The Cube Attain SLX review shows this bike sits near the top of Cube’s Attain range. It’s striking a balance between a dedicated everyday road machine and something capable of more spirited riding. It builds on the trusted aluminium Attain platform, adds higher-end components, and rewards riders with a bike that feels smooth, responsive, and confidence-inspiring on longer rides.
If you want a road bike that’s more refined than the base Attain models, yet doesn’t carry the premium carbon price tag, the Attain SLX is a standout contender.
Here’s our full Cube Attain SLX review, honest, useful, and rider-first.
Overview / Verdict Up Front
Who this bike is for:
– Regular riders who want more performance from their road bike
– Weekend sportives, club rides, and training days
– Cyclists who want a comfortable ride without premium carbon pricing
– Fitness riders progressing from entry-level road bikes
Who this bike isn’t for:
– Pure racers chasing aero and marginal gains
– Riders focused only on smooth, flat tarmac
– Cyclists wanting a fully carbon chassis
Quick take:
The Cube Attain SLX is one of the best mid-level endurance road bikes in the aluminium category. It blends comfort and confidence with components that are a meaningful step up from the base models. It’s not an aggressive racer, but it feels capable, balanced, and fun, especially for riders who spend a lot of time on mixed road surfaces.
Key Specs (Real-World Relevant)
Frame: Cube Attain aluminium frame
Fork: Carbon fork
Brake Type: Hydraulic disc brakes
Drivetrain: Typically Shimano 105
Geometry: Endurance-biased (comfort with confident handling)
Tyre Clearance: Typically up to 32–34 mm
Intended Use: Everyday riding, long distances, mixed paved terrain
The Attain SLX often steps up to a Shimano 105 drivetrain, a reliable, performance-oriented mid-range groupset that brings smooth shifting and solid gear range for varied terrain.
Ride Impressions (Core Section)
Comfort: Smooth and Rider-Friendly
From the first ride, the Attain SLX feels like a bike designed for actual roads — not perfectly polished test tracks.
This comfort is achieved through:
Endurance geometry — slightly more relaxed and forgiving
Carbon fork — reduces front-end buzz
Alloy frame tuned for compliance
Room for wider tyres — absorbs road vibration
On rough or broken pavement, the Attain SLX doesn’t punish you. Instead, it filters the right bits — keeping you comfortable on long rides while still feeling connected and controlled.
Handling: Stable Without Being Sluggish
Compared with racing bikes, the SLX leans toward confidence and predictability:
– Calm in corners
– Stable at speed
– Not twitchy in crosswinds
This makes the bike feel assured and composed, which is ideal for long descents or busy group rides. If you’re chasing pure race bike sharpness, this isn’t the bike for that. But if you value stability and confidence over ultralight responsiveness, the Attain SLX hits its mark.
Stiffness & Acceleration: Balanced for Everyday Roads
When you put power down, the SLX responds well:
– Pedalling feels direct
– Accelerations come without lag
– There’s no harshness even when pushing tempo
It doesn’t feel weight-weenie snappy — and that’s not its design — but it feels alive enough that you’re rewarded for effort, and the bike doesn’t feel like it’s holding you back.
Climbing: Steady and Practical
On climbs:
– Geometry keeps you comfortable
– Weight feels sensible for an aluminium bike
– Gearing from Shimano 105 gives good range
It isn’t a lightweight carbon climber — but for rolling terrain and longer ascents, it feels steady and capable, maintaining momentum without feeling cumbersome.
Descending & High-Speed Stability
One of the SLX’s strengths is how it descends:
– Hydraulic discs provide predictable braking
– Steering stays composed at speed
– The bike feels confident over imperfect road surfaces
Whether you’re winding down a twisty country descent or rolling at pace on a long fast section, the Attain SLX feels assured and comfortable.
Long Rides (3–7 Hours): Where It Works Best
This bike truly shines on longer rides:
– Fatigue builds slowly
– Comfort carries you through miles
– Hands and shoulders feel less beaten up
– Confidence rises, not fatigue
From early morning club loops to midday endurance days, the SLX keeps you powerful, comfortable, and focused on riding — not on how sore you feel.
Geometry & Fit
The Attain SLX uses Cube’s endurance geometry:
– Higher stack — less aggressive reach
– Balanced reach — efficient but relaxed
– Stable wheelbase — calm handling
The result is a fit that’s:
– Relaxed compared to racing road bikes
– Efficient for sustained power
– Comfortable on long miles
If you’re transitioning from a more aggressive bike, expect a comfortable but fun ride. If you’re stepping up from an entry-level bike, the SLX feels responsive and capable without being stressful.
Components & Build
The Attain SLX’s strength lies in its sensible small upgrades throughout the build:
Shimano 105 drivetrain — smooth, dependable shifting
Hydraulic disc brakes — confident stopping power
Quality wheels that balance performance and comfort
Wide tyre clearance to suit versatile road conditions
Shimano 105 is often regarded as the “sweet spot” for real-world cycling — not too race-oriented, but refined enough that you feel the difference over lower-tier groupsets. The hydraulic brakes marry perfectly with the bike’s confidence-first ethos.
6Tyres, Wheels & Clearance
A big practical feature of the Attain SLX is tyre clearance:
– Room for 30–34 mm tyres
– Wider tyres add comfort and grip
– Lower pressures help with longer rides and rough roads
– You can even go tubeless if you want fewer flats and extra comfort
This tyre range makes the SLX feel much more capable on varied tarmac, from smooth main roads to farmland lanes that have seen a bit of wear.
Comparisons
Attain SLX vs Attain Race
| Feature | Attain SLX | Attain Race |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Shimano 105) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Tiagra) |
| Everyday usability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Confidence | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The biggest jump from the Race to SLX is the Shimano 105 drivetrain and marginal spec refinements — noticeable in shifting smoothness, gear range, and overall refinement.
Attain SLX vs Specialized Allez Elite
| Feature | Attain SLX | Allez Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (105) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Tiagra/105) |
| Handling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Everyday comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Both bikes sit in similar price/performance territory. The Attain SLX leans a bit more toward endurance comfort and stability, while the Allez Elite feels slightly livelier and direct under power.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
– Balanced blend of comfort and responsiveness
– Shimano 105 delivers smooth shifting for most riders
– Hydraulic discs add confidence in all conditions
– Wide tyre clearance improves grip and comfort
– Stable geometry for long rides and varied terrain
❌ Cons
– Not as light or sharp as premium carbon bikes
– Stock wheels are solid but primed for upgrades
– Alloy frame means weight is a bit higher than carbon
Who Should Buy the Attain SLX?
Perfect for:
– Everyday riders who want capability and comfort
– Weekend riders and club cyclists
– Fitness riders pursuing longer distances
– Enthusiasts stepping up from entry-level road bikes
Less ideal for:
– Pure racers seeking aggressive geometry
– Riders who only ever ride short, smooth loops
– Those wanting a full carbon bike
Final Thoughts
The Cube Attain SLX is a very strong mid-tier endurance road bike, a bike that feels comfortable enough for long days and capable enough for spirited rides.
It blends confidence-boosting stability, smooth and dependable shifting with everyday comfort and real-world versatility.
Whether you’re training regularly, riding weekend sportives, or simply looking for a bike that feels good every day, the Attain SLX delivers performance without premium complexity.
It’s not just a bike you ride.
It’s a bike that makes riding better.
Quick Summary
Best for: Everyday endurance and mid-distance road riding
Ideal tyre size: 30–34 mm
Sweet spot: Comfort and capable performance
Ride feel: Balanced, composed, and confidence-boosting
