Cube Reaction SLX review: €1,199 for the XT hardtail from Cube

With the Reaction SLX, Cube has a hardtail mountain bike in its range that is likely to meet the budget expectations of many MTB beginners. For many years, the €1,000 hardtail category was considered the heart of the mountain bike market. Back in the days of 26-inch wheels, almost every manufacturer had a model in this category in their range. For this price, a reliable Shimano XT groupset was often already available. Such hardtails were the first choice for beginners, as they offered a straightforward introduction to mountain biking. The Cube Reaction SLX could bring back the glory of those days. This article takes a closer look at the details of the bike, which is fitted with Shimano XT components and costs €1,199 >> available here.

Conclusion

With the Reaction SLX, Cube offers great value for money. Much of the spec and geometry is well suited to off-road riding. However, cyclists shouldn’t expect too many frills from this affordable aluminium hardtail. The tyres and the combination of geometry and seatpost, in particular, leave room for customisation. You used to get more for your money! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

The Cube Reaction SLX in detail

• Intended use: Cross-country / Touring
• Suspension travel: 100 mm
• Wheel size: 29”
• Frame material: aluminium
• Weight: 13.7 kg (BIKE measurement, size M, excluding pedals, including side stand)
• Price: 1,199 euros >> available here
  Special features: internally routed cables

Facilities

• Front suspension fork: RockShox Recon Silver
• Drivetrain / Gear ratio: Shimano XT / Deore (1 x 12), 32; 10–51 (510%)
• Brakes: Shimano XT, 180 / 160 mm
• Seat post: Cube, rigid
• Wheelset: Cube Acid EX25
• Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ralph Addix Performance, 29 x 2.25

A solid foundation, not much glamour

It is not just the value-for-money concept, but also the geometry that appears rather conservative on the Cube Reaction SLX. Long seat tubes with a rigid seatpost and extra-compact reach figures seem like something from another era. Off-road, particularly on steep descents, this can compromise the sense of security due to cumbersome handling. Long chainstays further hinder dynamic manoeuvres. The only truly modern figure in the geometry table is the head angle. At 68.5 degrees, it ensures a smooth ride at higher speeds.

For under 1,200 euros, Cube customers shouldn’t expect any technological marvels. In our testing, the basic RockShox fork did a solid job, but it lacks damping control compared to higher-end models. The narrow tyres sit on narrow rims and feature Schwalbe’s budget Performance rubber compound. So here’s our number one tuning tip: switch to the superior Evolution compound for better grip, traction and lower rolling resistance!

Flashbang grenade

The standout feature of the Cube Reaction SLX in terms of both specification and performance is its hydraulic Shimano XT disc brakes. In our tests, they impressed with their power, ergonomics and controllability. The XT badge can also be found on the rear derailleur and shift levers, which suggests reliable shifting and a gear ratio befitting the bike’s class. However, the crankset, cassette and chain are from the cheaper and heavier Deore groupset. Cyclists should therefore not be put off by the spec, which looks impressive at first glance – this is by no means an isolated case in the Cube range.

Speaking of weight: on long rides, with frequent changes of pace and on steep terrain, we don’t think you can expect much riding enjoyment from a 13.7-kilo hardtail. That said, in the case of our example bike, the weight already includes a side stand – handy for use beyond just mountain biking. Overall, the Cube Reaction SLX comes across more as an affordable all-rounder than a bike designed for hardcore off-road use. First rides and gentle trail attempts? Yes. Technical sections and competitive ambitions? Not really.

Strengths and weaknesses

Pro

• A well-rounded 29er hardtail package for beginners
• good brakes, good gear changes

Cons

• The combination of cheap balance bike tyres and a rigid seat post limits off-road performance
• The drivetrain incorporates low-cost parts
• no lightweight

What do you think: do you have a bike from the ‘good old’ 1,000-euro XT class in your fleet? How do you reckon it would fare compared to the Cube Reaction SLX? Let us know in the comments!