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Conclusion: Great value for money – but with some familiar shortcomings
The Cube Reaction Hybrid Race 800 is a prime example of the Cube’s strengths: solid, well-thought-out spec at a competitively priced rate. A Bosch CX, 800 Wh battery, SRAM Eagle drivetrain and Magura brakes in this combination for €3,499 – that’s quite a statement. Anyone looking to enjoy this package on moderate terrain will get excellent value for money. However, the Cube isn’t the right choice for serious off-road riding or as a workhorse for everyday use. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor
There are bikes that look impressive on paper and live up to that promise on the trail. And then there are those where the small print makes all the difference. The Cube Reaction Hybrid Race 800 falls somewhere in between: a hardtail e-MTB with a remarkably high-quality selection of components for its price – yet at the same time, a bike that undermines its own ambitions in two crucial areas.
Bosch CX and a large battery
Let’s start with what Cube is doing right here – and there’s quite a lot. For €3,499, you get a top-of-the-range motor system where hardly any corners have been cut. Despite competition from Avinox and others, the Bosch Performance Line CX is the benchmark in its class. It delivers up to 120 Nm of torque thanks to power updates, responds precisely to pedalling and remains dynamic even at high cadences. Added to this is one of the lowest pedalling resistances in its class.
Cube pairs this top-of-the-range motor with a large 800 Wh battery, which is by no means a given in this price range. Anyone planning long rides will appreciate the range. The only area where they’ve cut costs is the display. Instead of a central Kiox screen with sat-nav, there’s just a Purion 200. This offers everything from advanced speedometer functions right through to a power meter, and is perfectly acceptable at this price.
Highlight: SRAM Transmission System
Another real highlight of the Cube is the SRAM Eagle 90 drivetrain. Unlike the more expensive GX and XO groupsets, it still uses cable-actuated shifters rather than servo-assisted and wireless technology. However, it is already optimised for e-bikes and shifts smoothly through the twelve gears even under full load. This is good for reducing wear and ensuring durability. and our favourite in this price range – now clearly superior to the legendary Shimano XT.
The Magura Louise brakes fit the bill: four pistons and thick, large-diameter discs provide consistent performance, are easy to modulate and are very well-suited to a bike of this weight. A suspension fork – Cube has fitted a simple but sturdy RockShox Recon fork here, with sufficient travel for a hardtail – and a telescopic seatpost round off the package. The latter is indispensable, especially off-road, and it’s good that Cube hasn’t omitted it even in this price range.
The Cube Reaction Hybrid Race 800 is available, for example, at Lucky Bike or XXL Bicycle Currently on offer.
The catch: the tyres and the design limit its off-road capabilities
However impressive the drivetrain components may be, two weak points noticeably detract from the overall picture. Firstly, the tyres: the Schwalbe Smart Sam tyres fitted as standard are designed more for touring and paved paths. Here, the Cube also scores points with its comfortable cockpit featuring Ergo grips. On loose ground, wet roots or in fast corners, it lacks the grip required for serious trail riding. Anyone wishing to take the Reaction Hybrid Race out on more challenging trails will, sooner or later, have to invest in new tyres.
The second point is the weight. Our scales showed 24.7 kilograms – a figure that, whilst not unusual for a hardtail e-MTB, is certainly noticeable. Unlike with hardtails, this means less agility when lifting the front wheel and less fun on technical sections. What a full-suspension e-enduro compensates for through its suspension at this weight is felt directly by the rider on a hardtail. It’s not Cube’s fault: by their very design, e-hardtails are simply at a disadvantage off-road.
Suitable for everyday use? Only with some compromises
And even those who want to use the Reaction Hybrid Race for everyday purposes – for commuting to work, running errands or the occasional shop – will have to make certain compromises. Mudguards, a luggage rack and a side stand are not fitted as standard and can, at best, be retrofitted. At least Cube’s light socket in the headset makes it easy to fit lights as and when required. However, Cube simply prioritises a sporty look and leisure use over maximum everyday practicality.
Who is the Cube Reaction Hybrid Race 800 suitable for?
This bike is ideal for riders who:
- Looking for a high-performance e-MTB motor at a fair price
- These are mainly used on forest and gravel tracks or moderate singletrack trails
- To appreciate the benefits of the SRAM transmission system and the high-quality brakes
This bike is not suitable for riders who:
- Riding challenging technical trails with loose ground or rocks
- Expect an agile, nimble hardtail feel
- Organise your daily life with an e-bike and rely on a wide range of accessories
Adrian Kaether
Editor