Two thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine. In figures: 2999 euros. That's how much the new top model of the Cube Attain costs. Of course, that's still a lot of money for a bike - but when you look at the competition, it's unrivalled. After all, the C:62 SLT boasts a level of equipment that is usually only fitted to much more expensive models. For comparable bikes with modern, electronic shifting technology as well as lightweight wheels and a carbon seat post, even the mail-order competitors from Bocholt or Koblenz charge at least 2,200 euros more.
Large specialist brands such as Giant, Specialized or Trek charge at least twice as much for similar equipment versions. How does Cube manage this? When asked, the largest German bike manufacturer points to favourable purchasing conditions, lean corporate structures and its own production facilities on the German-Czech border. But the huge price difference raises another question: Is the Cube a deceptive package? TOUR investigated this question in the lab and in practice.
Cube Attain C:62: Back-friendly geometry
The latest generation of the Attain continues to take its place in the Bavarian bike manufacturer's range as an uncomplicated road bike for all occasions. With emphasised comfort geometry, Cube draws a sharp dividing line to the Agreewhich is also categorised as a marathon bike, but with aerodynamically optimised tube shapes and a sporty riding position, it clearly tends towards a competition racer.
The head tube of the Attain is almost three centimetres longer, making the handlebars higher. The Stack+ and Reach+ quotient, which also takes the stem and handlebars into account to classify the riding position, is on a par with gravel bikes suitable for travelling. In short, you can't get much more back-friendly on a road-ready road bike at the moment; the Attain is predestined for long days in the saddle. Both endurance platforms from Waldershof answer the material question in the same way, with the Attain adopting the frame quality of the Agree for the first time.
The proportion of carbon fibres is 62 percent, hence the model name. A resin mixed with nano-particles holds the weave together. At higher quality levels, Cube further reduces the proportion of "glue" and optimises the layup, resulting in lighter framesets for race platforms such as the Litening Aero can be baked. Cube states a frame weight of 1150 grams for the Attain.
The direct competitors from Canyon and Rose make similar claims for comparable models. The test bike tips the scales at just over eight kilograms, whereby the C:62 SLT benefits enormously from the lightweight Newmen carbon wheels and rides extremely light-footedly. This is a unique selling point in this price range, as many of the competition's bikes usually have wheels with aluminium rims.
How does the Cube Attain differ from its predecessor?
New features compared to its predecessor are the slightly longer chainstays and greater tyre clearance, which Cube uses to prepare the racer for use on gravel tracks. The longer chainstays also increase the wheelbase, which benefits the directional stability; this makes the already good-natured steering behaviour of the previous Attain even more like that of a gravel specialist.
With space for tyres up to 34 millimetres wide - 32 millimetres for the models labelled HPA (High Performance Aluminium) - the marathon bike can also be converted for riding on dirt tracks and forest trails. As already mentioned, the new model thus draws a clear dividing line with the Agree, which reacts much more directly and agilely to steering commands and is stingy with maximum tyre clearance. Ex works, the new Attain rolls on 30 millimetre wide Grand Prix tyres from Continental, which roll well but can only be ridden with a tube.
In stock trim, this has relatively little influence on the suspension comfort, which is average in the lab and in practice. Although Cube has given the top model a round carbon seatpost with a long extension, the integrated clamp is taken from more expensive models; as with the Agree, the rear is nevertheless stiff, and the front with its robust aluminium handlebar/stem combination also does little to filter out bumps.
The highlight is the circuit
The Attain is literally crying out for wider tyres, not least because the tyres look a little lost between the wide fork legs and seat stays. Tubeless-compatible tyres with 32 millimetres, available online from 40 euros, would give the Cube better suspension and bring it closer to the all-road bike category.
The highlight of the C:62 SLT is its construction with the latest 2x12 shifting technology from Shimano. The electronic Ultegra groupset works flawlessly, the gears shift smoothly and the brakes are easy to modulate. The combination of compact cranks (50/34 teeth) and large cassette (11-34 teeth) takes the sting out of steep climbs, and the gears are closely spaced. The range of the central battery is ample, the rear derailleur and front derailleur only need fresh power after thousands of gear changes.
A tidy cockpit, shimmering carbon layers on the frameset and attachment points for a small bag give the top version a modern character. By routing the brake lines under the stem into the head tube, there is room to adjust the position. The positioning of the bag mounting points in the rear frame triangle is reminiscent of the Agree, and a matching nylon bag will soon be available on request. However, the chassis is no longer prepared for fixed mudguards; Cube currently only offers this option on the Nuroad gravel bike.
Tip in terms of price-performance ratio
Stylish looks, first-class equipment, impeccable workmanship and good value: With the Attain C:62 SLT, Cube has once again put a road bike in the "price-performance tip" category on the tyres. The €2999 model, which costs €200 more than the cheapest Agree, has no weaknesses worth mentioning. Randonneurs might want a little more long-distance comfort, so investing in wider, higher-quality tyres is recommended.
In addition to the top-of-the-range version, two other, more affordable versions with carbon frames are available. However, the models are 600 and 1200 grams heavier respectively due to simpler components. The three aluminium versions are even more aggressively priced: The entry-level model with outdated 2x8 gearing costs just 899 euros, while the top-of-the-range Attain HPA version, which weighs just over ten kilograms, is available for 1399 euros.
>> Cheap road bikes with carbon frames on test: The Cube Attain GTC Race for long days in the saddle
The Cube Attain C:62 SLT in detail
- Price: 2999 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.0 kilos
- Frame sizes: 47, 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 62 (test size bolded)
- TOUR grade: 2,1
Geometry data
- Seat/top/head tube: 500/560/183 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 608/376 millimetres/1.62
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 673/557 millimetres/1.21
- Wheelbase/caster: 1015/59 millimetres
Features of the Cube Attain
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.) | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.) Grade: 1.0
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 30 mm (eff.: 30 mm) | Grade: 2.0
- Impellers: Newmen Advanced SL.R 38 Streem
- Impeller weights: 1,250/1,733 grams (f./h.)
Measured values of the marathon bike
- Weight of complete wheel: 8020 grammes | Grade: 3.0
- Driving stability: 8.0 N/mm | Grade: 2.0
- Rear comfort: 143 N/mm | Grade: 2.3
- Comfort front: 93 N/mm | Grade: 2.7
- Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 60 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: High-quality equipment, very fairly priced
- Minus: comparatively hard
Julian Schultz
Editor
