Cube Nuroad Hybrid C:62 Race 400X review: This carbon e-gravel bike impresses with its versatility and very pleasant riding characteristics. Its price is also comparatively low, as a look at the competition shows.
If anything is bucking the e-bike trend, it's the gravel bike. This off-road racer has evolved from a niche sporty product to the most popular conventional bike, selling so well that the industry association ZIV feels compelled to list it separately in sales statistics, where, with a share of 6,5%, it has now overtaken road bikes (5%).
Of course, "gravel" and "e-bike" are by no means mutually exclusive, as the Cube Nuroad Hybrid C:62 Race 400X proves. The southern German manufacturer should know, as it offers its e-gravel bike in no fewer than seven model variants. Cube's conviction in the concept is also evident from the fact that only carbon models are available – and the Race 400X presented here is a 3-carbon version.999 The cheapest option is the one in the Euro range. Those who want to can spend up to 2.000 euros more and get a SRAM Force AXS 1x13 drivetrain and carbon wheels, making the bike around one kilogram lighter.
Cube Nuroad Hybrid C:62 Race 400X: the most important information
- Frame and fork are full carbon
- Bosch Performance Line SX with 400 Wh battery
- Components: Shimano GRX-RX820 1×12
- Price 3.999 Euro
- Weight approx. 14,5 kg
Cube Nuroad Hybrid C:62 Race 400X: Engine performance beats equipment
One might question whether completeness and weight are as important in this vehicle category as they are in conventional bikes. Especially since Cube doesn't offer a "light assist" model with a compact hub motor and low torque, as several competitors do. Instead, the Nuroad Hybrid features the Bosch Performance SX, which recently received a software update increasing its torque from 55 to 60 Nm, making it even more powerful. The assistance level has also increased from 3,4 to 4.
What does that mean? The SX's special feature is that it's tuned for high cadences, which compensate for its slightly lower torque. This results in a very natural riding feel, as the SX motor reacts more sensitively to the rider's effort and doesn't deliver the same abrupt surge of power as higher-torque motors. The support on steep sections was already extremely good with 55 Nm; with the update, you can now pedal a bit slower uphill, which should benefit less experienced riders.
More powerful thanks to increased torque – but still just as harmonious
The increased torque doesn't change the Bosch SX's exceptionally smooth character, making the compact motor a solid choice for e-gravel bikes where a good balance of assistance and natural feel is crucial. Sure, a traditional gravel bike feels lighter and more "real" – but the Cube is a far cry from a heavy e-trekking bike. This is partly because, at just under 15 kg, it's significantly lighter, and its moderately sporty riding position is optimized for both efficiency and maneuverability. And last but not least, the Cube doesn't restrict you to the motor's 25 km/h top speed: Riding faster, entirely under your own power, is perfectly possible on flat terrain, meaning the motor only kicks in when resistance becomes too high – uphill, against a headwind, or on muddy ground. And because of this, the 400 Wh battery permanently installed in the frame is sufficient, although a range extender with an additional 250 watt-hours can also be attached.
While the latter might not be typical for the Cube's intended use, as indicated by the finely treaded, fast Schwalbe tires, the Nuroad Hybrid is more of an all-rounder than an off-road sports machine – perfect for sporty, fast bike tours where the motor can be switched off completely, or for daily commuting. Anyone who appreciates the sporty, balanced riding position and the grip options of the drop handlebars will find this e-gravel bike the perfect alternative to a conventional e-bike.
With full equipment, it's hardly more expensive.
One feature of conventional e-bikes is missing here, however: Cube has opted for a system controller on the top tube and mode selection buttons on the handlebars, foregoing a display. Anyone wanting to view riding data, etc., will need to mount a bike computer or smartphone on the handlebars, just like on a regular bicycle. Cube allows for the mounting of mudguards and two bottle cages, and a compact rack system can also be attached to the rear triangle. Those planning to retrofit components later might consider the Race 400X in the "FE" version, which comes with lights, a rack, and mudguards for only €200 more.
And speaking of price: Don't be misled by the fact that the Race 400X, Cube's most affordable e-gravel bike, costs just under €4.000 – for a carbon model with a Bosch SX motor, that's comparatively low. You'll find slightly cheaper models here and there that, like the Cube, are equipped with a Shimano 1x12 drivetrain, but these are based on an aluminum frame and can easily weigh two kilograms more. And comparable carbon models are often one or two thousand euros more expensive. So, if you want to ride gravel with the lively, harmonious Bosch SX motor, the Cube Nuroad Hybrid C:62 Race 400X is practically a must-have.
