Gravel bikes under 2,000 euros put to the test: The Cube Nuroad C:62 One – the standout performer

>> Here is an overview of all the bikes we tested

Every time a new Cube bike rolls into the test editorial office, the film *Groundhog Day* springs to mind more and more often. As if caught in a time loop, the bike manufacturer from the Upper Palatinate is currently flooding the market – and consequently the TOUR test – with one bargain after another. In the latest comparison, the Nuroad C:62 One It plays this role as it is the only gravel bike in this price range to feature a carbon frame. The base model of the revamped Nuroad platform is therefore in a league of its own and secures victory in the test. Its total weight of 9.3 kilograms is the best figure in this comparison test. With the exception of the Radon (pp. 58/59), no other bike stays below the ten-kilo mark; the Cube even opens up a gap of more than two kilograms over its heaviest competitor – that’s a world of difference. The comparatively low weight is noticeable in the saddle. The Nuroad feels nimble and fast; it best translates the speed sensation of a road bike to off-road terrain. Thanks to its fast tyres, however, it also cuts a fine figure on tarmac. It gives the impression that you’re riding a significantly more expensive bike. Even in the Price range between 2,400 and 3,000 euros The Cube would be competitive and would only be second to one other bike in terms of weight.

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Quick and convenient

The Nuroad emphasises its sporty character with a riding position that is slightly more stretched out than on some of its competitors, yet is still suitable for long distances and many hours in the saddle. The Nuroad models with aluminium frames, which remain unchanged for the current season, place the rider in a significantly more upright riding position. Its tracking stability is on a par with the competition; however, thanks to the comparatively lightweight aluminium wheelsets from Newmen, the Cube steers slightly more directly.

As well as its agile handling, the Nuroad also impresses with its suspension comfort, being one of only two models in our comparison to feature a carbon seatpost that can flex. Combined with the smooth-rolling Schwalbe tyres, this noticeably smooths out bumps in the road. However, there is one drawback that cannot be ignored: due to the remarkably short seatpost (350 millimetres), our testers were unable to adjust the bike to their preferred saddle height. It is only from frame size L onwards that Cube fits a longer version (400 millimetres) into the frame.

The choice of gearing doesn’t quite match the bike’s character. Admittedly, the huge mountain bike cassette comes in handy on steep inclines; in the lowest gear (40/51 teeth), you can still turn the cranks uphill even with plenty of luggage on the bike. However, for fast gravel rides, the range is limited by the small chainring. Furthermore, the gaps between the gears are quite large. The spec variant costing 500 euros more, featuring a 2x12 drivetrain, overcomes this weakness; thanks to lightweight wheels with carbon rims, the Nuroad C:62 Pro is also a further 600 grams lighter. Nevertheless, mounting points for a luggage rack and fixed mudguards – which reduce the maximum tyre clearance from 50 to 45 millimetres – round off the very impressive design of the Nuroad C:62 One. The option to fit a side stand is unusual. The other carbon models cost between 2,499 and 5,999 euros, whilst the gravel range with aluminium frames is priced between 899 and 1,599 euros.

Cube Nuroad C:62 One: Information & Test Rating

• Price: 1,999 euros >> at XXL Bicycle or Lucky Bike available
• Weight of complete bike: 9.3 kilos
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (test size in bold)
• TOUR rating: 2.1

Geometry

• Seat tube/top tube/head tube: 491/565/142 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 590/387 millimetres/1.52
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 647/556 millimetres/1.16
• Wheelbase/Caster: 1045/72 millimetres

Facilities

• Drive/Gearbox: Shimano GRX 610/820 (1x12; 40, 11–51 t.) | Grade: 2.5
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 2.0
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Allround 45 mm (effective: 44 mm) | Grade: 1.0
• Wheels: Newmen Performance 25
• Impeller weights: 1700/2400 grams (v./h.)

Measurements

• Weight of complete bike: 9320 grams | Grade: 3.3
• Driving stability: 8.6 N/mm | Grade: 1.3
• Rear comfort: 134 N/mm | Grade: 2.0
• Comfort Front: 86 N/mm | Grade: 2.3
• Start-up/bottom bracket stiffness: 61 N/mm | Grade: 1.0

Advantages and disadvantages of the Cube Nuroad C:62 One

• Plus: Unbeatable price, excellent acceleration, comfortable suspension
• Minus: only five frame sizes, short seatpost

All 13 bikes in the comparison test

• Bulls Grinder 4
• Canyon Grizzl 7
• Carver Gravel 220 1x
• Cube Nuroad C:62 One >> available here
• Focus Atlas 6.7 >> available here
• Giant Revolt 0 >> available here
• Megamo Jakar 20 >> available here
• Merida Silex 400 >> available here
• Radon Regard AL 10.0
• Ridley Kanzo Adventure Aluminium
• Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400 >> available here
• Scott Speedster Gravel 10 >> available here
• Stevens Prestige >> available here

How TOUR carries out its tests

Weighting (25 per cent of the overall mark): The assessment is based on the weighted total wheel weight in the standard test wheel size of 56–57 centimetres. For reference, we also state the wheel weights. The marking scheme is designed so that a mark of 1.0 is technically achievable: we award the top mark for weights under 7.5 kilograms.

Rear comfort (20 per cent): A measure of compliance when encountering bumps in the road, measured in the TOUR laboratory. It measures the spring travel when the seatpost is under load. The measured value correlates very well with the rider’s experience and perceived comfort. Good marks also indicate decent riding dynamics, which have a positive effect on speed on poor roads and off-road.

Comfort Front (10 per cent): As with the rear end, the handlebar’s deflection under load is measured. A high score indicates a high level of suspension comfort, which reduces strain on the hands during long rides. However, powerful sprinters who prefer a high degree of stiffness should opt for a stiffer handlebar.

Front stiffness (10 per cent): A key factor for steering precision and confidence in the bike at high speeds, determined in the TOUR laboratory. The overall stiffness is measured on the fully assembled frame set, i.e. including the fork. The stiffness values are capped. The aim is not to produce infinitely stiff frames, but frames that are sufficiently stable when ridden.

Bottom bracket stiffness (10 per cent): Indicates how much the frame flexes during hard pedalling, for example during a sprint. This measurement is also carried out in the TOUR laboratory, using a realistic clamping setup that allows the frame to deform just as it would whilst riding.

Gear ratio (5 per cent): The gearbox’s performance characteristics are determined during road tests. The assessment does not focus on the price or perceived quality of individual components, but exclusively on the functioning of the gearbox as a whole. Factors such as the range of gears, but also, for example, the cable routing, the quality of the cables and the fitted chain all play a role.

Brakes (5 per cent): As with gear changes, real-world testing is key here too; our assessment also takes into account the experience gained from our countless brake tests. It is not the component itself that is assessed, but rather its performance as an interplay between the brake caliper, pads and discs: How well can the brakes be modulated? How consistent is the braking performance, how do they respond in hot or wet conditions, and how long are the braking distances?

Tyres (5 per cent): We assess rolling resistance and grip – based on the results of one of our independent tyre tests, where available, or on our driving impressions. Tyre width does not affect the rating, as this is more a matter of personal preference.

Varnish (5 per cent): The TOUR paint test simulates stone chip damage and provides an indication of the durability of the protective topcoat. A chisel is used to simulate stone chips or chain impacts. Starting at a height of ten centimetres, the height is increased in increments of ten centimetres until the paint gives way or the maximum drop height of 50 centimetres is reached.

Maintenance/Adjustment (5 per cent): The assessment focuses on how easy it is to maintain and adjust a bike. Points are deducted, for example, for the need for specialised tools, particularly complex design features, manufacturer-specific components, or maintenance work that can only be carried out in specialist workshops. The overall mark is calculated arithmetically from the individual marks, each weighted by a different percentage (percentages shown in brackets). It primarily reflects the bike’s sporting qualities.

>> We’ve compiled all the information about our tests here