Test: A sporty gravel bike has to have a lot in store. On the one hand, it must have the lively handling of a race bike, the robustness of a cross machine and the comfort of a long-distance tourer. The Cube Nuroad C:62 SLX tries to combine exactly these characteristics. We tested for you how well the Cube gravel bike succeeds in this.
The Cube Nuroad C:62 SLX is said to be an extremely versatile gravel bike that comes with lots of features and a high-quality frame and equipment. To achieve this, Cube relies on the Advanced Twin Mold process, which is used not only for the C:62 models but also for the C:68 and C:68X carbon frames. Two precise shapes are used here, which are intended to ensure an exact layup of the carbon fibers. The result is a lightweight and at the same time robust construction with a fiber density that is optimally tailored to the more heavily loaded nodes. But the Cube Nuroad C:62 SLX is also in no way inferior when it comes to carbon, because with the C:62 Carbon the proportion of high-modulus fibers is increased and the material is reinforced by the connecting resin system and fine nanoparticles, which ensure additional stability should.
Not only the frame was developed with great attention to detail, but also the corresponding carbon fork, which has mounts for lowrider luggage racks and mounting points for other accessories, such as luggage racks and mudguards. Despite the latter, the originally very generous tire clearance of up to 45mm tire width remains almost completely intact. Tires can be 40mm wide when using mudguards.
The combination of Sram Rival and GX Eagle offers electric 1×12 shifting performance for long-lasting and smooth gear changes. The Newmen Evolution wheels round off a successful overall package for off-road use.
The Cube Nuroad C:62 SLX in the test
The Cube Nuroad SLX gravel bike, in our case the Cube Nuroad C:62 SLX Olive 'n' Green, is intended to offer a combination of off-road performance and versatility. Of course, with such advance praise, we were excited about our test drives with the Cube Gravler.
At 8,3 kilos, the Nuroad C:62 is quite impressive. We found the Gravel Endurance Geometry particularly pleasant right at the beginning of our test, which allows for a balanced, sporty position on the bike, so that even as a hobby grave rider you can spend many hours in the saddle and still make quick progress. The concept in combination with the high-quality carbon frame works quite well and, in our opinion, has a great mix of liveliness, maneuverability and long-lasting smoothness.
When things get really off-road, the Cube Nuroad C:62 SLX, like so many other gravel bikes in this category, reaches its limits. If you pay a little attention when choosing a route, the model is suitable for almost all adventures, as the all-rounder feels more than at home on rough gravel sections, fast forest roads and occasional asphalt sections.
We particularly liked the smooth running and pleasant comfort during our test rides and, in our opinion, should be a perfect fit for a bike like this. The robust Sram Rival/GX Eagle AXS 1×12 combination also fits perfectly into the overall concept and always delivered precise shifting and the right gear ratio on our rides.
The 45mm wide WTB Riddler tires on the Cube Nuroad SLX once again offer excellent grip on different surfaces, so that a high level of trust and a feeling of safety is conveyed even on wet surfaces - regardless of whether on gravel paths, in forest areas or on the road.
