If we choose to put hydraulic disc brakes on a high tech carbon frame, there's a good reason for it. The Agree C:62 Disc clearly belongs in the performance class of our carbon fibre race bikes. That's as true of the entry level model - equipped with high quality Shimano 105 components - as it is of the rest. Long sportives and third cat races are grist to its mill, and training rides are taken in its stride.

The Agree C:62 Disc arrives on the start line with a brand new frame equipped with an X12-based quick release axle system. As innovative as it is stylish, the Agree Disc frame incorporates a Flat Mount brake caliper and an integrated seat post calmp. Even the full carbon fork with Flat Mount brake mount is a completely new development, including a quick release axle that results in high steering precision even when riding flat out. Chassis stiffness is enhanced with details like the Press Fit bottom bracket and tapered head tube, but despite its undoubted efficiency the Agree remains comfortable. All cables are routed internally - a CUBE speciality that also gives a race bike like this the clean lines it deserves - and, of course, the frame is ready for Di2.

Components

We dug deep into our box of toys to equip this race bike. The extremely reliable Shimano 105 component group is a perfect match with 2x11 transmission driven by a compact chainset with 50 and 34 tooth chainrings. Shimano's hydraulic BR-RS505 disc brake is a reliable, powerful choice that allows for very late braking in any weather conditions, wet or dry. Drive is transferred to the road with a set of Fulcrum Racing 77 Disc wheels and rider contact points include the ergonomic Wing Race Bar and comfortable Selle Italia X1 saddle.

We optimized our new dropout design based on the Syntace X12 through-axle system, enlarging the area of the frame where the hanger is mounted. We can now fit the longer Direct Mount hangers. Shifting precision and stiffness is therefore improved. With the new design it's also possible to swap the whole contact area of the axle with the hanger should the system be worn out.

The Advanced Twin Mold process eliminates any dangerous folding by continuous control of carbon fibers during the curing process. This is made possible by an internal form which gives the perfect frame form during the layup process. Each individual fibre remains precisely in position as it cures. In this way less material can be used as the individual layers can be more accurately and reliably positioned. This production method also makes it possible to increase the carbon fibre proportion in line with anticipated loadings at specific points on the frame. All SUPER HPC models from 2014 on are manufactured using this high-tech method.

Internally routed cables offer many advantages. Cables are protected from dirt for longer life, weight is saved thanks to the absence of external housing and the bike has a clean, sleek appearance.

With Press Fit bearings, the bottom bracket bearings are pressed directly into the frame and not screwed in as usual. This gives a wider bottom bracket shell and allows us to build a wider down tube and more broadly-spaced chainstays. Every millimetre of additional width gives a significant improvement in lateral stiffness.

This steerer tube design is stiffer than a conventional straight steerer and yields a more secure ride feel even in difficult terrain. Minimal flex at the front of the frame means the greatest possible steering precision. With the larger steerer, the forks become more rigid. At the same time weight is saved due to the absence of bearing shells as the lower bearing is fully integrated into the head tube. On all of our CUBE carbon models the upper bearing shells are also directly in the frame, so that once more a few grams are saved and the energy transfer is very direct.

On polished, brushed aluminium and all HPC frames, the logos and graphics are applied in multi-layer wet paint. We use this surface treatment technology mainly to save weight.

In this system, a cone is used to form a play-free connection. It is only necessary to tighten the axle from one side. The position of the wheel is done by an insert in the right-hand dropout which is secured by a bolt. The main advantages of the Syntace system are quick and simple changing of the wheel, reliable position of the brake disc and higher stiffness of the rear of the bike. This allows the assembly to be made lighter than a conventional through-axle.