The list of arguments in favour of the "Agree GTC SL" is long: high-quality equipment, convincing handling, very good value for money, attractive appearance. At 1,300 grams, the newly developed carbon frame is rather heavy for the material, but impresses with the best stiffness values and maximum riding stability. It is also visually up to date with a "press-fit" bottom bracket standard, internally routed cable for the rear brake and a tapered head tube. High-quality add-on parts from Syntace, the comfortable saddle and durable wheels from Citec round off the good picture. The only small flaw: the rear brake is a little stiff due to the continuous cable housing. The meagre warranty of just two years on the frame and fork is offset by a fair accident replacement policy.
Order/Info: Pending System GmbH, phone 09231/ 9700780, www.cube.eu
Weight frame/fork/ headset bearing*: 1,318/546/80 g
Frame sizes**: 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 62 cm
Seat/steering angle: 73°/73.5°
Seat/top/head tube: 515/560/182 mm
Wheelbase/ caster: 985/56 mm
Stack/reach***: 580/387 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork: Easton EC70SL
Steering bearings: FSA, top 1-1/8, bottom 1.5 inch; brakes/gears: Shimano Ultegra
Bottom bracket: FSA SL-K Light (50/34 t.)
Wheels/tyres: Citec 3000/Schwalbe Ultremo R
Handlebar/stem: Syntace Racelite Carbon/Syntace F119
Saddle/post: Fizik Aliante/Syntace P6 (31.6 mm)
*weighted weights; **manufacturer's specification; test frame size greased; ***stack/reach: projected vertical or horizontal dimension from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of headset cap
