Premium spec for 4,000 euros: The Cube Nuroad C:62 SLX and Rose Backroad FF go head-to-head

Let’s be honest: at home, I don’t really have much say in matters. Wall colour, bringing up the children, what to do in the evenings or where to go on holiday – I usually just go along with whatever’s decided. But there’s one area where my wife gives me complete free rein: bikes. I’m allowed to clean them at the weekend, repair them after work, and pump up the tyres before a ride… And now I’ve even been given the ultimate go-ahead: I’m allowed to buy her a new bike.

We’re looking for the perfect bike for the daily 30-kilometre commute through the Perlacher Forest to work and back. Without my wife even having to say it, I know exactly what she has in mind: a gravel bike. And knowing my wife as I do, the bike needs to look smart and race-ready, yet ride as smoothly as a sedan along the rough forest tracks, so that I arrive at the office relaxed and without backache. Ouch. So, a spirited racehorse with the temperament of a Haflinger? That won’t be easy. At least the budget allows for some leeway: around 4,000 euros, as this amount is covered by her employer’s ‘Jobrad’ scheme.

As you’d expect, my research began with a fair bit of wistfulness. When it comes to style, the traditional Italian brands naturally hit the nail on the head (and not just with my wife). But a glance at the price lists brought me brutally back down to earth: in the €4,000 price range, the southern European brands often only offer sparsely equipped basic models – essentially a plain Margherita pizza without any tasty toppings. Reality check: who actually goes luxury shopping on Maximiliansstraße on a bus driver’s monthly wage? Exactly. Seen in that light, my Google search never even crossed the pond to the trendy, high-end cult brands: anyone expecting premium carbon rims and electronic gear changes there would first have to cancel their family holiday. That wasn’t what we were after.

High-profile carbon rims and electronic gear systems

So, where did I end up? With Cube, of course, and – perhaps not quite so naturally – with Rose. The Cube Nuroad C:62 SLX for exactly 3,999 euros and the brand-new Rose Backroad FF GRX/XT Di2 for 4,300 euros. Two gravel bikes that almost make a mockery of the usual spec standards in this price range – and look absolutely stunning to boot. Both manufacturers are fielding their finest carbon frames, fitted with top-of-the-range electronic groupset and adorned with aerodynamic high-profile carbon wheels. A duel between equals, where the details will decide whether I’ll be celebrated as a hero at home or end up having to clean the entire fleet of bikes at the weekend.

Before we delve deep into a comparison of the technical details, it’s worth taking a look at the DNA of the two rivals. Cube, based in Waldershof in the Upper Palatinate, has been regarded for decades as the undisputed master of cost-effective engineering. Thanks to their enormous production volumes, the Bavarians consistently manage to fit high-end components to their bikes, driving their competitors to the brink of despair. Rose Bikes from Bocholt, on the other hand, has long since shed its old, staid mail-order image and blossomed into a design-led bicycle manufacturer. The Bocholt-based company loves sleek system integration and clever engineering. With its new FF (Fast Forward) platform, Rose is setting its sights firmly on the gravel racing scene, whilst Cube, with its Nuroad series, traditionally takes a slightly more down-to-earth approach.

Geometry and frame

Cube has relied on its tried-and-tested C:62 Advanced Twin Mold Technology for the Nuroad. The Upper Palatinate-based company explains: by adding nanoparticles to the resin and using a high proportion of high-modulus fibres, they have achieved a lightweight, stiff frame. It certainly sounds promising. And the figures look good too: according to the manufacturer, the frame weight comes in at around 1,150 grams in size M. Rose counters with the Backroad FF, featuring a sophisticated high-modulus carbon lay-up that combines different stiffness classes. Weighing around 1,070 grams in size M, the Rose frame is said to be even slightly lighter than the Cube’s.

In practice, however, the difference in the character of the geometries is more significant than the few grams’ difference in weight. Cube has equipped the Nuroad with ‘Gravel Endurance Geometry’. This means that a noticeably higher stack, combined with a moderate reach, ensures a more relaxed, more upright riding position. The Rose Backroad FF, on the other hand, lives up to its ‘Fast Forward’ name. The geometry is heavily based on the Xlite road aero racer. A low stack and a long reach force the rider into a lower aerodynamic position, which puts a lot of strain on the wrists.

A comparison of geometric data

Drive and gearbox

The drivetrain set-ups couldn’t be more different – here, SRAM meets Shimano, and gravel components are combined with mountain bike DNA. Cube fits an SRAM AXS system in what is known as a ‘mullet’ configuration. At the front is a high-end SRAM Force XPLR E1 crankset with 40 teeth, whilst at the rear a robust SRAM GX Eagle AXS mountain bike rear derailleur is mounted directly onto the frame (UDH standard). This drives a massive cassette with 10–52 teeth. A real highlight: a SRAM Force power metre for power measurement is integrated into the crankset axle as standard.

Rose is breaking new ground and presenting a component mix that is electrifying in both senses of the word. It combines a Shimano GRX 820 crankset (42 teeth) with the new, electric Shimano Deore XT Di2 mountain bike rear derailleur. Shifting is controlled via the ergonomic GRX Di2 ST-RX825 levers. The cassette: Rose uses a special 1x12 system with a gear range of 9 to 45 teeth. Rose has spared no expense either, fitting the Backroad FF with a high-quality 4iiii Precision 3+ power metre on the left crank arm.

So, which drivetrain comes out on top? It’s a matter of personal preference. The SRAM drivetrain on the Cube shifts with extreme precision under full load, but responds a touch more slowly than the lightning-fast Shimano Di2 system on the Rose. In terms of build quality and purchase price, the SRAM Force components are slightly superior to the Shimano GRX/XT mix. The Cube’s gear range is enormous at 520 per cent thanks to the 52-tooth chainring – ideal for the steepest off-road climbs. The Rose offers a gear range of 500 per cent, which is hardly any less, but scores points on fast tarmac sections thanks to its smaller 9-tooth sprocket, providing a tighter, sportier gear ratio in the middle range.

Brakes

The braking system on both bikes is fully hydraulic and leaves nothing to be desired. Cube places its full trust in the SRAM Force AXS E1 braking system. This system stands out with its redesigned ergonomic levers, which are significantly slimmer than their predecessors and offer excellent lever reach adjustment. The Nuroad is fitted with 160 mm brake discs at the front and rear. Modulation is superb, the bite point is crisp, and even on long descents, the Force brakes show no sign of fading.

Rose relies on Shimano’s proven braking expertise and combines the GRX ST-RX825 Di2 shift-and-brake levers with the hydraulic BR-RX820 flat-mount brake calipers. Here too, 160 mm discs are fitted as standard. Shimano is renowned for its Servo-Wave technology, which ensures that the pads make contact quickly and that braking force can then be modulated very precisely. Thanks to their ribbed surface and raised thumb rest, the GRX levers offer a firm grip on rough terrain. A clear draw at the highest level.

Handlebars and seat post

There are significant differences when it comes to the cockpit: Cube has opted for a classic, low-maintenance approach. It features a two-piece system comprising a Cube CIS stem with clever, concealed cable routing through the headset, and a Newmen Advanced Gravel Bar carbon handlebar. This offers the advantage that the handlebar width or stem length can be easily adjusted. At the rear, a classic, round Newmen Advanced Carbon seatpost in the standard 27.2 mm diameter provides cushioning.

With the Backroad FF, Rose has pulled out all the stops when it comes to modern aero integration. At the factory in Bocholt, a one-piece gravel carbon cockpit has been developed, whose flattened, curved shape is reminiscent of an eagle’s wings. The cables are completely hidden from view. This cockpit looks absolutely stunning and offers superb aerodynamics, but does not allow for any subsequent adjustment of the stem angle or length. The same applies to the seatpost: the Rose Aero D-Shape carbon seatpost has an aerodynamically optimised profile and is said to flex very well.

High-profile carbon wheels and tyres

The wheels are another highlight of these two models. Cube fits the brand-new, 54 mm-high ZIPP 303 XPLR S carbon wheelsets, which have been specially developed for modern gravel riding. They feature a generous 32 mm internal rim width and are optimised for wide tyres. Zipp is synonymous with high durability and a lifetime guarantee. The tyres fitted are the brand-new Schwalbe G-One RX Pro, a generous 45 mm wide. The Nuroad also offers a maximum tyre clearance of up to 50 mm.

Rose fits its in-house GC50 carbon wheelsets, featuring a 50 mm-high aero profile, which have been fine-tuned in the wind tunnel for maximum speed. As a set, they are marginally lighter than the Zipp wheelsets, but are slightly more affordable on the aftermarket. When it comes to tyre choice, Rose opts for the fast Maxxis Reaver tyres in a 45 mm width, in line with the bike’s intended use. The maximum tyre clearance on the Rose frame is limited to 45 mm – any wider is not possible due to the short chainstays and the aero design.

The Cube Nuroad C:62 SLX at a glance

• Price: 3,999 euros
• Available frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Frame material: C:62 carbon frame with fully integrated cable routing
• Maximum tyre clearance: 50 mm
• Drive/Gearbox: SRAM Force XPLR AXS (1x12-speed mullet setup) with SRAM GX Eagle AXS MTB rear derailleur, 40-tooth Force crankset including integrated power metre, and 10–52 Eagle cassette
• Brakes: Sram Force AXS hydraulic disc brakes (160/160 mm)
• Wheels: ZIPP 303 XPLR S carbon wheelset with a 32 mm inner rim width
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One RX Pro, 45 mm wide
• Total weight: approx. 8.3 kg (manufacturer’s specification)

The Rose Backroad FF GRX/XT Di2 at a glance

• Price: 4,300 euros >> available here
• Available frame sizes: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL
• Frame material: Rose high-modulus race carbon frame and one-piece aero carbon cockpit
• Maximum tyre clearance: 45 mm
• Drive/Gearbox: Shimano 1x12 GRX/XT Di2 mix: XT Di2 MTB rear derailleur, GRX 820 shifters and crankset (42T), including a single-sided 4iiii Precision 3+ power metre and a 9–45 cassette
• Brakes: Shimano GRX BR-RX820 hydraulic disc brakes (160/160 mm)
• Wheels: Rose GC50 Carbon
• Tyres: Maxxis Reaver, Exo, 45 mm wide
• Total weight: approx. 8.1 kg (manufacturer’s specification)

Conclusion and purchasing decision

Both Cube and Rose offer absolute dream bikes at sensational prices with these models. If you’re looking for maximum aerodynamics, a fully integrated design and razor-sharp handling, go for the Rose Backroad FF. On the other hand, if you value versatility, plenty of tyre clearance, a robust SRAM Transmission rear derailleur and a high level of comfort, the Cube is the perfect choice for you.

When it comes to value for money, the Cube Nuroad C:62 SLX has a very slight edge. For €3,999, it offers the more robust SRAM Transmission rear derailleur, the more prestigious Zipp carbon wheels and a fully integrated dual-sided spindle power metre. It is also €300 cheaper than the Rose.

And which bike will my wife get? The Cube Nuroad C:62 SLX will better meet her expectations. The Rose Backroad FF is a sporty racing bike that can quickly become uncomfortable for everyday use. The Cube also looks extremely stylish, but has a more relaxed, upright riding position. It’s like a good-natured Haflinger dressed up as a racehorse.