Cube Attain SL (photo above)
With a decidedly upright riding position, the Attain SL aluminium model presents itself as a solid, affordable bike for beginners and occasional riders. The long wheelbase in harmony with the very laterally stiff frame makes the bike extremely smooth-running. The fact that the aluminium seat post only offers moderate suspension is largely compensated for by the comfortable saddle and voluminous, albeit slow-rolling 25 mm Mavic tyres. The same applies to the ergonomically well-shaped handlebars wrapped in grippy tape, which almost makes you forget that the fork hardly gives at all. The complete 105 groupset guarantees many carefree kilometres, while the wide gear range takes the fear out of steep ramps. With the exception of the tyres, the equipment is similar in every detail to the 300 euro more expensive carbon version, the Attain GTC. The comparison shows that the 300 grams extra weight of the aluminium model is almost entirely accounted for by the frame.
In the practical test, there is hardly any difference between the bikes - also because the frame geometries are almost identical.
CONCLUSION Solid, extremely stable, fairly priced: ideal bike for occasional riders, beginners and heavy cyclists. Comfortable saddle and handlebars, gearing very suitable for uphill riding. Relatively heavy
OVERALL GRADE 2.1
Price 1,199 Euro
Weight 8.7 kilos
Info www.cube.eu
Available in specialised shops
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,531/507/59 grammes
Frame sizes** 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 62 cm
Seat/top tube/head tube 520/560/185 mm
Stack/Reach*** 595/382 mm/1.56
Equipment
Drive Shimano 105 (50/34 t.; press-fit)
Brakes/gears Shimano 105
Wheels/Tyres**** Mavic Aksium/Mavic Yksion Elite 25C (v/h: 1,170/1,633 grams)
Cube Attain GTC
There is not much difference between the Attain GTC and the 300 euro cheaper aluminium model Attain SL. The frame geometries are almost identical down to the millimetre. Accordingly, you sit just as comfortably and upright on the Attain GTC as on its 300 euro cheaper sister model. The equipment is also almost identical. The only difference: the mid-range Continental tyres on the carbon bike roll a little more easily than the Mavic tyres on the Attain SL. In a direct comparison of the models, we liked the Attain GTC a little better; whether the better tyres and the weight advantage of 300 grams are worth the extra 300 euros is something everyone has to decide for themselves. We liked the fact that, as with the aluminium Attain, the screws for the most important settings on the saddle, handlebars, brakes and gears can all be operated with a five-millimetre hexagon socket. The stiffness values are not as extremely high as those of the aluminium frame, but are also sufficient for heavy riders.
CONCLUSION Solid carbon racer with long-distance geometry for occasional riders and beginners.
Comfortable saddle and handlebars, wide range of gear ratios
OVERALL GRADE 2.1
Price 1,499 Euro
Weight 8.4 kilos
Info www.cube.eu
Available in specialised shops
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,203/506/59 grammes
Frame sizes** 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 62 cm
Seat/top tube/head tube 525/560/185 mm
Stack/Reach*** 595/384 mm/1.55
Equipment
Drive Shimano 105 (50/34 t.; press-fit)
Brakes/gears Shimano 105
Wheels/Tyres**** Mavic Aksium/Continental Grand Sport 25C (v/h: 1,260/1,658 grams)
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal measurement 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 riding position.
****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.
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