Editor Pro review: Cube with belt drive and in-hub gears

​From the daily commute to a ride into the city centre: the Cube Editor Pro aims to prove that a city bike doesn’t have to be boring. With a belt drive, in-hub gears and a consistently straightforward design. We’ve taken a closer look at the Editor Pro.

​BIKE verdict: A city bike with attitude

The Cube Editor Pro is refreshingly straightforward. It clearly states what it is and what it isn’t – and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. The combination of a belt drive and Nexus hub is tried and tested and unbeatable for everyday use, whilst the trigger shifter elevates the shifting experience to a sporty level. The weight is just right, and the price is fair. Anyone prepared to do without a luggage rack and mudguards – or to fit them on later as required – will get a purist, low-maintenance city bike with character for just under 1,000 euros. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor

First impression: Tidy down to the last detail

Anyone who Cube Editor Pro Anyone seeing it for the first time will immediately understand what the name stands for. It has been redesigned – rigorously and without sentimentality. What remains is a clean aluminium frame that looks more like a sporty fixed-gear bike than a classic city bike. Cube has deliberately kept the Editor’s lines slim and dynamic, and it’s a hit.

The Pro version without the FE is particularly no-nonsense. It doesn’t even feature a luggage rack or mudguards. As a result, the Cube is aimed at a clearly defined target group: city cyclists who value style and low-maintenance features, but prefer to fit accessories to suit their own taste. For anyone looking for a fully equipped everyday bike straight from the factory, Cube offers the standard Editor FE model – complete with mudguards, lights and a luggage rack for an extra 200 euros.

Key features: belt drive and in-hub gear system

The technical highlight of the Editor Pro is the combination of a Gates belt drive and a Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub gear. No oil on your trousers, no faffing about with re-greasing, no rust in the drivetrain – the belt runs quietly and cleanly, and really comes into its own when the bike is left outside a lot or is ridden in winter. Less maintenance, more riding – that’s the idea.

The Shimano Nexus hub, with its eight gears, is a tried-and-tested workhorse. The range is perfectly adequate for urban conditions – from a leisurely ride along flat boulevards to a spirited climb up bridges or ramps, you’ll always find a suitable gear. It’s only when the going gets extremely steep that the Nexus reaches its limit. Gear changes are pleasantly smooth, even under load, which significantly enhances everyday comfort. However, you shouldn’t expect the same level of efficiency and durability as the higher-quality Alfine here.

The key detail: a trigger instead of a twist grip

Here, Cube has made a decision that seems unusual at first glance but proves its worth immediately when riding: instead of the twist grip typically found on hub gears, Cube has fitted the Editor Pro with the trigger shifter from the Shimano Alfine range. This provides a shifting experience more commonly associated with sporty trekking bikes or mountain bikes. The gears engage crisply, effectively overcoming the need to reposition your hand and the somewhat awkward ergonomics of the grip with its tapered contact surface beneath the hand.

Light on their feet, true to character

13.2 kilograms in size M (BIKE measurement) – that’s a respectable figure for a low-maintenance city bike with in-hub gearing. This is made possible by the sleek aluminium frame design and, indeed, by the absence of a luggage rack and mudguards. Compared directly with fully-equipped everyday bikes, which can easily weigh between 15 and 17 kilograms, the Editor Pro is a lightweight.

Acceleration from a standstill is brisk, whilst the handling – with a short stem and straight handlebars – is direct and agile. The geometry doesn’t encourage a relaxed, upright riding position, but rather a slightly forward-leaning, active riding style. Comfort isn’t the main priority here. However, the 55-millimetre-wide tyres do provide at least some cushioning, and the belt drive ensures a pleasantly quiet drivetrain.

Features and components at a glance

As well as the drivetrain mentioned earlier, the Editor Pro is also well-equipped in terms of its other components. The brakes – Shimano hydraulic disc brakes are increasingly becoming the norm in this class – ensure reliable deceleration, which is a clear advantage over simple rim brakes, particularly in changing urban conditions. The handlebars, saddle and ergonomics of the cockpit emphasise the bike’s sporty character. Cube’s Ergogrips are tried and tested and should help to reduce the pressure on the hands somewhat, particularly with the sporty riding position.

Who is Editor Pro designed for?

Cube talks to the Editor Pro urban commuters and leisure cyclists who prioritise aesthetics, low-maintenance and riding enjoyment over maximum practicality for everyday use. Anyone who cycles in the rain every day and wants to keep their trousers clean would be better off choosing the fully-equipped Editor model or fitting mudguards separately.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a sleek, sporty city bike that’s low-maintenance, looks great and is a real joy to ride, the Editor Pro is the perfect choice. The Editor Pro also cuts a fine figure as a second bike for frequent cyclists who already know their bike well and simply want a reliable, straightforward everyday companion.

Value for money: 999 euros – a fair price

999 euros for a bike with a belt drive, high-quality in-hub gears and trigger shifters is a fair entry-level price. Comparable configurations in the premium segment can easily cost twice as much. Cube has managed to bring a technically impressive product into an attractive price bracket without cutting corners where it really matters.