The Cube Attain Race review covers Cube’s mid-tier offering in their popular Attain family — designed for riders who want a road bike that feels comfortable on long rides, confident in corners, and capable of regular training and club rides, all without a premium carbon price tag. It builds on the tried-and-true aluminium Attain platform, pairing endurance-biased geometry with sensible, everyday performance components.
If you’re looking for a versatile road bike that’s equally at home on weekend sportives, everyday loops, or your first multi-hour rides. The Attain Race should be on your shortlist.
Here’s our detailed Cube Attain Race review, honest, practical, and rider-focused.
Overview / Verdict Up Front
Who this bike is for:
– Riders stepping up from entry-level bikes
– Cyclists who value comfort on longer rides
– Weekend explorers and club riders
– Those who want balanced performance without premium pricing
Who this bike isn’t for:
– Pure racers chasing marginal aero and weight gains
– Riders who exclusively ride short flat loops
– Cyclists wanting a carbon-first endurance machine
Quick take:
The Cube Attain Race is a strong all-round endurance road bike that blends practical everyday performance with comfort-centric design. It’s stable, confidence-inspiring, and well-spec’d for most riders’ needs. It won’t win a sprint call-up against a pro race bike, but it will make your regular rides feel smoother, more comfortable, and more confident.
Key Specs (Real-World Relevant)
Frame: Cube Attain aluminium frame
Fork: Carbon fork (in most builds)
Brake Type: Hydraulic disc brakes
Drivetrain: Shimano Tiagra (commonly)
Geometry: Endurance-oriented (comfortable position, stable handling)
Tyre Clearance: Up to ~32–34 mm (depending on wheel/tyre combo)
Intended Use: Long rides, club loops, everyday road riding
The Attain Race sits in the “sweet spot” of the Attain lineup — better components than entry-level versions, with a focus on long-distance usability and all-condition performance.
Ride Impressions (Core Section)
Comfort: Balanced Without Being Soft
Right from the first rides, the Attain Race feels like a bike built for real roads, not perfect tarmac strips. This is achieved through:
– Slightly relaxed endurance geometry
– Alloy frame with a compliance-friendly layup
– Carbon fork to help dampen road buzz
– Wide tyre clearance for comfort-boosting rubber
On broken pavement or long afternoon routes, the Attain Race doesn’t beat you up. It absorbs imperfections without feeling vague or disconnected — making it great for riders who want confidence and ease over harsh responsiveness.
Handling: Stable and Confidence-Inspiring
The handling on the Attain Race leans toward stability rather than aggression:
– Predictable cornering behaviour
– Calm at speed
– Trustworthy response in crosswinds
This makes it ideal for:
– Long descents
– Winding country roads
– Windy days
Where a pure race bike can feel nervous, the Attain Race remains composed — letting you ride with confidence rather than aggression.
Stiffness & Acceleration: Practical Responsiveness
Endurance bikes sometimes feel “disconnected” when you step on the pedals. The Attain Race doesn’t fall into that trap.
When you push:
– Power feels efficient and direct
– Accelerations feel smooth
– The bike feels ready to respond without being overly snappy
It’s not a lightweight race rocket, but it rewards steady power and good rhythm rather than demanding explosive bursts.
Climbing: Steady and Sustained
On uphill sections, the Attain Race climbs comfortably:
– Balanced rider position helps pacing
– Drivetrain delivers predictable gear changes
– Stable geometry keeps traction confident
You get a controlled, steady feel up climbs rather than a twitchy, race-tight sensation — exactly what many endurance riders prefer.
Descending & Stability
This is one area where the Attain Race stands out:
– Hydraulic discs give confident braking
– Steering remains mature and composed
– The bike encourages trust — not anxiety
On long swooping descents, this stability helps you commit to lines without the nervousness you might feel on more aggressive race geometry.
Long Rides (3–7 Hours): Where It Truly Works
This bike does what its name implies — it makes longer rides feel better.
Over extended rides:
– Fatigue builds more slowly
– Road buzz feels dampened
– Posture stays comfortable
– Confidence stays high
It’s not magic — but it does make previously uncomfortable long days much more doable.
Geometry & Fit
The Attain Race uses Cube’s endurance geometry:
Higher stack for a relaxed, sustainable position
Balanced reach for comfort without slouching
Stable wheelbase for confidence at speed
If you’re coming from:
– A hybrid or entry-level road bike → the Attain Race feels upgraded and more efficient
– A pure race bike → you’ll feel more comfortable and relaxed on long rides
This makes it a great “first serious road bike” or a long-distance daily rider.
Components & Build
The Attain Race is sensibly spec’d to match its purpose:
Shimano Tiagra drivetrain — a reliable and easy-to-live-with groupset
Hydraulic disc brakes — strong, predictable stopping power in all conditions
Well-chosen wheels and tyres that balance comfort and performance
Tiagra gives a solid gear range and dependable shifting — crisp enough for most riders without the premium cost of Ultegra or 105. Combined with hydraulic discs, you get confident braking and consistent control even in changeable weather.
Tyres, Wheels & Clearance
One of the Attain Race’s practical advantages is tyre clearance:
– Room for ~32–34 mm tyres
– Wider rubber boosts comfort and grip on varied roads
– Lower pressures possible without worry of pinch flats
This means you can tailor your ride feel:
– Wider tyres for comfort and grip
– Slightly narrower tyres for speed on smooth roads
It’s a versatile setup that suits real-world riding conditions.
Comparisons
Attain Race vs Attain Pro
| Feature | Attain Race | Attain Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Tiagra) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Claris) |
| Braking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Hydraulic discs) | ⭐⭐ / ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Everyday usability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance edge | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The Attain Race’s higher-spec drivetrain and stronger brakes give more confidence and range than the base Pro version — a meaningful upgrade for riders planning longer distances or regular rides.
Attain Race vs Domane AL
| Feature | Attain Race | Trek Domane AL |
|---|---|---|
| Ride comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Handling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Everyday usability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tyre clearance | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Both bikes sit in a very similar category — endurance bikes with alloy frames. The differences are subtle (brand geometry and component choice), but overall both deliver confidence-boosting comfort and everyday performance.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
– Excellent balance of comfort and performance
– Stable, confidence-inspiring handling
– Hydraulic disc brakes offer strong braking in all conditions
– Sensitive enough for spirited group rides
– Very good price-to-performance ratio
❌ Cons
– Not as refined or lightweight as carbon endurance bikes
– Stock wheels are solid, but many riders upgrade later
– Not designed for very rough gravel sections (best on paved roads)
Who Should Buy the Attain Race?
Perfect for:
– Riders stepping up from beginner bikes
– Everyday road cyclists who want to ride longer distances
– Weekend warriors and group riders
– Fitness cyclists and sportive participants
Less ideal for:
– Pure racers chasing aggressive geometry
– Riders exclusively on smooth flat pavement
– Cyclists wanting ultra-lightweight carbon bikes
Final Thoughts
The Cube Attain Race is one of the most well-rounded endurance road bikes in the alloy category today.
It blends comfortable ride quality with confident handling and its capable drivetrain and brakes give it everyday usability.
Whether you’re tackling your first long ride, training for weekly improvement, or simply expanding your cycling horizons, the Attain Race makes every mile feel smooth, steady, and confidence-inspiring.
It’s not just a bike you ride.
It’s a bike that makes you want to ride more.
Quick Summary
Best for: Everyday endurance and long rides
Ideal tyre size: 30–34 mm
Sweet spot: Comfort with confidence and capability
Ride feel: Balanced, composed, and versatile
