We ran innumerable tests to develop the Agile Ride Geometry in our 2012 series of big wheel bikes. This year we add the 650B wheelsize to the very well received portfolio. Three important details lead to the very agile character. Increased fork offsets let us achieve the same trail as our 26” bikes without having to steepen the head angle, thus maintaining generous toe clearance to the front wheel. Secondly we shortened the chain stays without compromising the seat angle. We invented a patented construction to mount the front derailleur to give us more tyre clearance while keeping a conventional seat angle, leading to a perfect riding position for every rider size. Last but not least we kept the BB height same as on our 26" bikes. These measures lead to a natural riding position. Every mountain biker will feel immediately at home on a CUBE 29er.

The Advanced Twin Mold process eliminates any dangerous folding by continuous control of carbon fibres during the curing process. This is made possible by an internal form which provides the perfect frame form during the layup process. Each individual fibre remains precisely in position as it cures. In this way less material can be used as the individual layers can be more accurately and reliably positioned. This production method also makes it possible to increase the carbon fibre proportion in line with anticipated loadings at specific points on the frame. In 2013 all SUPER HPC models will be manufactured using this high-tech method.

Internally routed cables offer many advantages. Cables are protected from dirt for longer life, weight is saved thanks to the absence of external housing and the bike has a clean, sleek appearance.

This new steerer tube design is stiffer than a conventional straight steerer and generates a more secure ride feel even in difficult terrain. Minimal flex at the front of the frame means that the greatest possible steering precision is generated. With the larger steerer the forks become more rigid. At the same time weight is saved due to the absence of bearing shells as the lower bearing is fully integrated into the head tube. On all of our CUBE carbon models the upper bearing shells are also directly in the frame, so that once more a few grams are saved and the energy transfer is very direct.

The postmount system is found at all carbon fiber frames, the high end models of the touring bikes and the upper range aluminum models. The bolts and the IS adpater aren’t needed anymore, less parts mean less weight. In this case we save 30 grams. This may not sound a lot. But as you see, there is potential to save weigth in every detail.

With press-fit bearings, the bottom bracket bearings are pressed directly into the frame and not screwed in as usual. This gives a wider bottom bracket shell and allows to build a wider down tube and more broadly-spaced chainstays. Every millimetre of additional width gives a significant improvement in lateral stiffness.

Our high end hardtails like the REACTION GTC 29, ELITE SUPER HPC 29 and ELITE SUPER HPC are dedicated racing bikes. For optimum braking performance the Active Brake Cooling system supports the rider on the course. The aerodynamically designed stays cause airflow to be ducted between the seat and chainstay onto the brake disc. This delivers heat reduction of up to 30%, protecting the brake from overheating and conserving the brake pads. The result is always maximum brake performance.

In this system, a cone is used to form a play-free connection. It is only necessary to tighten the axle from one side. The position of the wheel is done by an insert in the right-hand dropout which is secured by a bolt. The main advantages of the Syntace system are quick and simple changing of the wheel, reliable position of the brake disc and higher stiffness of the rear of the bike. This allows the assembly to be made lighter than a conventional through-axle. 

We optimized our new dropout design based on the Syntace X12 thru-axle system. Enlarging the area at the frame where the hanger is sustained. We can now mount the longer Direct Mount hangers. Shifting precision and stiffness is therefore improved. With the new design one can also swap the whole contact area of the axle with the hanger should the system be worn out.

On polished, brushed aluminium and all HPC frames, the logos and graphics are applied in multi-layer wet paint. We use this surface treatment technology mainly to save weight.