Cube GTC Race (2011) or Cube GTC Pro (2012)

mark.abersoch

Someone please help me.

I thought I had finally decided on the 2012 Pro Model. Then to go and find a shop has still got a 2011 Race version in, in my size too....

So do I go for the newer model with internal cable routing and a slightly lower spec?

Or

Do I go for last years model with better spec but no internal cable routing?

Its a bike I can see me having for several years with no upgrading?

I know similar things come up all the time but its running round and round in my head...

2011 spec
Frame GTC Monocoque Advanced Twin Mold Technology
Fork Easton EC70 SL CNT Carbon 1 1/8
Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra FD-6703BL triple, clamp 34.9mm
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra RD 6700GS
Shifters Shimano Ultegra ST-6703 10-speed
Chain Set Shimano Ultegra FC-6703 Hollowtech II 52x39x30T, Press-fit BBChain RingsTriple 52x39x30, Compact 50x34
Casette Shimano Ultegra CS-6700 12-25T, 10-speed
Front Brake Shimano Ultegra BR-6700
Rear Brake Shimano Ultegra BR-6700
Brake Levers Shimano Ultegra ST-6703 10-speed
Handlebars Syntace Racelite 2014 Oversized
Stem Syntace F149 Oversized
Headset FSA Orbit I-T
Rims Fulcrum Racing 5 Evolution Custom
Front Hub Fulcrum Racing 5 Evolution Custom
Rear Hub Fulcrum Racing 5 Evolution Custom
Front Tyre Schwalbe Ultremo ZX Kevlar 23x622
Rear Tyre Schwalbe Ultremo ZX Kevlar 23x622
Saddle RFR Natural Shape 0.2 R
Seatpost RFR Prolight 31.6mm Setback
Weight 7,9 kg
Chain Shimano Ultegra CN-6600 108 links
Grips CUBE Grip Control
Tubes Schwalbe RR
Seat Binder Scape Close 34.9mm

Thanks in advanced

Oasticles

I think you may find that the frame, other than the cable routing, is different too. I took a 2012 for a test ride and then discussed the difference with the bike shop. They may have been blagging it as they didn't have any 2011 ones left but they did say the 2012 was a more comfortable ride.

That said I haven't heard anyone complaining about the 2011 model! If the 2011 is in your size, feels good on the road and floats your boat then you're good to go. If you can compare side by side even better.

I didn't get a Cube in the end but only because I got a good deal on another bike. The Cube was a great.

mark.abersoch

Thanks for that bit of info.

I can see the 2012 bike near were I live but the 2011 bike is over 400 miles away so no chance of a test ride first.

I'll have to ponder some more. I going looking again at the weekend so I will see what another LBS says on the matter.

antonyfromoz

I am not sure if you have seen this but the review seems to indicate that there have been some major changes in the frame/forks for the better in the new version: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... e-12-45968

Other than that, I have nothing to offer but i am sure either bike will be great! HTH

MartinB2444

I went for the 2011 version in the LBS. £400 off the price new. At that time the 2012 models had been announced but weren't generally available. I think the Cube GTC range aims to be an all round race bike with enough plushnes to be comfy for longer rides - Gran Tourismo it says on the frame. There are some changes to the frame and forks although I believe the geometry is the same. I think the differences will be very subtle (one problem with bike reviews is that tiny differences tend to be exaggerated) and aimed at giving a slightly softer (which doesn't mean better) ride. My 2011 supresses road buzz very well and I find it perfectly comfortable on 50+ mile rides. The brake cables are internally routed on the 2011 but not the derailleurs. The wheels on the 2012 are Eastons ?model.

Apart from the complete internal cable routing the 2012 is likely to be subtly different. You are likely to make a big saving on the 2011 bike leaving you free to upgrade to some sizzling light weight race wheels if that takes your fancy

mark.abersoch

Thats what I was thinking about the small changes in the frame, but they do harp on about how much better it is.

I'm slighlty reserved to go and buy one now although i would love too as I don't want to buy it and then next month the 2013 versions come out and the 2012 has a reduction on them aswel.

I've found a shop which sell the cube aswel as most of the top makes which im going to visit on Saturday and hopefully make a choice then.

Thanks

aspender

The main reason for going for the 2012 is not that the cables are routed internally, but that the frame is designed for Di2 so if you ever want to upgrade to electronic shifting them all the right holes and stuff are there. On the 2011 frame you would need to run wires externally.

That being said, I am a very happy owner of the 2011 Race, bought at the end of last season when the 2012 bikes had been announced.

MartinB2444

mark.abersoch wrote:

Thats what I was thinking about the small changes in the frame, but they do harp on about how much better it is.

Of course they do! Maybe slightly different but better? In what sense, rididity or softness of ride? Or is anyone saying it now has a plusher ride AND better stiffness. Take this stuff with a big pinch of salt.

mark.abersoch

Just a quick update.I went to order the 2011 race version and they had sold out that morning although they said they had a few left. So I ordered the 2012 Pro version, which is coming in on Tuesday or Wednesday hopefully ready for my 90 mile sportive next Sunday.