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In 2015, Cube slimmed down its Elite hardtail to a record-breaking 989 grams. However, in the following years, the competition overtook it at a sprinting pace and the Elite gained 200 grams. For the new C:68X series, the Upper Palatinate-based company has now brought in the expertise of carbon specialist Alex Schnura (formerly AX-Lightness). He may not have cracked the 1000 gram mark with his debut model, but the high-quality carbon chassis converts every turn of the cranks into propulsion. The 52 N/mm for the central frame stiffness underpins this impression. Together with the lightweight wheels, the result is a bike "with extremely good propulsion and lively acceleration", as professional tester Markus Schulte-Lünzum puts on record. Cube makes no compromises when it comes to the equipment on the SLT version: carbon from the handlebars to the rims, Fox 32 Factory fork and a flawless XX1 Eagle AXS. On the climbs, the 8.6-kilo machine blows the competition away. In terms of geometry, the Bavarians are trend-conscious - albeit rather conservative. The riding position is sporty but balanced and the bike steers swiftly and wonderfully directly round the tight bends of our test lap. Only the many small bumps on the racetrack are passed on to the rider fairly unfiltered. The Elite is not only stingy with flex in the lab, but also in practice the thin seat stays and 27.2 mm seat post generate little comfort despite 1.5 bar air pressure. "Good for sprinting, but a disadvantage on rough descents," says Max Brandl, the 2019 German Cross Country Champion. At least the Fox fork responds as smooth as butter at the front and filters out rough impacts in an exemplary manner.
Test summary of the Cube Elite C:68X SLT
Lightweight construction without recklessness: superbly equipped, the stiff 8.6-kilo hardtail sprints away from the competition on the climbs. Even without radical geometry updates, the Elite is balanced and harmonious. Only the lack of comfort at the rear might bother long-distance riders. For 600 euros less you can get the SL version with Shimano XTR and 8.7 kilos.
Cube Elite C:68X SLT - model year 2020
Price 5199 Euro (specialised trade)
Frame material / sizes Carbon/ 16'' / 18'' / 20'' / 22'' (47 cm)
Weight without pedals 8.64 kg
Frame weight 1079 g
Wheel size 29"
Weight of wheels 3494 g
Handlebar width 740 mm
Frame rigidity (absol. / STW) 52 N/mm / 48.2 N/mm/kg
Seating comfort 7.3 mm
Front suspension travel 102 mm
Fork Fox 32 Float Factory SC Fit4 Remote
Cranks Sram XX1 Eagle
Circuit Sram XX1 Eagle AXS / 1x12 gears
Translation / bandwidth 34; 10-50 / 500 %
Brake system / disc front / rear Sram Level Ultimate / 180 mm / 160 mm
Seat post / diameter Newmen Advanced Carbon / 27.2 mm
Impellers Newmen SL X.A.25 Carbon
Tyres Schwalbe Racing Ray/Racing Ralph Evo Addix TLE 29 x 2.25
Reach / Stack / BB-Offset 444 / 622 mm / -63 mm
BIKE judgement SUPER (213 out of 250 points)*.
You can conveniently download the complete comparison test of eight 2020 race bikes from different price ranges (BIKE 1/2020) as a PDF below the article. The test costs 2.49 euros.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
Eight 2020 race bikes in a comparison test
- Cube Elite C:68X SLT
- Giant XTC Advanced 1
- Müsing Specter
- Specialised S-Works Epic HT XTR
- Bulls Wild Edge RS Edition
- Mondraker F-Podium R
- NS Bikes Synonym RC2
- Rose Thrill Hill 3
*The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
