Cube Nuroad SLX vs Merida Silex 700
Both are gravel bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Cube Nuroad SLX comes out ahead (73% against 62%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Cube Nuroad SLX is £101 cheaper — £1,999 against £2,100.
- Weight
- The Cube Nuroad SLX is 0.5kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Riding position
- The Cube Nuroad SLX sits you more upright (1.51 stack-to-reach against 1.47). The Merida Silex 700 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Tyre clearance
- The Cube Nuroad SLX takes 50mm tyres against 45mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
- Shifting
- Only the Cube Nuroad SLX has electronic shifting. Crisper and lower maintenance, but it needs charging and costs more to replace.
Side by side
| Spec | Nuroad SLX | Silex 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,999 | £2,100 |
| Weight | 10.1 kg | 10.6 kg |
| Frame | alloy | alloy |
| Groupset | SRAM Rival XPLR AXS E1 1x13 electronic | Shimano GRX820 1x12 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.51 | 1.47 |
| Tyre clearance | 50 mm | 45 mm |
| Lowest gear | 23 in | 22 in |
| Mudguard mounts | Yes | Yes |
| Comfort | 72 | 65 |
| Speed | 23 | 22 |
| Climbing | 53 | 50 |
| Value | 35 | 2 |
Neither might be the right answer
This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.
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