Cube Nuroad: Better with an aluminium or carbon frame?

The Upper Palatinate bike manufacturer Cube has made a name for itself in recent years as a price-performance winner. The Nuroad gravel bike platform in particular is an important pillar for the manufacturer: According to the company, the Nuroad is the best-selling model within the road bike division. Cube has expanded its portfolio for 2026 and now offers both the top model in the aluminium series, the Nuroad SLX, as well as a completely revised carbon platform, the entry-level model of which is the Nuroad C:62 One represents. The price difference between these two variants is only 300 euros, but the concepts differ significantly. While the aluminium SLX model comes with Shimano's high-quality GRX 820 1x12 drivetrain and weighs 10.1 kilograms, the carbon entry-level model C:62 One scores points with its lower weight of 9.3 kilograms. The components consist of a mix of the somewhat simpler GRX 610 with parts from the GRX 820.

Quick conclusion: Which Cube Nuroad for whom?

In terms of value for money, both models offer a lot for your money. The decision between the two models ultimately depends on the intended use: the Cube Nuroad C:62 One is the better choice for sporty rides focussing on speed and low weight, while the Cube Nuroad SLX scores points for its robustness and greater comfort in demanding terrain and on tours with luggage.

Nuroad vs. Nuroad: material differences and frame concepts

The aluminium frame of the Nuroad SLX has been completely redesigned and looks very similar to its carbon counterpart. The weld seams are cleanly ground and, compared to the cheaper aluminium versions of the Nuroad, the brake lines and shift cables of the SLX are partially integrated and routed into the head tube under the stem. It also features the UDH standard (Universal Derailleur Hanger) for modern SRAM groupsets and additional threaded eyelets for luggage. The frame is available in six sizes, whereby the new XXL version is also suitable for riders around two metres tall - albeit with a weight limit of 100 kilograms.

>> Individual test of the Cube Nuroad LX
>> Individual test of the Cube Nuroad C:62 One
>> Alternative? The Nuroad as a gravel bike with e-drive

The Nuroad C:62 One is based on a carbon frame, which was also completely redesigned last year. The carbon version is lighter, which is particularly noticeable when pedalling, whereby the C:62 One and the SLX The two carbon frames are not far apart in terms of bottom bracket stiffness (61 Newtons per millimetre to 58 Newtons per millimetre). The carbon frame is available in five sizes (XS to XL) and also offers numerous mounting points for accessories such as mudguards, pannier racks and even a kickstand - the latter is unusual for carbon frames.

Geometry and seating position in comparison

Interestingly, the two models differ in their geometry. While the carbon model C:62 One offers a slightly sportier, more stretched seating position, the aluminium SLX model sits a little more upright and comfortable. This is reflected in the stack-reach ratios: The C:62 One has an STR of 1.52 in size M, while the SLX allows a more upright position with a value of 1.59. In addition, the SLX has a short, upward-pointing stem and the handlebars have hardly any pre-bend towards the grips. This results in an extremely comfortable riding position with brake levers, which avoids a top-heavy, unsafe riding feeling, especially off-road.

The riding position on the C:62 One is a little more stretched out, but still comfortable enough for long distances. The sportier orientation is particularly noticeable at higher speeds, where the carbon model comes into its own. Both bikes have a slack steering angle with a long wheelbase, which makes them very directional, but can sometimes feel a little bulky in tight bends and angled trails.

Equipment and components

Both models are equipped with Shimano components, albeit with different focal points. The Nuroad SLX is equipped with a Shimano GRX 820 1x12 drivetrain, which utilises a very wide 10-51 cassette from the mountain bike range. This offers enormous reserves on steep climbs, but is somewhat coarse for typical gravel use. The right gear is often missing on flat roller sections. The brakes are high-quality GRX 820s with servo wave technology, which ensure powerful braking performance.

The Nuroad C:62 One comes with a combination of Shimano GRX 610 and 820 components and also a 1x12 drivetrain with 40 teeth at the front and an 11-51 cassette at the rear. The brakes are somewhat simpler GRX 400s, which nevertheless offer solid braking performance. There is no difference in the wheels: Both models roll on comparatively light aluminium rims (Newmen Performance 25). Both are also fitted with Schwalbe G-One tyres, whereby the SLX has the sportier G-One R in a width of 45 millimetres, while the C:62 One relies on the more versatile G-One Allround in the same width.

Driving characteristics and comfort

The carbon model C:62 One scores points with a carbon seatpost that can flex and thus noticeably smooth out bumps. However, at 350 millimetres, the seatpost is quite short, which can make it difficult for taller riders to find the right riding position. Cube only installs a longer 400 millimetre version from frame size L upwards. In the laboratory measurements, both bikes achieve a value of 134 Newtons per millimetre for rear comfort. Both bikes provide a secure off-road riding experience, although the C:62 One is slightly more agile due to its lower weight and hangs better on the throttle. The SLX, on the other hand, impresses with its robustness and reliability, which is a particular advantage on bikepacking tours with luggage.

Areas of application and target groups

The different concepts of the two models appeal to different target groups. The Nuroad C:62 One is particularly suitable for sporty riders who are looking for a light and agile gravel bike for fast tours on gravel and tarmac. Thanks to its low weight and sporty geometry, it also cuts a fine figure at higher speeds. The mounting points for pannier rack and mudguards also make it a versatile companion for everyday use or multi-day tours.

The Nuroad SLX, on the other hand, is aimed at riders who are looking for a robust and reliable gravel bike for a variety of uses. The more comfortable riding position and the extreme gear reduction make it the ideal companion for demanding terrain and steep climbs, even with luggage. It is also particularly easy to maintain, as only three Allen keys are required for the main adjustments and the cables are only partially routed in the frame, which makes assembly work considerably easier. An FE version with mudguards, dynamo light and side stand is also available for 1599 euros, which costs only 100 euros more than the basic model and is particularly suitable for everyday use and commuting.

Price-performance ratio and purchase recommendation

In terms of value for money, both models offer a lot for your money. The Nuroad C:62 One is the only gravel bike in its price class with a carbon frame for € 1999 and was able to secure the test victory in the TOUR comparison test of 13 gravel bikes under € 2000. With a weight of 9.3 kilograms, it clearly undercut most of its competitors in the comparison - the difference to the heaviest competitor is even more than two kilograms. The Nuroad C:62 One is available here, for example.

The Nuroad SLX offers for 1699 EuroThe Nuroad offers slightly higher quality equipment with better brakes than the C:62 One. However, if you ride a lot on flat terrain, you should opt for the race version of the Nuroad, which offers a GRX 2x12 drivetrain with front derailleur for 300 euros less. The gear steps are then finer, but the brakes are somewhat simpler. The decision between the two models ultimately depends on the intended use: for sporty rides with a focus on speed and low weight, the C:62 One is the better choice, while the SLX scores points for its robustness, greater comfort and extreme gear reduction, especially for demanding terrain and tours with luggage.