​CUBE Nuroad C:62 SLT Review: A feather-light, top-of-the-range gravel bike at a bargain price!

Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE editor

8.0 kilos, carbon as far as the eye can see, and SRAM Red AXS with 13 speeds: On the Nuroad C:62 SLT As usual, CUBE hasn’t skimped on the spec. Weighing in at around 1,150 grams in size M, the carbon frame is said to be very light yet stiff; what’s more, the top-of-the-range model rides on super-tall Newmen Streem G.62 CS carbon wheels and fast Schwalbe G-One RS Pro tyres, 45 millimetres wide.

CUBE is thus clearly positioning the Nuroad at the faster end of the gravel spectrum. At the same time, the Nuroad plays to its strength of versatility: mudguards, a rear rack and even a third bottle cage can be fitted. The frame accommodates tyres up to 50 millimetres wide; with mudguards fitted, there’s still 45 millimetres of clearance. The balance between a race bike and a long-distance gravel bike works surprisingly well, at least on paper. And the price of this premium gravel bike is a real bargain, considering the spec. With other manufacturers, you sometimes have to pay almost double for a similarly equipped model.

Key facts about the CUBE Nuroad C:62 SLT

• Price: 5,999 euros >> available here
• Weight: 8.0 kg
• Frame: C:62 Carbon, Advanced Twin Mould
• Fork: C:62 Carbon
• Circuit: SRAM Red XPLR AXS E1, 13-speed
• Translation: 42 teeth / 10–46
• Crank: SRAM Red XPLR Wide with power metre
• Brakes: SRAM Red AXS HRD, 160/160 mm
• Wheels: Newmen Streem G.62 CS Carbon
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One RS Pro, 45-622
• Ground clearance: up to 50 mm
• Cockpit: CUBE IC Aero Carbon, one-piece
• Seat post: Newmen Advanced Carbon, 27.2 mm
• Sizes: XS to XL
• Maximum rider weight: 100 kg

Carbon frames with racing DNA

CUBE builds the Nuroad C:62 SLT around a C:62 carbon frame featuring Advanced Twin Mould technology. Using this process, CUBE positions the fibres with maximum precision around a negative mould and adjusts the fibre density to suit areas subject to greater stress. The result is said to be a particularly light and stable chassis. CUBE quotes a weight of around 1,150 grams for the frame in a medium size.

Visually, the Nuroad has a pleasantly tidy appearance. The seatpost clamp is concealed within the frame, the cables run largely internally, and the one-piece IC-Aero cockpit tidies up the cable clutter at the handlebars. It looks fast – and that’s exactly what this bike is designed to be. Anyone who carries out their own bike maintenance will need to bring an extra dose of patience and skill to the task due to the high level of system integration.

SRAM Red AXS: They’ve pulled out all the stops here

When it comes to the drivetrain, CUBE has gone for the very best SRAM has to offer. The Red XPLR AXS E1 offers 13 gears and combines a 10–46 cassette with a 42-tooth chainring. For fast gravel rides, the gear ratio offers plenty of range and finely spaced gears. The climbing gear, on the other hand, is quite steep.

A particular highlight: CUBE even fits the bike with a power metre crankset as standard for data-driven training. For those who take their training data seriously, this means they get power measurement and electronic gear changes all in one, without the need for retrofitting.

CUBE remains consistent when it comes to brakes too. The Nuroad is equipped with SRAM Red AXS HRD brakes, featuring 160-millimetre rotors on both the front and rear wheels.

Eight kilos meets 45 millimetres

This bike’s total weight of 8.0 kilos immediately catches the eye. However, CUBE hasn’t achieved this low weight by using narrow ‘cheat’ tyres, but by fitting 45-millimetre-wide Schwalbe G-One RS Pro tyres. The tyres are tubeless-ready and run on super-tall Newmen Streem G.62 CS carbon rims.

The package sounds like a clear brief: as much propulsion as possible, good aerodynamics, yet still enough comfort and riding safety for long days on rough terrain. The maximum tyre clearance of 50 millimetres also leaves room for even wider tyres.

A racing bike with touring capabilities

This is where the Nuroad gets interesting. Despite its sporty specification, CUBE has fitted the frame with plenty of mounting points. There’s space for mudguards and a rear luggage rack, as well as a side stand. The fork even offers two mounting positions for luggage racks; according to CUBE, the lowrider mounts allow up to ten kilograms of luggage to be carried at the front.

In addition, there is a third bottle cage mount on the underside of the down tube. A top tube bag is even included as standard. Whilst this doesn’t instantly transform the €5,999 race bike into a touring bike, it does clearly show that CUBE hasn’t developed this Nuroad solely for chasing the best times.

Editorial commentary

CUBE hits the mark with the Nuroad C:62 SLT an interesting aspect of the current gravel scene. The bike openly flirts with road racing: 8.0 kilos, carbon wheels, SRAM Red XPLR, a power metre and an aero cockpit speak for themselves. At the same time, CUBE has fitted the frame with enough mounting points to ensure that even a multi-day tour won’t be derailed by luggage issues.

It is precisely this combination that makes the Nuroad more exciting than a pure gravel racer. Those looking solely to set the fastest times may find models designed even more specifically for speed. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lightweight gravel bike for fast training rides, long day trips and the occasional bikepacking adventure, this offers an unusually well-equipped all-round package at an extremely fair price.

Plus

• Very low total weight of 8.0 kg
• Fully equipped
• Up to 50 mm of tyre clearance
• Numerous mounting points for luggage and mudguards
• Third bottle holder
• Value for money

Minus

• Fully integrated cockpit makes maintenance more difficult
• A maximum rider weight of 100 kg leaves little leeway for heavier riders and their kit