Carbon frame, SID fork with lockout on the handlebars, system wheels and bar ends - this is the wish list of many riders who also want to take their bike to the racetrack. The new Cube Reaction offers all of this at a price of € 1999. And the frame is not even Asian bar stock. The wide bottom bracket area with press-fit bottom bracket provides stiffness when pedalling, while the flattened seat stays ensure a comfortable ride, as confirmed by our laboratory comfort measurement of 4.6 millimetres.
Organic, flat tube shapes and a seat clamp integrated into the seat tube give the Reaction a unique look. This is complemented by internally routed cables, a tapered head tube and the Postmount rear brake mount. Useful: aluminium plates protect the bottom bracket area from chain jamming. The frame weighs 1270 grams naked and scores full points in the stiffness criterion. Like the frame, the equipment and handling are convincing. DT wheels, mixed tyres, SID fork with handlebar lockout and bar ends hit the mark for racers. However, the usable handlebar width is limited by the bar ends. The Reaction GTC rides like a racer should. With the fork locked, you sprint like a pro, the balanced geometry holds no surprises in store. The powerful brakes and grippy tyres are a joy to ride downhill.
ConclusionCube offers a technically and visually exciting frame with competition-ready features at an attractive price. A real tip for amateur racers!
Web: www.cube.eu
Photos: Stefan Hunziker, Daniel Simon
