CUBE Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad Review - $2.9k

The CUBE Reaction Hybrid Performance 400 Allroad is a 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.
0:00 Introduction
0:21 Frame sizing and style options
0:55 Wheel size and tire details
2:25 Price details $2,899 USD
3:30 Battery capacity and shield
5:11 Drivetrain 9-speed Shimano Alivio
8:05 Other CUBE Reaction Hybrid models
9:53 Suspension fork details
11:51 Optional rear rack details
12:42 Front and rear lights demo
14:21 Hydraulic disc brake details
14:43 Bosch mid-drive motor details
16:04 Charge port and battery charger
18:22 Battery removal and mounting
21:56 Bosch Purion display operation
25:47 Ride test begins on road
27:22 Off-road ride test begins
29:14 Random stranger ride test and feedback!
30:29 Headlight test while riding
31:23 On-frame motor and drivetrain shots
34:57 Conclusion and website resources
35:57 Washing the bike after ride tests
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Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. EBR assumes no liability for money loss, property damage, or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. My goal is to report in a transparent and objective way since 2012. Use this information at your own risk. EBR recommends safe practices when working on bicycles, riding bicycles, and using accessories seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EBR.

[@vladtikhy1168]

*I'm very happy with my **Latest.Bike** . I have put a lot of miles on it, paved trails, gravel, sand, and it rides great. Thank you for a quality product.*

[@stevemoores3265]

Thanks for the review, I love your enthusiasm. I'm looking at the Cube Reaction Performance E500 which seems very similar to this one but without the fenders and lights, so this review helped a lot.

[@canidae56]

Great technical review... much appreciated and well done. We bought 2 Cube Allroad 400 's earlier this year and have logged 150 KM so far. Both bikes are having 1 minor glitch... Purion shows "Change Display Battery" while turning off at end of ride. I removed batteries and both are 3.25 V. I called Cit-eCycle Surrey and they said I could bring them back for a diagnostic checkup but I'll give it a couple more weeks. Thankfully I watched your excellent video and discovered I could operate the display via the battery reset button once the cover is removed. Good tip for anyone that has 1 of these bikes. This is my wife's second Ebike... bought the first one back in 2015 after watching your review of the Easy Motion Evo 27.5. She has ridden over 4 thousand KM with no problems ... bike has never been back to Cit-E cycle for anything and still rides and looks new. (original battery too) What a terrific buy and reliable product bought based on your review. Last question... curious where you shot this video review... we are always looking for new trails to explore. Our White Rock neighborhood isn't exactly bike friendly so we often shuttle the bikes to surrounding areas. We are going to do a more precise comparison of the Evo vs Cube because my wife feels the Evo is more powerful, so I'll let you know how the hub motor vs mid motor compares once the rain stops and temps warm up. Thanks, JG

[@BDX55]

I rented 2 Cube Reactions for a couple of days while on holiday in Scotland for my wife and I to give e-bikes a try and see how we got on with them. We were really impressed at how well they ride even with the motor off. We only switched on when we came to big hills. My view was similar to yours, they are built to a price point. I noticed the charging point position was a bit low and the cover is very flimsy and would be worried it would break after a while. I am now researching which to buy. We mainly do trekking and I prefer the mudguards so was looking at the Kathmandu. I didn’t realise they did a version of the Reaction with mudguards and lights until I saw this video so will now be looking into those as well. Thanks for a very informative video.

[@CemSk1]

Literally the best video on this bike

[@TravelWithLinAndBilly]

Brilliant review. Very thorough indeed. Have you done anymore on the other models from cube like the reaction pro?

[@marcjohnson6806]

Fantastic Review! Thanks Court

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hey Marc! Thanks man... took longer to post due to lost footage, but it turned out alright. That was a cold day! Miss you guys down in SoCal :D

[@AleHorry]

I need this bike for Deliveroo. Thank you for the review!^^

[@danielthomas7747]

Hi. Thanks for this complete review. Fantastic.👍. I search desperately the article numbers of the fenders, the stand and the lights. Is it possible for you to share them? Thanks 🙏

[@catha86]

You did a great review! I might buy this one but its still so expensive for me so I will have to think about it.

[@yaroslavzef7267]

Thank for review! what is the power reserve ( ~ km) of this bike?

[@felixmartel2197]

Would you go with this bike or the trek super commuter+ 7? I just ordered the the trek and thinking this bike might have a better motor. But this cube bike is heavier. I’d love to hear what you think. Thanks great review.

[@godlovesyou7981]

Yo!!!!!!! Thanks for the review, can’t wait to see a review of the Madmods by SONDORS.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

You're welcome, we are planning to cover some of the new SONDORS models soon :D

[@el_said85]

Hi. Nice review there, keep up the good work. Can you do a review on the Super73 rx and Riese Muller Supdelite Mountain ?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks! Good requests, yes we do plan to cover some Super 73 models and I'll be looking at R&M models later this year :D

[@Celestiall_]

Hello, great review. I'm thinking of buying this one at 2050 euros. However reaction 2022 model is coming in a few days, which will cost me around 250 euros more, but it comes with the 500 battery and the preload-lock fork. The colors of the new models though i do not like. This bike in this color is a real beauty! What is your opinion should i go for the bigger battery and better fork for 250 euros mores, does it worth it? I'm also a bit hesitant with the alivio. I test rode the bike today, first time on an e-bike, those down shifts were not very soft, and the ninth gear cassette is a bit restrictive. Can i change the cassette to an 11 gear one with the alivio, or do i have to change derailleur and shifter as well? I would appreciate if you could answer cause i have to answer the guy tomorrow, he has the bike on hold for me. Thanks again and ride safely!

[@simmysims9209]

I bought Performance 500 2021 model 3 weeks ago for 2080€ including tax. Lamp can be installed to the bar too. Bike came with the 2A charger. Nice bike 👍

[@WoodstockG54]

Amazing what a year does to the price.

[@Terra_Seven]

I LOVE CUBE! Hello from Russia!)

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hi Terra! I love CUBE products too, thanks for checking in. Some of my ancestors are from Russia, I'd love to visit someday. Hope you're well :)

[@Forsentv2]

does this bike have vertical or horizontal powertube?

[@adamweaver8533]

So I bought this bike in Australia for 2999 (no fender or lights though). Hoping I can upgrade the battery though as feel it's a bit light on range. Thanks for Review really enjoyed seeing your Canadian country side.

[@justinseau]

What kind of mileage/distance are you getting out of the battery and at what assistance level? You got a good price. Is that from 99bikes?

[@chinonnoon9851]

Is the tyre tubeless ready / compatible?

[@deano1864]

I've just bought this bike 😀

[@Nickpaintbrush]

Great review thanks, Im pretty sure I`ll be getting one if available in uk

[@greigs9384]

The electric bike shop in Sutton Coldfield has one for 1999 at the mo

[@Nickpaintbrush]

@@greigs9384 Cheers

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks for the assist here, Greig!

[@JanDie575]

I just orderd one beceause of your review. I am gonna use this on some dirt roads but nothing to extreme. Its my first e mtb so i'm very curious how it rides. The design is just amazing, not to bulky exacly what i was looking for. Thanks for the video man!

[@miloulondon458]

Hello, how is your experience after 4 months?

[@JanDie575]

@@miloulondon458 Love the bike, its really great. I love it still feels like cycling but just faster :D.

[@wizzibizzi]

@@JanDie575 Thinking about getting a CUBE REACTION HYBRID PERFORMANCE 500 ALLROAD 2021, but more for commuting/road, less offroad.... what is the max speed on the road you can do with your bike with comfortable pedal speed? With my existing e-Bike, i can do 30 to 35 km/h without to high pedal frequency, is this also possible with your Cube?

[@JanDie575]

@@wizzibizzi 30 is possible but 35 will be dificult. But i do think it is great for commuting.

[@jaystarr6571]

I like baby wipes or Armour All car cleaning wipes for cleaning. The Armour All is cheaper and pre-moistened and leaves a nice new car smell. I have to get close so it gives me a nice opportunity to do a post ride inspection for issues and wear and tear.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Good suggestions, Jay! I love detailing my car and use the same stuff. I think you can use the Turtle synthetic spray wax for metal and plastic, so that's another good one to use on an ebike... just be careful with the tires, grips, saddle, and pedals so they don't get too slippery ;)

[@bd7190]

Great video, would you consider reviewing the Canyon Precede On CF 9 ? its the hottest bike going around and there are no reviews anywhere. Thank you

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Great suggestion! I do want to cover some Canyon models and I'll put this one at the top of the list ;)

[@bd7190]

@@ElectricBikeReview Thank you

[@Tschope]

Hi guys, great review, love it. Let me ask you, the only way to recharge the battery it's having a socket nearby to the bike? Can I remove the battery for charging? Thanks!

[@BDX55]

Yes, the battery can be removed for charging or you can charge it on the bike.

[@Tschope]

@@BDX55 thanks so much for this information!

[@Liefpj]

Heyyy Im in bc too. Just visiting my in laws on Bowen Island. They have this bike bought from Citibikes too. I was disappointed with the kickstand interfering with the rear axel(Chariot knob was hard to take on/off). The hills here are massive. Chain came off twice(i expected being able to change gears while stopped for this price). Jeez a 250w motor sounds underpowered. But im sure Bosche mid drive is better then my 500w rear motor NCM Milano. It was fine going up hill(avg 15kms/hr). Downhill at speeds around 50kms/hr feels steady/safe. Seat was too hard. A throttle would be a bonus too. Overall 3/5.

[@TheRealDoor]

What’s your height man? Does 17” and 19” have a huge size difference?

[@ValleysOfSaturn]

31:10 he says you can't adjust the backlight of the Purion display; however, that's not true. Turn off the display/motor completely, and then press +, - and Power (all three) at the same time. The display enters into maintenance mode. Then just by presing +, or -, you can adjust the amount of backlight on the display. This is from the official Purion manual!

[@MarioGoatse]

I was so close to buying one of these, but derestricting them is a bit of a headache as they throw error codes and you can’t just turn it off when you get home you have to wait for it to time out. 25km/h is just not enough for me. Edit: Found a better way of unlocking speed with the Volspeed v4, and you can set it to 45km/h without errors, so I ended up buying one. I bought the 2022 Reaction Hybrid Pro 400. 4th Gen CX, a better X-Fusion MIG 32 air fork with full compression, rebound, preload and lockout. And it comes with the Deore groupset. Got it for 25% off so 3500 AUD which is 2250usd. Definitely happy with that price. I wanted a bigger battery, but the 500 wasn’t on sale so it was an extra 1600. For that price I could buy 2 extra 500wh batteries lol.

[@DavidRyan.]

Will you ever review the Brompton Electric?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hi David, I'd love to! Right now I'm locked in Canada and don't know anyone who has it to loan or for sale. I'll cover the bike for free if you can help me track one down. I'm in Vancouver, BC Canada and willing to drive! My plan is to do some travels in the US again soon, and I'll keep this bike at the top of my list as I begin moving.

[@kevinnicholas7810]

Whats the range on these?

[@TheSkskitey]

Nice bike , it has a military look about it . I saw the speed when you were riding , was it set to KPH or MPH . You got it dirty too , i know you cleaned it up , and you even let a stranger do a test ride even though it was already sold , oh wah :-)

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah... the timeline is a bit convoluted. The medium frame was shot first and used for ride tests and the share test. This was done before it had been sold... then, I returned it to the shop, they sold it the next day, and this is when I realized my footage was corrupted. I called back, they said they would build another one and have it ready in a few days. By the time I went to pick it up, they had already sold that one too!! So the sold one that I did ride, I only did a limited ride test. I also have a policy that if a bike is damaged during my reviews, I will pay for any repairs or buy the bike in full to support the shop.

[@h4x0rl33tee]

How’s the reliability?

[@Gotta_Be_SamIRL]

I am looking to get a 2023 model very soon 😌

[@juliusoba6488]

Bought the latest 500 All Road recently. Cycling has never been this good.

[@jakebiever9117]

which model?

[@juliusoba6488]

@@jakebiever9117 2021

[@jakebiever9117]

@@juliusoba6488 how so you find it?

[@juliusoba6488]

@@jakebiever9117 very good. As the name says. I use it on gravel, mud, roads and all kinds of surfaces. The only downside is the weight. Battery lasts longer depending on the pedal assist function deployed.

[@brobiv2452]

Can u ride it in the city

[@waltlikker3988]

Two negatives regarding hybrid ebikes. 1. Front tire can't handle soft sand. 2. When a 50lb bike goes over, you're going down with it. There's no putting your foot down to stop your fall. Otherwise, I love my ebike. I moved to a rocky, high altitude area, and at 69 y o, I'm able to stay on the trails. I replaced my front tire with a Maxxis High Roller.

[@jakovivankovic]

Can you remove the fenders/mudguards or whatever you want to call them?

[@BDX55]

You can buy a version of the bike without the fenders and lights. Just search Cube Reaction.

[@troylai8300]

I have cube l like so much 👍👍👍👍👍🚲

[@kevintraynor4508]

Don't thing I'd go for the green handle bars

[@aidanm5194]

For the price I would like to see a bit better suspension fork

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yes, I'm surprised that it didn't have compression and preload, especially for the Allroad loadout that's like a dual-sport setup for road + trail.

[@jonm7272]

I've got the Reaction Hybrid Performance which had the same forks. You're right, they are rubbish forks. I've upgraded mine to Rockshox Judy Gold (and a new 15mm bolt thru wheel to match) and it transforms the bike. So much better with a decent fork, totally recommend this upgrade.

[@MarioGoatse]

I bought the 2022 Reaction Hybrid Pro and it comes with X-Fusion MIG 32 air forks. 100mm-130mm of travel with compression, preload, rebound, and a lockout. Not the greatest, but better. It also comes with a Deore 11 speed group set, instead of Alivio. And the Gen 4 CX. Much better bike these days.

[@leojonkers3181]

Cube is good brand. I love the Bosch Performanche Line motor. Has a good price, altough I payed the same for a e-bicycle, same motor, but Shimano Deore and 500 watt battery and Intuvia. Still I like this bike, I am not a off road bicyclist. But the bicycle looks very nice. The rear rack should be standard in my opion.

[@notsofresh8563]

Cube has a lot of overlap, Add a rack and to a Reaction and it is a Kathmandu. Bigger issue is Cube racks fit great, industry standard aftermarket racks, not so much.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Which bike did you end up with, Leo? Sounds like it offers good value for a slightly upgraded build :)

[@leojonkers3181]

@@ElectricBikeReview With a Stella Livorno Premium MDB SI. It's a Dutch brand, has some shops all over The Netherlands. This is quit special, unique. They keep everything in house, also selling and fixing your bicycle. So if you want to buy a Stella, you have to buy it direct from Stella shop or they bring your bicycle at your door. That keeps the cost down for the buyer. While normally a bicycle shop sells more brands. Next step for Stella will be selling outside our country. I like it very much, the Bosch Performanche Line motor like I said, the bicycle is stiff for a lowstep frame, you can put Daytime Running Light on if you want (daylights gave less light then when it really gets dark, they switsch to normal), the tires are Big ben Swalbe, I think all in all a good bicycle. Till now I like this bicycle. www.stella.nl/p/livorno-premium-mdb-si

[@leojonkers3181]

@@notsofresh8563 They sure look good. Well, propebly is kind of Dutch, to make it standard. Like a framelock, always standard apart from racing bikes or real moutain bikes.

[@chinonnoon9851]

Can I install a baby trailer on this?

[@yippie6862]

That's too bad you had re-do the whole video. At least it was probably easier the second time! Hopefully anyways :)

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Awww, thanks... it was frustrating because I really liked the forrest scene. I still don't know what caused the issue, but am so thankful that the shop helped me out by building another bike and letting me take it back out, even though it had sold! I always appreciate your positive comments, Yippie. We should be friends, where are you from? Feel free to email me at [e-mail]

[@goobfilmcast4239]

This is a nice looking bike...great features but small battery cap and no plus-size tires let it down... at $2.9K I shouldn't have to upgrade to get a 48V - 14ah Battery

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I’d love to see it with the PowerTube 500 at this price, especially since that doesn’t are much additional weight.

[@notsofresh8563]

@@ElectricBikeReview Its available in 500 and 625 in Europe. Cube has bucketloads of models and the North American Distributors tend to bring in good-better-best instead of 12 iterations of the same bike. It is possible to change batteries and possibly move the frame mount to fit a 625 in the Canadian bike. Reality is most people who step up to the 500 also want a CX.

[@notsofresh8563]

No such thing as a 48 volt bosch system.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

@@notsofresh8563 OK...how about the appropriate higher capacity battery for a bike that costs $3000.00

[@notsofresh8563]

@@goobfilmcast4239 If you do your research that bike is competitively priced for similar spec bikes.

[@ClintonJohnson1]

When you mentioned the steps, I totally thought you were going to ride up them.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Lol, I definitely could have with this bike and motor! It would be a little rough with a hardtail and a camera in one hand, but still possible ;)

[@PaulBissekerBushcraft]

@@ElectricBikeReview HAHAHA That was never going to happen lol

[@NanoDex]

Good video, meh bike. Love the 625 Kathmandu and other Cubes though! Wish QR axles would die. Thru axles and tubeless on every single bike imo

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I hear ya, it would make fork swaps a lot easier if all of the mountain bikes moved to tapered and 15mm thru-axle. I do like plus size, so perhaps moving to Boost on everything as well. I think the companies purposefully use different standards to segment the bikes by price. I see this with laptop computers too, it's difficult to find a laptop with a large SSD hard drive for under $600, and now they solder the drives in so you cannot upgrade them manually, it's like the "right to repair" planned obsolescence thing :/

[@drummergirl9481]

Can anyone tell me what are the best ebikes in the 1500 range? Something strong enough to pull a pet trailer and isnt pedal assist only

[@GaryFujiokaSr]

You should visit his site , there are several decent bikes in that range. That way you can see pictures, videos, read specs, gets contact and sales info.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

My 2 cents..... Rad Rover Fat Tire...offered in Full height or Step-thru....Throttle plus pedal assist up to 24 MPH...its currently $1599 but well-equipped. I live beachside in FL and use it in sand, on trails and paved roads with no problems... I also tow a Dog-trailer for my 50 pound Pit bull for a 6 mile round trip to the park ....rides like a dream and built like a tank.....BTW, The Rad Runner will do the same for $1200....

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Great question, I like the RadCity models from Rad Power Bikes, or the Surface 604 Rook/Colt models, Aventon and Sondors have some good stuff too. Here’s a list for you to explore at that price point electricbikereview.com/best-affordable-electric-bikes/

[@drummergirl9481]

@@GaryFujiokaSr thank you I hadn’t thought to do that !

[@drummergirl9481]

@@ElectricBikeReview thank you so much!!!!

[@troylai8300]

👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 ❤

[@frafra224]

30:21 It hurts seeing him standing on the pedal like that. Why would anyone do this to an expensive bike?

[@chronometa]

Overwhelming is right 😅

[@Crypter]

This hurts my ears!! What’s wrong with the sound?!

[@davidbayly4593]

Riding one handed and recording is up there with the stupidly of using a mobile phone while driving. Irresponsible and shows little about the bike which is designed to be used with both hands on the handle bar.