Road bikes with mechanical gears: The Cube Attain GTC Race in the TOUR test

Cube Attain GTC Race - Affordable entry-level bike

Combine a modern carbon frame with functional equipment, hang a price tag of less than 2,000 euros on the whole thing and you have a racing bike that is one of the cheapest bikes in a competitive comparison. We're talking about the Attain GTC Race, which - alongside the Axial WS GTC Pro women's model - is Cube's only carbon racing bike with a mechanical eleven-speed drivetrain in model year 2023.

In addition to the price, the frame geometry makes the Attain an interesting model for newcomers and occasional cyclists: the long head tube means you sit very upright in the saddle. Only on the aluminium version has TOUR so far determined a more extreme STR ratio, which sets the frame height (stack) in relation to the frame length (reach). The long wheelbase makes the Cube extremely stable, but the high weight makes the robust marathon racer cumbersome.

Simple brake disc

Heavy (aluminium) add-on parts cause the scales display to stop at nine kilograms. When it comes to suspension comfort, there is light and shade. While the extended aluminium seat post in combination with the low seat stays provides good damping, the front is not very compliant and passes on the smallest vibrations.

TipAlthough Cube limits the maximum tyre clearance - including mudguards - to 28 millimetres, the Attain can easily take tyres up to 32 millimetres wide for more comfort. The equipment with Shimano 105 is harmonious, but as with comparable models in the price segment under 2000 euros, a heavy compact crank and simple brake discs are used.

The clamped handlebars with external cables make maintenance easier and allow easy adjustment of the individual riding position. The top model in the Attain range, the GTC SLX, also allows this, but like all bikes in the Agree and Litening family, it shifts electronically for an additional € 600.

>> Competition road bike test: The Cube Litening Aero C:68X Race

Cube Attain GTC Race in detail

• Price1899 Euro
• Weight: 9,0 Kilo

• Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 1193/443/72 grammes
• Frame sizes** 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 62
• Seat/top tube/head tube 525/565/182 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR*** 610/376 millimetres/1.62
• Wheelbase/caster 1010/53 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/Circuit Shimano 105 (2x11; 50/34, 11-32 t.)
• Brakes Shimano 105 (160/160 mm)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Cube RA 1.9 Aero Disc/Continental Grand Sport Race 28 mm (front/rear: 1560/1982 g)

Strengthseasy maintenance, favourable

Weaknesseshard-tuned front, heavy attachments

More bikes with mechanical gears in the TOUR test

• Basso Astra
• Medira Scultura Endurance 400
• Specialised Roubaix Sport
• Stevens Izoard Pro Disc
• Storck Fascenario.3 Comp Ultegra

The results at a glance

>> How TOUR tests: The TOUR road bike test in detail

*Weighed weights.

**Manufacturer information, 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, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.

****Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.