Cube Reaction Hybrid 2022 Review | Hardtail Electric Mountain Bike Put to the Test!

[@Simon-fr4ts]

Thank you so much for this video. I am from the UK in my early 50's and actually just ordered the 625 version of this bike. It will be mainly used for an 8 mile each way commute to work on road. I wanted something that would also be able to handle very mild off road (just pot holed gravel roads really). My road commute has a couple of steep climbs and I wanted a bike that would significantly help me get up these as I have health problems and cannot over exert. It would be impossible for me to do these on a normal bike now. I was going to buy a more traditional slimmer framed road hybrid ebike with the Bosch Active Line Plus motor, but my local bike shop said it would not have enough power or gear range (9 speed) for my needs. I was looking at the Carrera Crossfuse which is also a third cheaper in price. I have committed to this bike now, so just hoping I made the right choice. Your video certainly backs up what my local bike shop has said.

[@deannalofquist4106]

Cube always seems to consider all aspects of rider's needs, sizes, specs and all else when designing their bikes. Great video, always anxiety provoking excitement to watch Austen. Appreciate all the narration!

[@FlyRidesUSA]

We still get anxious watching Austen, and we always know the ending!

[@jeffleake1960]

I just bought one of these the 625 version and so far I'm very happy with it . it's so good to be back on an electric bike after some scumbag stole my last one

[@dougiews3030]

Hi pal, I’m strongly considering buying this after my Giant Emtb went faulty after 3 weeks (got a full refund). I’m really curious to what range you can actually expect to get with the 625? Thanks in advance..

[@ChaZe1990]

I am lucky to drive the Reaction Hybrid SLX 750. Cannot recommend it enough. Use it on a daily basis to work (~14km single) and going on trails with it as well. I am a bloodie rookie but did my first red trails on the chicken line with that beast 💪

[@Wanderhuren]

After looking this review, i‘m happy to chose this Bike. I ordered it with the 625 Battery on January 11. and it will be delivered at middle of April. Thank you for this review.

[@f1snail]

Your video absolutely sold me on the 2023 version of the bike - Great review, thanks for taking the time and big ups to Austen for showing that I'll be able to maintain my riding style on those fast trails.

[@hassleemof]

How you getting on with your 2023 version? I’m planning on ordering one soon.

[@f1snail]

@@hassleemof It's the perfect bike for me honestly. Easily can do 30mph on roads and scrambling up hills with ease when I would otherwise be done for the day. Instead of my outings being plagued with worries about whether I'll have enough energy to get home, I simply go home when I'm out of energy and leave the assist on the entire way home!

[@hassleemof]

@@f1snail thanks for the reply mate, really appreciate it. Sounds great as that’s what I want the bike for, to go on longer journeys but the same amount of time and not worry if I’m getting home or not 🤣 Have fun 👍🏼

[@MarcusZiegler]

Nice Review! I buy my Reaction Hybrid PRO 625 on Wednesday (at German Bikestore in my Village) I love jt. Always Cube 🙌 Greetings from Germany.

[@paulenglish5434]

Killer! I like the feedback a solid hardtail provides. Excited to demo this!

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Definitely! It really provided a tactile feel that allowed us both to rip through rock gardens and into turns.

[@HectorSalcedo]

This bike is fun! We're lucky to have the ability to hop on so many bikes, and compared to the Trek Powerfly 4 and the Specialized Tero, this rides like a true mountain bike and not like a commuter bike with knobby tires. Austen did a better job illustrating its capabilities, but I felt right at home riding the Cube Reaction on XC trails. It's also upgradable to a 625Wh Bosch battery!

[@FlyRidesUSA]

One of our favorite things about a lot of the Cube bikes this year is that 625 watt hour upgrade capability. Really adds some always appreciated flexibility.

[@thurgogopro5338]

2023 Ordered a 625 but mine came with a 750. I can do a really hard 30 mile route and still have 40% left

[@marvinalvarado4986]

Great entry level hardtail and it comes with a Bosch performance line CX motor! For the price, nothing on the market beats it.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Totally! Great value, and great specs.

[@ronnienewsome800]

I have this bike would it be more classed as a hybrid or a hardtail

[@Giuseppe_Morabito]

I got Cube Hybrid Reaction SLT . SUPER BIKE! Germany number 1 MTB brands

[@paulwalsh279]

great Video, thanks. Helped me in deciding. Just ordered my Cube 500 pro.

[@Budschidau]

Ordered a Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 625 right now - for quite a good price due to end of season sale. Can´t wait for it :) Thx for your video - the best in YT regarding the CRHP

[@Pure-Luck447]

How's it been ?

[@Budschidau]

@@Pure-Luck447 Order was canceled, got a Focus Sam² instead - love it

[@Dg-_-71044]

I just got this bike, love it, my first emtb, opted for pro for better parts, great bike

[@philgreen3376]

Great review, thank you just ordered one in the UK, Cheers🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@papawillyemtb]

Best hardtail eMTB on the market. The only thing that would make it better is a dropper seat post. Convince me I'm wrong...

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Think of it this way...now you can choose any dropper you want!😛

[@forzauk1]

I think the whyte ebike hartail is better looks more like a proper offroad hardtail

[@MICHAELBURKE-u1d]

The giant is better

[@papawillyemtb]

@@MICHAELBURKE-u1d well, that's just like your opinion, man.

[@cmh2021]

Love to see Austin shredding on a hard tail.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

That guy can ride anything!

[@scotchscott]

I’m getting my hands on a Reaction Hybrid EXC 750 in a couple of weeks and this review has got me even more hyped.

[@stefanjepp6612]

My EXC 750 is waiting for me to pick ist t up from the dealer tomorrow. I am looking forward. It was hard to get one, but finally I found it 130 km away from home. Otherwise I would have had to wait for three months

[@noc466]

Got one & its brilliant

[@noaherwin3135]

It’s hard to beat the value you get from this bike, sweet review!

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Thanks Noah! Totally agree. The bike is a great value proposition.

[@johnchristopher5075]

Two bikes you should have included: Giant Fathom E=Pro and the Lappierre Overvolt. That Bosch Gen 4 motor though is something else.

[@checotey]

lets talk about specs baby is a good one man😂😂😂👊🏾

[@venzogaming_]

Do you think this bike could be a good solution to go to work everyday? Allroad is not available at the moment and I'm finding only this model. I would use it sometimes in the weekend but mainly to to go my office. Great video by the way, thanks.

[@MarioGoatse]

Hey guys, I just bought this exact bike in a nice light grey and red. Are there upgrades you think I should look at doing first? Mine will be used as a commuter, and some trails like you see in the video. What do you think is the thing it needs most, if at all? Thanks. Love your channel!

[@michealkarumba7362]

For your needs (fun on trails and getting to trails) would you pick this over the Kathmandu? I'm looking for something for exploring around the city, touring/trekking but can still take to light trails like the ones in this video

[@jonm7272]

Word of warning from experience (I've put 2500 km on one of these now). They are not as waterproof as this video makes out. I killed my first motor after getting it wet (very). Replaced under warrenty straight away so not a big deal but you do need to take great care around water. Especially in a wet climate (I'm in Wales) as a quick soaking then doesn't dry out quickly in the rest of your ride. I certainly would NOT advise hammering through water as they do in this video, particularly if the warrenty has run out 😊

[@benjijohns3615]

What do you think to the forks? Do they get for plush with riding? Mine don’t seem very responsive.

[@Simon-fr4ts]

I am using mine to commute on roads only. Will it stand the torrential downpours of the English weather? I certainly won't be riding it through streams.

[@RogerHolden]

Is it heavy? I've been looking at a similar Haibike, but the 25kg weight does put me off - so far this Cube looks awesome!

[@f1snail]

I know a reponse from these guys is going to be much more informed and better for you, however - From my experience with other EMTBs (with bosch motors), the weight is completely offset by the amount of power you get from the generation 4 motor. The only issue I ever have is post rides where I'm completely exhausted and have to lift it above my chest to put on racks etc. I'd recommend visiting a store or asking a friend and asking for a test ride if you can. You'll see very quickly that the weight is well balanced and a far cry from the weight issues that a motorcycle has at lower speeds. The motor will very quickly get you up to gyro stability and you'll barely notice the difference.

[@thurgogopro5338]

Weight doesn't matter, my 750 battery cx gen4 motor and 29 x 2.6 tyres is superb off road

[@callumjones9932]

I’ve just bought the 2025 model, is there an easy way of derestrict this or is it a job for playing with the motor?

[@splendidprogress5221]

Great bike let down by awful forks. Why did Cube reduce the stanchion diameter by 2mm compared to the previous model?

[@OutdoorFreedomDk]

All I wanna do is bicykle. - Bicycle ! With love from Ca Cph Dk.

[@davejones8461]

Hi, Can you recommend luggage for this bike please? I’m in the UK and struggling to find anything decent. Thanks.

[@abikeesclerosada]

Interesting to see the testing, entering a creek, completely puting the motor in the water. Doesn't this damage the motor? I have a Brazilian brand, Caloi Evibe Elite, and its not recomended to submerge the motor (Shimano steps 6100).

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Nope! You definitely don't want to leave the Bosch Motor in water, but it's designed to be able to get wet.

[@nicoleainsworth6603]

Perfect fat tire ebike

[@dev1ator_yt]

Does anyone know is motor waterproof on this Reaction Hybrid models ? Guy drove through creek but I don't think they are waterproof. I searched few weeks before but I couldn't find info is Bosh and Yamaha e-bikes motors waterproof.

[@lesliebarfoot7462]

How does this compare with the Specialized turbo Vado SL? I’m undecided between these two.Thanks.

[@justinseau]

Vado SL is more of a road commuter with its rigid fork, which reduces its weight and makes pedalling more efficient, but you won’t be able to ride on anything beyond smooth gravel like trails (well, you could but it won’t be comfortable).

[@ronnienewsome800]

Would this bike be able to handle jumps as I have it upgraded with 130mm forks a lot of people are calling it mountain bike but can it handle jumps like one 🤔

[@Jean-jk4zv]

Sorry if I missed it I'm not English but what size was the model reviewed and what is your size ? I want to buy one online so i cannot try it 🙂

[@TonyDL]

Thanks for this informative review! Powerfly Downhill Hardtail eMTB? I didn't quite follow that, but assumed you feel Trek's design choice was questionable? What did Trek do wrong with this design? Too much travel (120mm) in the fork for a hardtail? If so, why is that bad for a "do everything cross country" eMTB? Why is the Cube better? Sorry I'm new to eMTB's.

[@roberttange805]

informativ lol .

[@TonyDL]

@@roberttange805 So you feel it was not informative?? Need some more words pls...

[@mikefox5264]

One of the first real life test drives of the 2022 model on KZbin. Thanks! I actually ordered this one (625 kWh version though). Still waiting :) Quick question: did you find the 180mm Brake discs sufficient? I’m 90kg - not sure what that is in pounds. Starting with the „race“ version it comes with 203 mm. Also, how tall was your rider and which bike size did he choose? Finally, do cube bikes in the USA come with a 20 mph limit? Perhaps you know in Europe it’s only 16 mph :( Greetings from Germany (where the bikes are made but i still have to wait) Cheers!

[@austenczapla8630]

Greetings, Mike! I was the test rider in the video - I'm 6'2 and 185lbs. I was riding a size large 19" for the video and had the seat post at it's max extension. I would personally prefer to ride a 21" XL in the Reaction. The brakes felt great for the style of riding/trail we were on - no need to upgrade. In the USA, CUBEs and other Class 1 eMTBs come with a 20mph limit. Enjoy your new Reaction once it arrives!

[@mikefox5264]

@@austenczapla8630 thanks for the info! 20 mph really does sound much better. Looks like I should order my next bike in the US and have it shipped to Germany ;)

[@MarioGoatse]

Hahaha I think you meant 625 Wh. Definitely not kWh! Wouldn’t that be cool though?

[@ivanduckic6292]

How fast can you drive it?

[@danimccarron8413]

Suntoor fork xcm is crap and cube would not replace mine the shop in kilearn Scotland would not take anything to with ignored me ,had to spend £600 on rockshock so be aware cube are cnts

[@owen8538]

Do schadder tube s fit on these bikes 2018 cube

[@meditationdaily1129]

How to you use the motor? Sorry for a silly Q hut never rode an e bike

[@randomuploads20]

Turn it on and you’re ready to go

[@ian2lorimer]

What would everyone recommend for pedals with the Cube Reaction?

[@austenczapla8630]

If you are going with flats I would check out OneUp pedals! They just brought the price down on their composite pedals to $39

[@ian2lorimer]

@@austenczapla8630 thanks mate :-)

[@the_trooper_72]

I use nukeproof neutron Evo flats.. Because the grip is very good and feel great under foot.. Not too expensive either..

[@mark-3466]

made my mind up tho is the best bang for your bucks

[@benjijohns3615]

I’ve got one and love it but the forks are just meh! Anyone else think so?

[@davidjack9522]

I know you posted this a year ago...but yes I do. I've replaced mine with a set of 120mm rock shox. Much better!

[@carljohn3285]

is the bike a 29er or 27.5?

[@danielnicola1602]

29 inch wheels, very smooth and handles nicely.

[@MessieuxLion]

rocky mountain fusion powerplay 30

[@theoldguyofwhinlatter157]

Hi you have clearly never ridden a bike with a 500 watt hour battery ,your range is way out you can go much further

[@JasonSmith-uk7zh]

The cube reaction hybrid pro 2022 has a very low grade rear hub fitted that is not fit for purpose. Had to return it to the shop three times in first 600 Miles with collapsed freehub cube warranty wouldn't pay for work saying it was ware and tare or I should contact Shimano in the end the shop put a hope pro 4 hub on it and they paid for it due to it not being fit for purpose. Next the pedals will squeak after about 5 washes.then the head set bottom bearing will start to creak and you will find very little grease and a lot of rust in a cheap no name bearing. If you want to adjust bar hight on the stem you will have to buy a hole new spacer and cap set as the one they have put on there is shaped and spacers won't go above stem. They have put a standard 38t chain ring on with a gard on the front and the chain will regularly come off.will need to put a narrow wide chain ring on t stop this happening The front forks suspension is not great and you will be looking to upgrade quite soon. I do still like the bike the new hope hub absolutely transformed the bike ride the bosch motor is great but I don't see the point in having the top three gears in the UK as when you get to 15mph the limiter cuts in and the harder you pedal the more it resists you if you look at the specs there's quite a few Cheep parts used and cube has no interest in doing anything under warranty unless it is the frame the the brakes hubs gears you need to go to Shimano the motor you need to go to bosch for a £3000 bike I would expect more from cube the brand. Be warned you will need to spend £350 to £550 plus quite quickly after perchase to make this the bike it should be

[@richarde1355]

Have to agree with Cube. Issue with the Shimano products part of the bike, contact Shimano. Sounds like you are pretty tough on your bike.

[@mikebuckley8348]

@@richarde1355 - why? The MOLL battery on our VW van failed within the vehicle warranty and I didn't have to go to MOLL to have it replaced. If I buy a bike, my contract is with the retailer and I expect them to fix it. Why would I have to faff around with the individual parts suppliers?

[@richarde1355]

@@mikebuckley8348 so if you get a flat tire within the warranty time frame, you expect Cube to fix it, as well?

[@mikebuckley8348]

@@richarde1355 roflmfao. Seriously? 😂 You do understand how warranties work, and indeed the machinations of the Consumer Rights Act ?

[@richarde1355]

​@@mikebuckley8348 SMH. If the bike (which is the sum of its parts) is out of warranty, the options are to approach the manufacturer of the part.

[@frafra224]

Can you put a fender on this?

[@gp6874]

Yes, the "ACID MUDGUARD SET 75 29" BB MOUNT BLACK"

[@Brucebudd1]

Specs just aren’t there!

[@HectorSalcedo]

Sincerely speaking, what type of components do you want to see on a hardtail eMTB? We see other bike companies going with lower tier brands and components, like SR coil forks (heavy) and 10 speed drivetrains.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

I'd say it depends on what you're doing, for this type of riding, any more on the fork would've been overkill. And the Deore this year is honestly as good as any XT we rode in 2021.

[@thurgogopro5338]

That river crossing probably ruined the motor .

[@0ssi170]

Cheapest Air Fork and Brakes are a joke for that bike !

[@0ssi170]

@Chris Black here they raised the msrp from 2649 to 2749 euro without any changes. at least the cheap shimano BR-MT200 should be upgraded to MT400 for a bike with powerful Bosch CX engine.

[@CopperCityPatriot]

Hmm? Why does this video(ANNOYING), pop-up on the top of every damn page, whenever "Cube Bikes," is put-in the search bar? It's not a worthy review.

[@teopapas5142]

Why is it that no one ever puts them to the test uphill... really curious

[@Gary-iy4oh]

Anyone’s else smashed the bottom of the plastic under the motor and chain come off and get stuck on these cubes? Mine and my mates as both on first ride!!