The Cube Reaction SLX pairs a lightweight aluminium frame with a 100mm RockShox air fork, Shimano XT 1x12 shifting and XT hydraulic brakes. Newmen wheels and Schwalbe tyres complete a responsive setup for cross-country and trail riding.

Key Features:

• Aluminium Lite frame with double-butted tubing and tapered head tube
• RockShox Recon Silver RL Air fork with 100mm travel and OneLoc
• Shimano XT 1x12 drivetrain with wide-range 10-51T Deore cassette
• Shimano XT BR-M8100 hydraulic disc brakes with 180/160mm rotors
• Size Split wheels with 2.25in Schwalbe Racing Ray/Racing Ralph tyres
• Newmen Performance 30 tubeless-ready wheels with Boost thru-axles
• Available with 0% APR finance

The Cube Reaction SLX is a lightweight aluminium hardtail built for riders who want to cover ground efficiently on cross-country routes and explore more demanding off-road trails. At a stated 13.3kg, it combines an adjustable RockShox air fork with Shimano XT shifting and brakes, plus lightweight Newmen wheels.

Cube's Aluminium Lite frame uses Advanced Mechanical Forming and double-butted tubing. This allows the tubes to be shaped and material to be distributed where it's needed, helping balance weight and strength. A tapered head tube provides a solid connection with the fork, while integrated cable routing keeps the frame looking clean.

The frame also includes Cube's SIC mounting points and a flat-mount kickstand interface, allowing practical accessories to be added if the bike needs to handle everyday riding alongside its off-road duties.

A RockShox Recon Silver RL Air fork provides 100mm of front suspension travel. Its air spring can be adjusted to suit rider weight and preferences, making it easier to achieve the right balance of support and sensitivity over roots, rocks and uneven ground.

RockShox OneLoc gives handlebar control of the fork's lockout. This allows riders to firm up the suspension without taking a hand away from the controls, useful when switching between rough trails and smoother climbs or tracks.

The 1x12 drivetrain uses Shimano XT components for the rear derailleur and shifter. An XT RD-M8200-SGS Shadow Plus rear mech is paired with an XT SL-M8200-IR shifter, while a single 32T Shimano Deore FC-M6200 chainset keeps gear selection straightforward.

A Shimano Deore CS-M6100 10-51T cassette provides a broad spread of ratios. The 51T largest sprocket gives riders an easier gear for steep climbs, while the 10T smallest sprocket provides useful range when the trail opens up and speeds increase.

Shimano XT BR-M8100 hydraulic disc brakes are a notable step up in the Reaction SLX's specification. Hydraulic operation provides progressive braking and useful modulation, helping riders control speed rather than simply providing outright stopping power. The supplied specification lists 180/160mm rotors.

Newmen Performance 30 wheels use 28 spokes front and rear, with a 15x110mm Boost front axle and 12x148mm Boost rear. Thru-axles create a secure connection between the wheels and frame, while the rims are tubeless ready for riders who want to convert their setup later.

Schwalbe tyres are matched to each end of the bike. A 2.25in Racing Ray with Addix Performance compound is fitted at the front for grip and steering control, while the rear uses a 2.25in Racing Ralph, balancing traction with efficient rolling.

The supplied specification doesn't state the exact wheel diameter for each frame size. Cube uses its Size Split approach across the range, so I've avoided assigning specific 27.5in or 29in wheels where they aren't supported by the information provided.

A 680mm Cube Rise Trail Bar and Performance Stem SLX form the cockpit, with a Cube Performance seatpost and ACID Venec Lite saddle completing the main contact points. ACID PP MTB pedals are also included.

At 13.3kg, the Reaction SLX is 700g lighter than the supplied 14.0kg Reaction Pro specification. Combined with the Newmen wheels, XT brakes and Shimano XT shifting, this gives the SLX a performance-focused specification while retaining the simplicity and direct pedalling feel of an aluminium hardtail.

Occasionally, without notice, manufacturers change product design and/or specifications.