Feels like Christmas! I just received new tires and a new alloy handlebar for my 2020 Cube Nuroad Race. I went with Michelin Power Adventure 700×36 tires, which should be faster than the Schwalbe G-One Allround 700x40s I’ve been using. The Schwalbes felt a bit sluggish at times, but I can’t complain too much—they’ve served me really well over 8,000 km on both tarmac and light gravel. The rear tyre has worn down to slick, while the front one still has some tread left.
I’m expecting the Michelins to perform well too, especially since my rides are about 70% tarmac and 30% light gravel or dry white roads.
I’m a bit more uncertain about the new handlebar. I’m switching from the stock 42 cm to a Deda 40 cm alloy bar. I haven’t installed it yet, but it already feels noticeably narrower. Deda measures their handlebars at the widest point, which differs from how most brands measure. The drops feel about 6 cm narrower than the stock bar, but I’ll need to measure precisely to be sure. Also, the drops only flare out slightly compared to the tops, so the overall width difference is quite evident—I'm not sure yet if this will affect handling or if it's just something I’ll need to get used to.
With these upgrades, I’m expecting to shed around 330–400 grams of weight.
I had already reduced some weight earlier by switching to lighter aluminum wheels, a new saddle, and a Deda aluminum seatpost.
Altogether, I expect to cut around 900 grams compared to the stock setup.
I'm really excited to work on my bike and test out this new setup, although I'll probably make the changes one step at a time—this way I can isolate and clearly understand how each component affects the ride.
I’ll keep this post updated in case anyone’s interested.
by realbritishale