Cube ReactionTM under test: Hardtail concept for success

Test: With the Trailmotion version of their successful hardtail, Cube has an attractive, fun hardtail in its range at a really attractive price. Will the Cube Reaction TM concept also work in practice?

Cube Reaction TM: The Facts

Frame material: Aluminium
Suspension travel: 130 mm
wheel size: 29 inch

Price: € 1.169

The "Trailmotion" models in the Cube range have meanwhile blossomed from a few special models into almost a brand within the brand - almost all MTB model series now also have a TM (short for Trailmotion) version. The equipment here is consistently designed for trail use, often with tires with better grip, stronger brakes, and sometimes even more suspension travel. Cube's mid-range hardtail, the Reaction, has also been available as a TM version for some time now: With its key data - 130 mm spring travel, moderate geometry - and the equipment - dropper post and enduro tires - it sorts itself somewhere between classic XC or all-round -Hardtails and fully grown trail hardtails. Bad compromise then? To anticipate the answer directly: The concept works much better in practice than we would have thought at the beginning of the test.

Modern aluminum frame with moderate geometry

The basis of the Reaction TM is an aluminum frame, which looks quite similar to the normal Reaction, but differs in a few points. In addition to the slightly changed geometry, this also applies to the tire clearance - the Reaction TM even has space for 650b tires in plus size (up to 2,8 inches). The rest of the data is what we expect from a modern MTB: Tapered head tube and Boost thru-axle are part of it. For the bottom bracket and the cable routing, Cube opts for the more modern, elegant standards with press fit and internal cable routing, which are also less maintenance-friendly than classic BSA bearings and external cable routing.

The geometry of the Cube Reaction TM is sporty, suitable for trails, but not extreme: The steering angle is 67°, the frame in size L has a compact reach of 435 mm. However, this approach should by no means be dismissed as “old-fashioned” too quickly, because despite all the advantages of progressive geometries, their disadvantages are often ignored. For example, the approach of the Reaction TM is much more suitable for (re)starters and beginners - the handling is intuitive and quickly rewarded with a lot of safety without having to be too active on the bike. The all-round properties are also very good: The Reaction TM is also ideal as a relaxed touring bike that you can easily sit on for a day.

The price is hot: Convincing features

At less than 1.200 euros, the Cube Reaction TM is the cheapest bike in our test field and generally at the lower end of what you have to pay for a decent hardtail. Looking at the equipment, we wouldn't necessarily suspect that and the Franconians once again confirm their reputation of building bikes with an excellent price/performance ratio - even if, of course, you have to make one or the other compromise with the Reaction TM. An XC130 from X-Fusion is responsible for the 32 mm spring travel at the front: The key data are quite promising with an air spring, adjustable rebound and compression damping and a thru axle. Unfortunately, the fork is only approved for brake discs with a maximum diameter of 32 mm - probably also because of the rather slender 180 mm stanchions. A Magura MT Thirty, whose 4-piston saddle at the front has more than enough power, ensures that the Reaction TM still comes to a stop in time.

The brakes are a clear nod to the bike's 'Trailmotion' pedigree; This becomes even clearer when it comes to the tyres: real enduro tires are fitted here with the Maxxis combination of the DHR II at the rear and the Assegai. Both come as wide WT variants, with a stable Exo+ carcass and the passably rolling MaxxTerra rubber compound. The tires are mounted on in-house aluminum rims with an internal width of 30 mm, which can also be ridden without a tube. Wheels and tires could also be fitted to a full-blown enduro bike with 160 mm travel or more. The same applies to the drive, where you get the cheapest 12-speed drivetrain with the SX Eagle Srams, which is an excellent choice given the price.

Of course, a retractable seat post should not be missing on a trail-ready hardtail; Cube installs an in-house variant with an ergonomic handlebar lever. Unfortunately, it offers a maximum adjustment range of 130 mm; On the other hand: due to the rather high seat tube, more stroke depending on the inseam length would probably not be possible either. Newmen's cockpit fits the rest of the approach: modern, but not extreme. The stem measures 60mm and the handlebars are 760mm wide.

Cube Reaction TM: On the trail

The price is hot! That was sort of the first statement our testers made when examining the Reaction TM. In view of the attractive RRP of 1.169 euros (16% VAT), the powerful-looking equipment is really impressive: 4-piston brakes at the front, Newmen cockpit, 12-speed drive and robust Maxxis tires; we were extremely curious how the Cube would fare on the trail!

Compared to other trail hardtails in the test field, the geometry values ​​of the Reaction TM are rather conservative. The compact reach of 435 mm in the frame size L we tested ensures an upright and thoroughly comfortable seating position. In combination with a 67 degree steering angle, this results in agile and intuitively controllable handling. The very long seat tube, on the other hand, did not always please; optically not very dynamic, you sometimes don't really feel "integrated" into the bike. Riders with very long legs will appreciate the long seat tube, but would certainly like a little more travel at the dropper post.

The Cube Reaction TM showed impressively on the trail that a conservative geometry does not mean bad handling characteristics. Despite the attractive price, the Cube product managers have put a lot of effort into putting together a coherent overall package: The X-Fusion RC32 suspension fork can not only be adjusted via rebound and compression, but also does its job quite adequately. Sure, we had more sensitive and better damping forks in the test, but given the overall price, the performance of the X-Fusion is pretty decent. Especially since minor weaknesses in the fork were skilfully covered up by the impressive Maxxis tires.

The Cube shows its good side both on the flat and on steep climbs. Thanks to Sram's SX Eagle 1×12 circuit, high bandwidths can now also be displayed in the entry-level range - great!

On the downhill, the Reaction TM likes it a little more comfortable. Due to the compact dimensions with a comparatively steep steering angle, high speed is not his passion. Rather, it is at home on moderately technical trails and delights with its lively and always predictable handling.

Last but not least, the brakes: there was nothing to complain about on the MT Thirty (4-piston/2-piston). braking power? Top! Dosability? Top! We often write at this point that heavy riders should think about retrofitting a larger front wheel disc. We don't do it here, because the X-Fusion RC32 fork is only approved for a maximum disc size of 180mm.

In summary, a very positive impression of the Cube Reaction TM remains. The price is more than hot and the equipment has been chosen sensibly. With the very predictable driving characteristics and the great all-round qualities, the Cube qualifies as an ideal beginner. Those who like to take it a little faster will certainly want a slightly more aggressive geometry.

Website

www.cube.eu