SOS - Can't make my mind up between CUBE or TREK

muppetville
muppetville Posts: 4
edited January 2012 in Road beginners
I am taking the plunge and going to buy my first road bike this spring time - using the cycle to work scheme.

I have had some great advise about the pros and cons of both bikes from friends and sales staff but would like some unbiased help.

I am wanting to commute roughly 10 miles a day - would like to try a couple of days touring during the summer months and go with a triple.

My short list
Cube Axial WLS £900 - http://www.cube.eu/en/wls/axial-wls/
Trek SL £800 - http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/ro ... a/lexa_sl/

I've test ridden both and am happy with either.

I have been told that Trek has a far better frame and this is what I should make my decision on. I am, however, very interested in the spec on the Cube - Shimano 105... It seems to be very good value - but what is the frame like?

Feeling a little confused.com at the moment and I don't want to make the wrong choice.

Hope you guys and gals can help me...

Comments

  • team47b
    team47b Posts: 6,425
    I have just taken the plunge and bought a Cube Streamer, same frame as the Axial wls but with ultegra and 105's, my girlfriend has ridden this and has bought a Cube Axial wls Pro as it has the same geometry and spec (different paint and saddle) expecting delivery this week.

    When you say the Trek frame is better, do you mean quality/geometry/materials?

    If you are thinking of touring the relaxed race style and angles/size of the head tube etc are good not sure what you would do about pannier mounts.

    We went with higher spec over brand (yes, I realise Ultegra is only another brand) so I am kind of hoping that people with more knowledge of frames can put all our minds at rest! :D
    my isetta is a 300cc bike
  • godders1
    godders1 Posts: 750
    I'd be suspicious about a claim that says a Trek frame is "far better" than a Cube frame in the same price bracket (although I'm no expert on fame building). I'd like to know the basis for this claim. There are plenty of honest sales staff out there but there are some who will try and sell you one bike over another because they get a better commission on brand x or because they are trying to shift stock of brand y etc.

    I personally like the look of the Cube and it has a better group. That said if you want to do touring you should probably consider the ability to carry luggage and possibly to fit mudguards too.
  • wardieboy
    wardieboy Posts: 230
    +1 for the Cube Streamer. Absolutely loving mine.
  • ForumNewbie
    ForumNewbie Posts: 1,664
    I recently bought a Cube carbon road bike but whatever model you go for, you will definitely getter better components with a Cube than a Trek of a similar price, and I think Cubes look better.

    However as you are going to use it for commuting, do you not want a bike that will be able to take a rack and maybe mudguards? My commute is a 36 mile round trip but I will still use my Spec Sirrus hybrid with straight bars, 28mm tyres and rack rather than my Cube that is a lot less suitable for commuting.
  • davala95
    davala95 Posts: 86
    CUBE any day :)
    bianchi via nirone 7 reparto corse 2008 alu/carbon 105

    http://app.strava.com/athletes/1248390
  • Nik Cube
    Nik Cube Posts: 311
    I have had a cube for some time, being used for training, club runs, some tt'ing and recently racing - all good.
    The frames are excellent and the component matching at their respective price points is amongst the best.

    My eldest son has a trek he wishes he had a cube ;-)
    Fcn 5
    Cube attempt 2010
  • One Man And His Bike
    One Man And His Bike Posts: 661
    I vote Fuji, then again, I would. ;)

    If I had to pick one of the two mentioned, I like the look of the Cubes I used to ride with when I rode and I never heard a bad word said about them from the guys riding them at the time.
    http://www.onemanandhisbike.co.uk
  • muppetville
    muppetville Posts: 4
    Thanks for all your advise - food for thought. Probably will go with the Cube but the touring may be a problem. Trying to stop needing two bikes and making do with one! At the moment I am commuting on a '95 Kona Hahanna, with rack and slicks, so I may need to 'pimp' the Kona for more touring and focus on the Cube road bike!
    Thanks once again! :D
  • Bordersroadie
    Bordersroadie Posts: 1,052
    Another vote for the Cube Streamer - got mine recently from CRC for £859. I figured better to go for an alu frame and Ultegra than the cheapest carbon frame and 105 if I'm lucky. The quality of the frame and finishing kit on the Streamer is very impressive indeed - they definitely seem to offer more for your ££ than many of the big brands. And even with a triple it's still just under 9kg.
  • king_jeffers
    king_jeffers Posts: 694
    +1 for Cube.

    I'm going for the Cube Peloton, I've never had panniers I always just opt for a pack on my commute. If you want mud guards maybe try Crud's Roadracer guards, I'm thinking about getting a set but will see how it goes. Keeping my MTB for the rainy days :-)

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