 105 groupset and the well-thought-out comfort features combine to create a well-balanced package. Anyone primarily interested in long training rides and weekend outings, and who wants to keep costs down, will find this a road bike that looks considerably more sophisticated than its position in the Cube range might suggest.