The new Cube Litening Aero put to the test: The Bavarian manufacturer's new aero racing machine is more aerodynamic, lighter, and versatile thanks to its UDH mount and large tire clearance. As is typical for Cube, it also offers unbeatable value for money.
Road bikes need to be fast, of course. But in recent years, this quality has become increasingly linked to another characteristic: aerodynamics. Aerodynamics can be measured very precisely under standardized laboratory conditions, making it possible to compare different models and concepts. Independent aero tests naturally put a certain amount of pressure on bike manufacturers, especially those active in professional cycling – just like the teams, customers also want the most aerodynamic equipment possible. Therefore, an update is necessary every few years, and Cube has just delivered one in the form of the new Cube Litening C:68X Aero.
The Bavarian manufacturer took a full seven years to develop the new model – its predecessor was presented in late summer 2019. That frame was supposed to offer a substantial 30% less air resistance than the previous generation; now, the progress is somewhat more modest: According to the manufacturer, the aerodynamic savings of the 2027 Cube Litening C:68X Aero compared to the 2019 model amount to 6 watts at race pace. This demonstrates, on the one hand, how well the Cube already performed back then. On the other hand, it makes it clear that the field has become quite narrow in terms of aerodynamic optimization.
Cube Litening C:68X Aero: the highlights
- Aerodynamically optimized frame with up to 6 watts less air resistance compared to its predecessor.
- Frame set weight reduced by 150 grams; frame weight 950 grams.
- 34 mm tire clearance and UDH mount
- New carbon cockpit
- "Pro" version with SRAM Force AXS including power meter
- Newmen Streem A.49/54 Carbon wheelset
- Weight 7,7 kg (size 54, without pedals)
- Price 4.999 Euro
New frame designs for slight aerodynamic advantages
And so other factors come to the fore again, although the aero features of the new frame should of course be mentioned: the fork and head tube have become flatter; the seat tube junction appears much more harmonious due to the omission of the small extension above the seat stays and the angled seatpost mount.
All of this results in a weight reduction of 150 grams for the frameset; furthermore, the Litening Aero 2027 boasts two important modern features: The frame is equipped with UDH mounts, which the manufacturer utilizes for a model variant called "Orbit" with SRAM Red 1x13. Additionally, tire clearance has been increased by a full 6 mm to 34 mm. For an aero racing machine, this is quite significant, and the rationale behind this measure becomes clear when considering the components.
Wide rims reduce air and rolling resistance
Cube is known for its unbeatable value for money, and the new aero racing bike proves it once again. 4.999 The Cube Litening C:68X Aero costs €2.300 as a "Pro" model with SRAM Force; the top-of-the-line model with SRAM Red adds another €2,300. Both bikes are equipped with carbon wheels that stand out with their 24 mm internal width and 33,5 mm external width. The 30 mm wide Continental Grand Prix tires mounted on these rims measure a true 31,5 mm, meaning they wouldn't even fit on the older Litening Aero. The combination of wide tires with slightly wider rims is both aerodynamic and low rolling resistance, and those who ride tubeless can also enjoy increased comfort.
Naturally, you can't expect carbon spokes on a €5.000 bike, although the Newmen wheels with their different rim depths (49 mm front / 54 mm rear) are still quite light. The ready-to-ride wheelset weighs in at 2,96 kg, which is clearly noticeable in the handling and responsiveness of the Cube. On the 54 cm test bike, a wheelbase well under a meter and short chainstays contribute to its agile character, which is somewhat mitigated by the 73° head angle. The riding position is, as expected, sporty but not overly aggressive. Cube's new aero cockpit, with its flat tops and -10° angle, is neutral; the slight 6° flare of the handlebars is a welcome feature.
| Seat tube length (mm) | 460 | 480 | 500 | 520 | 540 | 560 | 580 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube length (mm) | 527 | 537 | 550 | 565 | 580 | 592 | 604 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 75° | 74,2° | 73,5° | 73,5° | 73° | 72,5° | 72,5° |
| Steering angle | 72,2° | 74,2° | 73° | 73,5° | 73,5° | 73,5° | 73,5° |
| Chainstay Length (mm) | 410 | 410 | 410 | 410 | 410 | 410 | 410 |
| Head tube length (mm) | 110 | 120 | 140 | 160 | 180 | 195 | 210 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 981 | 981 | 984 | 995 | 1005 | 1011 | 1023 |
| Reach (mm) | 389 | 389 | 389 | 398 | 403 | 405 | 412 |
| Stacks (mm) | 514 | 524 | 542 | 563 | 580 | 594 | 609 |
As striking as the test bike's paint job is (although a neutral white version is available), it presents itself as remarkably well-balanced on the road: at higher speeds, you can feel the excellent aerodynamics; on fast descents, the wind never pulls uncomfortably at the front wheel. The SRAM Force groupset performs convincingly as always, and ambitious cyclists will appreciate that the top-of-the-line version comes equipped with a chainring-integrated power meter. That Cube is targeting a sporty audience with this bike is also evident in the gearing, featuring a 50/37 chainring combination and a 10-36 cassette – and not least in the fact that no Litening model is offered below SRAM Force or Shimano Ultegra Di2.
The Cube Litening C:68X Aero isn't the cheapest aero road bike with these components. However, anyone looking for a bike proven in professional racing with SRAM Force or Shimano Ultegra Di2 will find this bike hard to beat in terms of price. And that's likely to matter more to most riders than which bike is a few watts faster in the wind tunnel.
