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Cube Reaction C:62 Pro 2025 on testSuccessor to the throne for the hardtail classic

Jan Timmermann

 · 18.10.2024

The Cube Reaction C:62 Pro with carbon frame wants to prove that hardtail fun doesn't have to be expensive.
Photo: Max Fuchs

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The Cube Reaction sells like ice cream on a hot summer's day. Hardly any other cross-country bike can hope for better sales figures in Germany. The Cube hardtail entices with a new carbon frame at an attractive price. In this test, we find out whether the new Cube Reaction C:62 Pro has what it takes to be a long-lasting favourite.
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Cube Reaction - these words regularly appear on the invoices of specialist dealers in Germany. In our test series on current top-selling bikes, we analyse the success strategy of models that are in particularly high demand. It's no secret that Cube mountain bikes are selling like hot cakes. Especially the hardtails in the Reaction series. These received a comprehensive update package a few weeks ago and intend to build on old successes. BIKE wanted to find out what makes Cube's XC hardtail a bestseller and invited the Reaction C:62 Pro for 1999 euros to the test.

A timeless classic: the Cube Reaction C:62 is the epitome of a clean, affordable carbon hardtail.Photo: Max FuchsA timeless classic: the Cube Reaction C:62 is the epitome of a clean, affordable carbon hardtail.

>> You can get an overview of the 4 top-selling MTBs in the test here: Cube, Canyon, Santa Cruz & Scott: top-selling MTBs on test

For a long time, carbon hardtails with Shimano XT equipment were a solid foundation of mountain biking. Almost every biker once had one in their basement. Not unlikely, that this then bore the Reaction letteringCube's affordable hardtail line is one of the classics par excellence on the German market. Just like in the XC pro circuit, many hobby riders have become increasingly demanding over time. Cube is sharpening the profile of the Reaction for 2025 in order to maintain its successful streak. An integrated seat clamp and semi-integrated cable routing with entry through the headset save a few grams on the carbon frame. A refreshed Geo is also intended to bring the chassis, which is manufactured using the twin-mould process, closer to the top of the product range. At just under € 2000, the Pro model is primarily aimed at ambitious beginners and performance-conscious racers. Will the new Reaction remain true to its popular roots?

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In the price range below 2000 euros, a lightweight carbon frame is by no means a matter of course. With Cube, carbon remains affordable.Photo: Max FuchsIn the price range below 2000 euros, a lightweight carbon frame is by no means a matter of course. With Cube, carbon remains affordable.

Details of the Cube Reaction C:62 Pro

  • Price: 1999 Euro >> available here
  • Range of use: Crosscountry / Marathon / Tour
  • Suspension travel: 100 mm
  • Wheel size: 29"
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Weight: 10.6 kg
  • Distribution channel: specialised trade
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Maximum system weight: 115 kilos
  • Special features: C:62 carbon frame, integrated seat clamp
With 100 millimetres of travel, the Cube Reaction is a classic race hardtail. However, the simple Rockshox SID Base doesn't do serious racers much justice.Photo: Max FuchsWith 100 millimetres of travel, the Cube Reaction is a classic race hardtail. However, the simple Rockshox SID Base doesn't do serious racers much justice.
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Equipment

  • Fork: Rockshox SID SL Base
  • Gears / range: Shimano XT / Deore / 510 %
  • Brakes: Shimano XT / 180/160 mm
  • Wheels: Newmen Performance 30
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ray / Racing Ralph Performance Addix TLR 29 x 2.25
  • Seatpost / Diameter: Newmen Evolution / 27.2 mm

>> Cube also recently presented a whole range of new e-bikes for 2025 <<.

The Shimano XT equipment of the Cube hardtail also includes hydraulic disc brakes with flatmount mounting standard.Photo: Max FuchsThe Shimano XT equipment of the Cube hardtail also includes hydraulic disc brakes with flatmount mounting standard.

The new Cube hardtail in a practical test

It's a good thing that Cube customers can call on the advice of a dealer network, because choosing the right frame size for the Reaction Hardtail can be tricky. In L, the seat tube is short. However, there is a gap of a full six centimetres to the XL size. Without a dropper post, the advantages of a short seat tube can hardly be utilised anyway. Although the Reaction integrates its rider well into the frame with a low bottom bracket, it doesn't feel at home on steep descents.

The rear hub of the Newmen wheels is almost silent. This fits in well with the understated character of the Cube Reaction C:62 Pro.Photo: Max FuchsThe rear hub of the Newmen wheels is almost silent. This fits in well with the understated character of the Cube Reaction C:62 Pro.

>> In our article here we clarify the question: Where does Cube make its bikes?

Below the short stem, the cables run through the Acros headset into the interior of the Cube carbon frame.Photo: Max FuchsBelow the short stem, the cables run through the Acros headset into the interior of the Cube carbon frame.

The 760 millimetre wide cockpit with good grips and the powerful Shimano brakes give the rider of the Cube hardtail confidence on downhills, but unfortunately Cube specifies Schwalbe tyres in the simple performance version. Grip and self-damping are in short supply. The inexpensive Rockshox SID Base is easy on the wrists on big hits, but ignores subtle vibrations and doesn't offer fast racers enough in the way of controlled damping. The reactive handling of the hardtail is pleasing in shallow terrain. Thanks to the moderate steering angle, steering impulses are implemented at lightning speed. The bike is also easy to lift off the ground.

The seatpost clamp is integrated into the carbon frame. Two small screws hold the rigid seatpost in place. In size L, the seat tube of the Cube Reaction is short.Photo: Max FuchsThe seatpost clamp is integrated into the carbon frame. Two small screws hold the rigid seatpost in place. In size L, the seat tube of the Cube Reaction is short.The Shimano XT disc brake on the Cube Reaction C:62 Pro is a good choice and increases the feeling of safety downhill.Photo: Max FuchsThe Shimano XT disc brake on the Cube Reaction C:62 Pro is a good choice and increases the feeling of safety downhill.

On flat terrain, the lightweight Cube Reaction rolls along quickly. The riding position is sporty but not extreme. In the thickly padded saddle, even beginners can get through their first longer tours. With the aluminium seat post, the riding comfort is only average despite the long extension. The suspension fork can be locked out from the handlebars for intermediate sprints. The cheap tyres also spoil the overall picture on the climbs. The narrow carcass structure on the wide rims creates an unharmonious ride feel when pedalling. As the ramps spiral upwards, the rider has to put a lot of weight forwards to climb efficiently due to the super short chainstays.

Saving in the wrong place: The Schwalbe tyres in the affordable Performance version are the biggest shortcoming in the equipment list of the Cube Reaction C:62 Pro.Photo: Max FuchsSaving in the wrong place: The Schwalbe tyres in the affordable Performance version are the biggest shortcoming in the equipment list of the Cube Reaction C:62 Pro.The riding position of the Cube Reaction 2025 is sporty but not extreme.Photo: BIKE-MagazinThe riding position of the Cube Reaction 2025 is sporty but not extreme.Even the Shimano parts that do not bear the XT logo fit in well with the overall look and function of the Cube Cross Country hardtail.Photo: Max FuchsEven the Shimano parts that do not bear the XT logo fit in well with the overall look and function of the Cube Cross Country hardtail.Cube's affordable carbon hardtail has its strengths more in reactive handling than on demanding descents.Photo: BIKE-MagazinCube's affordable carbon hardtail has its strengths more in reactive handling than on demanding descents.

The new BIKE spider diagram gives an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the Cube Reaction C:62 Pro. Uphill, playfulness, downhill refers to the riding behaviour: The greater the deflection, the better the suitability. Equipment: is made up of different points such as quality/workmanship, usability, bottle cage volume, saddle drop. Propulsion: Influence of total weight and wheel inertia.

Minimalist: Only a simple sticker protects the carbon of the Cube bike.Photo: Max FuchsMinimalist: Only a simple sticker protects the carbon of the Cube bike.

From the test lab

BIKE goes to unprecedented lengths to measure mountain bikes. In the test laboratory, we not only take our own geometry measurements, but also determine the lateral stiffness of the frame separately for the front frame triangle including the fork (front) and the rear triangle (rear). The total weight is without pedals, the wheel weight per set with tyres, cassette and brake discs. The following applies to the measured value for wheel acceleration: the lower the value, the easier it is to accelerate.

  • Total weight: 10.61 kg without pedals
  • Weight of wheels: 4441 g
  • Acceleration of running wheels: 3235 kg x cm²
  • Seat comfort: 8.4 mm
The Shimano XT drivetrain on the Cube Reaction ensures worry-free, mechanical shifting.Photo: Max FuchsThe Shimano XT drivetrain on the Cube Reaction ensures worry-free, mechanical shifting.The new Cube hardtail is not as easy to service.Photo: BIKE-MagazinThe new Cube hardtail is not as easy to service.Rims with a wide inner width, such as the Newmen Performance 30, are also an advantage on an affordable hardtail. However, Cube gives away advantages with its choice of tyres.Photo: Max FuchsRims with a wide inner width, such as the Newmen Performance 30, are also an advantage on an affordable hardtail. However, Cube gives away advantages with its choice of tyres.The frame stiffness of the Cube Reaction C:62 remains in the green zone.Photo: BIKE-MagazinThe frame stiffness of the Cube Reaction C:62 remains in the green zone.With the chain and cassette, the wear parts of the drivetrain are only of Shimano Deore quality. However, they can be replaced inexpensively if the worst comes to the worst.Photo: Max FuchsWith the chain and cassette, the wear parts of the drivetrain are only of Shimano Deore quality. However, they can be replaced inexpensively if the worst comes to the worst.BIKE geometry measurement of the Cube Reaction in size L.Photo: BIKE-MagazinBIKE geometry measurement of the Cube Reaction in size L.The suspension fork of the Cube hardtail can be locked using the handlebar remote. Good for riding out of the saddle.Photo: Max FuchsThe suspension fork of the Cube hardtail can be locked using the handlebar remote. Good for riding out of the saddle.

Conclusion on the Cube Reaction C:62 Pro

The new Cube Reaction with its aesthetic carbon frame is the perfect choice for getting a taste of racing and touring. As long as climbs and descents remain moderate, the manoeuvrable hardtail is great fun. Demanding bikers will miss suspension control and a competent choice of tyres. Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor

Pro

  • reactive, fun handling
  • Attractively priced, lightweight equipment package

Contra

  • Fork and tyres do not reach their full potential
  • Difficult size selection
BIKE test editor Jan TimmermannPhoto: Marketa NavratilovaBIKE test editor Jan Timmermann

Jan Timmermann

Jan Timmermann is a true mountain biker. His interests cover almost everything from marathon to trail bikes and from street to gravel. True to the motto "life is too short for boring bikes", the technical editor's heart lies above all in bikes with charisma. Jan also runs the fitness centre for our cycling brands.

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