The Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 500 is more than just XC trails with less effort.
The combination of Bosch electric power and a hard-tail cross-country platform has made it an e-MTB option for those looking to try trails and yet not spending lots for money.
You can buy it with 27.5-inch or 29-inch tires, which could be appealing to different riders.
THINGS I FIND ATTRACTIVE
– Different frame options (6), so there is accessibility for most rides.
– It has a reinforced wheel system to reduce rim cracking, which is very important for hard trails.
– Tires with high treat per inch (TPI) to increase shock absorption and control.
– I love the compact battery and motor.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
– The suspension fork is a coil spring system, which increases the weight (but can be upgraded to air suspension).
– It could be considered a heavy electric mountain bike (23 kg).
– No rear suspension, so it would be limited to certain trails.
– The front chainwheel is too small (8T), so it is not for high speed.
Table of Contents
What Makes It Unique?
High-performance electric mountain bikes are aimed at the recreational rider needing a quality ride on cross-country trails.
I believe the Pro 500 is perfect for a novice rider since it has all the power needed to go uphill and provides the right assistance power for better control when pedaling.
What does this small motor hide?
The Bosch Performance CX pedal assist system is a mid-drive model, offering a natural feeling of power and is organically integrated into the frame’s construction.
With it, you can achieve up to 85Nm of torque with 250-watt continuous power linked with the Bosch battery.
Knowing the battery can provide 500Wh, you could also have a motor peak output of 500W.
How ergonomic and sturdy is the frame, and what about the drivetrain?
The frame is triple-butted with aluminum and has a tapered head-tube for stiffness with accurate steering.
The cable routing is internal within the frame, giving the wiring a clean look and protection. The cabling exposure removal is essential so there are no elements interfering with the ride.
Regarding how I felt reaching the handlebar and my lower body comfort, it was not the most friendly. Maybe having the handlebar a little bit higher could be ideal for neck protection.
The brand knows how important it is to have a high-performance drivetrain. For this matter, they went with the Deore line from Shimano (10-speed), which I think is one of the best from the company for mountain biking. I sensed a smooth and accurate transition between the gears.
What else is in it?
The Suntour suspension fork provides a 100 mm compression travel. I can say it is not expected for an e-MTB, but at least it gives enough sock absorption for small to medium jumps.
The suspension is supported by the 2.6-inch Schwalbe tires that will keep you on traction.
An added benefit of these tires is the puncture-resistant structure. For trails, this is basic to have.
Furthermore, the motor has a dual-layer skid plate that protects it from rock strikes.
All of the above is not so awesome without a proper braking system. The two (2) piston system and the small hydraulic disc (180 mm rotors) are nothing but solid.
Looking again into the motor and battery elements, they seem to be well placed into the chassis. For me, this is nice since I expect to have a good balance on every corner.
Other Fantastic Features
– The e-bike has a minimalist design, but loads of potential to upgrade. There is a bottle cage on the seat tube, and it has rack bosses on the seat.
The seat tube is pre-routed to use with a seat post dropper.
– The fork has no anodized stanchions and is not adjustable but has a 15 mm thru-axle with supported wider Boost hub spacing to use with a wide spoke bracing angle.
– You receive a Bosch 2 amp battery charger, but if you need a quicker recharge, it is also compatible with the 4 amp charger alternative.
– The Performance Line motor produces faster energy and some reduction-gearing drag than an Active Line motor.
– It also has a built-in shift sensor that automatically reduces the pressure when changing gears; this is called a gear sensor.
– The top speed reached by this e-bike is 20 mph (32 km/h). That speed is more than what is allowed in many countries (25 km/h), but you would be fine when riding on trails, which means out of the urban / pedestrian areas.
– For tightening the chain, you have a small lever on the front edge of the housing for fast riding and cycling bumpy off-road.
The included battery offers you 36v and 13.4 amp hours for up to 500 watt-hours of capability.
Lastly, the battery pack has a locking core and lid that will click when secured to make the ride safe.
Activating Its Drive System
Activating it is straightforward; just the click of a button, and that is it.
Holding the + button turns the lights on and off.
With the button, you can also go through your odometer, range, trip distance, assist level, and your current state of charge.
I like the walk-mode feature. The lower panel is only available when using Eco, Boost, Sport, or Tour mode to work.
One thing to know is that the Bosch Purion display cannot be swiveled and is also not removable. I guess this is a good thing as no thief would be able to steal it, but neither do you.
Further, it does not show many menus or has a Micro-USB charging port. In general words, it provides the basics.
The screen sometimes glows a faint white color, which doesn’t draw too much power.
Should You Go for It?
The answer for me is yes if the plan is to travel around town (off-road) and take on low to medium-complex trails. It gives what is needed for good fun.
Here are some reasons to consider as to why you should or should not buy it:
Good reasons:
– It offers an excellent weight distribution as the motor is placed in the low and center of the frame.
– The motor blends nicely into the downtube with a double-layer skid plate to protect it from rock strikes.
– It is available in different frame sizes and outfits with either a 27.5-inch (16 and 18 inches) or a 29-inch tire (17, 19, 21 and 23 inches).
– The battery pack is not too heavy and mounted into the downtube, also providing a good weight distribution, and it is more aesthetically pleasing.
– The wheels have reinforced eyelets that reduce rim cracking and are more durable.
– The front wheel has a broader Boost hub spacing, provides a sturdier bracing angle for the spokes, and is equipped with wide quality tires and puncture-resistant.
– The top tube, seat tube, and down tube offer you loads of space to use accessories, and you can add a disc brake-compatible rear rack.
– Talking about the hydraulic disc brakes, they offer an acceptable stopping power and reasonable control.
– The display is compact and readable, providing you with large readouts.
– With the motor, it supports a higher-pedal rate and does not fade out when you reach 120 RPM.
– You get a two-year warranty on everything available on the electric bike, and the frame has a five-year warranty.
– For transporting it, you have a quick-release rear wheel with a removable feature.
Some of the downsides:
– The suspension fork is a coil spring system, and therefore it weighs more. In addition, it is not adjustable.
– The overall weight is 53 lbs (23.7 kg) in the medium-sized frame, which I think is on the heavy side.
– Further, the Purion display panel is not removable, making it potentially a temptation to thieves.
Don’t get us wrong; it has good stuff to play with if you plan to jump small bumps or go uphill on off-road terrain.
I know it has the support of well-renowned brand parts like Bosch and Shimano. For that, it certainly will give a lot of power, torque and quick gear changes when most needed.
The fact that you have different frame sizes and wheels to choose from is great for accessing different riders.
Considering all the above traits, I think the Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 500 electric mountain bike is worth checking out.
