 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Hi all,
I am looking to buy a new hardtail 29er, and am considering either the 2014 Orange Clockwork S or the 2013 Cube Reaction GTC Pro (both are the same price).
I fancy the Orange, as I had an Orange Aluminium 'O' back 15/20 years ago, and loved it, so have a sort of brand loyalty.
I fancy the Cube, as it is a carbon frame, gets great reviews and appears to be good value for money for a carbon bike.
Trouble is....I haven't been riding for the last 15/20 years, and so whilst I used to know all the pro's / con's of Deore LX/XT/XTR, RockShocks versus Manitou, etc.....I don't have a clue now 🙂
Which of these bikes offer the better component spec?
My riding will be gentle XC at first, maybe developing into harder XC as I build up my fitness and enthusiasm again.
With this in mind, I'm am a little worried that the Cube may be a little too 'race' focussed and potentially uncomfortable for gentle riding...that said, is the Orange any better?
Sorry for the newbie questions....I would really appreciate any advice you can offer, especially from anyone who is familiar with both these bikes.
Many thanks!
Ben.
No doubt the Cube is a better deal. However, it is, as you've spotted, definitely on the firm/sporty/race side of XC.
Love my Clockwork, but no experience of the Cube.
I ended up changing the BB and headset fairly quickly, and make sure you have one of the newer revised frames as mine developed a crack in the chainstay. Orange swapped under warranty.
Great do it all bike. Use it mainly for commuting, but very nice to ride in the wilds.
I know what you mean by brand loyalty. I had an original Orange Prestige and if some scrote hadn't nicked it I'd probably still be using it.
Again, no experience of the Cube but love my Clockwork.
I bought it because the geometry seemed more trail focussed and less XC, therefore find it very comfortable for longer rides. I've ridden it on everything from canal paths with the family to all the stuff I rode my old enduro down, it seems very capable (despite the rider!)
I think a number of people on here (myself included) have built them up from a frame which seems to offer a good way of getting a good spec and saving some money.
Many thanks for your replies.
The Clockwork definitely looks like it will suit my style of riding (lazy 🙂 ).... however i really like the look of the Cube, and it does seem a great deal.
Has anyone got a Cube Reaction?....is it comfortable enough for gentle riding or only out and out racing style riding?
It'll be fine for any sort of riding - it's just that you may find it a bit less comfy on longer days out. I was looking at a new 29er for Bikepacking and ruled it put for that reason.
I've got a cube reaction gtc pro but mine is a 26er. It does feel a bit too racey to me, the rear can feel quite harsh from time to time. I've replaced the the stem for a slightly shorter one and changed the flat narrow bars for some wider risers which drastically changed the way it feels, its much more comfortable now but it is still a race bike really.
Cheers,
Ash.
Thanks for the additional replies....very helpful.
I'm still torn between the two 🙂
Tempted to get the Cube and try it....if it really doesn't work out then trade for the Clockwork and learn from the mistake 😉
Thanks all!