The Bosch bike with integrated Powertube battery is neither an extreme athlete nor a cosy comfort machine - so it will find fans in both camps. It is the only bike to use 2.6-inch wide 29er tyres, which promise plenty of grip and comfort. Unfortunately, the affordable clincher version of Schwalbe's Smart Sam doesn't provide the damping that the large volume promises - and disappoints the high expectations somewhat. Another pity: a slight rattling noise accompanies the ride on rough surfaces. On technical climbs, we also had a lot of pedal bob on the Cube, as the bottom bracket sits low and the cranks are long. Nevertheless, thanks to the fluffy suspension fork, balanced geometry, powerful brakes and a harmonious gear ratio, the bike is convincing off-road. The laboratory values are also impeccable and fill the points account.
Conclusion: Well-balanced touring bike with good equipment and integrated battery. Small weaknesses prevent an even better rating.
Reach height 1486 hm
Time / 500 hm 19.9 min.
Cube Reaction Hybrid SL 500
Price 2999 Euro
Drive
Engine Bosch Performance CX Powertube
Maximum torque
¹ 75 Nm
Battery¹ / weight² Bosch Powertube, 500 Wh / 2902 g
Circuit Shimano SLX/XT (11-speed)
Translation (v. / h.) 15; 11-46
Display / Size Bosch Purion / 1.75 inch
Equipment
Fork Rockshox Judy Solo Air RL
Spring travel 100 mm
Seat post / Ø Cube Perform Post / 30.9 mm
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) Magura MT Trail Custom / 180 / 180 mm
Impellers Shimano Deore hubs; Cube EX30 rims
Wheel size 29"
Tyres Schwalbe Smart Sam Active Line wire, 29 x 2.6 inch
Measured values²
Sizes / frame material 16/18 (27,5") / 17/19 / 21/23 (29") / aluminium
Weight 22.03 kg
Centre of gravity height 492 mm
Handlebar width 740 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 175 mm / 182 mm
Reach / Stack 409 mm / 633 mm
Manufacturer information
²
Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals.
³
The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests.
The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 350 points), very good (from 315 points), good (from 280 points), satisfactory (from 245 points), with weaknesses (from 210 points), below insufficient.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
