Cube Nulane Hybrid improvements
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 14 kg.
In my opinion, this is one of the best gravel 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 e-bikes are still being sold for the same price that weigh more than 20 kg.
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:
Alternative e-bikes
There is also a cheaper version of the Cube Nulane Hybrid C:62: the Race 400X. This one costs €3200. The main difference is that it does not have electronic shifting.
https://www.cube.eu/nl-nl/cube-nulane-hybrid-c-62-race-400x-sleekgrey-n-prism/117500
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
Lightweight Carbon Rear Rack
I equipped the Cube e-bike with a self-built lightweight carbon rear rack weighing only 300 grams. I plan to produce this; let me know if you are interested. See my article: “Lightweight carbon rear rack for sport bicycles.”
Parts and Modifications
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.
Handlebar
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.
https://www.ergotec.de/nl/producten/lenker/sub/mountain-bike-lenker/produkt/riser-bar-50-comfort-31-8.html
Stem
To raise the handlebar further, I used the Shockstop +30 deg x 100 mm stem.
https://redshiftsports.com/products/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.
Photo Shockstop stem on Cube Nulane Hybrid
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.