The new Cube that I never intended buying, but gave in

[Irishrich]

I posted a thread about a bike that I saw in a LBS while just passing through one day from a business trip. I was merely browsing and hadn't really thought about upgrading from my Specialized Secteur until the shop owner started telling me the offer price on various 2013 bikes as the new models would be coming in soon. They mainly stocked Cube, Ribble and Merckx but only had a few of each brand left in stock. There was a Cube GTC SL with a price tag of £1899 that caught my eye - full carbon frame and forks, full ultegra components, DT Swiss Wheels and Ultremo tryes. He offered it to me for £1500. I went away and thought about it for a few weeks and after returning from holiday I went in to the shop last Saturday secretly hoping it was gone so that I could forget about blowing all that money on a new bike. It was there and the last one was my exact size. I just gave in and paid a deposit to hold it until today when I could pick it up. As another gesture he threw in 2 bottle cages, water bottles and clipless pedals. I also picked up a nice new mini pump for £10 that he sells for £18 so all in all I am happy with my purchase:

 

[The Brewer]

Nice

 

[ianrauk]

lush!

 

[Col5632]

*drools* looks like a nice bike, even better when you have got the bike at a great price

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Looks very much at home in your kitchen. But don't forget, a bike like that needs exercise!

 

[Irishrich]

Thanks, I only picked it up tonight after work so was too late to go out for a ride as it was getting dark. I'm going to get up early to go out for a ride before work which is something I've never done before but I'm so eager to test it out that I'll give up a couple of hours sleep for the chance.

 

[Leescfc79]

How does it ride? My next bike will be a cube, hopefully within the next couple of weeks

 

[Irishrich]

How does it ride? My next bike will be a cube, hopefully within the next couple of weeks

In a very limited test this morning before work (9 miles on a short loop) I found it to be a pleasure to ride and was handling some small hills much better than on my Secteur. The Ultegra gears are different than my old ones so I spent time pootling along slowly while changing gears to get the hang of it. Despite this and my very sore legs from a sportive on Sunday I still managed to average 18.6 mph on the new bike. That amazed me as I was expecting to average around 14mph given the amount of time I played about with the gears and was coasting for much of it. Just shows how quick it can go if I really put down the power! Can't wait for a proper ride of at least 20 miles to test it out on different elevations and some fast descents .

 

[gavroche]

Very nice machine. I am very envious but £1500 is a lot of money and my wife could think of better ways to spend it. How did your wife react to that or did you have to promise her something expensive in return?

 

[Irishrich]

True it's alot of money especially if you have to pay it all at once like I did but I see it as a long term investment for my health, fitness and general happiness. I don't plan to change or upgrade for many years as there would be no point unless I was planning to do the TDF, which I'll never do. I won't have any guilty feelings as I used to smoke 20 a day before I quit 7 years ago. Back then I was spending £40 a week on cigs which I no longer do so the saving is £2000 per year and if I keep the bike 3 years it will cost me £500 per year or £10 per week which is a small outlay for the fun I intend to have riding it and new places I intend to go.

To answer your question about what the wife thinks, honest answer: She doesn't know what it costs. She knows literally nothing about bikes except that my last one cost £750 and I told her this one was a massive step up but I got it for a bargain price. I hope she never googles the bike or I'm in trouble. I just took us on a family holiday and it is was our anniversary this weekend past so hopefully I'm in the good books anyway

 

[Irishrich]

I got my first proper test on the bike tonight which also coincided with my first ride with my new cycle club. It was a 20 mile loop on decent roads and fairly flat terrain. I can summarise my reaction to how the bike rides as WOW! I was going up hills that felt like it was a flat road and the shifting was so smooth that it amazed me. I was holding back because it was a club run and we went at the groups pace but on long flat section when a few guys took off I managed to easily match them at 31mph for over 2 miles. I suppose the group ride had an impact on my positive feelings towards the bike as it was an enjoyable evening, much better than solo riding but there's no doubt this bike has serious speed in its locker. My only concern is that the club are already saying I should take part in some future races! I only wanted a leisurely ride out with like minded people a couple of times per week!!

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I got my first proper test on the bike tonight which also coincided with my first ride with my new cycle club. It was a 20 mile loop on decent roads and fairly flat terrain. I can summarise my reaction to how the bike rides as WOW! I was going up hills that felt like it was a flat road and the shifting was so smooth that it amazed me. I was holding back because it was a club run and we went at the groups pace but on long flat section when a few guys took off I managed to easily match them at 31mph for over 2 miles. I suppose the group ride had an impact on my positive feelings towards the bike as it was an enjoyable evening, much better than solo riding but there's no doubt this bike has serious speed in its locker. My only concern is that the club are already saying I should take part in some future races! I only wanted a leisurely ride out with like minded people a couple of times per week!!

Yebbut, you've got a thoroughbred but you're only the jockey. The thoroughbred needs the race!

(For the record, I've never done a competitive ride in my life, and the only reason I have a light bike is because it stops me holding others up.)

 

[uphillstruggler]

very nice

 

[lesley_x]

That is seriously nice *drool*!!!!

 

[Dave 123]

I bought a Cube in similar "last one in this size..." Circumstances.
I hope you like yours as much as I like mine!