Well after a hectic few days I managed to get out on the bike this evening....
First impressions are mixed. The ride was a tad uncomfortable (my fault as I need to spend a bit of time on adjusting the seat height and angle - took me a few rides on the Cube) and the SRAM groupset will take some getting used to.
However, onto the positives....
It's Quick! I have more control over it than the Cube. I felt I was going faster with less effort required. My Strava time for my regular route was easily a PB, and that's on a bike where I was uncomfortable and had never used SRAM in anger before.
I need to make a few adjustments as came back numb lol (just the seat angle hopefully but took me a few rides on the Cube to get it right and stop the numbness). Easily my best time over my regular circuit this year and that's despite easing off coming home due to the discomfort.
The Brakes need tweaking as not as sharp as the Cube and early impression of the SRAM gears is not as good as expected, may improve as I get used to them though. They also need repositioning. They are not as sturdy as the Shimano 105's on the Cube. Possibly also need to reposition them as my fingers when riding on the bottom of the the drop bars aren't aligned if that makes sense.
As it was my birthday this weekend I had a heavy weekend, eating out twice, very late Saturday night out and no ride for a while, so didn't expect much time wise, but the time was fast, the bike does feel really good in principal. So once fully adjusted it will definitely be the step up I expected.
I swapped the pedals tonight and with pedals off it weighed 7.3kgs.....at this price mark for an XL sized frame it's superb...
Will be out again tomorrow hopefully with adjustments made.
Jules