Those who look around a bit while driving a tour, see them everywhere: the hardtails of Cube. That is no coincidence. The Bavarian brand knows how to combine competitive prices with a fine -meshed dealer network. In addition: Mountain bikes from Cube, in terms of geometry and finish, generally appeal to a wide audience. The new Cube Reaction C: 62 is no exception to that. Sebastiaan is enthusiastic: “Thanks to its agile character, this light and compact carbon hardtail feels completely at home on the Dutch mountain bike routes.”
Text: Sebastiaan Kruik // Photos: Arjan Kruik
With special thanks to our great friends of Klein Tweewielers for making the test bike roadworthy.
Cube Reaction C: 62: Nothing wrong with middle class
Table of Contents
“With its frame construction and its versatile geometry from the XC racing, the reaction C: 62 convincingly shows that a hardtail is capable of much more than you expect. This is a cross-country hardtail of today: light, lively and scorating fast.” Yes, Cube opens all the registers on his website to cheer his new Reaction C: 62. Baked air? Not necessarily. With the help of a scale you can determine that Cube’s first claim is in any case correct. The Reaction C: 62 In the racing version that we have received as a test bike, weighs only 10.25 kilos. And that is for a bicycle that costs 2,499 euros a lot.
However, to verify the other claims with regard to the “lively” and the “scorching fast”, a look at the scales are not sufficient. To find out you have to cycle. And that is exactly what I have done in recent months. And not only me, but also Velozinvriend Maurice has the necessary offroad-kilometers with the Reaction C: 62 kicked away. You can read how this carbon hardtail gave birth below.
Cube Reaction C: 62 2025: Program and prices
The new Reaction C: 62 series from Cube comprises four models, each of which comes in two colors. TOP model is the Reaction C: 62 SLX with SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission, which with 2,999 euros stays just under three thousand euros. This includes the Reaction C: 62 race of 2,499 euros with which we have driven. The Reaction C: 62 Pro comes to 1,999 euros, the Reaction C is the Reaction C: 62 One, for which you only have to count 1,499 euros. For that you get the rather simple SX group from SRAM, but exactly the same high-quality carbon frame as with the top model. Cube brings the Reaction C: 62 in five different sizes, from S to XXL.
More info on cube.eu
Tested: Cube Reaction C: 62 in the Race version of 2,499 euros.
Frame
Light, but not the lightest
The frame of the Cube Reaction C: 62, as the name suggests, is made of C: 62-carbon. This is not the lightest carbon that Cube has in the house, but a loose reaction frame in size L weighs only 1,125 grams. Okay, really light frames are around the kilo or even dive under that, but you will not find such frames on bikes of 2,500 euros. In other words: with that 1,125 grams, the price is absolutely nothing wrong.
A few things stand out when you see the Cube Reaction C: 62 for the first time. First of all, of course, the lettering in beautiful rainbow colors. At least, when the sun shines. Otherwise the decals Simply silver. And then the seat post clamp. Or rather: the apparent lack thereof. Only with a second look do you see that the clamping mechanism is concealed in the seat tube. This construction ensures that more seat post protrudes above the frame. This makes it easier to bend back with shocks, which should increase comfort. The integrated clamp is not the only comfort trick: the slim -standing rear fork and the at the bottom flattened seating tube are also designed to allow the seat tube (and therefore the seat post) to bend back.
Just about that integrated seat post clamp. Note that with a multi -tool you cannot easily reach the bolts. It is therefore important to adjust the saddle at home with a regular four millimeter Allen key at the correct height.
UDH-Achterpatten
Since the previous Reaction C: 62 has been in the collection since 2018, it was really high time for a new one. And not least because of the rise of the UDH-Achterpat, the universal derailleur hanger Who makes it possible to mount the Transmission Derailleurs from SRAM. Of course, the UDH-PAT is on the new Reaction C: 62. And what in 2025 should not be missing on a mountain bike – at least, according to Cube – is a cable entry through the upper steering head bearing. You can find everything from that, but a fact is that the Lower Cap of Acros and the Stem of Newmen do not stand in the way, so that you can easily put the stem -free in the lowest position. And unfortunately we sometimes see that differently.
Distorender is the lack of a decent protector on the horizontal rear fork. It seems to be a bit of a cube thing, because also on the Cube Phenix and the double-suspended Cube AMS there are also no protectors against chain stroke. A shame, because what does such a piece of rubber cost? Speaking of rubber: Cube delivers the Reaction C: 62 from the factory with relatively narrow 2.25 inch tires, but wider 2.35s or even 2.4s (tried) also fit in the rear bridge.
Finally, the flatmount-Rem claw mounting in the Achterdrian angle. Despite a few disadvantages – for example the obligation to apply the smallest available, least powerful calipers – there is also something positive to say about that. A Flatmount set-up Is lighter, more compact and, according to some, more beautiful. But why then a 140 millimeter Flatmount with an adapter for a 160 millimeter brake disc? Are there bikers who even think about mounting a 140 millimeter disk on their reaction C: 62? I can’t imagine it.
In size L, the frame of the reaction weighs just over a kilo thanks to the application of Cube’s C: 62-carbon.
The trick at C: 62 carbon is that the ratio between fibers and resin is optimized. Short through the bend: as many fiber as possible, as little resin as possible.
The Cube Reaction C: 62 has an integrated seat post clamp.
Thanks to that integrated clamp, the slim seat post protrudes well above the frame, which must ensure more comfort. The same goal serves the slim standing rear fork and the flattened seat tube at the bottom.
Typical hardtail: trouble -free place for two (large) water bottles).
The Reaction C: 62 has 2.25 inch tires from the factory, only 2.35s also fit.
Pressfit Trapaslagers.
Typical cube thing: a Flatmount mounting point for the rear brake.
The brake and gear cable go into the frame via the upper steering head bearing.
New on the Reaction C: 62: UDH-Achterpatten.
Only when the sun shines: rainbow letters.
Geometry and sitting position
A Phenix with Comfort treatment
You have to give the Cube. When the new competition hardtail Phenix was launched last year, it was in line with expectations that the new reaction would be exactly the same, but in a cheaper carbon construction. So not the feather-light C: 68x carbon of the Phenix, but the somewhat heavier C: 62 material. After all, that is a way of working that we regularly see with many other brands; One frame, multiple constructions. But nothing is less true with the new Reaction C: 62. Despite the external similarities with his more expensive family member, there is really another bike.
Where the geometry of the competitive Phenix C: 68x long and low, there are the sizes of the Reaction C: 62 much more focused on the recreational rider. Of course, that reaction C: 62 is certainly not a oma bike, far from. But the deep and stretched sit that can turn the Phenix into a somewhat tiring machine has undergone comfort treatment with the Reaction. In concrete terms, this means that the Reaction is less long and low. Thus the reach in de stack At the Phenix 457 and 622 millimeters. At the Reaction, those values are 439 and 630 millimeters respectively. That saves a lot. Also in the wheelbase that difference and length clearly comes back: 1.145 millimeters for the Phenix against 1,130 millimeters for the Reaction.
For the remaining, both cube-hardtails, by the way, hardly or hardly get rid of each other. The corners are almost identical, with 68.5 degrees for the head tube corner and 74 degrees for the seating tube. The position of the bottom bracket is also the same with both bikes: 65 millimeters. The length of the lying rear fork is also identical: 426 millimeters.
Selection choice
The size L of the test bike was chosen based on the size advice on the Cube website. With a height of 178 centimeters and an inner leg length of 86 millimeters, I experience the seat on the Reaction in size L as a good compromise between sporty and comfortable. Note that I have put the stem in reverse in the lowest position. That yields a seat that is deep enough for me to be able to give gas efficiently and upright enough to offer control in difficult sections. And not to forget: to save my arms, shoulders and neck on long distances.
For tours and fast training rides: the seating position on the Reaction is nice and sporty, but not too.
With 117 millimeters in frame size L, the head tube is a compromise between sporty deep and comfortably upright.
But with a length of 70 millimeters, the inverted stem still gives a fair amount of pressure on the front wheel.
The flat steering wheel also contributes to the sporting position. In the case of our test bike, by the way, no copy of Newmen, but of SQLAB.
Ditto for the handles and the (surprisingly practical) innerbarends: those are also from SQLAB. The Cube importer also does SQLAB and used the test bike as a demo for this brand.
With only 426 millimeters on the short side of the spectrum, the swing bridge.
The Reaction C: 62 completely in its element on the fast winding park prices.
To climb? He does it well.
How does the Cube Reaction C drive: 62?
The experience of Velozinvriend Maurice
In addition to myself, Velozinvriend Maurice also kicked off a lot of kilometers on the Reaction C: 62. Maurice is not a professional tester, so he cannot compare the Cube with other current carbon hardtails. But he does drive a lot of kilometers. Moreover, Maurice has a very good reference: his own aluminum Merida Big-Nine from 2021, with just like the Reaction C: 62 race a complete XT group and aluminum wheels. Despite those similarities, the Cube scores much better than its Merida. “There is much more energy in the Cube,” notes Maurice. “I hold my speed more easily and am at speed earlier after a turn.”
Also in Klimmetjes Maurice Difference notes: “It is easier on the Cube to take the last part of the bump on pace. That distinction in speed between my merida and the cube is not only felt, but also concrete measurable; I have driven several PRs with the Cube! Whether comfort is doing a role, but that the Cube feels less hard.” ”” ”” ”” So far the experience of Maurice, who is the Carbon Cube Reaction C: 62 as a big one upgrade Compared to his own aluminum Merida experiences Big-Nine.
My own experience
My own experience with the Cube Reaction mainly took place on the Brabantse Wal and surroundings. You will not find alone there oldskoolRoutes with long straight pieces and angle turns, but also playful singletracks. The Cube feels completely at home in the straight sections with right -hand bends. You just have to think about accelerating and the light -hearted reaction C: 62 shoots ahead. It does it on the square centimeter. The cornering bonanza on Singletrack Route of Huijbergen is completely tasty: left, right, left, and then full gas on a bump. With its short swing bridge and relatively steep head tube corner, the Reaction C: 62 feels like a fish in the water here.
Also on the nearby Col du Kragge the Reaction C: 62 shows that it can be more than just steering. Climbing is excellent, although the very short swing bridge in the steepest sections requires the displacement of your seat to the tip of the saddle to keep pressure on the front wheel. Standing climbing often works better than staying in those pieces.
Funbike
On the other side of the track, on the single track through the Borgvliet dunes, the reaction C: 62 feels again in its element: agile, dynamic and above all very bad fun. Yet with two times 250 altimeters on the Kragge in the legs, the lesser sides of this carbon hardtail also come to light. The comfort leaves something to be desired; Schoks are passed on more direct and harder due to the very short swing bridge. The long, slender seat post takes the sharpest edges away, but there is still plenty that the seat is able to reach. In addition, the relatively narrow 2.25-inch tires also contribute little to damping or comfort.
And not to forget: also not to check. With its relatively steep head corner, the Reaction C: 62 requires more attention than, for example, the long and lazy Cannondale Scalpel HT or the Rose PDQ. And the relatively narrow rubbers do not make it easier. As the speed increases and the site becomes more challenging, this German asks more and more of your skills. Whether you see that as a disadvantage or benefit depends on your driving style and personal preference. I tend to the last: descents at Reaction C: 62 are always exciting and offer a pleasant sensation of speed and liveliness. And that without creating dangerous situations. After all, circumstances in which you could ask too much of this bike, you rarely come across in the Netherlands.
Thanks to the short rear train and the relatively steep head tube corner, it is nice to turn.
Nevertheless, the Reaction C: 62 does not feel nervous in fast passages.
The carbon German is also a fast climber.
The Reaction C: 62 proves that you do not need a special clay bike at all for better wandering on sand and gravel roads.
Parts and mounting
Nursery: High -quality Fox 32 SC Float Performance
In the head tube of the Reaction C: 62 race there is a lightweight Fox 32 Step-Cast Float Performance with 100 millimeters of Veerweg. The addition ‘Performance’ means that the gold-colored coating of the more expensive factory model is missing. The damper is also a bit easier: not the new GRIP SL-Demper, but the ‘normal’ grip silencer. The latter can be operated with a remote On the wheel, with the positions ‘open’ and ‘closed’. With the latter position, the fork is not completely locked, but it is much stiffer damped than in the open position.
Although I have to admit that I have that lock-out Having hardly any used, are of course entire tribes that put their front fork into the ‘stiff’ position at the slightest or the least. So who am I to say that such a position is superfluous? But apart from that, that new FOX 32 SC is a wonderful fork, with a lot of flexibility at the bottom of the battle and sufficient back pressure in the middle and the end.
Transmission and braking: just good
On the switch on the Reaction C: 62 race almost nothing can be found. A derailleur, cassette, chain and shifter From the XT M8100 group from Shimano. And if that is not enough, Cube gives the Reaction C: 62 race one upgrade In the form of a few carbon cranks from Praxis. The only thing that deserves an adjustment is the chain top: with 32 teeth that is actually too small for the fast Dutch routes. With a 34er or even a 36er, the chain line would be more favorable and the wear is also limited.
The hydraulic brakes also come from Shimano: XTs with calipers with two pistons. The brake discs come from the SLX group; A 180er in front and a copy with 160 millimeters behind. The stopping power of this combi is more than excellent under Dutch conditions, the adjustability and the ergonomics of brake handles too.
A FOX 32 SC Float Performance with ‘Remote’ on the handlebars.
Beautiful bridge.
Nothing wrong with that: an almost complete ‘old’ Shimano XT M8100 group.
“Almost”, because Cube gives the Reaction C: 62 race an upgrade in the form of carbon cranks!
For Dutch mountain bike routes more than sufficiently powerful: Shimano XT M8100 brakes.
Rotating mass: light aluminum wheels with relatively narrow rubbers
Cube hangs in the frame of Reaction C: 62 a pair of Beskar 30-wheels from home supplier Newmen. This German wheel builder makes the aluminum Beskar rims in three versions: light, base in strong. I think indications that speak for themselves. The Beskars under the Reaction C: 62 is the Light version, which does 1,695 grams per pair. For a few aluminum wheels with a rim width of 30 millimeters, that is really very light, but nevertheless no problem occurred during our test.
The rubber of service is the popular Schwalbe duo Racing Ray and Ralph. It concerns the version with Race-Karkas and Speed-Rubber. So Schwalbe’s lightest carcass and fastest compound. I understand the idea behind those 2.25s – you quickly save about sixty to seventy grams per tire compared to a 2.35 inch copy and thanks to the wide rims, they still fall quite voluminous – but because of the grip and especially the comfort I would personally go for a set of wider tires.
Thirty millimeters wide aluminum Beskar rims from Newmen in the lightest version.
Relatively narrow rubbers: Cube mounts the popular Schwalbe duo Ray and Ralph in 2.25 inches.
And with a fast but therefore also a little less grip -resistant rubber mix.
Conclusion
It is really bizarre, but Cube is able to put the new Reaction C: 62 Race on the market for a sharper price than the old one! Okay, not literally. The old Reaction C: 62 race with which we drove at the beginning of 2024, with 2,300 euros two hundred euros cheaper than the new Reaction C: 62 race that we have tested here. But that is comparing a bit of apples with pears. After all, that new Reaction C: 62 race is more luxurious and lighter than its predecessor, with a full Shimano XT group including carbon praxis cranks, versus the XT excusation derailleur with the trap of the old components on the old Reaction C: 62 race. That makes the new Reaction C: 62 race not only a lighter bike, but also a better one.
But the new reaction C: 62 race is not only lighter and more luxurious than its predecessor, but also much more comfortable and in terms of geometry more topical. At the same time, when it comes to the driving characteristics, it is still a real reaction C: 62, with the emphasis on maneuverability and dynamics over control and stability. In short, it won’t surprise me if you come across this hardtail a lot on the Dutch MTB routes.
Criticism? Not much. The warranty is rather scanty at three years, certainly because some competitors offer a lifetime warranty on the frame. But apart from some small dots – the narrow tires, the flatmount Calhable mounting – you can also check all the pockets. The only point that I really put on my eyebrows is the lack of a solid protector on the horizontal rear fork, so that the frame on carrot paths seems to strive for a second career as a sound box. A pity, because a quiet bike is a fast bike.
Cube Reaction C: 62 Race | Price, specifications and geometry
Parts, weight and price
| Frame | C:62-carbon |
| Fork | Fox 32 SC Float Performance, 100 mm veerweg, remote lock-out |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed |
| Switch | Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed |
| Crankset | Praxis Girder Carbon, 175 mm, 32t |
| Cassette | Shimano XT M8100, 10/51t |
| Chain | Shimano XT M8100 |
| Brakes | Shimano XT M8100 |
| Brake discs (V/A) | Shimano SM-RT70, 180/160 mm |
| Wheels | Newmen Beskar Light, 28 Spokes |
| Front tire | Schwalbe Racing Ray, Super Race-karkas, Addix Speed, 29 x 2.25″ |
| Rear tire | Schwalbe Racing Ralph, Super Race-Karkas, DO NOT Speed, 29 x 2.25 ″ |
| Send | Newmen Evolution SL, 760 mm breed |
| Stem | Newmen Evolution, 70 mm lang |
| Hit | Acid Nuance Pro |
| Seatpost | Newmen Evolution, Ø 27,2 mm |
| Weight | 10.25 kg (frame measure L) |
| Price | € 2.499,00 |
| Guarantee | Three -year warranty on Frame for first owner |
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Website manufacturer: cube.eu
