Product news/Gravel: For the 2021 model year, Cube is giving its gravel bike a fresh cell treatment - the Cube Nuroad 2021 is available with a new aluminum frame and also in carbon and was able to eliminate many of the criticisms of the predecessor. We were able to get a first impression at the Cube in-house exhibition.
Cube Nuroad 2021: New aluminum frame - lighter with more tire clearance
Even at first glance, the Nuroad 2021 has changed a lot compared to its predecessor. The design language is now significantly more modern; Angular tube shapes and the low seat stays give the Gravel bestseller a fresh look. The geometry has largely remained unchanged - still more comfortable than sporty, also perfect for a nimble commuter bike.
Technically there is some exciting news and you could directly criticize several points, that we had with the predecessor, eradicate: Above all, the now generous tire clearance of 45mm should be mentioned. The remarkable thing about it: The wide tires also fit into the frame with mounted mudguards. Yes, mudguards: a lot has also happened with the mounting points. The frame itself retains its eyelets for mudguards and a luggage rack, but now even gets a stand mount that has been integrated elegantly and almost invisibly. The fork is completely new: Now with a carbon shaft, even a lowrider can be mounted, which can be loaded up to 10kg. In addition, it now even has a cable duct for a hub dynamo.
The aluminum models at a glance
The new Nuroad with aluminum frame comes in five equipment variants. The Nuroad Pro entry-level model costs just under 1.000 euros and comes with solid equipment, although you have to do without hydraulic disc brakes, for example. The fully equipped FE variant is available for an extra charge of 200 euros: Among other things, the newly developed mudguards from the house brand Acid are installed here. Compared to the predecessor, they are significantly longer and offer better protection, and the rear light is nicely integrated at the back. In addition, Cube also gives the FE variants a headlight with hub dynamo, luggage rack and side stand.
The middle class goes by the name of Nuroad EX and comes with a 1x GRX circuit. and costs 1.399 euros The aluminum top model Cube Nuroad Race also comes with a GRX circuit, but here with two chainrings. The "naked" variant costs 1.499 euros, with full equipment it is 1.699 euros.
Drive: Shimano Tiagra 2×10
brakes: TRP Spyre
impellers: Cube RA 0.8 CX with hub dynamo
Weight: 11,9kg
Price: € 1.199
Drive: Shimano GRX 600 1-speed
brakes: Shimano GRX400
impellers: Cube RA 0.8 CX
Weight: 10,2kg
Price: € 1.399
Drive: Shimano GRX 600 2-speed
brakes: Shimano GRX400
impellers: Cube RA 0.8 CX
Weight: 10,4kg
Price: € 1.499
Cube Nuroad C:62 2021: New carbon frame with sporty geometry
So far, the Cube Nuroad was only available with an aluminum frame. If you were looking for a gravel-like bike in the Cube portfolio, you had to look around at the crossers and make the appropriate compromises; That will change in 2021: With the Cube Nuroad C:62 there is now (finally!) a high-quality carbon gravel bike from the manufacturer from the Upper Palatinate.
Visually, the three carbon models are very similar to their aluminum counterparts, but the differences are enormous, especially in terms of weight; According to Cube, the new C:62 frame weighs less than 1.100g and has the same versatility as the aluminum model: eyelets for mudguards, front and rear luggage racks and also the mount for the side stand are included. Tire clearance is also the same: 45mm, even with mudguards, is more than sufficient for most applications. Even if we don't have any geometry data yet, according to Cube, the alignment of the Nuroad C:62 is noticeably sportier.
In detail: The Cube Nuroad C:62 SL
We were particularly impressed by the top model of the new Cube Carbon Graveler: the Nuroad C:62 SL. At just under 4.000 euros, it is by far the most expensive model in the series, but it is also equipped with class from A to Z. Shifting is done with a combination of Sram Force eTap STIs and an XX1 Eagle AXS rear derailleur on a correspondingly wide 10-50 cassette - all wireless, of course. The wheels are no less classy: The new, very light Newmen Advanced SL XR25 Carbon fit perfectly on such a classy gravel bike and are fitted with 45mm WTB Riddler tires. Carbon is of course also used for the seat post (Newmen) and the handlebars (Easton). The result: a total weight of 7,8 kg – strong!
The carbon models at a glance
In addition to the top model mentioned, two significantly more affordable versions are also available. The Nuroad C:2.000 Pro entry-level model, which costs just under 62 euros, is already equipped with GRX 1-speed gears and, thanks to the light Fulcrum wheels, weighs a good 9,1kg. The Nuroad C:600 Race, which costs 62 euros more, has a 2-speed GRX drivetrain and aluminum wheels from Newmen.
Drive: Shimano GRX 600 1-speed
brakes: Shimano GRX400
impellers: Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Disc
Weight: 9,1kg
Price: € 1.999
Drive: Shimano GRX 800 2-speed
brakes: Shimano GRX800
impellers: Newmen Evolution SL XR25
Weight: 8,5kg
Price: € 2.599
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