100 millimetres of travel, 29-inch wheels and no dropper post. With the Reaction, Cube takes the most traditional approach in this test. Thanks to the 1163 gram carbon frame, the hardtail from Waldershof is the only candidate to land under the 12-kilo mark. Accordingly, the bike is light-footed on the trail.
The combination of a long stem, low front and flat seat angle also places the rider in a very sporty position on the bike. Well-trained bikers will appreciate the stretched seating position. Beginners we recommend a shorter stem to minimise the elongation.
In terms of handling, the Cube is a more lively hardtail. Short chainstays and a moderate head angle benefit the bike on winding trails. The bike climbs well. The pressure on the front wheel is not too tight.
Also good: The Suntour fork can be locked from the handlebars via a remote lever when pedalling out of the saddle. However, all testers criticised the insensitive response behaviour. Especially on fine bumps, the impulses are often not enough to set the tight fork in motion. Nevertheless, even the Suntour Raidon offers significant added value over the unsprung bikes in the comparison.
In terms of durability, however, the Reaction has to rank at the bottom of the test field. For only 1599 euros, Cube specifies the cheapest bike in the test. To realise this price point, only a cheap shifting mix from Sram and inexpensive system wheels are used. Paired with the suspension fork, the Cube is the most susceptible to winter wear and tear.
Conclusion from Tobias Ziganek, BIKE test rider:
The Cube Reaction is the perfect bike for keeping fit in winter. Tame trails are possible thanks to the suspension fork. The low purchase price makes up for the cost of wearing parts.
Technical data and rating Cube Reaction C:62 One
Manufacturer information
- Price: 1599 Euro
- available from specialised dealers
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: S / M /L / XL / XXL (tested size 47 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 11.52 kg
- Frame weight: 1163 g
- Weight of wheels: 4624 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 3097 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 720 mm
- Seat comfort: 8.7 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 51 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Ringlé ATAC CMP 29 AM-
- Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ray / Ralph; Performance Addix Compound TLR 29 x 2.25
- Fork: SR Suntour Raidon Lockout
- Brakes: Shimano Deore / 180/160 mm
- Gear system: Sram SX Eagle / NX Eagle 1 x 12
- Suspension travel: 100 mm
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 11-50 / 454 %
- Seatpost / Ø: Cube CPP / 27.2 mm
Ease of maintenance: weak
BIKE test rating¹: Good 166.3 out of 250
¹ The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measured values (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
² Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
Max Fuchs
Editor
