Is the Cube Nuroad C:62 SLT the best value high-end gravel bike?

Gravel bikes are everywhere these days. With new models popping up left, right, and center, finding one that genuinely stands out can feel like an impossible task. But every so often, a bike comes along that cuts through the noise, and surprisingly, it’s not always from the biggest names in the business.

Enter the Cube Nuroad C:62 SLT. On paper, it ticks every box: a lightweight carbon frame, premium components, and the capability to tackle any terrain.

A Frameset That Punches Above Its Weight

With any bike, the frame is the heart and soul, and Cube has clearly put in the work to make the Nuroad C:62 SLT a force to be reckoned with. Given that almost two-thirds of this bike’s price tag is wrapped up in the groupset alone, you might wonder if the frame has seen any compromises - but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Cube uses its C:62 carbon layup, an advanced formula that keeps things feather-light while maintaining impressive durability and vibration absorption for all-day comfort. But they didn’t stop there. The resin used in the frame is reinforced with nanoparticles, bonding with high-modulus fibers to create a structure that’s not just lighter, but also stronger and more resilient than previous iterations.

The brand’s Advanced Twin Mold process ensures every fiber is placed with precision. The first mold guarantees an exact layup, while a secondary inner mold locks everything in place during curing, resulting in a stiffer, tougher, and more refined frame, all at a fraction of the cost of its high-end competitors.

Geometry & Capability: Built for Speed and Comfort

A well-designed frame is nothing without smart geometry, and the Nuroad C:62 SLT doesn’t disappoint. Cube’s Gravel Endurance Geometry keeps the bike comfortable for long days in the saddle, while still feeling responsive and agile when you push the pace or dive into technical singletrack.

With a 71.5-degree head tube angle and 440mm chainstays (size Medium), the bike strikes a balance between stability on rough terrain and a lively feel when you want to get aggressive. The ability to clear 50mm tires (or 45mm with mudguards) ensures the Nuroad is ready to handle anything from smooth tarmac to gnarly backcountry trails.

Rider fit is another area where Cube has nailed the details. With sizes ranging from XS to XL (50cm to 61cm frames), nearly every rider can find a comfortable fit - something not all brands manage to achieve.

Loaded with Features for Real-World Adventure

Cube isn’t just focused on performance; they’ve also packed the Nuroad with practical features to make it a true adventure machine. Here’s what you get:

• Dropped seat stays borrowed from Cube’s road and cyclocross bikes for added compliance on rough terrain.
• Multiple mounting points for bottles, racks, and bags, including a hidden top tube mount for Cube’s in-house Acid top tube bag range.
• Mudguard and rack compatibility, making the Nuroad a versatile companion for everything from bikepacking trips to daily commutes.
• Integrated seat clamp for a sleek look and minor weight savings.
• Fully integrated headset cable routing for a cleaner, more aerodynamic cockpit.
• A kickstand mount - a feature that might split opinions but adds to the bike’s practicality.

In short, Cube has covered all the bases, ensuring the Nuroad C:62 SLT is ready for whatever adventure you throw at it.

Top-Tier Build Without the Top-Tier Price

Now, let’s talk about the real showstopper: the SRAM Red XPLR AXS groupset. This is SRAM’s top-tier gravel-specific wireless electronic shifting system, and if you were to buy it separately, you’d be looking at a price tag just shy of £4,000. Given that the entire Cube Nuroad C:62 SLT costs £6,000, it begs the question - how has Cube pulled this off?

The answer lies in smart component choices. Cube has kept things simple by opting to fit a Newmen Advanced SL X.R.36 Vonoa carbon wheelset, which weighs just 1,245g - lighter than many aftermarket upgrades. These wheels are also Tour de France-proven, with riders like Biniam Girmay showcasing their performance at the highest level.

Other highlights include:

• Schwalbe G-One Kevlar tires, ready to go tubeless.
• Carbon fiber seatpost and handlebars, reducing weight and increasing comfort.
• Newmen Advanced G318 gravel handlebar, weighing just 200g and featuring a 12.5-degree flare for better control in technical terrain.

All in, the Nuroad C:62 SLT weighs just 7.5kg - exceptionally light for a gravel bike at this price point.

How Does It Compare to the Competition?

To fully appreciate the value Cube offers, let’s compare it to some of the industry heavyweights:

• Trek Checkmate SLR 9.0 – Features the same SRAM Red XPLR AXS groupset, in-house carbon wheels, and integrated cable routing. The main difference? A one-piece handlebar (which may not be for everyone). Price: £10,000 (a whopping 165% more than the Cube).
• Canyon Grail CFR XPLR – Similar spec, including the same weight of 7.5kg, yet still demands £7,899.

The takeaway? The Cube Nuroad C:62 SLT is an absolute bargain. It delivers the same high-end components as bikes costing thousands more, while offering practical features and real-world versatility that make it a standout choice for gravel riders of all levels.

The Verdict: A True Do-It-All Gravel Machine

Versatile is a term often overused in the cycling world, but in this case, it’s completely justified. The Cube Nuroad C:62 SLT blends cutting-edge technology, premium components, and adventure-ready features into a package that is simply unmatched for the price.

Whether you’re looking for a bikepacking rig, a fast gravel race bike, or just an all-around high-performance machine, the Nuroad C:62 SLT delivers. If you want top-tier performance without the top-tier price, this is one bike you absolutely need to check out.