The frame of Cube's top model is technically identical to the one featured in issue 4/2012. Test of mid-range racers around 2,500 euros starts. The carbon chassis has everything you would expect from a frame at this level, as the Litening is a good ten per cent lighter than last year. With a weight of around 1,300 grams and still solid stiffness values, the frameset earns a good grade. In its orientation, the Cube turns out to be a high-quality thoroughbred racer with a moderately race-like riding position, manoeuvrable steering behaviour and absolutely competition-ready equipment.
The sporty profile of the frame is emphasised by the equipment: Shimano's electronic Dura-Ace Di2 is currently the benchmark for shifting technology on road bikes. The carbon frame skilfully integrates the electronic components and gives the bike a pleasantly tidy appearance. At the same time, it also allows the installation of mechanical gears - only a few manufacturers manage this compromise so elegantly: the battery is concealed by the chainrings under the bottom bracket, the cables to the front derailleur and shifters disappear just behind the headset in the down tube and only reappear near the front derailleur and at the right dropout. The composition of the other components is also impressive: the intelligently shaped Syntace carbon handlebars sit comfortably in the hand, the Fizik saddle fits most riders. And the slim Syntace P6 seatpost gives the frameset noticeable comfort, at least at the rear, which makes even long distances bearable. Mavic's lightweight R-SYS-SL wheels contribute to the good acceleration behaviour. As they are also very stiff and brake well thanks to the aluminium rims, they are a recommendation for high mountain tours; however, others are better at the aerodynamic battle against the wind. The icing on the cake, however, is - once again - the holistic design concept.
Nevertheless, there were two reasons for criticism: The AER headset from Cane Creek, equipped with a plastic plain bearing at the top for weight reasons, could not be adjusted when new. Several attempts failed to produce a result between "stiff" and "loose". Only after it had settled a little after a longer ride did the steering behaviour normalise after readjustment. We already reported on another detail on the predecessor: the brake cable housing running in the top tube buzzes and rattles against the tube wall on bumpy roads and can't be stabilised even by tugging; you have to use other tricks to help yourself here.
Price complete wheel 6,799 Euro
Price frame set 2,199 Euro
Weight 6.4 kilos
Reference/Info www.cube.eu
Frame sizes** 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/74°
Seat/top tube/head tube 540/565/163 mm plus 15 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 985/50 mm
Stack/Reach/STR*** 565/396 mm/1.43
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing Cane Creek AER Ceramic, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-1/2 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket Shimano Dura Ace Di2 (53/39 t, press-fit)
Wheels/tyres Mavic R-SYS SL/Schwalbe Ultremo ZX
Handlebar/stem Syntace Racelite Carbon/Syntace F109
Saddle/post Fizik Antares/Syntace P6 (27.2 mm)
MEASURED VALUES & INDIVIDUAL NOTES
Weight of complete wheel (without pedals) 6.4 kg
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing 877/345/50 g
Standardised weight frame set**** 1.299 g: 1,3
Steering head stiffness 91 Nm/°: 1.7
Lateral stiffness fork 46 N/mm: 2.3
Bottom bracket stiffness 55 N/mm: 2.0
Comfort frame 146 N/mm: 1.0
Comfort fork 100 N/mm: 5.0
* The frame set accounts for 40 per cent of the overall score and the features for 60 per cent. These two ratings include individual grades, which we have only printed in part for reasons of space. The grades are calculated up to the final grade with all decimal places; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
** Manufacturer's specification. Tested frame size greased.
*** Stack/reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the headset; STR (stack to reach): Values between 1.45 and 1.55 indicate a sporty riding position, values below are race-like, above are comfortable.
**** Adjusted weight for frame size 57 cm and fork steerer length 225 mm.
