Lightweight 14kg ebike Cube Nulane Hybrid review & modifications
Introduction
For years I was looking for a lightweight gravel e-bike with a mid-drive motor as the base for my Maxun One solarbike. But suitable models were not available on the market. That only changed when Cube released the Nulane Hybrid C:62 SLX 400X. This bike weighs just 14kg.
14kg Cube Nulane Hybrid original setup
In my opinion, this is one of the best e-bikes on the market. At €4200 the price is also quite reasonable, since other e-bikes with this low weight and level of finish are more expensive at other brands.
I don't understand why so many people buy incredibly heavy e-bikes. Here, for example, is the Gazelle Avignon C380+, which weighs a whopping 32kg and costs €5200. While I can easily cycle at 25km/h on my Nulane Hybrid without motor assistance, you run into serious trouble on the Gazelle e-bike with an empty battery:
32kg Extremely heavy Gazelle Avignon C380+ €5200
Implemented Improvements
Personally, I find the handlebar of the Cube Nulane Hybrid uncomfortable because it is too low and too straight. In this article I describe how I replaced the handlebar and how I further modified the bike.
Here is a photo of the Cube Nulane Hybrid C:62 SLX 400X after the modifications:
Cube Nulane Hybrid ergonomic handlebar modification
Alternative e-bikes
There is also a cheaper version: the Cube Nulane Hybrid C:62 Race 400X. This one costs €3200. The main difference is that it does not have electronic shifting.
Here are some comparable mid-drive e-bikes:
- Scott Solace Gravel eRIDE 30 (motor TQ HPR50) — 13.5 kg — €6000
- Stevens E-Getaway (motor TQ-HPR60) — 13.2 kg — €6100
- Rose Backroad Plus (motor Shimano EP8) — 15.6 kg — €3600
Cube Nulane Hybrid Upgrade Parts List
The following list contains all parts that were added or replaced. They were selected for quality and low weight. The total weight increase is approximately 1200 grams.
| Part / Model | gram | |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Parts | ||
| Side Stand | Acid Kickstand FM Pure | 305 |
| Mirror | Rose Vario 62mm 233648102 | 80 |
| Bottle Cage | Cube HPA Bottle Cage Matt Black | 42 |
| Pump | Lezyne Lite Drive + Mount | 88 |
| Garmin Mount | Garmin Edge Flush Out-Front Mount | 46 |
| Total + | 561 | |
| Removed | ||
| Stem | Cube CIS Stem w/ Cable Routing | 224 |
| Handlebar | Newman 720mm 31.8 5°/9° | 254 |
| Grips | ACID Hybrid Tour | 150 |
| Saddle | ACID Nuance Pro | 304 |
| Total - | 932 | |
| Replaced | ||
| Stem | Shockstop 100mm 30° | 274 |
| Handlebar | Ergotec Riser Bar 50 Comfort | 385 |
| Grips | Ergon GS1 Evo Large | 174 |
| Saddle | Selle Royal Mach | 330 |
| Total + | 1163 | |
| Weight Increase + | 792 | |
Ergotec Riser Bar 50 Comfort handlebar upgrade
I replaced the handlebar with an Ergotec Riser Bar 50 Comfort / 31.8 handlebar. This handlebar is more comfortable and has a rise of 5 cm and an angle of 25°. I shortened the handlebar by 4 cm on each side.
Cube Nulane with Ergotec handlebar
Shockstop suspension stem installation for improved comfort
To raise the handlebar further, I used the Shockstop +30 deg x 100 mm stem.
Cube Nulane with Shockstop suspension stem
You get two benefits at once: effective handlebar suspension and a higher handlebar position. The top plastic ring of the Cube needs to be modified; this works best with a Dremel tool.
Saddle
I replaced the original Cube saddle with my favorite saddle: Selle Royal Mach. This saddle is from the brand Selle Royal, but it is only available at Decathlon.