CUBE LTD 29 Hardatail XTC MTB
The specs and components:
(Source: http://www.99bikes.com.au/cube-ltd-race-29-blue-2014)
- Frame Aluminium Superlite, AMF, double butted, 29 ARG
- Fork Rock Shox Reba RL AIR, MC, PushLoc, 100mm
- Headset FSA No.10 semi-integrated, 1 1/8
- Stem CUBE Performance, 31,8
- Handlebar CUBE Flat Race Bar, 720mm
- Grips CUBE Performance Grip
- Rear Derailleur Shimano XT RD-M781-SGS, Shadow 10-speed
- Front Derailleur Shimano SLX FD-M671, Direct Mount
- Shifters Shimano SLX SL-M670, I-Spec, Rapidfire- Plus
- Brake system Shimano Deore A-M615 hydr. Discbrake (180/160mm)
- Crankset Shimano SLX, FC-M670 Hollowtech II 42x32x24T, 175mm, Shimano SM-BB51
- Rims CUBE ZX24 Disc 29
- Fronthub Shimano XT HB-M785
- Rear Hub Shimano XT FH-M785
- Front tire Schwalbe Rapid Rob, 2.25
- Rear tire Schwalbe Rapid Rob 2.25
- Pedals MTB Aluminium
- Seat Selle Italia X1
- Seatpost CUBE Performance Post, 30.9mm
- Seatclamp RFR Varioclose 34.9mm
- Weight 12,5 kg
Pictures
Cube 29 MTB Mountain Bike
I have been commuting for a few years on road bikes and have ridden motorcross bikes before.
Having recently moved to be withing a short ride to a forestry/bush land, I figured it was time to get a MTB.
My budget was $1000 – $1500 and I went with a hardtail as this was my backup commuter and I wasn’t planning on doing any serious downhill. Time will tell if I will or wont, but seemed like best option for now.
After going around a few of the local bike stores, it came down to this one and a 2015 Giant XTC. But since I could get this bike down to $1350, about $200 cheaper than the Giant, I went for the Cube. Two things about the Giant I liked, the lockout SLX rear derailleur, pretty cool and I think the 27.5inch wheels felt more natural.
Things I liked about the Cube.
- Component level seems good for the price
- Although it might be a pain if I change the crank, though the standard equipment should be fine, the front derailer setup is pretty neat!
Jury is out on the 29inch rims. Appears to have some advantage with rolling over logs and kerbs, but will see how the centrifugal forces effect handling. But so far so good
Front brake seems a little weak for the larger wheels. This is feeling like it would be the first upgrade, closely followed by the handle grips. They feel a bit cheap.
Will update after a few months of riding
Fork Pressure Recommendations:
(Ref to Source for accuracy):
SRAM Website PDF File
| Fork | Reba |
| upto 140lb (63kg) | 70-90 psi |
| 140-160 lbs (63-72 kg) | 90-105 psi |
| 160-180 lbs (72-81 kg) | 105-120 psi |
| 180-200 lbs (81-90 kg) | 120-135 psi |
| 200-220 lbs (90-99 kg) | 135+ psi |
| Max PSI | 200 psi |
UPDATES
Update 1
Brakes are fine
Just needed some bedding in
Grips are ok as well
Tyres are average.. Hard to tell without
trying some others but struggle for grip
at times
Update 2.
First real ride through the reserve
At this point I think it would be
nice to try a dual suspension as
I think half the fun is going down
the hills
However saying this, I did forget to
unlock the front suspension….
Went through
Toohey Forestry –>
Mt Gravatt Reserve –>
Mt Gravatt Lookout.
Update 3.
Issue with free wheel hub
Shimano XT Disc Rear Hub M785
Strated getting sticky to the
point I had to fix it.
I Bought a replacement hub
which gives me some spares
and didnt cost too much
but won’t be too impressed
if it fails again.
The serenity.
New rear tire. Maxxis. Pretty good.
Although I would say better than the
original tire not much in it.
Feels it can run a higher PSI without
sacrificing grip.
However saying that, sidewalls do feel
thin and as such probably require the
higher PSI to avoid a puncture/pinch.
Update 4.
Check out this review on a light I
bought to ride at night now that
winter is back.Exposure – Diablo Mk6