We’re not quite sure how they do it, but German companies are producing excellent bikes at very good prices. Canyon and Rose achieve it by selling online, but you can buy Cube’s bikes in non-virtual bike shops, and if they’re all as good as this we expect them to be selling quite a few.
The GTC Pro sits in the middle of our Bike Of The Year price range, but several of our testers had this bike in their top two or three choices. In fact, this impeccably behaved beauty missed making the top four by the narrowest of margins. If the budget for your next road bike maxes out at £1,500, this should be one of the first places you look.
Your money will get you a well finished carbon fibre frame with internal cable routing, a carbon fork with tapered steerer, Shimano Ultegra levers and rear mech, and Easton wheels. You’ll also get the light, supple and quick Schwalbe Ultremo ZX tyres – expensive and a BikeRadar favourite. This is a stunning package for the price, in need of no upgrading (although if we were being picky we might look at changing the Shimano R600 chainset, which is a step down from Ultegra).
The Agree GTC Pro looks the part, with an attractive, well-finished frame, while its internal cable routing has plug-in ports for easy cable changes. And it serves up a sublime ride. The frame is solid whether sprinting or climbing, and feels incredibly nimble and supple over all road surfaces. It descends equally well too, and you can throw it around rapidly without ever feeling that you’re losing control.
The combination of compact cassette and 28-tooth sprocket should get most riders up all but the most extreme climbs. Easton’s quality EC70 fork contributes to a precise front end, while the massively oversized bottom bracket area keeps the rear in check, slim seatstays helping to prevent things getting too harsh. It comes with an oversized alloy post but we still stayed comfortable even after hours in the saddle.
As well as the compact version, Cube also offer a triple at the same price, while £2,199 will get you a model with mainly Dura-Ace kit. As it stands though, this is a superb all-rounder. It’s light enough and has a short enough head tube for a spot of racing, it’s plush enough for all-day rides and long sportives, and it’s enjoyable enough to take for a spin just because you want to. Very, very good.
