CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 800 review

Where the Reaction Hybrid Pro 800 fits

The clearest match is riders covering long, hilly trail loops who want full-power assistance and meaningful control upgrades without moving to the weight and maintenance of full suspension. Compare the complete specification and available independent coverage before choosing a size or variant.

Motor, controls and UK legality

The motor is Bosch Drive Unit Performance Line CX, max. 120 Nm (BDU38).. The controls are Bosch Purion 200 with Integrated Display.

The BDU38 Performance Line CX is listed with a maximum 120Nm configuration and drives through a 10–51T twelve-speed cassette. It offers abundant climbing support, while single-click shifting and the chain guide help manage the forces involved.

Maximum torque is not always the best trail setting: a progressive mode can preserve traction and battery on loose climbs. Bosch software, mode availability and market tune should be confirmed at handover, rather than assuming the maximum figure applies continuously.

For use as an electrically assisted pedal cycle in Great Britain, the maximum continuous rated motor power must not exceed 250W, assistance must cut out by 15.5mph and the pedals must be able to propel the bike. Check the label and delivered configuration rather than relying on a category name.

Battery, charging and realistic range

The listed battery is Bosch PowerTube 800 Wh. No numerical range is stated in the accessible listing; route, rider, weather and assistance level materially affect distance

The 800Wh PowerTube is designed for long loops and repeated climbing, where the Pro’s stronger motor and grippier use can consume energy quickly. Riders doing short local rides will carry more capacity and mass than they need.

The supplied two-amp charger favours overnight use and can be inconvenient after a fully depleted long day. Real range is best assessed in watt-hours consumed per familiar route, not through a single headline distance.

Use only the approved compatible charger, charge away from escape routes and stop using a battery that is damaged, swollen, leaking or unusually hot. Ask for the replacement-pack price and warranty conditions before the original battery becomes a problem.

Frame, fit and ride character

The frame specification is Aluminium Superlite, Gravity Casting Technology, Agile Ride Geometry, Boost148, Fully Integrated Battery, Advanced Internal Cable Routing, 1.5 Headtube, Kickstand/Fender/Carrier Mounting Points. Fork and suspension details are RockShox Recon Silver RL Air, Tapered, 15x110mm, 120mm travel (27.5: 100mm). The tyres are Schwalbe Smart Sam, Active, 2.6.

A 120mm RockShox Recon Silver RL air fork can be set to rider weight and gives more controlled travel than the ONE’s coil unit. The remote dropper lets the rider lower the saddle for steep or technical sections, a major confidence upgrade rather than a cosmetic extra.

Shimano MT420 four-piston brakes use 203mm rotors front and rear, offering far greater descending reserve than MT200 units. Wide Smart Sam tyres remain versatile rather than highly specialised, so aggressive riders may eventually choose a more terrain-specific tread.

Brakes, transmission and everyday equipment

The bike uses Shimano BR-MT420, Hydraulic Disc Brake, 203/203mm. Transmission is Shimano Deore SL-M6210-IR, Direct Attach, Single Click; Shimano XT RD-M8200-SGS, ShadowPlus, 12-Speed; Shimano Deore CS-M6100, 10-51T. The equipment information is CUBE Dropper Post, Handlebar Lever, Internal Cable Routing, 31.6mm.

Carrier, mudguard and kickstand mounting points mean the Pro can still cover weekday utility work, although the dropper complicates some rack and saddlebag arrangements. Tubeless-ready wheels create an upgrade path for lower pressures and puncture sealing.

A hardtail has fewer pivots and less maintenance than a full-suspension Stereo, but rear-wheel impacts are transmitted more directly to rider and equipment. It is best on climbing, flow trails and mixed routes rather than repeated rough enduro descents.

What the published evidence tells us

The recorded price for this build is £2,899. Prices can differ by colour or size, and stock can change; a discount against a reference price does not by itself establish value.

The seller and CUBE’s official exact page establish the current Pro’s fork, dropper, four-piston brakes, 800Wh battery and BDU38 motor. These details distinguish it materially from older Reaction Pro reviews found online.

Independent exact-generation ride testing is limited, while existing Reaction reviews generally support clean integration, strong Bosch performance and versatile hardtail handling. This synthesis therefore credits the verified equipment benefits without claiming that older test scores transfer unchanged.

Advantages and disadvantages

The useful comparison is whether the complete build suits the regular route, storage and service plan. A premium motor cannot compensate for poor fit, while a modest component can be entirely sensible on the right type of bike.

• Advantage: Full-power Bosch CX and 800Wh battery
• Advantage: Adjustable RockShox air fork
• Advantage: Strong four-piston 203mm braking
• Advantage: Dropper post and wide-range XT shifting
• Disadvantage: Heavier and costlier than lower Reaction builds
• Disadvantage: Hardtail rear end limits rough-descending comfort
• Disadvantage: Slow two-amp charger
• Disadvantage: Smart Sam tyres are generalists rather than specialist trail rubber

Buying checks and RideIn verdict

Confirm the exact product code, frame size, colour, battery capacity, assistance configuration and included equipment before paying. Ask who will handle electrical diagnosis, warranty labour and replacement components, then test the brakes, controls and fit before committing to regular use.

The Pro 800 is the first Reaction in this group whose full component package matches the motor’s serious trail potential. It is the clear hardtail choice for steep riding; choose a ONE only when range and mixed-use value matter more than descending control.