From GT Aggressor to Cube Ltd Race

[Dunclane]

I've just ordered a Cube Ltd Race through Cycle to Work and it's a lovely bike and fits like a glove, I'm just wondering what kind of difference I can expect from my old steed a Gt Aggressor circa 2006.

I know hydraulic brakes are a world apart from the old Tektro io disc brakes, but how else will effect my trail riding? Easier up hills?

[Pupp]

If they still come with Nobby Nic/Racing Ralph tyre combo, you can expect to clog like a very cloggy thing at the slightest hint of wet mud...!

Great bikes (once you change to proper tyres)

[Dunclane]

Pupp said:

If they still come with Nobby Nic/Racing Ralph tyre combo, you can expect to clog like a very cloggy thing at the slightest hint of wet mud...!

Great bikes (once you change to proper tyres)

Yeah I spotted that! They still do I'm afraid. I'll have to whip them off until summer

[anonymous-user]

the thing you will notice most is a suspension fork that actually works compared to whatever was on the GT. a good fork will feel progressive, compress, and rebound far smoother and faster than a cheap alternative. it makes the ride far more enjoyable and the bike more reactive.

[Gren]

Just moved from a 10 year old Carrera Kraken to a Cube LTD race so know exactly where you're coming from - big step up. Only came a couple of days ago. Mine is last years model but it came with 2 Rapid Robs on - OEM/budget tyre that is the old Racing Ralph tread pattern so definitely not for winter or anything soggy.

Just about to put a NN on the front think I'll leave the RR on the back - should be okay. Have been running similar tyres (NN on front and Conti X-King on the back) for the last few months on my Kraken and has been fine for what I ride - lots of XC and then some fun around Porridgpot/Tunnel Hill (MOD land in Surrey) which has lots of nice singletrack and nasty climbs. Pretty muddy in the last week and its coped fine.

[Dunclane]

pablo said:

the thing you will notice most is a suspension fork that actually works compared to whatever was on the GT. a good fork will feel progressive, compress, and rebound far smoother and faster than a cheap alternative. it makes the ride far more enjoyable and the bike more reactive.

I have a Rock Shox Judy TT on the GT. It was my first bike with a suspension fork so didn't have anything to compare it too, it will be nice to properly lockout the forks though when climbing!

[Dunclane]

Dunclane said:

Pupp said:

If they still come with Nobby Nic/Racing Ralph tyre combo, you can expect to clog like a very cloggy thing at the slightest hint of wet mud...!

Great bikes (once you change to proper tyres)

Yeah I spotted that! They still do I'm afraid. I'll have to whip them off until summer

Just checked and I'm mistaken, it comes with Rapid Rob's front & rear. Any better?

[Gren]

Worse for winter - the Robs are nice and fast rolling but not very chunky and an old design at that (it's how you get such a good bike for the price!). I'd replace the front at the very least, especially if you're doing anything more than XC. The front on mine has just become a spare rear tyre.

[Dunclane]

Any suggestions Gren?

[One8Two]

Not sure what the geometry of the GT aggressor is but if its anything like that of the Carrera Fury then you'll find a massive difference moving to the Cube.

I bought the Fury last year and my brother shortly followed with a Cube Ltd Race, best way to describe the difference is by comparing a rally car to an F1 car!

The Fury has a much more aggressive set up which I think gives more confidence going downhill, the Cube is a lot stiffer and responsive.

I think once you adjust to the Cube it will be a lot more rewarding to ride (and quicker!!)

Dan

[Dunclane]

Cheers Dan, I hope so because my mates have a Carrera Fury & a Be-One Karma Comp and they seem to pull away from me all the time, and its not through a lack of fitness as we are all roughly the same. My GT just seems sluggish and cumbersome in comparison.

[Gren]

Dunclane said:

Any suggestions Gren?

Just bought a Nobby Nic to put on the front. Possibly not the best in the wettest / muddiest weather but been good to me on my last bike and I get on well with it. £24 from on-one for the folding evo snakeskin version.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/TYSCNICEVOSS/schwalbe_...