Inexpensive road bikes with carbon frames on test: The Cube Attain GTC Race for long days in the saddle

Describing the Attain GTC as Cube's "bread-and-butter bike" is neither derogatory nor unfair. In the Race version, it is not only the most affordable Attain model, but is also one of the cheapest carbon-framed racing bikes on the market and scores highly with its reliable components. This is probably one of the reasons why the Bavarian bike manufacturer has kept the Attain almost unchanged in its range for years and is taking its time with an extensive model update.

Cube Attain GTC Race: Sluggish touring road bike

The abbreviation in the model name already hints at its core competence: The "Gran Turismo Composite" is designed for long days in the saddle, with the frame geometry based on comfortable off-road bikes. The long head tube puts the rider in an emphatically upright riding position - good for the back, less good for a racing position. The long wheelbase allows the Cube to glide along as if on rails. The fact that it rolls relatively sluggishly over the tarmac is due to the high overall weight. As with its disc competitors in this price range, the in-house aluminium wheelset is very heavy. The crankset with solid instead of hollow arms also has an impact.

Deductions are also made due to cheap brake discs with weaker braking performance. Although the classic round seat post is also comparatively simple in design, it provides good suspension thanks to a long extension and yields by 7.5 millimetres. A measured value that even more expensive models with carbon seatposts do not achieve. The handlebars and fork, on the other hand, offer below-average damping, while the tough 28-millimetre tyres provide hardly any support. According to the manufacturer, the maximum tyre clearance has been exhausted, but we believe that the frame set can take tyres up to 32 millimetres wide.

Attention! Recall for mudguards

A matching mudguard set is no longer available from specialist dealers due to safety concerns. Despite a recall, the Cubeguard Attain (model number 13777) is still available in some online shops. There are no other mounting points for a small frame bag or an integrated storage compartment like on the latest marathon bikes. In addition to the Race, Cube also offers a 600 euro more expensive version with Shimano's electronic 105.

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Cube Attain GTC Race - Info & test grade

• TOUR grade: 2,4
• Price: 1899 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 9.0 kilos
• Frame sizes: 50, 52, 56, 58, 60, 62 (test size bolded)

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 482/565/182 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 610/376 millimetres/1.62
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 664/556 millimetres/1.19
• Wheelbase/caster: 1010/53 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 (2x11; 50/34, 11-32 t.) | Shimano 105 (2x11; 50/34, 11-32 t.) Grade: 2.0
• Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 2.0
• Tyres: Continental Grand Sport Race 28 mm (eff.: 30 mm) | Grade: 2.5
• Impellers: Cube RA 1.9 Aero Disc
• Impeller weights: 1560/1982 grams (front/rear)

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Attractive price, easy to maintain
• Minus: Hard front, relatively heavy components

>> How TOUR tests: New test procedure for complete wheels