Some real advise or fantasy buying wanted

[Just curious]

I would like to take the opportunity on this forum to ask for a bit of advice on what I could upgrade on my current e-bike. (I know I could just buy a new full suspension one, but that is not the idea here).

The bike I have is a Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro, hardtail with the following original parts, that I am interested in to replacing are:

• Shimano BR-MT200 Hydraulic disc brakes and 180/180 rotor disc
• Fork SR suntour XCM34 Coil, Tapered 15x110mm, 100mm, lockout
• Cassette Sram PG-1210 Eagle, 11-50T
• Chain Sram SX Eagle
• Crankset Acid E-Crank, 38T, 175mm
• pedals (flat) (already replaced, but need new ones soon)

It doesn't need to be on a budget, but any ideas are appreciated.

 

[CJaMTB]

For brakes, the first thing I'd do would be to increase rotor sizes to 203/203, which would instantly increase braking power, then decide if you want to replace the brakes themselves after a few rides. Lots of options on the fork; Suntour do osme good airsprung forks, SID from Rockshox, or a nice Fox 34. I wouldn't mess with the travel too much, as there will be negative impacts on the geometry.

 

[Chris ledger]

Bigger rotors does make a difference to haul the bike up if you are flying down hills 200mm front n back with better pads

 

[Tubby G]

I started my journey into the world of emtb’s with a Cube Reaction and the best and easiest upgrade was tyres. They’re not on your list so presume you’ve already done that ?

I looked for a Rockshox Judy fork for ages but just couldn't find any in stock so never got round to changing the fork, although that would be the next priority for sure. I’d then look at getting a dropper post, and not only changing the rotor sizes as already mentioned, but upgrading the callipers to 4 piston rather than 2 piston. I wouldn’t bother changing your cassette, chain and cranks until they’ve worn out and actually need replacing

With a decent set of forks, dropper post and a good set of brakes, it’ll be beast

Ended up going down the full suspension route instead so now the Cube is sat gathering dust at present. Might sell it, or turn it into a fun tourer with some road tyres. Haven’t decided yet

 

[VWsurfbum]

• Shimano BR-MT200 Hydraulic disc brakes and 180/180 rotor disc - Get some 200 or 220 disc front and the braking will drematicly improve. new caliper mounts to match rotor size.
• Fork SR suntour XCM34 Coil, Tapered 15x110mm, 100mm, lockout - First job, throw away.
• Cassette Sram PG-1210 Eagle, 11-50T - fine
• Chain Sram SX Eagle - fine
• Crankset Acid E-Crank, 38T, 175mm fine
• New GX Mech
• pedals (flat) (already replaced, but need new ones soon)

 

[Just curious]

For brakes, the first thing I'd do would be to increase rotor sizes to 203/203, which would instantly increase braking power, then decide if you want to replace the brakes themselves after a few rides. Lots of options on the fork; Suntour do osme good airsprung forks, SID from Rockshox, or a nice Fox 34. I wouldn't mess with the travel too much, as there will be negative impacts on the geometry.

Yes, the braking power is sometimes a bit underwhelming, not much for a downhiller, so keeping it save and fun would be maybe a good thing when going downhill so good thing to go bigger.

I was also thinking of getting a bit more travel, but didn't think of the geometry, good point, thanks.
I will have a look into the different brands

 

[Just curious]

I started my journey into the world of emtb’s with a Cube Reaction and the best and easiest upgrade was tyres. They’re not on your list so presume you’ve already done that ?

I looked for a Rockshox Judy fork for ages but just couldn't find any in stock so never got round to changing the fork, although that would be the next priority for sure. I’d then look at getting a dropper post, and not only changing the rotor sizes as already mentioned, but upgrading the callipers to 4 piston rather than 2 piston. I wouldn’t bother changing your cassette, chain and cranks until they’ve worn out and actually need replacing

With a decent set of forks, dropper post and a good set of brakes, it’ll be beast

Ended up going down the full suspension route instead so now the Cube is sat gathering dust at present. Might sell it, or turn it into a fun tourer with some road tyres. Haven’t decided yet

Dropper post and tyres have already been taken care of, have gone tubeless now, because those WTB Rangers was just the compromise on this bike to keep the costs low I guess.
So it is now up to look for a good Fork and brake set.

 

[steve_sordy]

Yes, the braking power is sometimes a bit underwhelming, not much for a downhiller, so keeping it save and fun would be maybe a good thing when going downhill so good thing to go bigger.

I was also thinking of getting a bit more travel, but didn't think of the geometry, good point, thanks.
I will have a look into the different brands

Forks have a limit on brake disc diameter, be careful that you don't exceed it on your current forks.

 

[Just curious]

• Shimano BR-MT200 Hydraulic disc brakes and 180/180 rotor disc - Get some 200 or 220 disc front and the braking will drematicly improve. new caliper mounts to match rotor size.
• Fork SR suntour XCM34 Coil, Tapered 15x110mm, 100mm, lockout - First job, throw away.
• Cassette Sram PG-1210 Eagle, 11-50T - fine
• Chain Sram SX Eagle - fine
• Crankset Acid E-Crank, 38T, 175mm fine
• New GX Mech
• pedals (flat) (already replaced, but need new ones soon)

Ok, that is a fierce one, about the Fork, but I can appreciate that thanks.
I am getting a good picture of what needs to be done.

 

[CJaMTB]

Get some 200 or 220 disc front and the braking will drematicly improve. new caliper mounts to match rotor size.

That fork won't take a 220mm rotor.

 

[Just curious]

That fork won't take a 220mm rotor.

I believe a 203 should work fine, otherwise it will make the decision clear for a new fork

 

[CJaMTB]

I believe a 203 should work fine, otherwise it will make the decision clear for a new fork

If you want to ping up a photo of the calliper mount, on the fork, I'll let you know (it should be good), but you can always check with the manufacturer to be certain.

 

[Chris ledger]

203 rotors stopped a 15 stone fella and 25kg bike so i reckon should be plenty

 

[Snrbrtsn]

I just done a Magura upgrade on sons bikes, massive difference albeit fitted their Trail sport callipers and levers with 180mm Magura mdr p rotors <£300 all in

I’d focus on getting the thing to stop first before riding harder & faster

 

[VWsurfbum]

And throwing away those forks and getting something that works and keeps contact with the ground.

 

[2WheelsNot4]

As above forks are just crap, which is the kindest thing i can say about them.
The weigh a whopping 3kg - Over 6 1/2lbs. I don't think even triples from the 90's weighed that much
For comparison - a fox 36 rhythm e spec, which is a heavier version of a 36 starts at 2.3kg. And that bloody works, suntour's dont.
The last decent thing to have Suntour written on it also had XC pro, or Superb.

Brakes too in my humble opinion. They're 35 quid a pop and its a joke anyone,especially the shops selling bikes with them fitted, listing them as 'powerful' it is the bottom of the bottom of the range, and only a 2 pot to boot. Sure bigger rotors help, but the power isnt in there to begin with and everyone I've know that's got experience of them talks about needing to yank on them pretty hard to get them to stop.

 

[Another rider]

I have a Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro almost identical to yours by the sound of it. If you're going to keep it as your only / main bike my number one priority would be replace the forks, the Suntour ones are dreadful. However I bought a full suspension bike instead (and have never regretted it). I've kept the Cube with the original forks and it now gets used mostly on road and the odd forest track. It's fine for that but I've increased the overall gearing (larger chainring) and will probably change to some more suitable tyres when the time comes.
The brakes aren't great but aren't that bad so I wouldn't rush to change them - but I would certainly look at alternative pads. You should be able to get away with ceramic pads rather than the standard resin ones without wrecking the rotors.
But don't spend too much because sooner or later the lure of full suspension will win.

 

[Just curious]

If you want to ping up a photo of the calliper mount, on the fork, I'll let you know (it should be good), but you can always check with the manufacturer to be certain.

Sorry for my late reaction, many things came in between.
I have attached two photos, if you need more let me know.
What would be a good suggestion for brake callipers if needed replacing and also what would be a good adapter for this, have seen a few.
I believe the mounting is a standard fit.

The other thing I am just wondering if the 203 mm won’t be too much for the fork?

Back wheel:

Fork:

 

[CJaMTB]

Sorry for my late reaction, many things came in between.
I have attached two photos, if you need more let me know.
What would be a good suggestion for brake callipers if needed replacing and also what would be a good adapter for this, have seen a few.
I believe the mounting is a standard fit.

The other thing I am just wondering if the 203 mm won’t be too much for the fork?

Front wheel:
View attachment 82901

Back wheel:
View attachment 82904

Those are both the rear. You'll be able to upsize by 20mm on what you are currently running. If you can ping a photo of the fork, let me know what make and model the fork is, and I'll let you know about that too.

 

[Just curious]

Those are both the rear. You'll be able to upsize by 20mm on what you are currently running. If you can ping a photo of the fork, let me know what make and model the fork is, and I'll let you know about that too.

I edit the lat post, there is now a picture of the fork.

The fork is:

• Fork SR suntour XCM34 Coil, Tapered 15x110mm, 100mm, lockout

 

[CJaMTB]

I edit the lat post, there is now a picture of the fork.

The fork is:

• Fork SR suntour XCM34 Coil, Tapered 15x110mm, 100mm, lockout

Cool, thanks. Yes, you will be able to increase your front rotor size by 20mm as well. On the rear you'll need a 200 or 203mm adapter, of the same type you have, same on the front. Bear in mind that the front and rear adapters are different types. This one would be for the rear LifeLine IS to Post Disc Brake Mount Adaptor | Chain Reaction and this one for the front Shimano Front Disc Mount Adaptor (Post to Post) | Chain Reaction
What size rotors do you currently have? From memory it was 180/180? If you get the 203mm version of each of those adapters, it will enable you to run 203mm front and rear. The only thing you will need to check first, is whether your frame is designed to allow such an increase in rotor size. That's best done by checking the product specs and/or emailing the manufacturer.

 

[Just curious]

Cool, thanks. Yes, you will be able to increase your front rotor size by 20mm as well. On the rear you'll need a 200 or 203mm adapter, of the same type you have, same on the front. Bear in mind that the front and rear adapters are different types. This one would be for the rear LifeLine IS to Post Disc Brake Mount Adaptor | Chain Reaction and this one for the front Shimano Front Disc Mount Adaptor (Post to Post) | Chain Reaction
What size rotors do you currently have? From memory it was 180/180? If you get the 203mm version of each of those adapters, it will enable you to run 203mm front and rear. The only thing you will need to check first, is whether your frame is designed to allow such an increase in rotor size. That's best done by checking the product specs and/or emailing the manufacturer.

Thanks this is really helpful, appreciate your time!
I will let you know what I am able to do.

 

[Casaibis]

Hi Just Curious, where did you end up with the front brakes? I have the same bike / brakes and would like a bit more stopping power up front. Did you go 203 or 220mm front? Where did you get your adaptor? Did you change the pads or caliper? Thanks
Casaibis

 

[Gilbo]

I modified a reaction pro for a rider in our group who had a limited budget.
1.140mm X-Fusion fork
2. 200mm rotors
3. Stronger rear hub/skewer
4.Magic Mary frt tyre Big Betty Rr tyre.
5. Dropper seat post.
6. Ergon emtb seat
7. Spank riser bars 780mm/DMR death grips.
He bought all the parts on eBay and told me total cost was £300 (all parts except tyres and grips were used,but excellent condition) and now this guy wants some keeping up with on the roughest terrain.