Cube Acid Review
- RockShox fork
- 1x12 speed gearing option
- Choice of 27.5” or 29” wheels
- No dropper post
- 29” wheels only on larger sizes
- Wheels are not the lightest
Discipline:
Hardtail MTBUsage:
Cross-country trailsWeight:
Coming SoonWith its quality components, lightweight frame and 100mm travel RockShox suspension fork the Cube Acid is ideal for cross country rides and trail centre loops that take in a mixture of terrain; including rocky, rooty singletrack, wide open gravel paths, forest roads and even a bit of tarmac.
2020 Update
Cannondale have completely redesigned the Moterra and it’s now both better performing as well as better looking. With the new Gen 4 Bosch CX motor the Moterra is now a real contender. Look out for our full review coming soon.
Updated: 16th December 2019
The Cube Acid is a versatile hardtail mountain bike that offers capable off-road performance with an efficient and comfortable ride. In this review, we will be looking at the Acid 29er as well as the 27.5” (650b) wheeled model. Both bikes offer a stable riding position with the same components and colourways, but offer the different benefits of the larger or smaller hoops. The Acid 29er is available in frame sizes to suit medium and larger riders while the 27.5” version is sized for medium and smaller riders. There is a choice of two different colour schemes for each model, so you can choose whether you want to blend in or stand out.
Designed for aspiring MTB riders who appreciate a quality build, the Cube Acid is ideal for cross country trail riding as well as the occasional trip to a trail centre. The Acid sits at the top of Cube’s CMPT hardtail range and shares the same frame as the Aim, Analog and Attention but with an improved component spec for better performance.
Stiff, strong and lightweight, the frame is built from high-quality 6061 aluminium alloy and features mechanically formed top and down tubes to optimise the strength to weight ratio. This means that the Cube Acid pedals efficiently with predictable handling and has plenty of standover clearance. Neat details like the internal cable routing and a chainstay mounted rear disc give the Acid clean lines and a slick look that is enhanced by the durable multi-layered wet paint finish.
The Acid is built with Cube’s Agile Ride Geometry which offers lively handling that is easy to control and is perfect for having fun on the trails, as well as being comfortable and efficient on longer rides. The geometry is optimised for both wheel sizes so you get the same confident handling on the 27.5” wheeled bike as you do on the 29er.
Attention to detail and a high-quality paint job help the Acid to stand out from the crowd.
This is a lightweight fork that you can count on to raise your game.
It is great to see a RockShox fork on a bike at this price point and you will notice the extra confidence that the Recon Silver gives you on rough terrain. Featuring an air spring, the RockShox Recon is lightweight and offers 100mm of plush suspension travel. The 32mm stanchions with a forged alloy crown offers improved stiffness when compared with the narrower tubes often found on XC bikes. Punching above its weight the Recon shares the same lower legs as the higher-end RockShox Reba.
A PopLoc lever is mounted on the handlebars which allows you to lock the fork out on the fly. This is especially useful for improving efficiency when climbing out of the saddle on smoother surfaces.
The 2x11 speed Shimano drivetrain is a real standout feature of the Cube Acid. Combining XT and SLX components, the shifting is slick and the wide range 11-42t cassette gives you plenty of gears for taking on even the steepest of off-road climbs. Shimano takes care of the braking too with Deore hydraulic discs that give you confident stopping power in all-weather conditions.
Cube branded components are quality offerings and feature neat colour matched flashes that enhance the look of the Acid.
As well equipped as many bikes that cost £100 more than this and it offers a level of performance that you won’t be disappointed with. Bike Radar
The choice of 27.5” or 29” tyres will depend on frame size for smaller and larger riders, medium sized cyclists can choose between the two
27.5” wheels are currently the most popular MTB wheels, but 29” wheels are gaining popularity. 27.5” wheels give you a great balance between rapid rolling performance and nimble handling characteristics, while 29” wheels are noticeably faster rolling over all types of terrain. Smaller riders will prefer the 27.5” wheels as they offer better proportions on small frame sizes, larger riders will find the same is true with the 29ers.
The Cube ZX20 rims are laced onto Shimano hubs and offer reliable rolling on all types of trails and tracks. Ideal for XC riding the Smart Sam tyres feature low profile nobs that offer some grip on loose surfaces but without slowing you down too much on smoother trails.
With its quality components, lightweight frame and 100mm travel RockShox suspension fork the Cube Acid is ideal for cross country rides and trail centre loops that take in a mixture of terrain; including rocky, rooty singletrack, wide open gravel paths, forest roads and even a bit of tarmac. The very wide gear range will make all the climbs more accessible while the hydraulic disc brakes give you confident all-weather stopping power on the descents. The RockShox Recon fork will keep the front-end tracking through the rough stuff while the Smart Sam tyres offer rapid rolling whichever wheel size you choose.
Offering an ideal introduction to hardtail mountain biking the Cube Acid will be a reliable trail companion wherever you choose to ride it.
