Long-term test: With the Cube Reaction GTC Eagle, we were able to test a sporty carbon hardtail with the new Sram Eagle group over the summer. The light frame and the great equipment make the bike a successful overall package for everyone who doesn't want to make any compromises.
Cube Reaction GTC Eagle – The frame
Thanks to Cube's in-house Twin Mold technology, the frame of the Reaction GTC is extremely stiff and light. In addition, there is the so-called Agile Ride Geometry (ARG), which enables particularly agile handling for optimal trail suitability in every wheel format. This is where the size split comes into play. Depending on the frame size, either a 29er or 27.5 wheel is selected to guarantee an optimal fit for every rider. In detail it looks like this: With the sizes 16″ and 18″ you get a 27.5 and with the sizes 15″, 17″, 19″, 21″ and 23″ you get a 29er.
Another highlight are the X12 dropouts, which increase rigidity and thus significantly promote propulsion. Here you have to be aware that the Cube Reaction GTC Eagle is a sporty or even a race hardtail and it is therefore correspondingly direct and "hard to ride". The internally routed cables, or rather the internally routed gear cable, ensure a clean look and make double sense due to the missing front derailleur.
Cube Reaction GTC Eagle – The equipment
As the name suggests, the main attraction of the equipment of the Cube Reaction GTC Eagle is the new Sram Eagle X01 circuit. With 1×12 gears and a sporty gear ratio of 10-50 teeth in combination with a 34 chainring, you are prepared for any terrain. The translation also makes it clear that the bike is designed more for fast and sporty rides. With the 50 "rescue sprocket" you can also master longer inclines very relaxed.
The Cube Reaction GTC Eagle is completed by the super reliable Rock Shox Reba RL fork with handlebar lockout and the hydraulic Sram Level disc brakes. A 180mm rotor up front also offers riders its benefits. In addition, there are very robust and stiff Fulcrum Red 66 wheels on which the Schwalbe Racing Ralph and Rocket Ron tires sit and ensure good grip and safety. In-house products are used for add-on parts such as stem handlebars and seat post. The slim 27.2mm seat post in particular offers additional comfort over longer distances. The Selle Italia SC1 in Cube design offers good comfort, but might not be for everyone due to the slightly longer nose.
Cube Reaction GTC Eagle – While driving
Let's start at the very beginning: the Cube Reaction GTC Eagle is a lot of fun right from the start, because the design and coloring are consistent and a small, fitting detail is added to almost every attachment. Thumbs up for so much precision and attention to detail! All in all, we've covered almost 3000km over hill and dale with the bike so far and have had a good opportunity to put the frame and all the add-on parts through their paces. Right from the start we were very impressed by the sporty geometry and the light frame. In addition, there is good rigidity with which you can still enjoy a decent level of comfort.
The high-quality add-on parts also upgrade the frame. Of course the Sram Eagle is in a class of its own. Anyone who rides the 1×12 system for the first time will soon never want to switch to anything else. The Rock Shox Reba RL fork also has a lot to offer and made life a lot easier on rough descents. The brakes and wheels work perfectly and show no defects even after many kilometers. The front quick-release axle poses a small problem, because very soft metal was used here on the quick release, which is why you can easily slip off when tightening the front wheel. The usual attachments hold up well and appear solid. For tuners and inventors there is certainly potential to get a few more grams out of it or to do fine tuning. The handlebars are a bit wide for our racer tastes, but can easily be shortened. Overall, the bike tips the scales at around 10,6 kg and can also say a good word for a 29er. Even after 3000 sporty kilometers, the bike is still incredibly fun and doesn't have any major flaws. For us, the Cube Reaction GTC Eagle definitely passed the long-term test.
