New gravel bike 2026: Cube Nuroad SLX in the TOUR test

The Nuroad gravel bike is an important platform for Cube: According to its own statement, it is by far the best-selling model in the road bike division of the Upper Palatinate company. In addition, the name has been synonymous with test wins in recent years - most recently in TOUR 9/2025; in the comparison of bikes under €2,000, Cube was the only brand to contribute a bike with a carbon frame with the Nuroad. The carbon fibre version, which was updated a year ago, has now been followed by an extensive update of the more affordable aluminium frame model. In view of the aggressive pricing policy with which Cube is making life difficult for the competition, this bike once again has the potential to become a bestseller. However, prospective buyers should take a close look at the Cube portfolio: The update of the Nuroad HPA, an acronym for High Performance Aluminium, only extends to the Race model version and the top SLX version that we tested. The previous aluminium frame remains in the range for all cheaper versions.

More road & gravel bike innovations 2026 in the test

• Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 on test
• Canyon Grizl CF 7 on test
• Cervélo R5 on test
• Radon Spire 10.0 on test
• Rose Backroad Unsupported in the test
• Scott Addict 10 on test
• Specialised Diverge Expert AXS on test
• Stevens Camino RS Pro AXS on test
• Storck Fascenario.5 Team on test
• Specialised S-Works Aethos 2 in the TOUR test

Visually, the two off-road novelties are inspired by the Nuroad C:62, but only at second glance do they reveal themselves as models with an aluminium frame. In contrast to the cheaper HPA versions, the weld seams are now cleanly ground; the striking design of the head tube and saddle nodes also looks very much like carbon. The brake lines and shift cables are partially integrated and are routed into the head tube under the stem; the cables are still exposed on the old frameset. Other new features include the UDH standard for modern SRAM groupsets and additional threaded eyelets for luggage. Tall riders can look forward to a new frame height: In XXL, the new Nuroad is also suitable for riders around two metres tall. However, they should note the maximum rider weight of 100 kilograms.

The frame geometry of the new aluminium model is based on its predecessor; the aluminium bikes are still slightly more comfortable than the Nuroad carbon models. As the stem is also quite short and points upwards and the handlebars have hardly any pre-bend towards the grips, the SLX is extremely comfortable to sit on when holding the brake levers. The lower handlebar hardly allows for a truly aerodynamic position, the curve is not deep enough for that. Those who are less used to the classic road bike position should appreciate this shape - especially off-road, it avoids a top-heavy, unsafe riding feeling.

New look, familiar driving behaviour

In general, the bike is designed for less experienced gravel cyclists and for safe off-road riding. A flat steering angle and the long wheelbase keep it well on track, but in tight bends and winding trails it sometimes feels a little bulky. However, we can't say that it rides unsportsmanlike. For its price and weight class, the bike is very responsive; thanks to the grippy Schwalbe tyres, which roll easily on any terrain, even a sporty pace is a lot of fun. Only the gear gradation occasionally throws us road cyclists off our stride: the very wide-ranging 10-51 cassette from Shimano's mountain bike programme is a little coarse for typical gravel use; we often miss the right gear on flat rolling sections. On the other hand, the sprocket set offers endless reserves on steep climbs: When the 40-51 gear ratio becomes too heavy, pushing is not much slower.

Cube attaches great importance to practicality and additional benefits. The bike is extremely easy to maintain, with only three Allen keys required for the main adjustments. The cables only run partially inside the frame, which makes assembly work considerably easier. As with the Cube Agree and Attain models, a bag can be attached to threads in the rear frame triangle, and there are also mounting points for mudguards. It is rather surprising that there are no eyelets for pannier racks on the fork. However, the retrofit option for a lighting system with integrated cable duct is likely to be more important to many prospective customers, even if a front light can still only be mounted on the handlebars. For 1599 euros, the FE version with mudguards, dynamo light and side stand is a good buy, costing only 100 euros more than the basic model.

Otherwise, we would make the choice mainly dependent on the gear ratio or the terrain: If you ride a lot on flat terrain, you should favour the race version of the Nuroad. For 300 euros less, you can get a GRX 2x12 drivetrain with front derailleur. The gear steps are finer and the money saved can be used to replace the aluminium seat post and handlebars with carbon parts. However, the bike is configured with inferior brakes, the GRX 610 without Servo Wave technology are noticeably less powerful than the higher quality GRX 820 on our test bike.

Cube Nuroad SLX: Test grade, price, geometry, equipment, measured values, advantages and disadvantages

• Price: 1799 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 10.1 kilos
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
• TOUR grade: 2,3

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 530/560/165 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 609/384 millimetres/1.59
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 666/556 millimetres/1.20
• Wheelbase/caster: 1046/72 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 820 (1x12, 40, 10-51 t.) | Note: 2,5
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 820 (160/160 millimetres) | Shimano GRX 820 (160/160 millimetres) Note: 2,0
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One R 45 millimetre | Note: 1,5
• Impellers: Newmen Performance X.R. 25
• Impeller weights: 1694/2281 grams (v./h.)

Measured values

• Weight of complete wheel: 10,060 grams | Note: 4,0
• Driving stability: 9.18 N/mm | Note: 1,0
• Rear comfort: 134 N/mm | Note: 2,0
• Comfort front: 97 N/mm | Note: 2,7
• Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 58 N/mm | Note: 1,3

Cube Nuroad SLX: pros and cons

Advantages

Inexpensive, solidly equipped, easy to maintain

Disadvantages

Roughly stepped gearbox, only 100 kilograms permissible rider weight

How TOUR tests

We have compiled all the information about our test here.