If you primarily ride on asphalt and firm gravel paths, the Race with its 2x drivetrain offers the finest gear steps. This makes it easier to maintain a consistent cadence. For frequent rides on loose terrain, the EX is the better choice. The 1x drivetrain is intuitive to operate and offers a low climbing gear. The Pro is recommended if you are looking for an affordable Nuroad for everyday use, weekend tours, and your first bikepacking trips.

The model designation does not describe the quality of the bike alone. A Race is not automatically the better choice for every rider than a Pro or EX. What matters is which drivetrain suits your routes. On flat tours with a high proportion of road riding, close gear spacing provides a noticeable advantage. On changing off-road routes, the simple operation of a 1x drivetrain may be more important.

The aluminum versions of the Cube Nuroad use a frame made from heat-treated 6061 aluminum. This material allows for a stiff and durable frame at a lower price than carbon. Aluminum is therefore a sensible choice for the daily commute, frequent transport, and tours where the bike is regularly parked or loaded.

The C:62 models feature a full-carbon frame and a matching carbon fork. The frame of the current Cube Nuroad C:62 weighs around 1,150 grams in a medium size. Fully built C:62 models are significantly lighter than many aluminum versions, depending on the specifications. The difference is noticeable when accelerating, on long climbs, and when carrying the bike.

Carbon can also dampen fine vibrations from the ground. On rough gravel, this makes the bike feel smoother, provided that the tires, air pressure, and riding position are also set correctly. However, the gain in comfort should not be overestimated. Tire width and tire pressure have a greater influence on the ride feel than the frame material alone. An aluminum Nuroad with wide, properly inflated tires can ride more comfortably than a carbon model with excessively high air pressure.

The extra cost is worth it if you regularly ride long distances or tackle a lot of elevation gain and value a low overall weight. Riders who use their gravel bike for sport will also benefit from the lighter frame. For occasional tours, commuting, and a limited budget, the aluminum frame usually offers a better price-to-utility ratio.

The Cube Nuroad C:62 ONE serves as an entry point into the carbon series. It combines the lightweight C:62 frame with functional components and mounting points for mudguards and pannier racks. Anyone looking to upgrade the wheels or drivetrain later will have a lightweight foundation to build on.

When making the decision, the entire bicycle should still be considered. A high-quality drivetrain and good wheels can make more of a difference in everyday use than changing the frame material.

After a hard crash or a direct impact on a carbon tube, the frame should be professionally inspected. Aluminum is also not forgiving of every type of stress, but often shows damage through visible dents. Carbon frames are designed for their intended gravel use, but require closer inspection in the event of point-load damage.

At Cube, FE stands for "Fully Equipped". A Cube Nuroad FE comes factory-fitted with equipment that commuters and touring cyclists would otherwise have to purchase and install separately. The bike remains a sporty gravel bike, but is ready for everyday use and rides in changing weather conditions right out of the box.

• Fixed mudguards keep splash water and dirt away from the rider, luggage, and drivetrain.
• The luggage rack accommodates panniers or other compatible accessories.
• A permanently installed Acid lighting system with hub dynamo provides light without the need for separate charging.
• The kickstand makes parking easier for everyday use and on tours.
• All-season tires offer a clear advantage for commuters.

Current HPA models feature an integrated SIC 2.0 luggage carrier, depending on the version. The frame-integrated design reduces the need for additional struts and creates a clean, rattle-free connection to the bike. Before purchasing bags or attachments, you should check which carrier system is fitted to your chosen FE model.

An FE model is a sensible choice if you commute to work regularly, transport groceries, or ride in the rain. The permanently installed equipment adds weight, but saves you from having to retrofit it later. If you primarily use the Nuroad for sport and rarely need accessories, a non-FE model is lighter. Mudguards and luggage carriers can be retrofitted to many versions if required.

The Cube Nuroad is suitable for bikepacking and multi-day gravel tours. Depending on the model, the frame and fork offer multiple mounting points for bags, bottle cages, mudguards, and luggage racks. The C:62 carbon models feature a third bottle cage mount on the down tube, which is advantageous for bikepacking. The Gravel Endurance Geometry supports a controlled riding position that is less stretched than that of a classic racing bike. This relieves strain on the hands and neck during long stages, but does not replace the correct adjustment of the saddle, handlebars, and brake levers.

The full-carbon fork is equipped with lowrider mounts. Suitable racks or fork mounts can be loaded with a total of up to 10 kilograms, distributed evenly on both sides. Weight on the fork should be used sparingly because it influences the steering behavior. Light items such as a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, or clothing are more suitable than water and heavy tools.

Compatible luggage racks can be mounted at the rear. For current HPA frames, SIC compatibility is available for this purpose, among others. Carbon models also have designated mounts, provided they are explicitly specified for the respective model. Luggage racks may only be attached to the approved mounting points. Clamps on unsuitable carbon tubes can damage the frame.

For sporty bikepacking gear without a luggage rack, a combination of a saddle bag, frame bag, and handlebar bag is ideal. The saddle bag holds light, voluminous equipment. Tools, spare tubes, and provisions sit closer to the center of gravity in the frame bag. A compact handlebar bag is suitable for sleeping gear or clothing.

A large frame bag can block bottle cages. Therefore, the frame triangle and the position of the bottle cages should be measured before purchasing. There is less space available with small frame sizes. A half frame bag often keeps access to at least one water bottle clear. Alternatively, bottles can be transported on the fork or in a hydration bladder, provided the mounts are approved for this purpose.

For trips with more luggage, panniers on the rear rack are more practical. They can be detached quickly and provide even weight distribution. The additional weight changes acceleration, braking distance, and cornering behavior. Therefore, load the bike as low as possible and distribute heavy items close to the center of the bike.

For current Nuroad models, the maximum rack load is 25 kilograms in many cases. However, the permitted system weight is the decisive factor. The bike, rider, clothing, bags, water, and luggage are all counted together. The values differ between individual Nuroad variants, which is why the approval for the specific model must be checked before a long trip.

Stack describes the vertical distance from the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube. A higher stack allows for a more upright handlebar position. Reach refers to the horizontal distance between these points. A longer reach stretches the upper body further forward. Both values are more meaningful for comparison than the seat tube length alone.

If you are between two sizes, the smaller frame size usually feels more agile and sporty. The larger size offers more stability and a higher cockpit, but can feel too stretched out if you have a short torso. The seat height can be widely adjusted via the seat post. A frame that is significantly too long, however, can only be compensated for to a limited extent by using a shorter stem.

The XXS versions of selected aluminum models use 27.5-inch wheels. Smaller wheels create a more suitable geometry for shorter riders and reduce potential overlap between the toe and the front wheel. C:62 models generally start at XS. The available sizes also differ between the Pro, EX, Race, and FE versions.

Before purchasing online, measure your body height and inseam without shoes. Then, compare the standover height, stack, and reach of the desired model. If you already own a road or gravel bike that fits you well, you can use its geometry data as a reference. If you are unsure, seeking professional advice or taking a test ride is more sensible than choosing based on height alone.