The Nuroad with everyday equipment is also a success story for Cube. The manufacturer from Waldershof is offering two versions of the aluminium gravel bike this season, with the cheaper version available for just 999 euros. However, with eight-speed gears and mechanical disc brakes, it would not be competitive in this test field. The situation is completely different for the top-of-the-range version tested, which is still the cheapest bike in the comparison. However, she is one of the winners in terms of grades.
The aluminium frame, which is not too heavy, shines with unshakeable smoothness, while decent comfort values and the modern twelve-speed drivetrain score decisive points over the competition. Apart from the somewhat fiddly seatpost clamp, the bike has a pleasantly simple design. The extremely upright riding position, which is achieved with the standard rising stem, can be minimised in a few simple steps by turning the stem - the position is then comparable with the other candidates.
Cube Nuroad: The weaknesses of the test winner
The Nuroad comes with all the accessories you need for an everyday bike, including a sturdy kickstand. Everything comes from our own brand Acid, but not all of the accessories are convincing. The mudguards are worthy of criticism because they are a little too narrow for the 40-millimetre gravel tyres fitted. In bad weather, water always splashes past the mudguards. Slightly narrower road tyres would therefore suit the bike better.
The minimalist rear light in the mudguard is barely visible from the side because it is covered by the pannier rack, and there are no additional spotlights or reflective strips. We also find the attachment of the actually good front headlight to the handlebars less than ideal. The carrier only accepts side panniers with a click system; nothing can be attached on top. However, the slightly lower centre of gravity of the luggage has a positive effect on handling. We would replace the rather simple bell straight away. Apart from these minor weaknesses, the Cube offers a lot of bike for the money.
More gravel bikes with full equipment
Facts & figures of the Cube Nuroad Race FE in detail
- Price: 1599 Euro >> available here
- Weight of complete wheel: 12.1 kilos
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (frame size greased)
- TOUR grade: 2.3 (test winner)
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 496/560/165 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 611/379 millimetres/1.61
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 683/541 millimetres/1.26
- Wheelbase/caster: 1050/74 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 610/820 (2x12; 46/30, 11-36 t.) | Grade: 2.0
- Brakes: Shimano GRX 410/610 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 2.0
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Overland 40 mm (eff.: 39 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Impellers/Dyn: Cube GR 2.5/Shutter Precision PL-7
- Impeller weights: 2128/2385 grams (front/rear)
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Good price-performance ratio, many accessories, maintenance-friendly design
- Minus: narrow mudguards, poorly visible rear light
Jens Klötzer
Editor
