3000 euros is a lot of money, but in the e-bike segment you won't find many bikes below this price. This makes it all the more pleasing that Cube hides the battery on the down tube of the entry-level Reaction Hybrid model so neatly. Another highlight of the 2800 euro bike: there is space for a bottle cage in the frame triangle. The equipment also leaves no room for doubt: The gears are changed by a Shimano XT with a wide range (cassette with 11-46 teeth), while a Rock Shox Recon suspension fork dampens the front. The Bosch Performance CX motor is also impressive.
The riding position is sporty and the steepest climbs are no problem. Only the hard compound of the inexpensive Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres (Performance) limits hard use. Downhill, the Cube impresses with its direct handling and smooth ride. There are more manoeuvrable bikes in tight bends. If you upgrade the tyres and fork, you get a real downhill bullet.
Test summary
With the Reaction Hybrid, Cube delivers a stylish hardtail that scores with top handling and solid equipment.
DRIVE
Motor / Position Bosch Performance CX 250 W / mid-engine
Maximum torque 75 Nm
Battery Lithium-ion, 500 Wh
Gearstick / transmission Front 1x16, rear 11-speed Shimano Deore / 11-46
Display / Size Bosch Purion / 1.6 inch
Software / status Bosch / 1.6.0.0
EQUIPMENT
Sizes / frame material 17 / 19 / 21 / 23 inch / Aluminium
Fork Rockshox Recon Silver TK Air
Seat post Cube Performance Post 30.9 mm with quick release
Brake / Disc (front / rear) Shimano Deore / 180 / 180 mm
Wheels / wheel size Shimano XT, Cube EX23 / 29 inch
Tyres Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance 29 x 2.35 inch
MEASURED VALUES
Suspension travel¹
100 mm
Weight / Distribution 21.4 kg / 50:50 % (v:h)
Centre of gravity height 49.6 mm
Handlebar width 720 mm
Reach / Stack 404 / 633 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 175 mm / 185 mm
EMTB judgement VERY GOOD² 296 points
¹ Manufacturer's specification
² EMTB judgement: super (from 315 points), very good (from 280 points), good (from 245 points), satisfactory (from 210 points), with weaknesses (from 175 points), below insufficient.
The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. It is independent of price.
