Even after a short test ride around six months ago, we were amazed. The new Cube Agree was only a few days old in the summer of 2021 when we were able to take the marathon bike from the Upper Palatinate for an exclusive test ride. Although there was no time for the climbs up to the Ochsenkopf (1,014 metres) or Schneeberg (1,051 metres), the Agree also showed its great and sporty potential on the edge of the two highest elevations in the Fichtelgebirge, not far from Cube's company headquarters. We were all the more excited to see how the top model C:62 SLT would fare in the detailed individual test. Would the positive first impression - we were riding the slightly heavier C:62 SL at the time - also be confirmed in our laboratory measurements?
Seating position on the Cube Agree
But first there is the K question: like the previous models of the bestseller, the new Agree can hardly be categorised. It is extremely sporty for a classic marathon bike - almost too sporty. The riding position is more stretched out than on many a competition racer. On the other hand, the Cube weighs a few grams too much for such a bike. The C:62 SLT, the lightest model, weighs in at a measured 7.5 kilos, while the basic C:62 model is one kilo heavier.
Focus on aero-optimisation
The lack of a dividing line is not surprising, as Cube has utilised elements from its own Litening competition bike and incorporated them into the development of the carbon frame. The Agree is now also characterised by an aerodynamically optimised chassis. Similar to the Litening, the seat tube hugs the rear wheel, while the narrower tube profiles are less exposed to the wind. Together with the fully integrated carbon cockpit and the small transport box in the rear frame triangle, the C:62 SLT is said to be ten watts faster than its predecessor.
Because we still see the Agree - like Cube itself - as a Marathon bike and therefore not measured in the wind tunnel, we cannot confirm this value. However, our test bike is convincing in practice: It is wonderfully agile and responds spontaneously to every pedal stroke. In addition, the 1,190 gram lightweight carbon frame, whose structure shimmers beautifully through the wine-red paint, is characterised by its very high stiffness. The Agree therefore clearly outperforms most of its competitors. The workmanship also leaves nothing to be desired.
Average comfort on the Cube Agree
Suspension comfort, on the other hand, is not the Cube's strong point. For its sporty design, the C:62 SLT still absorbs bumps well and benefits above all from its tyres, the 28 millimetre wide Continental Grand Prix 5000. Slim seat stays and an integrated seat post clamp are usually indicators of good suspension comfort, but overall the bike is only average. This was less of an issue on our test ride, but for epic marathons, the Agree is not a particularly energy-efficient companion. Light riders in particular might find the set-up a little too harsh.
Equipment details Cube Agree
With its sporty genes, the new Agree will nevertheless appeal to a broad target group. What's more, it comes with a spectacular price tag. Cube is offering the C:62 SLT with Shimano's new Dura-Ace Di2, two twelve-speed gears and relatively light Mavic wheels for €5,699. That's still a lot of money for a road bike - but in view of the list prices of €4,699 for the new Dura-Ace groupset alone and €1,390 for the Mavic wheels, the Upper Palatinate company is really pushing the price button. Such prices are also a challenge for the traditionally cheaper mail order companies: Canyon's comparably equipped Endurace CF SLX 9 Di2 is €2,100 more expensive than the 600 gram heavier C:62 SLT.
The C:62, which is equipped with Shimano's mechanical Ultegra 2x11 groupset and Newmen wheels, is the entry-level model in the Agree family at €2,599. The Pro, Race and SL models range between €2,999 and €4,199, but are only available with electronic drivetrain components from SRAM (Rival eTap or Force eTap) or Shimano (Ultegra Di2 2x12).
Facts about the Cube Agree C:62 SLT
- Price 5,699 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel 7.5 kilos
- Info www.cube.eu
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,190/472/83 gram / Frame sizes** 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 62 Seat/top tube/head tube 500/565/256 mm Stack/Reach/STR*** 562/395 mm/1.42 Wheelbase/caster 1,005/53 mm
Equipment
- Drive/Circuit Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (2x12, 50/34, 11-30 t.)
- Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace (160/160 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights) Mavic Cosmic SL 45 Carbon/Continental Grand Prix 5000 28 mm (f/w 1,148/1,588 g)
*Weighed weights. ** Manufacturer's specification Test size bold. *** Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach) 1.36 means a very stretched sitting position, 1.60 means an upright sitting position
More new bikes 2022 in the test at TOUR:
Canyon Endurance CF 7 & Endurance 7 - Plenty of tyre clearance with an excellent price-performance ratio
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL - Racing bike with integrated battery light and radar
Orbea Orca Aero M10iLTD - Is it as fast in the wind tunnel as it looks and feels?
Trek Checkpoint SL 6 ETAP - Gravel bike with impressive comfort and a very sporty riding position
Julian Schultz
Editor
