Are all cats grey at night? Perhaps. But that doesn't apply to the anthracite-coloured paint of the Cube Nulane: Thousands of small particles reflect in the sun (and at night in the headlights). The banderoles on the seat stays and top tube also throw back prismatic reflections in all the colours of the rainbow, depending on the angle at which the light falls. This is not only pretty to look at, but also increases safety in the dark. The Cube Nulane model range was still called "SL Road" until the beginning of 2022. The new name does nothing to change the character of this versatile bike: with its sporty carbon frame, lightweight carbon fork, agile wheels and wide-range gravel gears, it is one of the fastest horses in the stable of full-range manufacturer Cube.
Discreet frame threads make the Cube Nulane SLT easy to upgrade: the manufacturer offers custom-fit mudguards, rear stands and a gravel rack in its accessories programme. Add to this modern battery lighting and the training partner or touring bike becomes an all-rounder that can be ridden every day. "C:62" is Cube's latest carbon technology, which, with an increased carbon fibre content, higher quality fibres and reinforcing particles in the resin, is designed to offer even greater strength and stability at a lower weight than previous generations. This is another reason for the respectable weight of 9.3 kilos in size M.
The Cube Nulane in practice
The Cube Nulane reacts very directly to pedal pressure and pushes forwards impetuously if required. The steering is neutral, smooth and precise. In windy weather, you occasionally have to steer to stay on course: The light front wheel with a high rim is easily deflected by crosswinds. With Shimano's GRX groupset, the Nulane copes convincingly in every riding situation. The gearing in the lighter gears for climbs is more closely spaced than a road gear system, which provides for finer gear steps at high speeds. In short, it is designed for forest tracks rather than country roads. Shifting is precise, crisp and with short lever travel.
No road is impassable
The feeling of being able to stay in the flow as a cyclist is priceless. Man and machine become one, senses and muscles function and react without having to think or decide for a second. The Cube Nulane is just such a bike: Its light-footedness and lightness have a liberating effect on handling and driving experience. Schwalbe's G-One Allround gravel tyres in the 40-622 size also contribute to this. At around three bar, they run with reliable grip and good cornering grip over roots, sand or gravel thanks to numerous knobs. On asphalt trails, they can almost keep up with racing bike tyres at higher pressures - a maximum of five bar is permitted. Their high suppleness and large volume ensure the damping of small, high-frequency vibrations from the road surface. Hard braking leads to unproblematic but relatively early grip loss on the rear wheel.
The most important information about the Cube Nulane
- Model: CUBE Nulane S C:62 SLT
- Price 1,799 Euro
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Test bike weight: 9.3 kg
- Permissible total weight: 115 kg
- Frame: Carbon, thru axle
- Fork: Carbon, thru axle, lowrider thread
- Circuit: Shimano GRX 810/105 sprocket
- Translation: 46/30, 11-34 t., 2x12-speed, 474 %
- Brakes/ø: Shimano RS600/405 Disc/160 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Allround 40-622
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Competent carbon frame and fork; very light wheels; agile riding behaviour
- Minus: Low maximum permissible total weight
Conclusion on the Cube Nulane
Cubes Nulane S is primarily convincing as a sports companion and touring partner. But with a few simple adjustments and a few accessories, it can be turned into a fast bike suitable for everyday use. The price is a bargain considering the current inflation.
