There was a time when bicycle companies prided themselves on being able to offer a model suitable for everyone, whether it was the new-to-pedal kid, the commuter, the fair-weather leisure rider, the tourer, the cyclist mountain biker, road racer, or anything in between.
In fact, there was a time when bicycle dealers could satisfy all their customers with the offerings of a single brand. But outside of a concept store, can you imagine a bike shop with only one brand’s bikes?
Well, actually, yes, we can.
While so many modern brands seem to feel the need for an almost myopic focus and specialization, there is one bike company that has fully embraced the challenge of universal appeal, and it really can do it all. This company is Cube.
Rather than diluting their expertise or specialty, Cube’s broad focus on almost every pedal (or even electrically assisted) market really helps improve and refine the technology across its range. So what Cube learns, for example, in the design of road bikes, is then successfully transferred to commuter bikes or e-bikes or even mountain bikes.
Below, we look at some of the highlights from Cube’s fantastic catalog to show how this company, which celebrates its 30th anniversary next year, manages to offer services in so many different sectors of cycling. And we’re not just going to focus on bikes; Cube makes a mind-boggling number of parts and accessories.
But first, a little history.
Global vision, local influence
Cube was founded in 1993 by Marcus Pürner, and although it is now sold in 60 countries around the world, the brand still has a strong link to its birthplace in the Fichtel Mountains in the northeast from Bavaria In fact, Cube is one of the main employers in the area with a workforce of 1,000, and the company remains owner-managed to this day.
Cube headquarters houses not only the necessary administrative and management functions, but also acts as Cube’s creative research and design base. The 15,000 square meter Cube Innovation Center, test lab and showroom is home to Cube’s dedicated development team, whose job it is to discover potential new cycling innovations, sophisticated technologies and optimal material compositions .
Every product Cube manufactures goes through rigorous testing in the company’s in-house test lab, where Cube sets its own standards that are well above mandatory safety and performance thresholds. After products pass lab testing, Cube’s sponsored engineers and pilots put them to the test in the real world.
Then, once the products meet this, they are put into production at Cube’s mass production and logistics center. Each year, 35 million individual cycle components pass through the facility, and up to 4,000 bicycles are built each day. Luckily, the logistics center has room for 200,000 assembled bicycles. It all confirms the fact that Cube is truly a global bike company.
But enough background, let’s get to the good stuff. Want to know how wide and impressive the Cube range is? No problem. Here’s a selection of our Cube favorites for all cycling tribes.
Tribe 1: road cyclists
Bike – Cube Attain
OK, let’s start where the typical road.cc reader would want us to: Cube’s range of road bikes. From racing bikes, to time trials and cyclo-cross, Cube has a dynamic selection of awesome drop-bar machines. The Attain range has established itself as one of the standouts, with an attractive offering of lightweight performance but comfort levels suitable for real all-day riding and a starting price of under £1,000.
Accessory – Cube Heron SL helmet
Cube calls the Heron the “ultimate road bike helmet” and it’s easy to see why. The result of extensive wind tunnel testing, the Heron’s innovative design directs cooling air throughout the head thanks to deep ventilation channels while maintaining a sleek, ultra-aerographic shape. And the weight of just 258g means long distance comfort is well taken care of.
Tribe 2: Mountain bikers
Bike – Cube Stereo One77 Race 29
Due to the global nature of Cube manufacturing, it is sometimes easy to forget that the brand is also a true specialist in each area. A quick look at Cube’s mountain bike range is enough to remind you of this, with a collection of model names that regularly earn top marks in magazine reviews around the world. This incredible Cube Stereo One77, with its highly rated four-bar suspension design, is a perfect example of an all-terrain winner.
Accessory – Cube Peak mountain bike shoe
It may only be an “entry-level” shoe, but the Peak is a perfect example of how Cube’s commitment to cyclists spans from beginner to pro. This fabulous mountain bike-specific shoe has a reinforced sole to grip pedal cleats without clips, easy-to-use touch closure, and even features Cube’s “Protection Shield” for worry-free pedaling.
Tribe 3: Gravel riders
Bike – Cube NuRoad
For many committed cyclists, something from Cube’s NuRoad range is all the bike they could ever need. The FE models include mudguards and are ideal for everything from road to adventure, commuting and touring, while the HPA and C:62 models offer enhanced performance. But we think the entry-level NuRoad is just about perfect, with a clean, simple look, and just about the potential to do anything.
Accessory: Cube Edge Twenty backpack
If you’re ready to see where the road and/or trail takes you and aren’t in a rush to get home, maybe a little bikepacking is on the agenda. In that case, Cube’s Edge Twenty Backpack offers a great way to carry all your essentials and more. With Cube’s ultra-comfortable Natural Fit back system and the ability to fit a hydration reservoir, you’re ready for an adventure!
Tribe 4: Travelers
Bike – Cube Hyde Pro
Cube’s has a great selection of potential commuter and city bikes, including the NuLane flat bar versions of the aforementioned NuRoads. However, we’ve opted for the Hyde Pro as the ultimate in travel style and substance. The look comes in the form of a smart satin finish lightweight aluminum frame with retro tan sidewall Schwalbe tires; performance comes in the form of a very reliable Gates carbon belt drive and Shimano Alfine hub gear.
Accessory: Cube Blackline Softshell Jacket
We’ve said before that it’s hard to remember absolutely everything Cube does and does well. For example, we haven’t mentioned anything about Cube’s clothing options yet, but the brand’s clothing ranges are so impressive and varied. This high-visibility Blackline jacket, for example, is tough, pocket-laden, reflective, breathable, water-repellent and, perhaps most importantly for chilly morning commutes, very warm.
Tribe 5: Young Riders
Bike – Cube Acid 260 Disc
Cube’s kids bike starts at the beginning with Cubie balance bikes for toddlers and works its way up to the competition-ready Elite C:62 SLX Rookie. What unites all children’s cubes, however, is the use of fantastic size-specific design features, all supported by Cube’s usual attention to detail. This Acid 260 features Shimano gearing, Clarks hydraulic disc brakes, a Suntour suspension fork and enough potential to satisfy even the most demanding young rider.
Accessory: Cube Talok helmet
Getting kids used to wearing a helmet when riding a bike from a young age is a pretty positive habit to learn, but it helps if the helmet is something they really want to wear. Cube’s Talok helmet comes in four stunning color combinations to appeal to young tastes, while its built-in MIPS safety technology means your child has the best possible protection.
Tribe 6 – Cycle tourists
Bike – Cube Kathmandu SLX
If you want to take it a step further and really explore the world by bike, Cube’s touring bikes are ready and waiting. The Kathmandu range offers the most globe-trotting potential, with this top-of-the-line SLX model featuring Shimano XT gears and brakes, a RockShox Paragon suspension fork and Cube’s unique 3.0 integrated rear carrier. Just add a tent, your bags and don’t forget the map.
Accessory – Suspension Cube RFR Lowrider
We said at the beginning that Cube was one of the few brands that can really do it all, and this accessory further proves it: how many other mainstream bike manufacturers do you know that produce front frames specifically for suspension forks? If you decide that a rear rack doesn’t offer enough cargo capacity to take on the world, this lowrider system is a practical and convenient way to increase your cargo.
Tribe 7 – E-bikers
Bike – Cube Supreme Sport Hybrid Pro 625
The truth here is that we could have written all our words about almost every tribe while focusing solely on electric bikes, because Cube makes electric models with designs suitable for mountain bikers, commuters, cycle tourists, etc. However, as a unique example of Cube’s pedal-assist prowess, you don’t get much better than this Cube Supreme Sport Hybrid Pro 625 with its ultra-practical specs and super-smooth Bosch Performance electric drive system.
Accessory – Cube Performance All Season Long Finger Glove
The beauty of e-bikes is that they become your easy transportation option. But that means you have to take some precautions, especially in the winter. Cube’s All Season Full Finger Glove, with its fleece lining, windproof exterior, reflective details and touchscreen compatibility, offers the kind of performance and protection you need to get on your bike electric feel as natural as possible.
For more information on Cube’s incredible range, visit www.cube.eu.