u/PretendExamination93

I was writing a post for 30 minutes but I managed to lose it. So I will keep it short(er) this time, I appreciate any and all guidance.

A bit of backstory:

Had a Cube Aim Ex (2022). Loved it, got stolen last autumn.

Was first real bike as an adult. Didn't plan on a MTB, got it from my friend as a he was buying a new one.

I used it for 3 years. Super happy, loved how it felt, no complaints.

Even though it was a MTB, 98% of riding was on asphalt around my mid-large city. Around 50km distance on a good day.

Sometimes in the forest but more on like gravelly roads. I loved having the option though, as well as not being too afraid of what was under me. I felt safe with the big tires. Going "off road" from some pavement for a couple of meters, or through a grassy field without worries.

Anyway! I was going to buy another Aim Ex, had been eyeing it for months, but I just missed out on the last one and it disappeared from the shops website. That was a 2022 model though.

I just want the same, similar or possibly a better feeling when riding around town.

In comes the Aim Pro (2026). Not as high up in the Cube hierarchy as the Aim Ex, but with a few years of newer specs, almost.

After being dead set on this one, adding to cart and everything, I do some more googling and came across someone saying basically "If you mostly ride on asphalt, the Cube Nature One is a much better fit".

This is a hybrid bike. I hadn't really heard of them before. From what I understand, it's allround, best of both worlds kind of deal.

I will apparently be quicker on a hybrid. Faster acceleration, higher top speed.

Will I feel as stable and secure on thinner tires as I did on the 2.25 ones?

The idea of swapping tires has also crossed my mind, like putting skinnier tires on a MTB for... Speed on asphalt?

I'm comparing specs as much as I can as I'm borderline OCD when it comes to bigger purchases and want to be very sure of everything, but it feels like my brain is turning into mashed potatoes.

I'm sure I'd be happy on either bike, but please advise me on which one you think would be a better fit.

I'm adding a link below to the Cube website with a comparison of the two bikes.

https://www.cube.eu/de-en/product-comparison/index?products=140200,860100