Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad: A City Rider’s Dream
The Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad is specifically designed for the urban environment. Its comfortable sit-up frame, chunky pothole-proof tyres, and user-friendly components make it an ideal choice for daily commuting and city adventures.
What sets this bike apart is the addition of the Bosch Performance CX electric bike motor and a generous 625Wh battery, which provide ample power and range for all your cross-city chores.
Frame and Specifications
The Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad features a hydroformed alloy frame with three options to choose from. You can opt for a traditional top tube, a dropped top tube, or an ‘Easy Access’ model with a stiff down tube and no top tube at all. The down tube cleverly conceals the large 625Wh battery and merges seamlessly into the housing for the Bosch Performance CX motor around the bottom bracket.
At the front, you’ll find an air-sprung X-Fusion MIG32 fork with 100mm of travel. This fork allows for easy tuning to accommodate different rider weights and provides a comfortable ride over bumps and potholes. It also features a lockout lever on the top for firming up the suspension when needed.
Comfort and Performance
One of the standout features of the Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad is its emphasis on comfort. The bike boasts a thickly padded, wide Cube saddle on top of a suspension seatpost, which effectively absorbs bumps in the road for a smooth and comfortable ride. The wide Schwalbe G-One Allround tyres offer ample grip on cindered bike paths and occasional off-road excursions.
Equipped with a full Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain, the Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad provides a wide range of gears for tackling various terrains. Shifting under load is impressively smooth and precise, thanks to the high-quality Shimano components. The non-series MT200 brakes may not be fancy, but they do a decent job of bringing you to a stop with their long, comfortable levers.
Geometry and Ride Impressions
The Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad’s geometry is geared towards comfort and stability, making it a joy to ride through city streets. The reasonably slack 67.5-degree head angle and the upright position, achieved through a high-rise stem and riser bars, ensure a commanding view of the road and help you spot any potential obstacles ahead. It handles with calmness and confidence, even when faced with challenging urban environments.
A Comfortable and Confident Ride
My overall impression of the Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad is that it offers unparalleled comfort and confidence when navigating city streets. The upright seated position provides excellent visibility, while the wide tyres, suspension fork, and suspension seatpost work together to absorb road imperfections and provide a smooth ride. Whether you’re commuting to work or running errands around town, this bike is more than capable of getting you there comfortably.
Fine-Tuned for Urban Adventures
The Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad is finely tuned to handle the demands of urban riding. The suspension fork effectively takes the sting out of lumps and bumps, ensuring a comfortable ride. The Schwalbe G-One Allround tyres, with their generous width and dimpled tread pattern, offer ample grip on different surfaces, from cindered bike paths to occasional dirt tracks.
Moreover, the bike’s Shimano Deore drivetrain performs flawlessly, providing a wide gear range and smooth shifting under load. The non-series MT200 brakes, though not the most high-end option, are comfortable to use and offer decent stopping power. These components work together harmoniously to deliver a reliable and enjoyable riding experience in the city.
Unique Handling Characteristics
While the Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad excels in many areas, it does have some unique handling characteristics worth noting. The Alex EX23 rims, though not particularly wide, support the Schwalbe G-One Allround tyres. However, the slightly pinched profile of the rims gives the tyres a pointed shape at the top. This can result in a quicker drop into turns and a hint of front-wheel flop, which may take some getting used to. Wider rims would alleviate this handling quirk and provide a smoother transition from central to edge treads.
Additional Features and Considerations
Bosch Motor and Battery System
One of the standout features of the Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad is its Bosch Performance CX electric bike motor and 625Wh battery. The motor offers four assistance modes, ranging from gentle support to full assistance for heavy loads or effortless cross-city travel. The central display provides essential information such as battery level, speed, and assistance mode, while additional data can be accessed via the control unit mounted near the left-hand grip.
Thoughtful Finishing Touches
Cube has paid attention to the bike’s finishing touches, enhancing both functionality and convenience. The grips feature a broad palm pad, offering comfort and control as you navigate through traffic. Full mudguards come fitted as standard, ensuring a clean and dry ride even in wet conditions. The integrated rear light, controlled by the on-bar Bosch head unit, is small yet bright, while the front headlamp provides ample illumination. The inclusion of a kickstand adds practicality, making it stable on most surfaces.
Personalization Options
While the Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad comes with thoughtful features, it would have been even better if it included a rear rack. However, the frame has all the necessary bolt holes for attaching your own rack, allowing you to personalize the bike to suit your needs. The only minor flaw I found in the bike’s shape is the relatively high top tube, which can make it slightly challenging to swing a leg over when the bike is loaded.
Final Thoughts: A City Rider’s Dream
After spending time with the Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad, I can confidently say that it is a city rider’s dream. Its comfortable and confident ride, combined with the power and range of the Bosch motor and battery system, make it an excellent choice for daily commuting and urban adventures.
The bike’s emphasis on comfort, from the suspension fork and seatpost to the wide tyres, ensures a smooth and enjoyable ride, even over rough city streets.
While the unique handling characteristics take a bit of getting used to, the overall performance and reliability of the Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad make it a standout option in the electric bike market. Whether you’re navigating crowded city streets or cruising along bike paths, this bike is sure to impress with its versatility and capability.
So, if you’re in the market for a reliable and comfortable electric hybrid bike that can handle the challenges of city riding, look no further than the Cube Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad. It truly is a city rider’s dream come true.
