Cube Bikes Agree GTC

Cube Bikes Agree GTC Pro Compact (11) |

Well thought out lightweight bike with top-notch kit at a good price"



Wed 22 Dec 2010, 8:00 am UTCBy Simon Withers, Cycling Plus

Germany company Cube have been selling more bikes than ever over the past few years and with models like the Agree GTC Pro you can see why. You won’t find many bikes at this price with Shimano Ultegra shifters and a sub-19lb weight, and if you’re prepared to consider a less well known brand you might just snag yourself a bargain. Not to mention a bike offering a sophisticated, refined ride.

Ride & handling: Uncompromising, fast and responsive

The first thing you notice about the Cube Agree GTC Pro is that it’s a bit of a looker, and that a lot of attention has been lavished on its appearance. The second thing you notice – when you get in the saddle and start pedalling – is that the bike’s performance more than matches its good looks.

The Agree boasts a fashionably oversized down tube, a huge bottom bracket area and oversized chainstays, but very narrow seatstays. The result is an uncompromising, fast and responsive ride.

While all this might make it sound overly aggressive, the Cube doesn’t leave you feeling battered and has decent comfort running through its DNA. Weight is a light 8.5kg (18.8lb) for a size 56.

This year’s model has a conical steering tube which is claimed to be stiffer than on earlier models, and tackling the climbs and descents of Somerset’s Mendip Hills we had no reason to doubt this. We found the handling impeccable: true and precise, even at speed.

Frame & equipment: Good looking carbon chassis with top-notch spec

Few bikes can match the Cube’s colour co-ordination. The red, white and black colour scheme takes in not just the frame and fork, but also the hubs, spokes, tyres, saddle – even the anodised mech hanger. Combine this with the Cube’s chunky frame and the German company look like they're onto a winner.

The top-notch component package also outstrips most of the competition. Whereas most £1,500 bikes come with Shimano’s 105 groupset, the Agree GTC Pro has a more expensive Ultegra rear mech and Ultegra’s excellent levers, which have inherited much of the top-end Dura-Ace group’s functionality, looks and ergonomics.

The latter groupset provides the brakes, chain and cassette; the chainset is Shimano’s compact 34/50 FC-R600 – similar to older 105 and without the Hollowtech technology of current 105. Cable routing is internal for clean lines and the plug-in ports make cable changes easy.

The wheels are budget Easton EA30s, but they've been paired with some surprisingly high-end racing rubber: very light, very fast Schwalbe Ultremo R1 tyres. They’re not ideal for winter riding but they reduce all-important rotating weight and contribute to the bike’s performance.

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http://www.bikeradar.com/commuting/gear/category/bikes/road/product/agree-gtc-pro-compact-11-40448

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Cube Bikes Agree GTC 1670 euros

• Frame: GTC Carbon Monocoque modular fiber tech
• Color: White ‘n’ Black
• Fork: Dedacciai Black Blade Carbon
• Headset FSA orbit semi-integrated
• Stem: Syntace F139
• Handlebar:: Syntace Racelite 2014
• Grip Tape CUBE Grip control
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra RD-6600SS
• Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 FD-56F 2-speed, brazed on
• Shifter- /Brake-Lever: Shaimano ultegra ST-6600, 10-speed
• Brakes: Shimano BR-R560
• Crankset: Shimano FC-R600 2-piece Compact 50x34T integrated BB
• Cassette Shimano ultegra CS-6600 12-27T, 10-speed
• Chain: Shimano ultegra CN-6600 106 links
• Wheelset: Easton Vista SL
• Tire: Schwalbe Ultremo 23x622
• Inner Tubes: Schwalbe RR light SV20
• Rim Tape: Schwalbe 16-622
• Saddle RFR Natural Shape 0.1R
• Seatpost: RFR Prolight 31.6mm setback
• Seat Clamp: Scape Close 34.9mm
• Total weight: ca 8.2kg
• Frame weight: ca 1150g