The CUBE Reaction Hybrid HPA Pro 29 is a “high performance aluminum” 29er (meaning the wheels are 29 inches in diameter) that offers excellent value as a trail bike or around-town platform. The larger wheel diameter (compared with a standard 26″ or 27.5″ design) feels stable, smooth and efficient. It’s closer to the size of most city bikes that use 700c wheels but offers more cushion and traction due to the wider 2.25″ tires. Further enhancing comfort is a RockShox suspension fork with rebound adjust. If you’re only cruising on streets, the fork does have lockout and the model I rode had remote lockout so it could be activated while riding without even removing my hand from the grips. The official CUBE website lists an SR Suntour fork so I’m not sure why the model I tested was different but sometimes a model will be updated throughout the year. CUBE has an impressive lineup of bikes and the Reaction Hybrid Pro is only the second one I’ve reviewed. To me, it seemed to offer a low price while still maintaining quality and even a full range of sizes from 15″ to 23″. Some of the cost saving measures I noticed were external cabling attached with plastic fasteners vs. being internally routed, the exclusion of a stock kickstand (though there is a nice mounting point ready for it and CUBE does sell them) and cheaper plastic pedals vs. stiff aluminum alloy or magnesium. The bike was stiff, responsive and I love that it offered quick release on both wheels (handy for storage or transport).
Powering the CUBE Reaction Pro 29″ is a geared mid-drive motor system from Bosch. Most of the reviews I perform are on US models but this one was done in Canada and I believe the nominal power rating was 250 watts. The official CUBE website calls it a Performance Cruise drive unit an calls out the smaller 15 tooth chainring. All of the Bosch Centerdrive motors I’ve seen tend to have smaller sprockets but this one was extra small. The result is increased power for starting and climbing at low speeds with a limit on high speed performance. As I reached ~20 mph it became difficult to pedal fast enough to keep up with the bike. The Shimano Deore drivetrain is high quality and it shifted quickly and relatively smoothly given the dirt that was caked on (I was reviewing a rental bike). over time, derailleur cables need to be tightened and tuned and sprocket teeth can wear but this mid level component group should hold up under the abuse better than a cheaper option. One really great thing about the motor and controller on this ebike is that it can sense when you shift and pause momentarily to reduce wear and strain on the chain and sprockets. I tried to demo this in the video review above and while it’s still possible to create mashing by shifting hard and pedaling full power while climbing… at least the motor won’t be contributing as much as on some simpler designs. The motor responds to your pedaling by listening for bicycle speed, pedal cadence and pedal torque. It’s extremely advanced and performs very well, one of my favorite drive systems and the main reason for a higher price point than other e-bikes you might see.
Powering the CUBE Reaction 29 is a Bosch Powerpack 400 battery that mounts just above the motor, along the downtube. It’s positioned well for both weight distribution and protection in the event of a crash and it’s removable for transporting and charging off of the frame. You get 36 volts of power and 11 amp hours of capacity here which is a touch above average in terms of size but the way this power is used and the quality of the cells inside is well above average. Inside the pack are 18650 cells made by Samsung, they use an energy dense Lithium-ion chemistry designed to be light weight and long lasting. The pack only weighs ~5.5 lbs so you could conceivably buy a spare and toss it into a backpack for extremely long rides… If you added a rear rack using the threaded eyelets on this bike you could easily carry the battery and the charger which only weighs ~1.5 lbs and is fairly small. Reaching ~80% takes just one hour but completely filling the pack is closer to three due to cell balancing. I like that the pack itself has an LED readout on the left side for showing your charge status (handy if you’re storing it inside and can’t remember if it’s already full or needing a top-off). It locks securely to the frame when mounted and uses an ABUS core and key set which is definitely higher quality. The mounting points for the battery were welded directly to the downtube and felt very sturdy, it didn’t rattle around much when going off-road and that’s a great sign, especially on a well-used bike. The pack has a sort of built in handle that makes it convenient to carry around when off the bike, dropping it could crack the case and potentially damage the connections inside so the handle is great. To really care for this pack and help it reach 1,000+ charge cycles I recommend storing in a cool, dry environment and maintaining a 50% fill when you aren’t using it for longer periods. If you haven’t used the bike for several months time, check in on the battery to make sure it hasn’t dropped below the 10% range. You can easily charge the pack on or off the frame using the same unique connector plug and it fits securely with a nice click.
Operating the Cube Reaction Hybrid HPA Pro 29 is a breeze… Once the battery is charged and properly connected to the downtube mount all you need to do is press a power button at the lower left area on the display panel. This is one of the best display panels I’ve tried, being removable, swiveling and backlit! In addition to showing your speed, battery level and assist setting it also predicts range dynamically depending on which power level you’re currently in. If you’ve got a Micro USB cable, you can charge portable electronics directly from the display (using a port along the top right edge). Okay, so the display is on, from here you can change assist settings using the up and down keys on the remote button pad (mounted near the left grip). This pad is easy to reach and creates a satisfying click with each press so you don’t actually have to look down at the display to confirm adjustments. At the cent of this pad is an “i” button that cycles through odometer, trip meter, max speed, range and some other readouts so there’s no shortage of trip feedback. I really like the design and user experience here and have grown more appreciative of it after trying so many basic displays that cannot be removed or require extra keystrokes to complete tasks. This (along with the motor and battery) are what really set the Reaction Hybrid Pro apart from other hardtail trail bikes I’ve tested and why the price is higher.
The CUBE Reaction Pro was a fun bike to test, it felt more active than a city or cruiser bike but could still work great for commuting. The suspension fork was solid and you could easily add a Body Float or NCX suspension post with a use a shim to fit the 30.9 mm post diameter. This would further soften the ride… a set of riser bars could also reduce the active body position. With five sizes to choose from the “high step only” frame design isn’t such a big deal… you can get the size that fits your body and that’s great. For my own ride style, I’d probably get a rack and kickstand and definitely a set of lights. This would be a top contender for commuting and weekend fun, one that should stand up to more rigorous rides, I really appreciate the solid two year warranty offered by CUBE and Bosch.
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sam
8 years agoThanks for review. I’m thinking of buying this bike to use as a commuter to work and was wondering what other bikes with the Bosch motor should I think about. Also what size sprocket would you recommend for a bike like this that is only used as a commuter on asphalt and light trails.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Sam! I think this would make an excellent commuter because it has the rear rack bosses and is a hardtail. You’ll get efficient rolling from the larger 29″ wheels but comfort from the knobby tires and suspension. I like the Bosch Centerdrive motor and feel that the nine speed drivetrain is plenty of gears. I can’t comment on a preference for a specific size sprocket as the wheel size also comes into play and the motor type… I think you’d get a good balance with this bike but if you wanted to consider another Bosch powered electric bike that is similar I recommend the Haibike XDURO 29.
ReplyDave
8 years agoI am in my 50’s and bought this bike with the 500ah battery and 17 inch frame having been impressed on taking one for a test ride. The aim of the purchase was to improve fitness and have some fun. The bike is a joy to ride and the range provided by the battery is very impressive. I have tried all assistance levels but have found that in practical use the Eco setting is used predominantly and occasionally the Tour setting for steeper inclines. In my opinion this will make an ideal commuter bike as I am riding the bike daily and I can comfortably manage a 12-14 mile journey in an hour and I can confirm that the battery charges up to the 80% level very quickly. I live in the UK and have the 15 tooth sprocket and I have no issues with it. If it is possible you should take one for a test ride. Hope this helps.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoWonderful feedback Dave! Thank you so much for sharing your experience on the CUBE electric bike. It sounds like you’re doing well with it and enjoying yourself :)
ReplyRojon34
8 years agoI am purchasing one of these this morning and cannot wait to give it a go, thanks for the reviews I am massively excited and plan Manchester to London along the canals in the next few weeks. I will post comment on my opinion of this bike on return.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoAwesome! Sounds like a great adventure… yeah I like the CUBE bikes, was impressed with the quality components and reasonable prices. Have fun, look forward to reading your updates someday :D
ReplyAlan Riley
8 years agoI own a 2015 haibike xduro 27.5 with nyon and absolutely love it, because I live in two countries I knew I would miss my bike, so when back in the uk I bought a cube reaction ebike 2015, although not as good as the haibike, for the money this bike was a real bargain. I did a 40 mile ride on it over the Lancashire hills with no problems at all. It really is a well made, solid, quality bike and in my opinion is the best value Bosch bike.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoAwesome, great to hear your perspective Alan! I’m wondering what the main differences between your Haibike are like what you prefer or rank higher with it vs. the CUBE? I like the Haibike designs a lot personally… the colors and just how they are setup. Pretty sweet setup getting to ride two continents :D
Reply[email protected]
8 years agoFour days in 80+ miles and am COMPLETELY SOLD. The best thing I have done in years, just loving it. Yesterday I mullered the only hill near me that I hadn’t managed before, been on an off rd route that’s way to much for my skill ( or want ) with my pal whom loves it, and I just smashed it, I mean it was like nothing. Of course I broke into a sweat, it sure ain’t cheating, but I just rode over and through all obstacles like they were nothing.
Alan riley
8 years agoThe haibike (mine) has rear suspension which I find easier on the behind on rough surfaces, it seems to have a little more torque, an expert may be able to explain why I think this, the cube has a stand which makes it easier to lean with less scratches. The haibike is prettier n design and colour scheme.
All in all as mentioned the haibike is a superior bike, but the cube is better value and if you have never ridden a haibike you would be more than happy with a cube.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoCool, I believe the Cube models use a 250 watt programmed Bosch Centerdrive vs. the Haibikes which go for 350 or may have the new CX with higher torque (at least in the US). This may explain why it felt more powerful to you. Thanks for the response :)
ReplyDavid
8 years agoI purchased mine in march 2016 I have only ever had cubes because well I just love them. I’m 400 miles in and I love it, and it actually has improved my fitness because I can stay in my zones. Highly recommend the 500 battery keep the chain clean after every two rides the chain is off (added a quick link) decreased cleaned and blown dry then front sprocket cleaned rear gears off and decreased all assembled back together and I have had no wear on the chain. Just a top tip lol.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoThat’s an awesome tip David! So you added a quick-disconnect link in your chain and you actually take it off then rinse and dry the sprockets and submerge the chain or something? How do you clean the chain… feel free to link to any parts and cleaning supplies you use like the link or the chain lubes etc. definitely interested in your methodology :D
ReplyDavid
8 years agoHi so the quick link like this one I remove the chain and place it in a bowl it’s actually an old dandwich box, I poor in some gunk degreaser and just gently brush it until you can see its clean, then get the air line and give it a quick blast, then u use a tiny amount of deagreaser on the front sprocket and use a rag and cotton buds to clean and then dry, no air line as this could foreshadow deagreaser through the seals.
Then back wheel off release the nut that holds the gears on (you need a shimano or equivalent) in the degreaser (remember order of the spacers between gears) until clean and shiny, quick blow dry with the airline. I then clean the hub and the spokes you can’t normally reach, it’s also at this point if required I will clean the bike with some soap and water I just use normal hand soap and warm water and a micro fibre cloth. Then a gentle hose down and towel dry. I then use this on the frame an wheels this stuff is the holy grail an the secret to keeping your bike looking new, I apply with a cloth and it’s also carbon friendly. Then re assemble drive chain and lube. I only use muc of wet or dry lube depending on the season. Now seems allot of work but for me this is as enjoyable as riding, but it’s just a habit I have had for years, on all my bikes. They all look as new seriously new and save me money because things don’t rust or wear ;)