IF IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR LUCY CHARLES-BARCLAY, THEN IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR AGE-GROUPERS, RIGHT? BIKE TESTER JACK SEXTY TAKES TO THE ROADS TO FIND OUT…
WORDS JACK SEXTY
Cube began working on the Aerium C:68X way back in 2020, revealing the first prototypes to the world in 2022. An Ironman world title and record-breaking bike split from Lucy Charles-Barclay later suggests all the tinkering and wind tunnel time was well worth it.
The Aerium C:68X is now available in three full bike builds starting from £6,499. The SLT version that we got our hands on (£8,999) is the top-of-the-range model, with 12-speed Shimano Dura-Ace shifting, 80mm carbon wheels and Cube’s unique frame-integrated hydration system.
The C:68X may look similar to its predecessor, the C:68, at first glance, with the unique ‘Twin Head Tube’ for claimed aerodynamic improvements carrying over, but Cube claims its new tri superbike is 3.6 watts faster, with every part of the bike apart from the Twin Head Tube, seatpost and between-the-arms (BTA) hydration system refined. The handlebars are smaller, the head tube narrower and the fork deeper in the name of aerodynamics. The extensions have also changed shape and, as already mentioned, there are some fascinating things going on inside the frame. The weight has dropped, too, with the full bike coming in at 9.1kg without the in-frame hydration system and somewhere around 9.7kg with it.
Cube has gone big on versatility with the Aerium C:68X, supplying a huge array of accessories to suit your needs. The aerobars, with extensions courtesy of Profile Design, come with all the riser blocks, bolts and washers you and your bike fitter will need to achieve your perfect position, and there’s plenty of fore/aft at the seatpost. When it comes to storage and hydration there’s even more choice, with the option to run both BTA hydration and the new in-frame hydration system together, or neither, thanks to all the modular fixtures and fittings.
The in-frame hydration is filled via a bladder that fits into the frame just above the bottom bracket, though alternatively the space could be used to store a puncture repair kit. You drink from the bladder via a straw that pops out from the front of the top tube storage box, or just straight out from the top tube if you’d rather take the box off.
RIDE AND HANDLING
Trickery aside, the Aerium C:68X is simply a phenomenal ride. It’s instantly noticeable how muc
