CUBE launches its new Aerium C:68X series for Challenge Roth. The completely redesigned dedicated triathlon bike promises enhanced aerodynamics, integrated disc brakes and a slew of features to offer an individually customisable position set-up.

The predecessor model, the Aerium C:68, was already one of the fastest triathlon-specific bikes on the market when it was launched in 2018. Not content with this success, the developers at CUBE were determined to build an even worthier successor, beginning with some specific goals: first and foremost, to incorporate additional storage and hydration options, as well as disc brake integration, as requested by the pro and age group athletes – without compromising the bike’s aero properties. In 2020 the first prototypes were sent to the wind tunnel for initial testing, and the results confirmed it: the new bike sets a further benchmark in terms of aerodynamics. The collaboration with Lucy Charles-Barclay also provided further invaluable feedback and real-world experience that was incorporated into the development. “It’s been amazing to be part of the development journey from the very beginning. We had a list of ideas that we were able to realise together with CUBE and I know that the end product is incredibly fast. In 2022 I raced one of the first prototypes in Hawaii and the results attest to the bike’s remarkable speed. I can’t wait to compete again on this absolute machine,” says four-time Ironman World Championship silver medallist and 2021 70.3 World Champion Lucy. Wind tunnel and track testing sessions with both Lucy and Frederic Funk confirmed that the bike has been refined and perfected across various frame sizes and for a wide range of riders.

In fact, the engineers not only preserved but actually improved on the already impressive numbers of the outgoing model: the brand-new Aerium C:68X is 3.63 watts faster than the Aerium C:68, the steering torque has been reduced by 18% and the weight shaved to 9.1 kg (for the full bike without the hydration system).

“We’ve carried over some key elements from the old model in terms of design and aerodynamics, like the Twin Head Tube, which keeps the bike incredibly stable in crosswinds, and the low seat stays, which help to reduce the frontal area. The fork and cockpit have been aerodynamically optimised and we integrated the disc brake mounts. There’s a hydration system with a bladder located directly above the bottom bracket, which we developed and tested in conjunction with our triathletes. Altogether we now offer several hydration system options and individually configurable storage. The data we gleaned from the wind tunnel tests and from working with our athletes shows that we achieved our goals and have once again developed the fastest triathlon bike on the market,” says Bernd Schenkl, Head of Engineering.

The individual configuration options on the redesigned cockpit ensure every rider can find the optimal set-up. Not only that, but this premium bike is built from stiff yet exceptionally light and stable C:68X carbon fibre, the best CUBE’s in-house carbon lab has to offer.

Models: Aerium C:68X SLT, Aerium C:68X SLX, Aerium C:68X Frameset.

Visit www.cube.eu/aerium from 22 June for more information about all three models.