A fun bike with a Bosch SX: The Cube Nuroad Hybrid C:62 SLT 400X put to the test – with the wind at its back

​The fact that a 13-kilogramme gravel bike can be steered somewhat ponderously and stubbornly through tricky terrain is evident on the Cube Nuroad Hybrid quickly forgotten. As soon as the electric motor kicks in, this rather heavy bike transforms into a nimble, easy-to-handle ride that’s great fun. Thanks to the compact and rather sporty riding position, balanced weight distribution and lightweight carbon wheels, it handles well even on rocky climbs. On fast descents, however, the bike rides like a proverbial plank.

Off-road comfort with the Cube Nuroad Hybrid e-gravel bike

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With the bitey SRAM brakes – which become even more reliable with 180-millimetre discs – handling on descents is a breeze, even for heavier riders. Compared to other motors, this electric motor feels like it delivers endless power. Even on the lowest setting, it gives the bike a noticeable boost; on the higher settings, the bike almost feels like a motorbike, as the maximum 600 watts – or up to 400 per cent extra power – isn’t just a tailwind, it’s a gale. Want to pedal your way up a long 18 per cent gradient at a leisurely pace whilst maintaining your resting heart rate?

Reliable Bosch motor

With the Bosch motor, this is no problem; any overheating issues, if they arise at all, only occur at a late stage. The motor never feels intrusive, but delivers power smoothly and predictably, depending on your cadence. The only thing you have to put up with is the clearly audible motor noise. The lightly treaded tyres roll smoothly and quietly on tarmac; on loose surfaces, loss of traction on inclines is likely to be the biggest problem.

With tyres up to 50 millimetres wide, the Cube can be adapted to a wide range of different surfaces. Mudguards, a luggage rack and a lighting system powered by the motor battery can be retrofitted; there are also two pre-configured versions available. At just under 6,000 euros, the top-of-the-range version shown here is certainly not cheap, but it costs less than half the price of the Luxury bikes from Specialized. Whilst the Cube isn’t quite as meticulous in its attention to detail, it is certainly comparable in terms of design, driving pleasure and equipment. The entry-level model is priced at 3,999 euros.

Cube Nuroad Hybrid C:62 SLT 400X: Technical Specifications, Features, Motor & Price

• Price: 5,999 euros >> available here
• Weight of complete bike: 12.9 kilos
• Max. rider weight: 100 kilos
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

Geometry

• Seat tube/top tube/head tube: 490/565/130 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 583/391 millimetres/1.49
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 625/543 millimetres/1.15
• Wheelbase/Caster: 1060/57 millimetres

Facilities

• Drive/Gearbox: SRAM Force XPLR (1x13; 46, 10–40 t)
• Brakes: SRAM Force (180/180 mm)
• Tyres: Continental Terra Speed (45 mm)
• Wheels: Newmen Advanced SL X.R.36
• Impeller weights: 1410/1911 grams (left/right)

Engine

• Model: Bosch Performance Line SX (mid-drive motor)
• Peak performance: 600 watts
• Maximum torque: 60 Nm
• Battery capacity: 400 Wh (+250 Wh) range extender
• Driving modes: 4

Advantages and disadvantages of the Cube Nuroad Hybrid C:62 SLT 400X

• Plus: powerful motor, large battery, well-balanced handling, fully equipped
• Minus: relatively heavy