Cube Bikes always have a major presence at the Cycle Show and the 2018 Cycle Show was no different with their 2019 range of kids bikes on display. The Cube Reaction C:62 Youth mountain bike caught my eye, and I was keen to find out more.
The Reaction C:62 is Cube’s new cross country race machine aimed at riders aged from around 10 years and up. The carbon fibre frame is based around the adult Elite C:62 in terms of design and construction, but with the components specified for a slightly smaller youth rider.
It’s a bike built for attacking trails at speed and this is evident when looking over the lithe carbon frameset. There’s a tapered headtube, ‘press-fit’ bottom bracket that’s wider than a traditional threaded variety, and a boost rear end – all elements of design that help create a very stiff bicycle frame that transfers power efficiently to the road. However, designers are always looking for the sweet spot between stiffness, lightness and comfort and it’s no easy job as there’s always a trade-off to be made.
The frame comes in two sizes 13.5″ and 15″, with the smaller running 27.5″ wheels and the larger 29″ – there’s not that many youth specific mountain bikes with that larger wheel size, so it will be interesting to see how popular this proves.
With regards weight, Cube’s website states the Reaction C:62 comes in as a complete bike at 10.1kg. I’m assuming that’s for the smaller framed 27.5″ wheel version.
The Cube Reaction C:62 Youth is equipped with a SRAM NX Eagle 12 speed groupset, with a 32T Sram Stylo chainring at the front mated to a useful wide ranging 11-50T cassette at the rear.
Cabling is internally routed which keeps things nice and clean, plus there’s cable routing to give the option to upgrade to a dropper post. One thing to note is that to give an element of comfort, the Reaction C:62 comes fitted with a carbon seatpost with diameter of 27.2mm. Now, dropper posts come in all shapes and sizes but to be fair, the options at 27.2mm have for some time been limited. I’m not sure if it’s improving with the increased interest in gravel and cx bikes, but I’ve seen an increase in models in that size.
Braking is courtesy of Magura’s 2-piston MT4 hydraulic setup, with 180mm disc at the front and 160mm at the rear.
At the front there’s a Manitou Markhor TS air fork providing 100mm of bump soaking travel; a cost effective component that’s air damped and not too heavy.
All in all, the Cube Reaction C:62 Youth looks to be a decently specified bike for those pre-teens and teens who like to ride their mountain bikes fast. It’s got decent enough components to ride straight from the shop, with various options to increase spec and lose weight if you like tinkering.
Where can I buy the Cube Reaction C:62 Youth?
The Reaction C:62 is available to buy now and retails at £1399 from Tredz
I saw the Cube Reaction C:62 Youth at the 2018 Cycle Show. I’d love to hear your views on the bike – is it something you’d consider buying for your Cycle Sprog? Do leave a comment below.
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- Review of Cube Kid 240 SL kids mountain bike for 7 years and over
- Cube Bikes launch new 18″ wheel kids mountain bike
- The best kids 26″ wheel mountain bikes
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- Best kids 20″ wheel MTB’s for 5 and 6 year olds
- Buying a kids mountain bike – things you need to know
- Black Friday Deals on Kids Mountain Bikes
- The best full suspension kids mountain bikes
Disclosure: We belong to Tredz affiliate scheme, so if you buy your bike through the link above we will get a small commission, which will help to pay for our train fare to the Cycle Show. It doesn’t affect what we write about, this is the honest view of what we saw. Thanks for your support in helping us keep Cycle Sprog pedalling along.
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