Because it's the top model in the CUBE Reaction GTC series, we gave the SLT 2X an extra treat: the revolutionary upside down Rock Shox RS-1 suspension fork. With a very high quality GTC carbon frame - available in both 27.5 and 29 inch options - and complete Shimano XT 2x11 transmission, the SLT is a versatile hardtail that's equally at home on both trail and race course.
The Reaction GTC twin mould 29er frame is right at the leading edge of technology. It incorporates every feature needed to improve steering accuracy and effciency without increasing weight: the tapered head tube, PressFit bottom bracket shell and X12 quick release axles are obvious examples. Our reworked Agile Ride Geometry blends sublimely efficient forward propulsion with wonderfully intuitive handling, which translates to easy riding fun whether you're on twisty singletrack or a race course. The slender 27.2mm diamater seatpost offers added comfort. Other notable features include the Direct Mount system for the derailleur and clean, simple internal cable routing.
The innovative, 100mm travel RockShox RS-1 suspension fork with X-Loc lockout has ushered in a new era of upside down forks, characterised by phenomenal steering precision and superb bump absorption. The full 2x11 Shimano XT groupset guarantees powerful braking and perfect gear shifts, even in bad weather. Extremely light DT Swiss CSW MA 1.9/1.7 system wheels add outstanding acceleration to the GTC SLT's total package.
We optimized our new dropout design based on the Syntace X12 through-axle system, enlarging the area of the frame where the hanger is mounted. We can now fit the longer Direct Mount hangers. Shifting precision and stiffness is therefore improved. With the new design it's also possible to swap the whole contact area of the axle with the hanger should the system be worn out.
We ran innumerable tests to develop the Agile Ride Geometry in our series of big wheel bikes. We also added the 27.5in wheel size 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 26in 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 the same as on our 26in bikes. These measures lead to a natural riding position. Every mountain biker will feel immediately at home on a CUBE 29er or 27.5.
In designing the GTC carbon fiber frames, safety and comfort are the main factors. We use high modulus fibers for the parts which are stressed the most the head tube, the seat tube top and the bottom bracket area. That is why the frame still offers flex and comfort resulting from the flexible tubes. Our special production process with inner and outer molding forms ensure that the minimum of required material is used, reducing overall weight even with complex frame designs. All GTC frames have of course passed DIN -Plus testing.
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.
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 us to build a wider down tube and more broadly-spaced chainstays. Every millimetre of additional width gives a significant improvement in lateral stiffness.
This steerer tube design is stiffer than a conventional straight steerer and yields a more secure ride feel even in difficult terrain. Minimal flex at the front of the frame means the greatest possible steering precision. 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 Twin Mould technique uses re-usable cores during the lay-up process to ensure precision frame moulding. Special inserts guarantee optimum ply orientation during the production process to add extra strength at frame points subject to higher loads. This improves the safety of the product and delivers outstanding stiffness characteristics.
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.
