racing bikes: Test: Cube Cross Race Pro – modern aluminum crosser at an attractive price

Test: With the Cube Cross Race Pro 2017, we tested a reasonably priced aluminum cross bike just in time for the start of the cross season. It offers (almost) everything a cross bike heart desires for less than €1.500. 

The Cube Cross Race is an old acquaintance: the aluminum crosser was already part of the portfolio of the German manufacturer in previous years and knew how to impress with its attractive price-performance ratio. To get straight to the point – the latter will not change in the 2017 model year either, but apart from that, Cube has left no stone unturned in the Cross Race and is presenting a completely new bike.

Cube Cross Race Pro: frame and fork

At the heart of the crosser, the frame and fork, a lot has changed compared to the previous model. At first glance, the cables and outer casings catch the eye - or rather, do not catch the eye; With the new Cross Race, Cube consistently relies on internal routing. The front brake line runs inside the carbon fork, which is also new, while the outer casing of the gears and the rear brake disappear into the down tube. In the case of a crosser, this not only contributes to a nicer look, but also increases the wearing comfort, which - to put it in advance - is one of the great strengths of the new cube crosser.

But of course not only the cable routing is new, a lot has also happened technically. Thru axles are now used at the front and rear. This not only noticeably improves the rigidity of the overall system, but also makes it considerably easier to mount the wheels without rubbing. The frame, which is light gray and orange in the case of the Pro version, is made from the Superlite 6061 alloy known from other bikes. The designers have put a lot of work into the shape of the top tube, which is so important in the cross area. Thanks to the flattened underside and the lack of sharp edges, this should be significantly more ergonomic than the previous model: This protects the shoulders during carrying passages.

Some adjustments have also been made to the geometry, but the original character of the Cube Cross Race as a comfortable crosser with race genes has been retained in 2017. In particular, the height of the bottom bracket and the stack have changed: The former is a whole 8mm lower in the new model than before: The bike should sit more firmly on the track, but a little more caution is required with regard to pedal hits. So while the pendulum swings a little more in the direction of racing, the stack, which has grown by up to 30mm depending on the frame size, ensures a somewhat more upright and comfortable seating position. Overall, the frame dimensions are pretty close to the 'sweet spot' for those who are looking for a cross bike suitable for racing, but one that doesn't get uncomfortable even on longer rides. Speaking of comfort: the strongly flattened seatstays are intended to tame the material-related inflexibility of the aluminum crosser noticeably thanks to their flexing properties.

We think it's a bit of a shame that the Cross Race will again only be available in five frame sizes in 2017: Especially in the range between 56 and 61cm, the jumps are quite big and one or the other rider should be between the given dimensions. Adjustments can of course be made via the stem or handlebars, but an additional frame size would have been the perfect solution.

In addition to the frame, the fork has also been given a fresh cell treatment: thru-axle, flat mount for the disc brake and flattened blades underline the modern character of the bike. The aluminum shaft increases the weight by a few grams, but in view of the low overall price, it is quite bearable.

Cube Cross Race Pro: Equipment

Let's now come to the equipment of the Cube Cross Race Pro: It should be clear that, given the RRP of €1.399, you can't expect a premium group and carbon wheels; but Cube proves to have a fine hand with the specs and relies on consistently solid, pragmatic components. The epitome of this is probably the 105 group from Shimano, which is also used on the German aluminum crosser. Certainly there are lighter, visually more beautiful and nobler solutions, but the 105 has always impressed with its excellent price/performance ratio, which will not change in 2017 either. In terms of functionality and comfort, it does not have to hide from significantly more expensive (mechanical) counterparts.

Like pretty much all crossers in the 2017 model year, the Cube Cross Race Pro also comes with disc brakes. As with the drive, the RS505 relies on Japanese technology from Shimano. The hydraulic disc brake presented last year is mounted to save space using the modern flat mount standard and, in conjunction with 160mm discs at the front and rear, provides the necessary braking power.

Italian expertise comes into play when it comes to the wheels: The Fulcrum Racing 77 CX are proven cyclocross wheels with an inner rim width of 17mm and some stability reserves for tough crosser everyday life. Unfortunately, with a little more than 1.900g, they are among the heavier representatives of their kind, but they can score with double-sealed bearings and high rigidity.

We give Cube credit for the fact that the Schwalbe Rocket Ron EVO version is fitted with very good tires, even in this price range: Many other manufacturers also save on significantly more expensive models at this point and thus cut the bike considerably. However, the lack of tubeless compatibility of tires and wheels is a bit of a shame.

All add-on parts come from Cube itself and are perfectly colour-coordinated with the overall design. The ergonomics of the built-in handlebars are successful, but in the end individual preferences and requirements are decisive here.

Cube Cross Race Pro: On the track

When you first start with the Cross Race Pro, the slightly more than 10kg total weight without pedals is noticeable, but it doesn't have as negative an impact as we had feared. The fact that the Cube Crosser is so lively despite its rather high weight is undoubtedly also due to the overall very stiff characteristics: Whether the control area, bottom bracket or rear triangle - we never had the slightest spongy feeling and our energy always landed without beating around the bush right on the trail. Top!

Once again we were extremely impressed by Shimano's 105 group: Smooth shifting processes even with a lot of dirt on the chain and cassette, successful lever ergonomics and an overall simply reliable, solid and unobtrusive performance knew how to convince. It's a similar story with the brakes: It was a pleasure to be able to modulate them well and have plenty of power reserves regardless of external influences. Only in the sand and on extremely muddy rides did the disc brakes make an unpleasant contribution to the general background noise with frequent grinding.

We really liked the tires: The Rocket Rons confirmed their excellent reputation as potent all-rounders and find a good middle ground between low rolling resistance on firm ground and enough grip when it gets deep and wet.

The comfort is good for a bike with an aluminum frame: The carbon fork and the special seat stays, in combination with the 27.2mm seat post, seem to dampen vibrations and small impacts quite well, even if carbon frames have the edge here due to construction and material. Our tip: With a carbon seat post, the comfort should improve considerably for a manageable additional investment. Speaking of comfort: the newly designed top tube is convincing across the board during carrying passages and the Cross Race Pro can be shouldered easily and comfortably.