CUBE Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Review

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Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Electric Bike Review
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Bosch Performance Line Cruise Gen 3 Ebike Motor
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Abus Plus Code Keys For Powertube Battery
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Handlebar With Bell Rubber Grips
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Bosch Purion Display Control Pad
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Three Finger Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Lever
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Acid 65mm Plastic Fenders Shiny 50 Headlight
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Four Led Rear Light Fender Integrated
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Sr Suntour Xcm Atb Coil Suspension Fork 100mm Travel
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Bottle Cage Mount On Downtube
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Natural Fit Sequence Saddle 30 9mm Seat Post
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes 180mm Rotors Dual Piston Calipers
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Adjustable Rear Kickstand Fender With 4 Led Light
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad 38 Tooth Chainring With Plastic Guard
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Downtube Battery Cover Plastic Shield
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Downtube Compartment For Bosch Powertube Battery
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Shimano Alivio Drivetrain 11 36 Tooth Cassette
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Optional Rear Rack
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Optional Cargo Rack For Cargo Bag Or Panniers
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Sic Pure Cargo Racks
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Battery Cover Off Bike
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Four Amp Bosch Charger Powertube And Shield
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Ebike
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Mid Step Black
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad High Step Black
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Electric Bike Review
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Bosch Performance Line Cruise Gen 3 Ebike Motor
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Abus Plus Code Keys For Powertube Battery
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Handlebar With Bell Rubber Grips
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Bosch Purion Display Control Pad
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Three Finger Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Lever
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Acid 65mm Plastic Fenders Shiny 50 Headlight
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Four Led Rear Light Fender Integrated
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Sr Suntour Xcm Atb Coil Suspension Fork 100mm Travel
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Bottle Cage Mount On Downtube
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Natural Fit Sequence Saddle 30 9mm Seat Post
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes 180mm Rotors Dual Piston Calipers
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Adjustable Rear Kickstand Fender With 4 Led Light
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad 38 Tooth Chainring With Plastic Guard
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Downtube Battery Cover Plastic Shield
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Downtube Compartment For Bosch Powertube Battery
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Shimano Alivio Drivetrain 11 36 Tooth Cassette
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Optional Rear Rack
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Optional Cargo Rack For Cargo Bag Or Panniers
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Sic Pure Cargo Racks
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Battery Cover Off Bike
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Four Amp Bosch Charger Powertube And Shield
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Ebike
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Mid Step Black
Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad High Step Black

Summary

  • Great value for a more premium product here. This is a versatile hardtail electric mountain bike with quality fenders and lights. It's functional in urban and off-road environments. CUBE sells an optional rear rack that reinforces the rear fender and allows the Reaction Hybrid Performance to be used for commuting purposes.
  • Bosch motor, downtube integrated battery, and compact display make this a reliable and aesthetically pleasing ebike. The third generation Bosch Performance Line Cruise mid-drive is compact and quiet, but still very powerful with up to 65nm of torque. It offers shift detection and uses a standard sized chainring.
  • The 9-speed Shimano Alivio derailleur with 11 to 36 tooth cassette is above average, offering smooth shifts and a comfortable pedal cadence options for varied conditions. Excellent Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with larger 180mm rotors deliver smooth powerful stops. Six frame sizes and two frame styles (high-step and mid-step) make it approachable and comfortable.
  • Low capacity 400 watt hour battery keeps the price and weight down, it may also allow for the shorter downtube lengths on the smaller frame sizes. Limited readouts on the stock Bosch Purion display panel, and no USB charging option here. The bike can be upgraded to use a fancier Bosch Kiox or Nyon aftermarket. Very basic coil suspension fork with preload adjust only, but the tapered steer tube allows for fancier air forks after market.

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

CUBE

Model:

Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad

Price:

$2,899 ($3,499 CAD)

Body Position:

Forward, Forward Aggressive

Suggested Use:

Urban, Mountain

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Motor and Battery, 5 Year Frame

Availability:

United States, Canada, Europe

Model Year:

2021

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

53.8 lbs (24.4 kg)

Battery Weight:

6.4 lbs (2.9 kg)

Motor Weight:

7.05 lbs (3.19 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminum Alloy Superlite, Gravity Casting Interface for Motor

Frame Sizes:

13.5 in (34.29 cm)15 in (38.1 cm)17 in (43.18 cm)19 in (48.26 cm)21 in (53.34 cm)23 in (58.42 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Medium 17" High-Step Frame: 16.25" Seat Tube, 22.5" Top Tube Length, 15.75" Reach, 28.75" Stand Over Height, 32" Minimum Saddle Height, 38" Maximum Saddle Height, 29" Width, 76.5" Length, 47" Wheelbase

Frame Types:

High-Step, Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Matte Black with Gloss Black and Neon Green Accents

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour XCM ATB Coil Spring Suspension, Shimano HB-TX505 Hub, 100mm Travel, Compression Adjust Clickers, 30mm Steel Stanchions, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

Shimano FH-TX505 Hub, 135mm Hub Spacing, 10mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Attachment Points:

Proprietary Rear Rack Interface, Fender Mounts, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

9 Speed 1x9 Shimano Alivio RD-M3100-SGS Derailleur, Shimano CS-HG201 11-36 Tooth Cassette

Shifter Details:

Shimano Alivio SL-M3100-R, Rapidfire-Plus (One-Way High Lever, Three-Shift Low Lever)

Cranks:

ACID E-Crank, Forged Aluminum Alloy, 175 mm Length, 38 Tooth Steel Chainring with Plastic Guard

Pedals:

CUBE Acid PP MTB K1283, Large Plastic Platform Molded Pins, Reflectors

Headset:

Across, Integrated, Sealed Cartridge, Tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" (44mm to 56mm Outer Diameter)

Stem:

CUBE CPS Performance Stem Pro, 80mm Length, 6° Rise, 4 Bolt Clamp, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, Composite Plastic Spacers, 10mm Tapered Base Spacer, Two 10mm Spacers, Two 5mm Spacers

Handlebar:

CUBE Rise Trail Bar, Aluminum Alloy, Low-Rise (Nearly Flat), 720mm Width

Brake Details:

Shimano BR-MT200 Hydraulic Disc, 180mm Rotors, Dual-Piston Calipers, Shimano BL-MT200 Three-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

CUBE Performance Grip, Rubber, Flat, Non Locking

Saddle:

CUBE Natural Fit, Sequence, Memory Foam

Seat Post:

CUBE Performance Post, Aluminum Alloy, Two-Bolt Head, CUBE Varioclose 34.9mm Seat Clamp

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.9 mm

Rims:

CUBE Branded ALEXRIMS EX23, 6061 Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 622 x 23 ETRTO, Reinforcement Eyelets, Tubeless Ready, 32 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge, Silver with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Smart Sam, 29" x 2.35" (60-622)

Wheel Sizes:

20 in (50.8cm)

Tire Details:

23 to 50 PSI, 1.6 to 3.5 BAR, Performance, K-Guard Puncture Protection

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Accessories:

CUBE ACID Custom Thick Plastic Fenders Mudguards (65mm Width), CUBE Branded Shiny-50 Integrated Headlight (Top and Side Windows), Fender Mounted Integrated Back Light (4 LED), Rubberized Full-Wrap Slap Guard (Top and Bottom Protection), CUBE Branded Rear Mount Adjustable Length Kickstand (Custom Single Bolt on Top), Flick Bell Near Right Grip, Optional CUBE Acid Carrier SIC 29" and PURE 29" Rear Rack (Standard Gauge Tubing, Spring Latch, RILink Compatible, Pannier Hangers, Bungee Loops, 25kg 55lb Max Load)

Other:

Locking Removable Donwtube-Integrated Bosch PowerTube 400 Battery Pack, 1.6lb 4 Amp Bosch Standard Charger, Motor Support Continues Pedaling up to 120+ RPM, IP56 Durability Rated (Drive Unit and Display), ABUS PlusCode Lock and Key

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Bosch Performance Line Cruise (3rd Generation, MY21)

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Peak Output:

450 watts

Motor Torque:

65 Newton meters (Eco: 35nm, Tour: 45nm, Sport: 50nm, Turbo: 65nm)

Battery Brand:

Bosch PowerTube 400, Bottom Mount

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

11 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

396 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

3.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Estimated Max Range:

80 miles (129 km)

Display Type:

Bosch Purion, Fixed, 1.75" Backlit Grayscale Display, Buttons: Power, +, -, Walk, (Hold - to Cycle Through Readouts, Hold - and Press Power to Change Units, Hold + and - to Reset Trip, Hold + to Activate Lights if Available)

Readouts:

Current Speed, Assist Level (Eco, Tour, Sport or eMTB, Turbo), Battery Level (1-5), Odometer, Trip Distance, Total Distance, Estimated Range, Lights Icon

Display Accessories:

Micro-USB Port for Diagnostics and Software Updates Only

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Rear Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence, and Pedal Torque Over 1,000 Readings Per Second. Power Output Relative to Pedal Input: Eco 55%, Tour 120%, Sport 200% or eMTB 120% to 300%, Turbo 300%)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

Written Review

This review was provided for free, but Cit-E-Cycles supplied a temporary demo bike for me to test. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of CUBE products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the CUBE electric bike forums.

Observations:

  • The name of this ebike denotes the 400 watt hour battery pack and “all road” capability of the bike. It performs well in urban environments due to the included fenders and lights, as well as cross country and light trail mountain bike terrain. The Reaction Hybrid Performance is a new model for 2021 that replaces the Acid Hybrid. It’s available in Europe, Canada, and the US through official dealers. I believe it will be one of their more popular models due to its versatility, value price point, large range of six frame sizes and two frame styles, beautiful integrated battery design, and trusted Bosch drive systems.
  • CUBE is a very large German bicycle producer with a proven track record. They use premium parts and offer a wide selection of models, each in multiple sizes. As a reviewer, it’s a bit overwhelming! For customers, it provides many options to get exactly what you want in terms of hardware and battery capacity. Keep in mind that the company offers a Reaction Hybrid Performance 500 with a higher capacity battery pack, and Reaction Hybrid Pro 500 and 625 with higher capacity batteries and fancier parts such as upgraded drivetrain and air suspension. In order to get the fenders and lights seen here, you need to get one of the “Allroad” models.

Pros:

  • Good all-around value here, this is one of the most affordable and versatile ebikes I’ve seen that uses the higher quality Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor and PowerTube battery pack… even if they did opt for the lower capacity PowerTube 400 vs. a 500 or 625. This allows for the smaller frame sizes and reduces overall weight.
  • The bike comes in six frame sizes across two frame styles and the frame is hydroformed to look beautiful. The high-step will offer more stiffness and be easier to mount to some “hang style” bicycle racks that attach to the top tube. The mid-step is great for people who want a lower stand-over height and would be a great option if you do add a rear rack.
  • I love that the both frame styles, high-step and mid-step, have bottle cage bosses on the downtube. It appears that the larger high-step frame even has a second bottle cage mounting point on the seat tube!
  • CUBE has some excellent accessories for their ebikes including durable quiet fenders, integrated lights, and an adjustable kickstand. The optional CUBE ACID rear rack work really well here too. I showcase the two rack options in the video review and photos in this review. I appreciate how they connect to the rear fender to reduce rattling and are positioned far back to allow room for the saddle to go all the way down without colliding.
  • The bikes have a nice cohesive visual appearance with black accents on the hubs, rims, crank arms, seat post, stem, and handlebar. Black is a good color choice because it hides the battery cover, shifter cables, and electrical wires! Note that this is a completely purpose-built frame with internal cable routing, so apart from the handlebar and derailleur area most of the clutter is hidden.
  • The playful neon green accents aren’t just limited to the frame, they also appear on the fork lowers, grips, and saddle! This is the kind of integration that you usually only find on more premium bicycles. I also felt that the saddle was very comfortable, I believe that it uses memory foam.
  • The full-wrap slap guard really stood out to me because it will protect the entire chain stay from getting chipped if you ride off-road and the chain bounces around a lot. Given the Shimano Alivio derailleur here, which does not offer the tightening lever seen on Deore and XT derailleurs, the slap guard is a relevant upgrade. I also appreciate the plastic chainring guard and how close the chainring itself is to the motor casing and frame because it probably functions as a guide to reduce chain drops altogether.
  • Because the bike uses taller 29″ wheels and has a basic suspension fork, it feels pretty comfortable. The wider diameter wheels deliver a lower attack angle and the knobby off-road tires absorb smaller bumps, cracks, and rough gravel. If you wanted to further enhance comfort, you could swap the rigid seatpost out for a 30.9mm suspension seatpost.
  • CUBE makes a lot of their own hardware but also partners with leading companies like Alexrims. The rims on this ebike are above average, and include reinforcement eyelets that reduce the chances of cracking.
  • The weight distribution on this electric bike is excellent, both the motor and battery are positioned low and center. Since both wheels are attached with quick release skewers, it makes trail maintenance easy. And, both tires are of a higher quality with puncture resistant layers.
  • It’s uncommon to see electric mountain bikes that come with a kickstand, because they can jitter up and down when riding over rough terrain… however, I think it’s a great feature on this ebike since it also comes with fenders and lights, this is really an urban + light trail bike in my opinion. But, you could easily remove the kickstand and fenders if you wanted to.
  • The fenders used here are proprietary, custom made to fit perfectly and perform quietly. I took the bike off-road several times during my ride tests and the fenders worked very well protecting my legs and feet. Plastic tends to be lighter and more durable than aluminum or steel, which can bend or rust, but it needs to be thick enough and beveled to be sturdy… which is the case here.
  • Good brakes make a world of difference, especially on heavier bicycles like and ebikes. The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes seen here are easy to actuate with just one or two fingers, the brake levers offer adjustable reach, and the larger 180mm rotors improve cooling and deliver increased mechanical advantage for stopping larger 29er wheels.
  • The Bosch PowerTube 400 battery pack looks beautiful, because it’s completely hidden in the downtube. I like the plastic cover they chose, because it connects and disconnects easily and securely. This battery can be charged on or off the bike using the included fast 4 amp charger (big upgrade over the slower 2 amp Bosch charger), and is protected by the same two year comprehensive warranty as the motor and display. I trust Bosch systems to be tougher and longer lasting than much of the competition.
  • CUBE paid extra for ABUS “keyed alike” lock and key for this electric bike. That means, you can order a folding lock or u-lock that uses the same key as your ebike. This reduces clutter and saves time at the bike rack, in my experience.
  • The motor used here is one of my all time favorites. This is the Performance Line Cruise, which is a bit less powerful than the Performance Line CX, but quieter and more efficient. It’s the perfect choice for an urban + cross country ebike. It offers shift detection and super fast natural response to pedal input (measuring pedal speed, pedal torque, and rear wheel speed over 1,000x per second) but it also stops quickly as soon as you stop pedaling. The chainring also cycles backwards, which makes drivetrain maintenance easier (many competing motors let the crank cycle backwards but do not actually cycle the drivetrain).
  • Even though this ebike is using the lowest capacity battery available from Bosch, it still gets excellent range and is very efficient. Mid-drive motors leverage the cassette if you shift gears thoughtfully… and since you’ve got an excellent 11 to 36 tooth cassette here with nine speeds, the bike can be very efficient! It climbed well and felt comfortable at speed during my ride tests.
  • Bosch offers many display panels now, including some removable color ones with Micro-USB charging and smartphone application integration. You can buy and swap those nicer displays onto this ebike, but the included Bosch Purion display is still pretty decent. It’s easy to read, uses very little power, stays out of the way on the handlebar and blends in with the bike to make it kind of stealth. I find that it’s easy to reach and use when riding because the buttons are very large and “clicky” when pressed.
  • CUBE is sold predominantly through dealers which usually provide sizing options, test rides, and post-purchase support. This adds a bit to the price, but significantly improves the ownership experience in my opinion.
  • CUBE is one of the bigger European (German) brands that I perceive as being reliable and trustworthy. They offer great value on their ebikes, and provide a two year comprehensive warranty with five years warranty on the frame

Cons:

  • My least favorite part of this ebike is the suspension fork, because it’s a basic coil design with limited adjustability (preload adjust only, no compression, lockout, or rebound). Spring forks like this also tend to weigh more than air forks, but at least the tapered steer tube on the frame provides compatibility with a wide range of upgrades if you ever decide to pursue them.
  • At first, I wasn’t sure if this electric bike would be compatible with rear cargo racks because there are no additional threaded eyelets or bosses on the seat stays. With a bit of research however, I discovered that CUBE sells their own proprietary ACID racks for ~$80 that bolt directly to the top of the rear fender and in two places where the fender support arms connect to the frame. The racks come in two flavors (one with a spring latch on top), and appears to offer good weight capacity (25kg 55lb max), bungee loops at the base, and pannier hangers and blockers on the sides. My only complaint is that you have to buy the CUBE rack, which costs more and appears to only work with the rear fender connected to the bike. Their kickstand interface also appears to be proprietary vs. a standard 18mm or 40mm bolt spacing. If you don’t live near a dealer, it might be harder to buy these accessories.
  • CUBE appears to be growing their dealer network in North America, but their shops just aren’t as common as some of the other big brands like Trek, Giant, and Specialized. I was only aware of one or two shops in the US and Canada that carried them before 2020, and that makes it difficult to test ride, purchase, and support.
  • I really like the wide 11-36T nine speed cassette and Shimano Alivio derailleur setup here, but the Alivio trigger shifter for moving into high gears is a one-way setup. This means that you have to use your pointer finger on the right hand to pull the lever vs. using your thumb to push it (or having a choice). Shimano does offer a Deore trigger shifter that uses a two-way high lever, and I wish they would have upgraded to that here because I often dedicate my right pointer finger to braking. Consider upgrading to the Reaction Hybrid Performance 500 or Pro models to get nicer shifter mechanisms.
  • In addition to the heavier spring suspension fork, the Bosch PowerTube battery is much heavier than their older external PowerPack batteries. I thought that CUBE did an excellent job integrating those packs into their frames to look nice (here’s an example), but I can see why they moved towards the fully integrated PowerTube. Still, these new batteries take longer to put on and take off the bike, don’t have an easy-carry handle, require the key to be put in and twisted when re-mounting, and utilize a plastic shield cover that does not lock to the frame (so it could be easily taken at bike racks). I feel like there is lots of room for improvement with the Bosch PowerTube, in addition to it being much heavier for the same battery capacity.
  • As is the case with many Bosch powered ebikes, the on-frame charging port is located low near the left crank arm on the non-drivetrain side of the bike. Since the bike tips towards the kickstand, you end up fighting the handlebar and front wheel as you bend down and try to line up the plug… the cord can then be snagged on the crank or pedal. To me, this is just a messier and more physically difficult placement than high up on the right side of the frame. But at least this is where they positioned the battery locking core :)
  • As mentioned earlier, the key must be inserted and twisted agains the spring mechanism in order to release the battery and to re-insert it. I found this to be difficult, because one hand must support and align the battery while another is inserting and twisting the key. I prefer batteries that allow for mounting without requiring the key at all.
  • This is a minor complaint, but the headlight is mounted to the suspension arch. This position increases unsprung weight, lowers the light (which reduces visibility to cars), and it seems that the beam is somewhat obstructed by the fender and tire. I’d prefer a light that was mounted at the base of the steerer tube on top of the crown, or up on the stem or handlebar.
  • Despite being one of the most affordable CUBE ebike models, the Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 models still cost a bit extra. This one is nearly $3k USD, which is a lot for a student or working professional. Given the quick release wheels and seat post collar, I’d definitely bring a cable and heavy-duty U-lock to secure it in urban environments. Of course, given the lower battery capacity, you also end up with shorter range than the PowerTube 500 or 625, but it appears that the frame can actually accept those higher capacity packs, which is pretty neat! This is a good option for upgrading down the road, just like the suspension fork.
  • The bike comes with the most basic Bosch Purion display panel which eliminates average speed, max speed, clock, and some other readouts that Intuvia, Kiox, and Nyon offer. It’s not compatible with Bosch Connected smartphone apps, and it’s not removable. The backlighting brightness also appears to not be adjustable whereas the fancier ones offer adaptive backlighting. I think this display is a decent choice for a cross country mountain bike because it’s small and stays out of the way. it’s also simple to use, it’s just a bit compromise in terms of readouts and doesn’t offer Micro-USB charging for your portable electronics like the other displays do.
  • I love that CUBE chose the Bosch Plus keyset for their battery pack, because it can be keyed-alike to a folding lock or frame lock… and there’s even space to mount these to the downtube! However, I’ve heard from shops that it can take weeks or even longer to actually order a matching lock from ABUS (at least in North America), so I’d love to see this aspect of the supply chain improved in the future. Right now, shops seem agitated that I mention the matching lock option in reviews because it makes extra work for them and seems to take a long time.
  • CUBE chose to use the older left chain stay mounted Bosch speed reader and spoke magnet vs. some of the newest designs which are positioned near the disc brake caliper mount, so they won’t get bumped out of position as easily. Pay special attention to this even when buying brand new, because it can cause read errors and make pedal assist not work consistently if the magnet is swiveled a bit.

Useful Resources:

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A sporty, value-priced, cross style electric bike with high-end Bosch Performance Line CX motor offering great power and torque for light trail use or steep-hill assistance. Available in a an impressive range of five sizes and two frame styles (high-step and…...

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CUBE Reaction Hybrid HPA Race 500 Review

  • MSRP: $3,399
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

The more affordable CUBE cross country style electric bike that would double as a fun urban commuter with the addition of a rear rack, available with 27.5” or 29” wheel size depending on frame size. Remote lockout on the RockShox air fork allows for seamless transitions between bumpy and smooth…...

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CUBE Elly Ride Hybrid 400 Review

  • MSRP: $2,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A beautifully styled, upright, wave step-thru electric bike that's available in four frame sizes and two fun color options, reinforced frame feels stiff and stable. Fit and comfort are a priority with this ebike and the suspension fork, sprung saddle,…...

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CUBE Reaction Hybrid HPA SL 500 Review

  • MSRP: $3,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

One of the coolest looking Bosch powered hardtail ebikes I have seen, matte black and gloss black accents on the frame, fork and wheelset blend perfectly with the motor and battery casing. The battery is sunk into the downtube for protection, lower weight distribution, and a nicer…...

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CUBE Reaction Hybrid HPA Pro 29 Review

  • MSRP: $2,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2015

One of the most affordable and versatile Bosch powered mid-drive electric bikes I've seen to date. Solid performance for city riding (with bosses for adding a rear rack!) but also very…...

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CUBE SUV Hybrid SL 27.5 Review

  • MSRP: $4,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2015

High performance urban electric bike with light weight carbon fiber fork and an automatic shifting system that maintains the cadence you set with NuVinci H Sync. Larger Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires provide some cushion, 27.5" wheelset strikes a balance between efficiency…...

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Comments (9) YouTube Comments

Roger Blake
4 years ago

There is no video.

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi Roger, you’re completely correct. I’m actually re-shooting today because two of the main video files were corrupted (possibly due to rain). I should have the video up within a day or two. Since I had to wait on the re-shoot, I decided to post the writeup and images early because I was excited about the bike :)

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi Roger, the video is now live for the CUBE Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad. You can see it here or on YouTube. Sorry it took so long, I had to re-shoot and do a bunch of editing fixes ;)

  Reply
e-Biker
4 years ago

Hi Court, what would be your specific choice for the fork upgrade?

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Howdy! I think that an air fork like this could work (and it looks great in all black with anodized stanchions). They do sell a 29″ wheel compatible version (just use the drop down), and it appears to have a tapered steer tube, but I cannot guarantee that it’s exactly 1-1/8″ to 1-1/2″ as specified on CUBE’s website. The official CUBE description is 1 1/8″ straight, Top Zero-Stack 1 1/8″ (ZS 44mm), Bottom Zero-Stack 1 1/2″ (ZS 56mm). Anyway, the fork I mentioned does have the 100mm hub spacing with 9mm quick release… and that’s important to ensure because many air forks use 15mm thru-axles, which would require you to replace your front hub/spokes/rim. Perhaps working with a local shop to make an order for a RockShox or Fox fork would be best, but probably cost a lot more. This one I found is affordable, looks nice, and appears to be a fit!

  Reply
Gary Long
4 years ago

Great review, Court. I’m considering a Reaction Hybrid Race 625 here in Switzerland. As you know, the two speeds allowed here in Europe are 25 kph and 45 kph. I think 32 kph is a good compromise.

My comment is actually a question: How to you manage to record video on your phone that is so steady? Are you using a special phone holding device? Keep up the good reviews.

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi Gary, thanks! Yeah, this was a fun bike to explore and test, and I agree that the 32km/h standard is working well in North America… I’m thankful for the extra speed since towns are more spread out here and maybe it’s just less crowded than parts of Europe? Switzerland is awesome, I would love to visit someday and have an admiration for your country :)

I film using the GoPro Hero 8 with built-in stabilization, and I’ve glued some fur fabric over the microphones to reduce wind noise. The camera is being held on a wand that is about 30 centimeters long. It’s pretty simple and durable… I used to film with a motorized gimbal, but that broke in the rain, so I tried the software stabilized GoPro and it worked well enough. I also think the GoPro 7 or newest 9 would work fine. I’d be happy to share more settings and stuff if you reply with more questions ;)

  Reply
Simon Cashman
4 years ago

Hi,

If it’s anything like my Acid Hybrid, the rack doesn’t fit! The offset between the quick release axle centre and the threaded rack mount just above is wrong (but correct on the through-axle models). Consequently, the rack is too close to the tyre and the mudguard rubs, wrecking the tyre, mudguard and rear light!

Best regards,
Simon

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Ohhh… thanks for that feedback. Sorry to hear the rack didn’t fit perfectly for your bike. Interesting point about thru-axles vs. the 9mm axle and quick release skewer setup.

  Reply

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