Marathon bikes for around 4000 euros: The Cube Agree C:62 SLX on test

Like hardly any other bike in this test field, the Agree embodies the DNA of a true athlete. Although the bestseller is categorised as an endurance model, it is not only its outer contours that are decidedly dynamic. The frame has been optimised from an aerodynamic point of view; the seat tube, which follows the circumference of the rear wheel, is strongly reminiscent of the professional Litening Air model known from the Tour de France. A fully integrated handlebar unit and carbon rims complete the look of a high-end sports bike.

The first seat test is also surprising - surprisingly sporty, because on the Cube you sit much more stretched out and race-like than on most of the other candidates. The impression is even more striking on the move. The fact that the Agree is almost a whole kilogram lighter than the average of the test field with an unrivalled level of equipment cannot be denied and also results in a great riding experience: lively acceleration, willing steering behaviour; the bike is not far away from professional racers.

Cube Agree C:62 SLX: Fabulous price

The wheelset, by far the lightest in the entire test field, plays a big part in this. The Newmen wheels are light anyway; the fact that Cube fitted (comparatively expensive) TPU tubes from Tubolito alongside top competition tyres is not an optimisation attempt for our test, but is officially included in the equipment list. The fact that it wasn't quite enough to win the test despite its brilliant performance is due to the bike's not particularly high level of comfort, which we rate higher in this category than for competition racers.

Firm at the rear, hard at the front, that's how you could summarise the driving impression. There is not much room for manoeuvre to make the bike better equipped for bad tracks: the tyre clearance is 31 millimetres, which, realistically speaking, leaves only two millimetres of space as an alternative to the standard tyres, as racing tyres are usually available in widths of 30 and 32 millimetres. However, if you're looking for a solid road-only bike that you can also use for the occasional amateur race, the Agree is the perfect choice. With a little more budget, the Agree is even technically competitive with the top group: with top-of-the-range Shimano Dura-Ace gears, the Agree costs an incredible 4999 euros. Comparably equipped race bikes can cost two to three times as much.

Cube Agree C:62 SLX: Info & test grade

• Price: 3999 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 7.5 kilos
• Frame sizes: 47, 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 62 (test size bolded)
• TOUR grade: 2,0

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 498/565/157 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 572/387 millimetres/1.48
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 599/569 millimetres/1.05
• Wheelbase/caster: 1005/58 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Sram Force AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-33 t.) | Grade: 1.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Brakes: Sram Force (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 28 mm (eff.: 28 mm) | Grade: 1.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Impellers: Newmen Streem C.35/C.38
• Impeller weights: 1028/1422 grams (front/rear)

Measured values

• Weight of complete wheel: 7450 grammes | Grade: 2.3 (25 % share of the overall grade)
• Rear comfort: 142 N/mm | Grade: 2.3 (20 % share of the overall grade)
• Comfort front: 105 N/mm | Grade: 3.0 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Front stiffness: 8.9 N/mm | Grade: 1.3 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Bottom bracket stiffness: 58 N/mm | Grade: 1.3 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Lacquer: Grade: 1.0 (5 per cent share of the overall grade)
• Maintenance/adjustment: Grade: 2.5 (5 % share of the overall grade)

Advantages and disadvantages of the Cube Agree C:62 SLX

• Plus: above-average equipment, very light
• Minus: moderately comfortable

All 12 bikes in the comparison test

• Canyon Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2
• Cervélo Caledonia 105 Di2
• Cube Agree C:62 SLX
• Focus Paralane 8.8 >> available here
• Giant Daffy Advanced 0 >> available here
• Koga Roqa Premium >> available here
• Merida Scultura Endurance Rival Edition
• Rose Reveal 04 105 Di2 >> available here
• Scott Addict 30 >> available here
• Stevens Izoard Pro
• Storck Fascenario.3 Comp
• Veto B983

>> We have compiled all the information about our test here.