Mood brightener: 6 fast bikes perfect for autumn and winter

From fast to steep: Cube Nuroad C:62 Race

The Cube Nuroad has lived up to its character as an all-rounder since its early days. Even the original model could be retrofitted with fixed mudguards, pannier rack and integrated lighting system. Or, at least in the version with an aluminium frame, it was also available fully equipped. The new carbon generation continues the concept. The sporty gravel bike should and can also serve as a fully-fledged commuter bike.

The new Cube Nuroad C:62 Race, which has been available since the beginning of September in six equipment variants between €1,999 and €5,999, remains true to its pragmatic approach and does without spectacular innovations; the most striking of these include partially integrated brake lines on the handlebar/stem combination, greater tyre clearance (50 instead of 45 millimetres) and additional mounting points for luggage, tools or a kickstand. The geometry remains virtually unchanged, which means you can sit in the saddle for long distances and expect solid directional stability.

Race stands for lightweight wheels and electric gears

The "Race" in the model name is due to the low weight of the Cube Nuroad, for which the lightweight carbon wheels are primarily responsible. The fast and comparatively narrow gravel tyres also allow a fast pace on asphalt. Overall, the C:62 Race, which is not uncomfortable, feels most at home on firm gravel paths and is easy on the throttle. The range of use could be extended with tubeless tyres or fat tyres.

Thanks to the finely graduated Shimano GRX Di2, the Nuroad covers everything from very flat to steep terrain. The C:62 EX version with a Sram Mullet drivetrain, which we were also able to ride during a visit to the factory in Waldershof, offers even more reserves on the climbs thanks to the huge MTB cassette, but the gears can run out on fast descents.

The transformation into a light, sporty all-weather bike is possible for little money: Cube's accessory brand Acid offers a mudguard set made of plastic (39.95 euros) and a robust pannier rack (49.95 euros).

The additional weight of the top-quality components is just under 900 grams, and the maximum tyre clearance is reduced to 45 millimetres with mudguards. A long-lasting dynamo light like the specialists, who at Cube are based on aluminium frames, is still missing. However, the fork is prepared with an integrated cable duct. Or you can make do with powerful battery-powered headlights (see page 34).

The Cube Nuroad C:62 Race in detail

• Price: 3,499 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 8.3 kilos
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 492/560/143 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 588/384 millimetres/1.53
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 646/548 millimetres/1.18
• Wheelbase/caster: 1,045/76 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX Di2 (2x12; 48/31, 10-36 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 820 (160/160 mm)
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One RS 40 mm (eff.: 39 mm)
• Impellers: Newmen Advanced SL X.R. 36
• Impeller weights: 1,352/1,877 grams (f./h.)

Advantages and disadvantages of the Cube Nuroad C:62 Race

• Plus: Relatively light, top equipment, attractive prices
• Minus: -

Extreme - not only in the paintwork: BMC Urs

BMC recently presented the new URS as an extreme bikepacking bike. The frame geometry is based on a mountain bike, but the riding position is comparatively sporty. Thanks to suspension elements on the cockpit and rear triangle, the more expensive models are equipped for difficult terrain. A large tyre clearance (47 millimetres), an integrated storage compartment and numerous mounting eyelets for luggage round off the coherent overall package of an adventurer. The eight variants, one version with pedal assistance, cost between 3,799 and 11,999 euros.

For fast rides: Cannondale Synapse

The comfortable road racer Synapse (from 3,199 euros >> e.g. available hereCannondale's bikes are available with a high-quality lighting system as standard, and in more expensive versions even with an integrated radar sensor that warns of traffic coming from behind. The accessories are powered by a central battery. Fixed mudguards are of course also possible. The maximum tyre width is reduced from 35 to 30 millimetres with mudguards.

"Allroad bike" in the best sense of the word: Ridley Grifn

The Ridley Grifn was one of the first all-road bikes - and the concept seems to be bearing fruit: In spring, Ridley followed up with a fast RS version, a robust aluminium bike and a motorised version. The all-rounder can be customised for on-road or off-road use using the configurator. The aluminium fleet is available from 1,999 euros, the carbon models start at 2,799 euros >> e.g. available here.

Off-roader with racing genes: Merida Silex

At last year's Gravel World Championships, road pro Matej Mohorič rode the Merida Silex to first place, but the gravel bike is actually designed for off-road adventures with a very smooth ride and luggage eyelets. The manufacturer offers three carbon (€2,399 to €5,499) and three aluminium versions (€1,399 to €2,649).

Carbon, steel, titanium or aluminium - always: Rondo Ruut

The Ruut from the Polish brand Rondo offers adjustable steering geometry and can be ridden with two wheel sizes. In the smaller 650B format, up to 53-millimetre tyres are possible. The frame is available in carbon, steel, titanium or aluminium (pictured). It always comes with eyelets for luggage and mudguards as well as a cable duct for a hub dynamo. The prices: 1,659 to 4,699 euros.