Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 750 (2024 – ) review

All Cube Reaction Hybrid models are what’s known as hardtails, which is to say a rigid frame with a suspension fork at the front. These are available in conventional ‘diamond’ format with a crossbar, or as a ‘step-through’ design as you prefer, both integrating the battery into the frame and using a Bosch motor unit powering the pedals directly. This is a bit more expensive than the hub motors used on other e-bikes but offers a much more natural pedalling feel and centres the extra weight of the drive unit and battery for better handling. The Reaction is a smart looking bike as well, the frame very neatly finished with clean lines and a sense it’s been thought through to the last detail. We also appreciated Cube’s ‘SizeSplit’ policy, which means the smaller frame sizes use 27.5-inch wheels to make them easier to handle while from Medium and up it uses larger 29-inch wheels that roll more smoothly over the bumps.

Even if you never ride off-road mountain bikes are easy to get along with, the flat handlebars and relatively upright riding position comfortable and confidence inspiring for riders of all levels. The sloping crossbar (or top tube as it’s also known) on the regular frame means plenty of standover height when you’re not sitting in the saddle for easy handling, the step-through frame even easier if that’s what you want. Cube has put more effort than average into fit, the all-important frame geometry (the angles that dictate how the bike handles) all tailored to the particular size. These look fairly typical for this type of bike, and balanced between stability and agility. Saying that the large we tried came up on the small side and felt a little short for your six-foot tester, so you might find yourself wanting to go up a size from what you usually ride for room to stretch out. With options from small to XXL there should be something there to suit all riders, though.

We’d usually score a mountain bike a little lower than this on practicality, on the basis they’re usually supplied without mudguards, racks or other more practical features and if you ride in poor weather you’re going to get wet and muddy. Which, for enthusiasts, is often part of the point! And the Hybrid Pro 750 we rode was a case in point. But where it can sometimes be hard to find compatible accessories Cube does at least have a range of purpose-built racks, mudguards, kickstands and more if you want your Reaction to be more of an all-rounder. These integrate well into the bike, and look better than generic aftermarket options you’d otherwise use. You can buy them individually as upgrades, or pre-fitted if you choose the Allroad version at a relatively modest extra cost.

The type of motor your e-bike uses is a crucial consideration when comparing models to buy, cheaper versions like the Claud Butler Wrath 2.0 we tested recently using hub motors integrated into the rear wheel while more premium models like the Cube have more sophisticated drive units built into the frame and driving the pedals directly. The advantage being that the motor assistance is there from the moment you turn the pedals, without the delay you sometimes get from hub motor systems. This feels more natural, and frame motors are often more powerful as well. Cube uses Bosch motor and battery systems in its Reaction range and these are a case in point, the instant boost to the pedals making it feel like you have the legs of a champion cyclist from the off and always there up to the mandated 15.5mph speed limit for electric assistance. Beyond that it’s up to you! With variable power levels selectable from a neat handlebar remote you have enough to get you up the steepest climbs, the confidence inspiring Shimano disc brakes keeping your speed in check on the way back down.

Having chosen the correct size (see ‘Riding Position’) the Reaction Hybrid Pro should feel fun and confidence inspiring for a huge range of riders. Electric mountain bikes like this work well on a wide variety of terrain as well, the Schwalbe tyres offering a sensible balance of rolling speed and off-road grip to suit riding on the road or beyond. Hardtails like this reach their limit if the going gets seriously bumpy, and if you’re really looking to test yourself on jumps, rocks and roots the extra money for a full suspension type is well worth it. But Cube has done its best to mitigate this, with a decent quality X-Fusion suspension fork up front and extra fat tyres for a bit of extra cushioning. The tyres are also tubeless ready, which a shop can set up for you and means you can run them softer for more comfort without risk of punctures.

As ever with bikes you need to balance purchase cost against quality of components, and while a cheap bike might look attractive at the outset the components often break or wear out faster, costing you more in the end. The Cube is not a cheap bike, but there’s the reassurance the quality of the parts will, with proper care, pay you back with cheaper running costs overall.

As above, we’d take confidence in the fact Cube has fitted quality bits from the likes of Shimano, Schwalbe, X-Fusion, Bosch and its own in-house finishing kit for things like handlebars, seatposts and more. This is all proven kit used across the bike industry, and we’d have every confidence it will stay the course.

Another example of a return on investment when it comes to the Cube’s heftier upfront cost, on the basis it guarantees all its bikes for a full two years from the point of purchase, the frame covered against breakage for five years. Bosch also guarantees its motor and battery systems for two years, and that its batteries will hold at least 60 per cent charge over this period or for the first 500 charging cycles, whichever comes first. Unlike many rival battery and motor systems Bosch’s are also fully serviceable, so if anything does go wrong further down the line you can take confidence it will be repairable, which is another important consideration.

If you want a Reaction with all the bells and whistles there are others in the range with more in the way of extra bits. As it stands the Reaction Hybrid Pro 750 we tested focuses on solid foundations and quality more than fancy gimmicks, which for the more serious mountain bikers this particular variant is aimed at will be just fine. The absence of the Bosch Kiox display for things like speed power output and the rest might be a frustration for the tech obsessed but you can seemingly add this as a retrofit option, or pair the motor with your phone and get more information on a dedicated app. But the standard remote is easy to use, and the uncluttered cockpit is neater in our view so you pays your money and takes your choice, up to and including investing in the Allroad version with the mudguards, racks and side stand if you want.

Purchase price is often seen as a barrier to uptake for e-bikes and it’s true the Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 750 looks expensive. But the flipside of that is the higher quality the frame, motor system and other components. Which could actually save you money over the course of ownership. Spread the cost on a ride to work scheme if your employer offers it and it looks even more appealing, the bike equally capable of a mixed commute Monday to Friday as it is leisure rides at the weekend. Check the sizing before you buy as it did seem to come up small on us but, other than that, this is a quality piece of kit. Our thanks to Earnshaws Cycles in Huddersfield for the loan of the bike featured in this review