Cube Agree GTC SL upgrade recommendations

DennisMadsen

I've this Cube Agree GTC SL 2014:

• Frame: GTCm Monocoque, Advanced Twin Mold Technology
• Fork: CUBE CSL Race Carbon, Tapered
• Headset: FSA Orbit I-t integrated, top 1 1/8", bottom 1 1/2
• Stem: Syntace F149, 31.8mm
• Handlebar: Syntace Racelite 2014 CDR
• Read Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra RD-6800SS, 2x11 speed
• Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra FD-6800BL, Clamp 34.9mm
• Shifter Lever: Shimano Ultegra ST-6800
• Brake: Shimano Ultegra BR-6800
• Crankset: Shimano Ultegra FC-6800
• Wheel set: DT Swiss CSW RA 2.0
• Tire: Continental Grand Prix 4000 S II
• Saddle: Selle Italia X1 Road
• Seatpost: CUBE Performance Motion Post, 27.2mm
• Seat clamp: RFR Close 31.8mm
• Pedals: Shimano R550 SPD-SL

I'm looking for some good value for money upgrades on my bike. I've previously seen some review stating that the seatpost and saddle combo could be more comfortable. What should I look for instead? Anything else?

nicube

Dennis,I had the same bike for a year and the spec is great for what they cost I would just leave it as it is and enjoy it, maybe look at investing any spare change in the next bike. I tried a LOOK 675 which was fatal and ended up selling the Cube as the difference was night and day 8)

ai_1

DennisMadsen wrote:

I've this Cube Agree GTC SL 2014:

• Frame: GTCm Monocoque, Advanced Twin Mold Technology
• Fork: CUBE CSL Race Carbon, Tapered
• Headset: FSA Orbit I-t integrated, top 1 1/8", bottom 1 1/2
• Stem: Syntace F149, 31.8mm
• Handlebar: Syntace Racelite 2014 CDR
• Read Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra RD-6800SS, 2x11 speed
• Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra FD-6800BL, Clamp 34.9mm
• Shifter Lever: Shimano Ultegra ST-6800
• Brake: Shimano Ultegra BR-6800
• Crankset: Shimano Ultegra FC-6800
• Wheel set: DT Swiss CSW RA 2.0
• Tire: Continental Grand Prix 4000 S II
• Saddle: Selle Italia X1 Road
• Seatpost: CUBE Performance Motion Post, 27.2mm
• Seat clamp: RFR Close 31.8mm
• Pedals: Shimano R550 SPD-SL

I'm looking for some good value for money upgrades on my bike. I've previously seen some review stating that the seatpost and saddle combo could be more comfortable. What should I look for instead? Anything else?

Why do you want to upgrade your bike?

I'm not just being silly here. It's a valid question.
Is there anything wrong with the bike as it stands?
Are there specific things you'd like it to do better?
What type of riding do you do?
Is it simply a case that you can afford to spend some money but you don't know if there's anything to be gained or how?

Most performance gains are not due to bike upgrades. They're due to rider upgrades via training. Most bike upgrades have very minor, if any, performance advantages but may make the bike more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, reliable, or just make it feel more satisfying to ride.

Looking at the bike spec there's nothing that stands out to me as a major weakness. It's got full Ultegra 6800 groupset which is excellent. It's got good tyres. I'm not familiar with the wheels and you could perhaps fit something lighter or more aerodynamic but this is a fairly expensive upgrade with relatively modest potential to improve anything but looks in my opinion. If you climb a lot, lighter wheels will feel nicer but probably won't make any real difference on the flat. If you're happy with the pedals and handlebars then you may as well leave them alone.

There are one or two seatposts that make a significant difference to shock absorption if you feel that's something that would make a difference to you. The Canyon VCLS 2.0 is essentially a sprung saddle and I was impressed with the comfort but I wouldn't trust it if you're not a reasonably lightweight rider (<75kg) as they don't seem to clamp brilliantly.

ForumNewbie

I have a Cube Agree GTC Race from 2011. It is also full Ultegra - I've just put on a 12-30 cassette to replace the 11-28 to give my old legs extra help on steep hills, but unless you need to upgrade your drivetrain for a similar reasons, I wouldn't bother as Ultegra is very good.

The only other thing I've changed is the saddle (a few times) as it was Cube's own and I wanted more comfort. Whether you need to change your saddle and seatpost, depends if you are finding it uncomfortable. Only you can tell and try other saddles - it can be a bit of trial and error and costly to find your perfect saddle.

My wheels are Fulcrum 5s which I think are pretty good. I assume your DT Swiss wheels are a similar standard, so I wouldn't spend money on new wheels unless you feel you really want to for a particular reason.

whitestar1

That's a lovely bike you got mate! Why the upgrade? You racing? like pro racing, I would understand or just loaded? In that case just sell it and go for Di2 Dura-ace with some deep aero wheels. Or just go Di2 for the current groupset you got, although that might be a bit work for you. So back to selling it and get a proper Di2 Dura-ace spec bike - I wish I was that loaded!!!

For me, I have the Cube Agree GTC with Tigra groupset and just got rid of the original Fulcrum 7 wheels for fulcrum Quattro and also a set of GP4000S2.

Next stop will be groupset - ultegra 6800. That's as far as I will go. Well I will be getting a set of carbon wheels are some time C50s.

defride

I've the 2013 version, same frame I believe, 10sp Ultegra. Upgraded to carbon bits and bob's, not much difference, but what did make a noticeable improvement was the wheels. First to Easton alloy tubeless and subsequently 32mm carbon clinchers. Lots of short (mile or so) steep climbs where I ride and the nearly 1/2 kilo difference between the carbons and stock wheels is very worthwhile!

I'm sure there are plenty of better bikes out there but it's a nice, pretty light and above all comfortable bike to ride.

birdie23

That saddle is fine, I've put over 7000 miles on mine and all that's wrong with it is that it now looks like someone has done 7000 miles on it!

I'd upgrade the pedals, but that's just because I'd want 6800 ones to match the groupset.

mfin

This is simple and quick to answer: Wheels.

Nothing else is really worth upgrading on that spec. Of course, listen to the long replies if you want.

birdie23

mfin wrote:

This is simple and quick to answer: Wheels.

Nothing else is really worth upgrading on that spec. Of course, listen to the long replies if you want.

Actually, this.

rollemynot

I have a 2011 GTC - stock Fulcrum 5, I deliberated about replacing with more expensive wheels. But came to the following conclusion

Am I as fit as could be
Am I as light as I could be
Am I going out as much as I could be

The answer to the above was no - so the best upgrade for my cube was me! Much cheaper and has proven to bring on my performance amazingly :-)

ForumNewbie

Rollemynot wrote:

I have a 2011 GTC - stock Fulcrum 5, I deliberated about replacing with more expensive wheels. But came to the following conclusion

Am I as fit as could be
Am I as light as I could be
Am I going out as much as I could be

The answer to the above was no - so the best upgrade for my cube was me! Much cheaper and has proven to bring on my performance amazingly :-)

+1 Good point.

ai_1

mfin wrote:

This is simple and quick to answer: Wheels.

Nothing else is really worth upgrading on that spec. Of course, listen to the long replies if you want.

You really are being rather unpleasant and ignorant lately.
So anyone who put the time and effort into writing a considered reply should be ignored because you said so huh?

Why should he change the wheels? Careful not to elaborate too much , you don't want to be responsible for a long reply. But I'm sure he'd like to know why he's doing what he's doing.
Should he be looking for light wheels, aero wheels, stiff wheels, bling wheels.....or just any new wheels?
Clown

mfin

Ai_1 wrote:

mfin wrote:

This is simple and quick to answer: Wheels.

Nothing else is really worth upgrading on that spec. Of course, listen to the long replies if you want.

You really are being rather unpleasant and ignorant lately.
So anyone who put the time and effort into writing a considered reply should be ignored because you said so huh?

Why should he change the wheels? Careful not to elaborate too much , you don't want to be responsible for a long reply. But I'm sure he'd like to know why he's doing what he's doing.
Should he be looking for light wheels, aero wheels, stiff wheels, bling wheels.....or just any new wheels?
Clown

It's simple really like I said, wheels are the only upgrade to consider worth doing. As for which wheels, well, that's a discussion which there's no point in getting into when he hasn't actually asked. Of course, if you want to take the opportunity to ramble on about that topic yourself then please feel free.