Field Test: 2021 Propain Spindrift - Lots of Travel & Lots of Fun

Dec 14, 2020
by Mike Kazimer  


PINKBIKE FIELD TEST

Propain Spindrift



Words by Mike Kazimer, photography by Tom Richards



The new Propain Spindrift has a whopping 180mm of front and rear travel, and the German company says can be used for everything from flow trails to bike park laps. The 29” version is reviewed here, but it's also available with 27.5” or mixed wheel configurations.

The Spindrift's new looks are striking – it stands out from the crowd of Horst Link clones, with a dual link suspension design that's called PRO10. The new configuration of that system positions the shock in front of the seat tube, where two counter-rotating links compress it from both sides as the bike goes through its travel.

Along with the updated suspension layout, the Spindrift's internal cable routing has been refined, and the brake and derailleur housing now run inside the frame, rather than underneath the bottom bracket shell.

Spindrift Details

• Travel: 180mm rear / 180mm front
• Wheel size: 29" (27.5" and mixed options available)
• Head angle: 64.5°
• Seat tube angle: 78°
• Reach: 475mm (lrg)
• Chainstay length: 445mm
• Sizes: M, L (tested), XL
• Weight: 33 lb / 15 kg
• Price: $8,599 USD
propain-bikes.com

There's chainslap and downtube protection in the right places, plenty of room for a water bottle inside the front triangle, and SRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger to make a replacement easier to find if necessary.

It'd be easy to expect some radical geometry numbers to go along all that travel, but Propain exercised some restraint, and didn't go too crazy with the Spindrift's numbers. With a 180mm fork the head tube angle sits at 64.5 degrees, the seat tube angle is 78-degrees, and the reach on a size large is 475mm. Those numbers are paired with 445mm chainstays on the 29” version, and 435mm on the 27.5”.

This bike has Propain's “Highend” build kit, which is a pretty self-explanatory name. That gets you a Fox 38 fork and DHX2 coil shock, SRAM's wireless, electronic AXS drivetrain, Magura MT7 brakes, and Crankbrothers Synthesis carbon wheels. The final US price is still up in the air, but according to Propain it's expected to be somewhere around $8599.

All of those niceties put the total weight at 33 lb.




Propain Spindrift review
Propain Spindrift review

Climbing

A 180mm freeride bike typically gets cut a little slack in the climbing department. After all, you're probably not looking at a bike like this for long cross-country rides. The thing is, the Spindrift climbs very well – so well, in fact, that I didn't ever need to use the climb switch on that coil shock. This was my first experience with the PRO10 dual-link suspension design, and I came away impressed. Mike Levy's results in the efficiency test backed up what I felt on the trail, with the Propain putting down the second fastest time out of this group of five long travel machines.

Along with being an efficient pedaling bike, there was an unexpected lightness to the Spindrift's handling, which made it much more versatile than I'd anticipated. The overall length and head angle aren't extreme, which helps keep it manageable at slower speeds. Combine that with a nice and steep seat tube angle and you have a bike that's well suited for grinding out the miles on the way to a rowdy descent.

Now, the Spindrift still doesn't have the same snappy handling that a shorter travel bike can bring table, but it does hide that 180mm of travel very, very well on the climbs, and it's a bike I'd happily grab for a big day of technical adventuring. Its closest contemporary on the climbs was the 27.5” wheeled bike we can't talk about yet, and the Rocky Mountain Altitude. The Altitude is a slightly more active climber, and I was more likely to use the climb switch on the bike, but otherwise both bikes have a level of maneuverability that's not all that common in this travel bracket.


Propain Spindrift review

Propain Spindrift review
Propain Spindrift review

Descending

The Spindrift's easygoing nature remains on the descents, where it has an energetic, relatively playful feel, a stark contrast to the brutish nature of the Norco Shore.

Riders looking for the absolute longest and slackest bike they can get their hands on may want to look elsewhere, but I think for the vast majority of riders and riding locales the Spindrift strikes a nice balance. It'll go fast when you want it to, and the coil shock provides a smooth, bump-gobbling ride, with good acceleration for those sprints out of corners. There's also enough support to prevent harsh bottom outs on bigger hits, and for keeping the bike from getting bogged down in all that travel.

Timed Testing

The enduro and freeride bikes were all tested on a section of trail that included a mix of everything you'd expect to find on a race track. There were tight corners, a few drops, some sidehill sections that get trickier the faster you go, along with some higher speed, open corners.

Don't forget that timing is just one of many ways to judge a bike, and fast doesn't always mean it's the best for everyone.


Mike Kazimer: "The Spindrift's easy handling translated to my second quickest time, just .86 seconds behind the Rocky Mountain Altitude."

That supportive suspension also helps the Spindrift maintain speed through rollers and berms, and to pop off the lips of jumps. Super short chainstays often get cited as being necessary for a playful bike, but Propain's balanced geometry on the Spindrift seems to have imbued it with a similar level of peppiness.

The 445mm chainstay / 475mm reach ratio felt very well balanced - there was no need to fight the bike to get it do do what I wanted. Interestingly, the Rocky Mountain Altitude's chainstay / reach numbers are very similar, and I had the same thoughts about its handling.

There was great traction for dealing with loose conditions, no matter whether that was slippery, marbley dust, or slimy mud. I did find myself wishing for a longer dropper post on really steep trails – the 150mm post on our test bike wasn't enough on those descents where you want the post as far out of the way as possible. On that same topic, I do wish the seat tube length was a little shorter to ensure that riders of all heights could run the maximum amount of dropper travel possible.

How does it compare to the Slash and the Altitude, the most enduro oriented bikes in this bunch? Quite well, and even though it's billed as a freeride bike it could shine on the right course – the Whistler stop of the EWS comes to mind – since it has the quickness and responsiveness that you want between the tape. Overall, the Spindrift has more than enough travel to deal with the roughest terrain around without becoming unmanageable on slightly less wild trails, traits that make it well suited for all sorts of big-mountain adventures.



Propain Spindrift review


Pros

+ Lots of travel without being a single minded gravity machine
+ Great pedaling performance

Cons

- Longer seat tube lengths limit dropper post options
- Some cable rattle




The 2020 Pinkbike Field Test was made possible with support from Dainese apparel & protection, Sierra Nevada refreshments, and Smith eyewear and helmets. Thanks also to Maxxis, Garmin, Freelap, and Toyota Pacific.




Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,719 articles

279 Comments
  • 290 4
 Is the propain the king of the hill?
  • 160 1
 I'm looking for some propain and propain accessories.
  • 108 0
 Dammit Bobby
  • 54 0
 That’s my purse! I don’t know you!
  • 40 0
 That boy ain't right
  • 12 0
 whahahaaaaaaaaa!
  • 15 0
 MmmmHmmm...
  • 8 1
 ...you stupid redneck!
  • 54 0
 When-dagone it'd like you born into this world man and you got... it's like this: dust in the wind man, or like a dang ol' candle in the wind man. You gon, it don matter man it's not the old oldies all th' time man. You know what I think man? It'd like the the dang ol.. I think therefore you are man.
  • 5 0
 @johnski: nailed it.
  • 6 0
 @TannerValhouli Stay away from my Propain and Propain accessories.
  • 8 0
 Pocket Sand!
  • 4 0
 I look forward to these comments every time one of their bikes gets mentioned/reviewed...

Comedy Gold right here! never gets old...
  • 10 0
 @stiingya: Crickets from all our friends across the pond though Smile
  • 4 0
 I don't have an anger problem, I have an idiot problem!
  • 4 0
 @unrooted: 6 o'clock in the morning and that boy aint' right!
  • 4 0
 Yuuup
  • 15 0
 @dan23dan23: (here’s my all time favorite...our daughter is Laotian...)
So are you Chinese or Japanese?
I live in California last twenty year, but, ah... first come from Laos.
Huh?
Laos. We Laotian.
The ocean? What ocean?
We are Laotian--from Laos, stupid! It's a landlocked country in southeast Asia. It's between Vietnam and Thailand, OK? Population 4.7 million.
  • 4 0
 @unrooted: Comedy gold!
  • 3 0
 @dan23dan23: have you seen Tales from the Tourbus? It’s from Mike Judge...not quite King of the Hill, but anything Mike Judge does is worth your time.
  • 4 0
 "I suffer from a narrow urethra."
  • 1 0
 @KoanB: hahaha I'm dead
  • 4 0
 “The only woman I’m pimping from now on is Sweet Lady Propane. And I’m tricking her out all over this town.”
  • 1 0
 @unrooted: can we please get a lnk for this movie cause i don't know what's going here but it sure looks fun
  • 7 0
 @audric: Are referring to all the "weird quotes"??? If so they are from a cartoon for adults called King of the Hill, its about a family living in suburbs of Dallas, the dad is a "not in touch with his feelings" kinda guy, the son is less than masculine and the mom is in her own little world, then you have the "wacky" neighbors... In the US we can watch it on Hulu, but it appears as though Canadians, despite trying so hard to be Americans, don't have access to Hulu. You can probably watch some clips on Youtube. . . just know that the animation was low quality when the show came out. . . and looks even more dated now. . . (if you don't know who Mike Judge is, he is the creator of King of the Hill, Beavis and Butthead, Silicon Valley, Tales from the Tourbus, Idiocracy, and Office Space). . . Enjoy!
  • 1 0
 @audric: Just what @unrooted said. The father in the show - Hank Hill - sells propane and propane accessories, and does all of his BBQ'ing on a propane grill...
  • 2 0
 @audric: I had a couple of friends from down south during the late 80's/90's and some of this is spot on 100% not even exaggeration... Smile

youtu.be/Y1vQhCHelJE

kingofthehill.fandom.com/wiki/Strickland_Propane

first one starts with the Laos bit

youtu.be/LrGucxOZxlc
  • 3 0
 @Dustfarter: Not all of us - it was quite popular here in the late ‘90s!
  • 188 0
 Definitely the sexiest bike in this year's Field Test.
  • 15 0
 Still got one left.
  • 66 6
 @Maverick18T: the new nomad is just an uglier version of the current nomad
  • 5 0
 @Maverick18T: If leaked photos are to be believed, I would say my original judgment would not be so premature.
  • 19 0
 @Maverick18T: you know that moment when you fall in love at first sight. It just happened to me. this bike and the process 153 look like bikes that I would rather be homeless and own.
  • 31 1
 @Gamertebo: lucky for you it’s a propain and not a trek/spec/yeti so you don’t have to be homeless to own one!
  • 1 0
 @Maverick18T: you have one??
  • 6 11
flag Serpentras (Dec 14, 2020 at 9:06) (Below Threshold)
 @toad321: I must say those bikes you mentioned are just meh to me, also their performance are just okay for that price I want something else.

I f I want to spend really something I buy Unno, Antidode and if I dont want to and have something else there are still those options: Ancillotti, Crossworx ,Nicolai
  • 3 3
 Wait for the Nomad tomorow.
  • 1 0
 @TannerValhouli: Where are you getting these pictures?? Dont show me though because I want to see the release. (If there is one)
  • 1 0
 @shred14: they are on vital
  • 1 0
 @noplacelikeloam: where? can you send the link?
  • 2 0
 @weezyb: they’re on the vital mtb tech rumors forum. Great place to see things the bike industry doesn’t want you toWink
  • 1 0
 @unrooted: thanks, damn that is bright
  • 1 0
 @weezyb: I wouldn’t get it...no matter what color!
  • 3 0
 @unrooted: Universal Cycles are gonna get a phone call for that post!
  • 1 0
 @noplacelikeloam: looks like it’s been posted on other sites as well... probably depends how much money they actually make for SC...
  • 1 0
 Too bad the seatpost is so god damn long, would have gotten on if it wasn't for that.
  • 99 0
 So the fastest bikes weren't the slackest yet you want them to be slacker... Hmm
  • 67 3
 Seriously, the fact that this bike isn't super duper slack is what makes it cool and interesting.
  • 43 0
 Yea, cause 64.5 aint slack...
  • 24 1
 I think we are nearing the beginning of the end of the incremental geo wars. Enough bikes have been built and ridden to understand the pros/cons of different setups. Now let’s see companies like Propain continue to push suspension designs.
  • 7 1
 @stiingya: Yeah and 77 degree seat tubes aren't steep enough and I don't want to have to slide my seat forward (insert into every review ever, except when seat tubes are >7Cool
  • 42 3
 It’s mainly the Altitude I think could be slacker due to how many possible geometry positions there are - with that much adjustment you might as well have the option to go extra-slack. And yes, the Propain could be slacker too, but its geometry does make it really well rounded, especially for a 180mm bike.

As a final note, keep in mind that the timed testing was only done on one trail, and shouldn’t be taken as the final say as to which bike is the best.
  • 6 1
 This bike is well suited to slap a smaller wheel in the rear. BB height and SA are still manageable and the HA doesn't get too slack. I've done it with my Tyee and am very pleased with it.
  • 4 0
 @withdignityifnotalacrity: not to mention you can just slap a -2º angle set in there and get a 62.5º headtube angle. Not sure why someone would want that with this bike, but they have that option.
  • 2 0
 @withdignityifnotalacrity: It's probably the fact it's not super slack - although it's not that long ago that 64.5 was - that makes it fun as well. Bloody hell I've just looked mine up again and I'm on 65.5. What should I do? So uncool.
  • 1 0
 @moerkster: I saw that they offer mixed wheels on the spindrift not on the Tyee. How do you like the Tyee generally? You found the 29er on the back got in the way?
  • 1 0
 Yeah, taking advantage of the flip switch being more slack oriented would've been a fine option.
  • 2 0
 @Altron5000: I've built it as 29er but found that the mullet was just a little more fun for my liking....but it was really good as 29er too though.
I have to say that it was a little harsh with an air shock but I am running a coil now and it strikes a very good balance between comfort and support in my opinion.
  • 5 0
 @moerkster: If you choose the mixed wheel option with the spindrift, the Geometry doesnt even change. They have a different rear end for the mixed wheel option
  • 10 1
 Yeah I feel there’s a bit of a disconnect here from the pb review crew, with a lot of personal bias thrown in. We have some pretty narrow trails here and I feel like in tight twisty sections at slower speeds a not slack af hta works a bit better. Not every bike needs to be designed for breakneck speeds in Squamish.

Im sure Propain have tested 63.whatever and decided that they like the bike more like this. I like having options, otherwise every bike would be a 63.5 hta/78 sta/480mm reach blob with the only difference being weight and kinematics.
  • 3 0
 @mikekazimer: How did the Spindrift compare to the Specialized Enduro? I know the spesh is supposed to be racier but the numbers don't look thaat disimilar and you say the Propain has race potential, which would you pick for the Whistler EWS?!
  • 1 0
 @Altron5000: Also interested in your thoughts on this @mikekazimer - c'mon, spill the beans.
  • 2 1
 @nukedchipp: "What should i do?"

Stop riding downhill immediately for your own saftey. You can take it to Centre Parks for the weekend. Anything more challenging may result in unwanted combustion.

I was looking at the bike i started riding on the other day (Specialized Hardrock comp - circa 1962, or might as well be). The head angle was so steep i'm pretty sure the fork was pointing back in towards the frame. The best thing i can say about that bike is that i took it to BPW, it tried to kill me and made me take the plunge and buy a 'proper actual mountain bike'.
  • 5 0
 @Upduro: @Upduro: Have you ever ridden in Squamish? Most trails aren't breakneck enduro race trails, lots are tight and technical although the slabs there are pretty unique to the sea to sky corridor and so don't relate for most of the world.
Every reviewer has personal bias, but that's why I like all PB reviews to be by Mike or Mike, because I know where they're coming from, especially with the sheer number of reviews they've done. You learn to understand what a reviewer likes/doesn't like and how that translates to you and your riding. Every time PB switches to a European reviewer of a bike, I don't feel I know the reviewer/terrain well enough to form a judgement based on what they say. (I used to live in the Sea to Sky, so know the terrain well)
  • 4 0
 @mikekazimer: What I don't get and what the original commenter probably was trying to say is this: The Altitude isn't extremely long and slack in terms of enduro geometry. Yet, with its relatively moderate geometry, it still was the fastest bike in the test. So what would you gain by making it even longer and slacker? Where's the point in that? You think it would become even faster? Wouldn't it just become less balanced and less maneuverable?
  • 3 1
 @mikekazimer: why would rocky give the altitude those slack numbers and basically make a not as sturdy version of the slayer? And I am disappointed you guys didn't put the slayer in this test. Tell you what, come to Oregon and you can review mine
  • 1 0
 @BenTheSwabian: When the Altitude came out Jesse had his setup to be close to the Slayer he was on. I'd be curious if it was to keep it familiar initially and then where did he end up now? What bike does he like for what kind or riding? I'd love to give the Spindrift a try though! Definitely a bike that fits the Tahoe Basin area in general. I'm on a 2018 slayer now and still love it, but wish it was just a little bigger. Cheers!
  • 1 0
 @moerkster: it comes as a mixed wheel option
  • 1 0
 @BenTheSwabian: Longer, no, but slacker yes. In fact if you made it half a degree or a degree slacker in the slackest setting, the wheelbase would be longer but the reach shorter BUT it would be more confident on really steep stuff. And still have the ability to be made back to steeper with the ride9 chip.
The Enduro mag test that they did recently with a bunch of pro enduro racer bikes was interesting. They settled on slightly shorter reach than your average rider/reviewer would pick and about 760mm bars because that's what made them fast (at their ability level - this is the important caveat).
  • 1 0
 @DidNotSendIt: lol yeah I think your right. My wife would definitely agree!
  • 55 1
 Germany is killing it right now. YT, Canyon and now Propain. Good value and good design from ze Germans.
  • 16 7
 don't forget Rose and Cube Wink
  • 12 0
 @Bruccio: we don't really see a ton of those in 'Murica, though Remy is definitely getting those Cubes some eyeballs.
  • 9 1
 Dont forget the Acto 5 Wink
  • 9 0
 @withdignityifnotalacrity: he's also murdering cube frames lol
  • 1 2
 Those brands have been around (and good) for a while. It is just that they couldn't be sold in the US because some other brand had some patent issues. But were these completely unknown over there? Matts Haugen may be not that well known but YT has been supporting Andrieu Lacondeguy well before they entered the North American market so that can't have gone unnoticed. Not 100% sure but maybe Propain has been supporting Timo Pritzel too well before they entered the US.
  • 11 1
 Radon as well... I wish they'd sell their Swoop here...
  • 3 0
 @vinay: I didn't know most of these, but tbf I've only gone full MTB nerd in the last 3-4 years.
  • 7 13
flag SunsPSD (Dec 14, 2020 at 8:37) (Below Threshold)
 I don't think much of YT or Canyon. YT has frame breaks that occur after weeks in some cases and owners wait a year plus to never receive replacement parts as they continue to deliver more new frames & Canyon just has way too much progression in their LR, even for a coil shock. YOMV
  • 9 0
 @SunsPSD: interesting... I’ve owned 3 YT’s (Capra, Decoy, Jeffsy), am heavier than most, ride like a hack on some really unforgiving trails and they are rock solid. In fact, it’s rare to see a broken frame from any company these days. They of course will happen but who knows the full story. In addition, YT’s US customer is great (had to work with them on component issues).
  • 18 0
 @Bruccio: And RAAW!
  • 24 0
 @gafoto: And Nicolai. Arguably the most influential bike company that is barely talked about.
  • 6 0
 Shipping to Canada would be a good idea! I just cruised their site and unfortunately us moose lovers are not an option. Am I wrong?
  • 2 1
 @SunsPSD: I have to agree... spent half a decade in NL and DE and YT and Canyon always seemed the bottom of the German direct brands with Radon having better stock, customer service and cost-quality balance. Rose always seemed behind the curve design wise but still only ever heard good things, Alutech and Propain always seemed to have a strong following while letting their freak flag fly... All at amazing prices compared the big brands
  • 4 0
 @Bruccio: would say Cube’s Geo is dated now, even on new models. But good value, good kit if you don’t mind the geo (and shop support).
  • 2 0
 @TheBearDen: How do you know?
  • 1 0
 @vinay: Absolutely right, they suported Timo Pritzel. For now, beside their WC DH factory team, they suport Marcus Klausmann - or the other way round, due to his knowledge.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, the only problem is accessibility issues here in NA with German or any Euro brand for that matter. I'm glad CRC ships here. That's how I got my Vitus from 2018.
  • 2 1
 $8600 (before taxes, shipping, and pedals) is killing the wallet, alright. No way I would ride $3500 faster than my 5 year old Capra.
  • 2 3
 I wouldn't say YT is 'killing it'. Looks like they are stepping up their game recently, but they have a lot of work to do.
  • 1 0
 @GazeeMW: My only gripes with my 2021 Stereo 170 (Race model) is the maximum seat tube insertion, and the internal cable routing.
Also the plastic piece that holds the cables near the head tube easily falls inside the frame, and is really hard to get it after it falls in, which is why I currently ride with tape wrapped aroud the headtube and a that fking piece of plastic rattling around somewhere in my bottom bracket area.
Internal cable routing is just awful. Can we go back to external cables already?
Even with all those problems i'd say it was great buy since i got it for 2640€.
  • 2 0
 @ryan83: I have also beat the F out of a 2015 CF Capra and also have a 2018 CF TUES. Zero probs I didn't create for myself. Canada and EU customer support is dragging the brand down.
  • 3 1
 @suspended-flesh: It's funny because yt is a german brand yet eu has the worst customer service
  • 6 0
 To be perfectly honest, YT isn't really that much of a popular brand around here anymore. They have been, but since they steadily raised their prices and their customer service issues became apparent, they lost in popularity. They just don't provide the value their products used to have
  • 1 0
 @BenTheSwabian: Makes sense. You can't screw the customer in the long run. The Capra was so (relatively) cheap for what you got that it got me back into racing 5 years ago. Next bike will probably be a frame-only Forbidden.
  • 3 0
 @BenTheSwabian: It's a shame the service varies from country to country. Here in th U.S. the CS is quite good...as are the bikes. Pony up for the Pro Race and it's hard to find another brand with top shelf spec for the same money. I agree the lower end models aren't as well spec'd as they once were.
  • 4 0
 @BenTheSwabian: To me, Privateer is now what YT was when they started out. Release a frame in one single spec that is affordable yet isn't holding anyone back. YT used to do that, Privateer does that now.
  • 35 1
 I know it's not the same model but I received my carbon Tyee from these guys back in October (having ordered it in July), and I'm absolutely thrilled to bits with the bike and the way it rides. That said, there are some fall backs with both the bike's build quality and the company (as a whole) in my opinion, which has disappointed me slightly, so if you're living outside Germany and looking to buy the Tyee or the Spindrift, please read on for some honest comments/observations:

Decals / Frame Protection / Frame Badge - All three have had peeling issues, which isn't something I'd expect from a bike having had only 2 months of use (7 rides total). In particular, the chain-slap protector and the head tube Propain badge are both stuck on with some crappy glue which hasn't appeared to have set properly. Now both are standing off the frame slightly, meaning that grit and dust are likely to build up inside the gaps behind them. I could glue them down myself I guess but I'd be afraid of using the wrong type of glue (any ideas from PB community would be greatly welcomed!). The "Propain" decals along the frame are also a bit cheap and have also started to peel away. For the record, I am in no way hammering this thing.

Daft pricing on their small parts delivered outside of Germany - I ordered some spare mech hangers recently, having stupidly forgotten to order them with the bike at the time. Delivery costs from Germany to the UK is a flat rate of £53 (with no alternative option aside from physical collection in Germany). That amount is insane given that the hangers cost only £18.74 and weigh probably no more than 50 grams each. So, to buy one mech hanger, I would have to pay £71! I ended up buying three, so I'd hopefully not have to do it again for a while. I also organised my own courier to collect from store in the end and saved myself £20 on delivery. It's worth noting that Spindrift owners won't have this issue as they got lucky with the Sram UDH compatibility, but any other spares for them will likely involve the same postage issues.

Poor Website Design / Customer Service - I've noticed that their website is a bit "incomplete", with links that just take you to nowhere. There's a whole "Propain Friends" community on their website (insert inbetweeners joke here), that I'd like to partake in, but the links just don't work. These dead links seems to occur more with their English website rather than their German original, but given that the company now caters to an international market, they really need to improve their customer relations game. As for their actual customer service, I've not made any official complaints to them (yet), but in the few email's I've sent to them regarding my bike order etc., I've noticed there's there's a bit of a language barrier. I've had email inquiries misunderstood on multiple occasions, which was a bit awkward to solve at the time. This is a minor gripe however given that they are a German company and English is clearly not expected to be their first language.

I think Covid 19 and the mad rush for bikes this year has a lot to answer for the above complaints and to reiterate, I am VERY impressed with the actual Tyee's performance (which clearly is the most important thing) but I saved up some hard-earned cash over the course of 2018 and 2019 just to buy my dream bike, and it appears from some of the issues I've experienced, that they rushed my build, or at least that it didn't go through a rigorous enough quality control assessment. Which was a bit of a shame to say the least given the approx. four month wait for it to arrive.

I also think Propain as a small-ish company are at risk of becoming another "YT - bad customer service" story, especially to their consumer base outside of Germany if they don't sort out their website and international delivery shenanigans. If you're reading this Propain, I don't profess know anything about running a company, but you need to improve that English website and those delivery options, big-time.
  • 4 14
flag Serpentras (Dec 14, 2020 at 8:57) (Below Threshold)
 I can understand anything you said but I don't get that with the hangar because this one is specially made to buy just in your LBS. Could you not order it from CRC or something else?
  • 1 0
 @Serpentras: It's a fair question but I did some research before approaching Propain directly for the hanger. I'm not sure about other websites out there but I couldn't find a compatible hanger on CRC.
  • 4 0
 @Serpentras: I think that the Spindrift uses SRAM's universal hanger, but a lot of other Propain bikes (including the Tyee) don't.
  • 4 16
flag IMeasureStuff (Dec 14, 2020 at 10:07) (Below Threshold)
 This uses SRAMs universal hanger. You should be able to order one from any LBS.
  • 12 0
 Very well reviewed. Picking out issues but seeing their side. Good to see someone being reasonable. Usually it's just hate for love. Hope they listen.
  • 9 0
 @IMeasureStuff: Sorry for the confusion, but my comment was about the Tyee mech hanger, (which doesn't have Sram UDH compatability) not the Spindrift (which does).
  • 3 0
 @iridewhatever: Thanks for the comments. I'm very close to ordering a Tyee CF. Numbers look good to me and the bike looks even better. Could you describe how it rides in a sentence or two and make any comparisons to your previous bikes?

As for your glue question, I'd use contact cement (eg. Evo-Stiik Impact) - should hold well and if you need to rip it off and start again you'll be able to rub off the glue residue pretty easily.
  • 4 0
 @Lornholio: Well, I took a calculated risk and didn't test ride the Tyee CF before I ordered it (mainly due to there being no test events organised in the UK during COVID) and for me, complaints above notwithstanding, the risk was still worth the reward based on the way it rides alone.

FYI - I went for a 27.5 Medium with a Fox coil.

I would describe myself as a 30 yr old decent rider, but one who's had about 10 years away from a long travel bike and I would describe the Tyee as very forgiving and confidence inspiring. This has been great for my re-education in enduro bikes because I've had a few awkward landings and cases on jumps (mainly due to me being out of practice) and every time, the Tyee had taken it in its stride. No big crashes or major losses of control, the suspension just does its thing and helps save me from any embarrassing spills (so far at least).

If , unlike me, you feel yourself to be a more confident, faster rider, pulling big whips etc. you need only watch the George Brannigan vid of him at Queenstown to see how well it can shred.

In the same way Kazimer describes in his Spindrift review, the Tyee climbs brilliantly and the carbon variant probably helps keep that weight down if you are a weight watcher (I'd be curious to know how the AL version climbs if anyone on here has one?).

In terms of other bikes I'd ridden prior to the Tyee, there aren't many that I could directly compare the bike to because like I said, I'd been out of riding bigger travel bikes for a while. (Long story short, I switched to riding XC and BMX for a few years due to moving to a very flat part of the UK). I did however test ride the Mondraker Dune (AL) and Superfoxy RR (CF) at a demo weekend before buying the Tyee, and I would say in term of handling, the Tyee feels better than both of these in both the climbs and descends. The Superfoxy may have had a slight speed advantage on the ups (I may have been on a 29er, I forget), but overall, I think the Tyee is more well rounded.

If I had to make one complaint about handling with the Tyee, I would say occasionally, I will struggle to maintain speed / momentum on the flatter, more flowy terrain, but this could be down to my fitness more than anything. I'll let you know after a few months of winter training on the pump track whether it's still the same way next spring.

(Apologies for the essay, I know you only wanted a sentence or two! Feel free to DM me if you need any more advice.)

P.S. - Big thanks for the Evo- Stiik recommendation, looks like exactly what I need!
  • 2 0
 Cheers, sounds good. I'm pretty set on a 29 Tyee CF (first 29) but no rush so I'll give it a few weeks to think about it. If I was kidding myself about how I ride I'd get the Spindrift but the Tyee should suit my everyday trails better I think (rough and natural but I like a bit of slow tech), and if the Spindrift review is anything to go by then the Tyee should climb even better.
  • 5 0
 *Thumbs up*

"Ooooh, Propain friend"

Inbetweeners reference inserted.
  • 4 0
 Hi ! I would like to add my own experience with Propain to your comment.

I do agree with you for their website, the "Propain friends" category and my account information weren't usefull at all... And the information by emails after you ordered the bike aren't the best you can have on the market for sure ! A lot of people here in the forum ask questions about the payment status which is not updating himself too...

But, after 3 bikes from them : the first Spindrift in 2017, the Rage AL (downhill) in december last year, and the 4bidden (dirt/4x) in april, I did NOT had problems with the decals/stickers.
I even think they improved themselves a lot between the Spindrift and the Rage. But you're the second one that I read, who had problems with the decals. So, perhaps, they do have problems now with the assembly of the bike. I hope they will paid attention to that in the future !

For the customer service, i had to contact them for my first Spindrift (2017 model) in 2019. I broke a screw in the upper links and had to bought new ones. Their responses were quick and the solution were really cheap (15€ for the upper link and 2 screws), but like you, i had to use small and short sentences to be understood. If they sell a tons of bike in the USA or outside Germany, it could be usefull to recruit people who speak different languages.

To conclude, their services are good, but not perfect. I would clearly buy another bike from them (that Spindrift for sure), because they are top quality for the price. Their builds are good, the configurator is really usefull, and even if they are growing up you don't see them everywhere outside Germany. I would just like some improvements on their website and the order tracking
  • 4 0
 I started a youtube channel basically just to review the Tyee and answer questions for those buying in the US. Info has been pretty lacking and/or wrong here. The first time I ordered it the shipping date was wrong on the website by three months, and I ended up getting a different build that was in stock. Anyway, it's a great bike and sounds like the Spindrift's little brother. Check out my review and evidence of my midlife crisis here: youtu.be/WVhfGIl_tpU
  • 2 0
 @aaronfpeet: "Poor Website Design / Customer Service"

It is a German company after all haha!
  • 32 0
 who cares how it rides?? I just want to wake up and have something this good looking as the first thing I see!!
  • 23 0
 Wallpaper on your phone might do the trick You're welcome!
  • 3 0
 @DabaZei: lot cheaper too
  • 11 6
 Then get rid of your wife, you're welcome Smile
  • 4 0
 @2pi: well that was savage.
  • 14 0
 What a beauty. The suspension design seems great, I'd love to demo the propain trail bike. I'm going to guess this was the bike that wins the efficiency ( and beat one of the trail bikes)
  • 5 0
 the written portion notes that this was the second fastest of this group in the efficiency test. So whatever is coming next is pretty efficient.
  • 2 0
 @mtmc99: good catch! and hot damn! Kaz seemed impressed with this bikes pedal efficiency... what will he say about the KOM
  • 2 0
 @mtmc99: the thing is a coil spring 180 travel rig is sure way more efficient with an air shock closed , what do you think?
  • 2 0
 @Serpentras: I think that's a fair assumption. It is really impressive for such a long travel bike to pedal as well as the reviewers noted here
  • 10 2
 a shorter seat tube wouldn't solve the dropper post comment - it's the insertion depth into the frame that causes me some headaches.

Does anyone know - or can PB reach out to Propain - how to calculate the minimum height that let's say a bikeyoke 160mm will give at full extension and at max insertion?
(difficult explanation, but anyone who has looked at the geo table will see that the 'frame height' is a bit weird, and that the inseam for the different dropper posts can never be the height of your crotch measured from the ground)
  • 10 0
 www.propain-bikes.com/en/bikes/freeride/spindrift

Under the headline "technical data" you can find:
max. Seatpost insert length
29" & Mix: M 215 mm / L 220 mm / XL 250 mm
27.5": S 200 mm / M 220 mm / L 230 mm
  • 9 0
 @lukeff: Massive kudos to Propain for providing this measure! Wish every manufacturer had this in their geo table. Would save me headache of returning 200mm Reverb that would just not go deep enough.. *thats not what she said*.
  • 3 0
 @lukeff: thanks, I've seen that. But this only says that the 125mm droppers can totally fit into the frame. All longer droppers will stick out. This makes calculating the max dropper you can run a lot more difficult. If the 220 mm is including the nozzle at the bottom of the dropper, a lot will stick out and there not much of an option for me (1m80 on a L 29")
  • 1 0
 @KoenR: Look at the 'Seatposts' section. They go by inseam not height which is very appropriate and tell you what minimum inseam is required for a given seatpost and frame size.
  • 1 0
 @KoenR: Yeah the seatpost insertion length is my main gripe with the frame. Has the review helped you make a decision on buying it?
  • 1 0
 @coachphillip: thanks. Where do you stop measuring for the inseam?
  • 2 0
 @hugh-dh: I also couldn't wait for the review :-) :-)
  • 20 0
 @KoenR: stop when it hurts
  • 1 0
 Measure how many millimeters on your current bike from the center of the BB to your seat rail with your current seat post in your preferred high position. Let's call that X.

Then use this formula for any new frame you are considering to determine how long of a dropper will fit: X - Seat Tube Length + Max Insertion = The max overall length of any new dropper post you are considering.

* Stolen from the interwebs
  • 7 0
 Finally, a real bike.
But I do think this build kit doesn’t show Propains strength: what they offer in terms of value at their configuratior is the possibility to get a really nice performance Mtb at the price of a low budget mainstream developer. And what’s better, is that they ride better than most premium bikes out there.
  • 5 0
 the configurator is a really nice option. Being able to pick and choose your own upgrades and get them at/near the OEM price is great. Upgrading forks and shocks with aftermarket parts is really expensive.
  • 2 0
 @mtmc99:
Yes, definitely a good option. I purchased a 2020 Tyee in January, and it’s just amazing!
Wish they would offer shimano gears, that would be perfect.
  • 2 0
 Can’t emphasize this enough! One of the few brands which let you spec a bike with high end suspension without paying for expensive drivetrains and other bits.
  • 1 0
 @Ttimer: And you can spec it with a BikeYoke Revive for way below the retail price!
  • 2 0
 But not in Canada!! No such options...sadly!
  • 5 0
 The bike looks awesome. I will once again complain, though, as to how much more expensive these bikes are in the US vs. Europe. I know we can't complain due to a lot of times things being the other way, but I was so excited when Propain started US distribution and then they were priced more like a big brand than the great, configurable deals that they are in Europe.
  • 6 0
 Canadians be like “huh?”
  • 1 0
 Yeah same for me!! I saw the CAD price AND that we can't change suspension, dropper post, etc like in Europe...big turn off! Frown
  • 1 0
 Yeah, with these brands from Europe it's that way. And on the other hand for example Ibis bikes are expensive here in Europe.

By the way, that sponsor beer Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (that I really like), costs 3.50 euros per small bottle (0.35 l / 12 oz) here in Finland. Not nice.
www.alko.fi/en/tuotteet/723974/Sierra-Nevada-Pale-Ale
  • 1 0
 Yeah and the worst being Fox price in Europe... I still can't believe a fork is about 1800 US!!!
  • 6 0
 Ordered mine a few days ago. This review is pretty reassuring, pretty much what I'm looking for in a bike. Now the waiting game....
  • 4 0
 PinkBike really has these Field Test reviews wired as a format. All the information I could want, and they really seem to have paid attention to what us douchebags in the comments section have asked for in reviews. Maybe I'm just fooling myself, but I feel like, after watching, I actually have a decent sense of each bike's overall behavior. You have this dorky, unskilled rider's approval, PinkBike team. You can die happy now, I'm sure.
  • 6 3
 actually the long seattube is not a real problem. i just bought the propain tyee which has exactly the same geo.. i did size up to the largest frame (XL) even tho i am only 1,82 m short (don't know how much that is in unicornelbows) and got a oneup dropper with 180 mm. i still have around 2 -3 cm left so could probably even fit a 200mm.
i do however have to admit that i was worried about the long seattube too. however found out that is only a problem on paper...
  • 2 5
 it's mostly a problem in "style points".. everybody wants their bike to have that nothing but dropper look!
  • 2 0
 the geo may be the same, the Tyee has more insertion depth for a dropper post. Your XL frame has 261mm vs 250 for the Spindrift.
On the size L (my size) the difference is even bigger (241mm vs 220mm).

So there's 2cm less to insert, and for my 1,80m a 160mm dropper might be a close call....
  • 1 0
 @stiingya: Or they just want to drop the seat as low as possible... Do you have a fixed-post setup or something?
  • 1 0
 @haen: "want", that's my point. Some people want the seat on their trail or enduro bike to drop down lower than what most DH bikes with fixed seats run. And at that point it seems like it's about style and not need.

Seems like if that was really an issue than DHers would be running "tiny droppers" to get their seat down that last little bit? OR like a reverse Specialized Wu dropper to drop and move the post forward a little so the rear wheel wouldn't contact it at max travel? OR custom cut out seats to allow clearance to drop the seat further, little baby DJ seats OR just no seat for shorter races...? Wider and padded top tubes? I mean some riders get what they get to help sell their sponsors bikes/parts. But SOME riders would only have to ask and if their sponsors thought it would help win races or might start development a new product they'd get it fab'd up in the blink of an eye!

Now I'm not saying there's anything wrong about making your bike look cool. And obviously many DJ and slopestyle riders truly need their seat that far out of the way AND some people do throw that kind of style on their trailbikes. And were not all built the same so obviously some people are trying to make due between frame sizes, etc. So I'm not saying it never matters. I just think sometimes the super long dropper thing is more about style than necessity...?

Next lets discuss how many of us need larger than 200mm front rotors off a race track. Smile

Sorry, channeling some Waki there... back to work!!!
  • 1 0
 @stiingya:

I "want" to drop my seat as low as possible because I have long torso/arms and short legs. I need a big bike but those tend to come with corresponding large seat tubes.

No fun to have a seat that can't drop sufficiently out of the way and limits my ability to move around the bike.
  • 2 0
 @haen: See above... Smile
  • 1 0
 @stiingya: You'll be thrilled to know that one of the guys I ride with just installed massive a massive 220-230 front rotor on his bike.
  • 1 0
 @haen: Well again, I"m sure there are circumstances where it's warranted. Just like super long droppers.

BUT again I think most people just do it for the trendz....
  • 3 0
 I think what might bother me more than the seat tube length is the rear rotor clearance. Three mm isn’t much to work with. I suppose the doc would start rubbing in the calipers beige it started digging into your frame, though.
  • 3 1
 Sheesh, if it gets hot enough it could melt the dang chainstay am I right?
  • 1 1
 @jdrsiff: I don’t know if there’s a problem at all, really. But it would definitely bug me. I’d be kind of paranoid about it.
  • 3 0
 the review and description of this bike sounds a lot like my experience on my 29er Slayer. climbs and rides like a trail bike but descends like a freeride bike. the way modern suspension is dialed in, even with coil shocks mean that you can have a great pedalling bike that doesn't wallow around and isn't just a gushy couch. suspension engineering is incredible. this Propain looks amazing.
  • 3 0
 @mikekazimer given how efficient the bike felt, would you say someone who was considering a 160mm travel bike would not give up much up hill performance but gain the downhill performance of the 180mm travel? Would you speculate if that would apply down their range (Tyee, etc.)?
  • 14 9
 Front brake on the right? This is not 'Nam. This is biking. There are rules.
  • 3 1
 League game...
  • 6 0
 Rear brake on your left so the right hand is free to catch a beer from your buds. Or for jousting. Or a sword.
  • 2 0
 Really curious on how the mix wheeled version would handle with the shorter chain stays. Not all but most of the trails I like are pretty tight and having a nimble bike helps. I know a lot of people don't like the idea of a mullet but for some trails it seems like it would be ideal. Really want to try it, the way it's advertised to work speaks to me but not sure I'm willing to invest all that coin on that when you know the 29 version already works great.
  • 5 0
 It really is a nice looking bike. Watching the review sent me off to the Propain website to check their stuff out.
  • 2 0
 Love the look of the propains. Was going to get a tyee but the 4 month wait and potential customer service issues of dealing with a direct sales brand in Germany. Went for uk brand airdrop and got their edit. Can’t wait for that to arrive.
  • 2 1
 I left a comment further up on this subject: I think you made the right call about going for a UK brand, having bought the Tyee recently myself. It's a great bike but most of my qualms have been a result of the company being based in Germany. Not their fault of course, but given that they are also a smaller company, it hasn't helped resolve some of the other issues I've had.
  • 2 0
 @iridewhatever: I read your post. I think the main thing to take is that you love how the bike rides. These other issues will blur into insignificance after a year of riding it. I still love how it looks. My only other issue was the cable routing under the bb which they obviously improved on the spindrift.
  • 1 0
 Hey pinkbike, would be awesome if you guys had a “KOM” list at the bottom of these reviews, kinda tough to keep track especially when there’s just a “bike x was 7 seconds off the fastest time” which bike had the fastest time? Where do the others fit in!?
  • 1 0
 Not sure, but I think they will be covering all that in the final "round up"
  • 4 0
 will allu version pedal as well as the carbon?

very tempted to get myself a new toy
  • 2 0
 Should pedal just as well. It will just take more energy on long climbs and have more momentum when you build up speed. I initially wanted to get the Al version but then I decided I didn't want to wait that long so I bought the carbon.
  • 2 0
 Maybe they could have adhered a molded SS guard to prevent a warped rear rotor from slicing the chainstay... yikes. That and the long ST, it's an otherwise very cool bike & build.
  • 1 0
 I'm actually impressed with how compact they managed to make that linkage and vertical shock setup! Looks great! Now where were those suspension curve charts...?? Also, I don't think they could have made that seat tube much shorter. From the pictures, it doesn't look like there is ample amounts of insertion length. I'm betting a 170mm dropper will work fine in most of the frame sizes. This bike looks like a gas!
  • 1 0
 Definitely need to point out that you get a Spindrift pretty cheap if you want to, they should have mention it that you even can get it without a dropper because this free configuration thing they have is what any bike brand need. I had the 2017 mod, was more towards smashing it because you could tune it to 195 rear travel. However if Propain did not had wasted so much in marketing crap and announced it right away I probably would canceled my current bike and bought the Spindrift again.
  • 1 0
 Propain hasn't ever really been on my radar before. They are now. And not just this Spindrift, but now that I'm looking at them more, their other bikes look pretty nice as well. It looks like they just barely became available in the US.
  • 1 0
 I tried ordering one right before Covid, but the Tyee was not available in the US. Hoping to see more of these on the trails.
  • 2 0
 @alwaysOTB:

From what I've been reading, they started becoming available in the US in February of this year. So maybe they just weren't quite available at the time.

I was looking at the Tyee today as well. I'm actually a bit curious how the spindrift and the Tyee compare. As it seems the spindrift already does pretty well on the climbs, and doesn't sound like it is "too much" bike for mellower trails.

According to their website, they have some available for delivery in early January, depending on which component spec you were thinking.

www.propain-bikes.com/us/bikes/enduro/tyee-al

www.propain-bikes.com/us/bikes/enduro/tyee-cf
  • 1 0
 @ocnlogan: if only they would return emails. I want them to take my money but don't want to order the "start" build if they are gonna get the "performance" build in stock soon in my preferred size/color
  • 1 0
 Very good looking bike. Also kind of cool/interesting to just start seeing some limits coming along with respect to reach numbers. I mean I'm still going for a 700mm reach for my next bike, but....
  • 4 0
 This is not Advent Calendar?
  • 2 1
 Well, this would very likely be my next bike if the seat tube was a bit shorter on the large.
How can they get everything else so right but overlook that?
Suppose I could get the AL model and take a hacksaw to it.
  • 2 0
 Canyon bikes have the same tall seatpost. Apparently Germans have long legs
  • 2 2
 This is a REALLY nice bicycle and if I needed/ wanted 180mm of travel it would earn my paycheck. Really nice that it includes hands down the best wheels and the best (mass produced) brakes. They also included the heavy but very effective e-bike rotors which deal with heat much better.
The geo is really ideal, love the long CS length without having excessive front center. It's also very light for what it is. A Mezzer and an air shock would get you a 31.5# trail bike which is phenomenal.
This brand is one to watch.
  • 2 1
 "Hands down best mass produced brakes"....☹️
Bold statement.
"Geo that's really ideal."
Personally, I would like a little longer reach for my height without having a long seat tube and dropper limitations. This is a little older school geo in that department. Also wouldn't mind a little slacker, after all this is their "Freeride" bike, it's not supposed to be that good of an all arounder. It's supposed to be the most capable of ultra steep gnarly stuff that you still need to pedal to access.
Take one of the best 180mm forks off of it and put an air shock on it to save a lb or two? Seems as though at that point one would be better served with something in the 150-160ish range.
  • 1 1
 @rzalewski6: All your points are fair, and ultimately why I'm not a 180mm bike customer. Don't like uber slack HTAs cause they flop all over and have poor front traction, but then I'm no free-rider!
Also checked the Tyee's specs and pricing and the Tyee geo isn't as ideal for my tastes and frankly the cost is no better than the LBS bikes.
Still, the Spindrift is an interesting 'AM' bike option from my view for the guy that pedals AND goes real big.
  • 1 0
 I wanted this as soon as it came out but it wasn't available in the U.S. I bought the Wreckoning after a couple months on the Enduro, but still kind of wishing I had this. Really curious how it would compare to those two.
  • 3 0
 Lovely editing leaving in a quarter of a second flash of the smirk that followed "less than 9000 dollars so, good news"
  • 1 0
 I like the reviews, is there any chance pinkbike will review downhill bikes or slope/dj bikes in the future? tbh all these enduro reviews might as well be the same bike to me lol
  • 1 0
 That's a great looking bike. Would buy if Canadian import laws would allow us to buy them direct. Instead we're stuck with the same old Norco's, Rocky's, Devinci's, Giant's, Santa Cruz... and so on.
  • 1 1
 Almost ????9000 and no motor ?? ????????
What is it , gold plated titanium with diamond rims and bionic tires .
As absurd as the price is , there WILL be some fool that buys it , insisting that it makes him a better rider , what ever that means.
  • 2 0
 That front brake hose though.... Flopping around like a wet noodle would do my head in.
  • 3 0
 These are good looking bikes
  • 6 3
 very sexy...
but about 6k$ out of my price range.
  • 7 0
 The Al version starts at about 2500 euro and the option to select each individual component means you can make some pretty great builds for not much money. On the base model, I'd upgrade the fork to Zeb select+, the shock to a super deluxe ultimate, the brakes to Formula Cura 4s, and add a dropper if you don't already have one. That comes to about 3700 dollars with the dropper. The Al version is pretty heavy though, that build will be about 16.8 KG or 37 lbs .
  • 7 0
 @hugh-dh: Yeah - I just priced up a GX bike with the top-of-the-range fox suspension seen in this review and it came in at £3900 (5200USD) I thought that was pretty reasonable compared to some of the competition.

I kind of felt like the review should have been more positive given that it was efficient pedalling, playful on the downs and also just 1sec off the fastest - I mean it sounds almost perfect!
  • 1 0
 @thingswelike:Yeah The review described pretty much what I'm looking for in a bike. It almost seemed like they preferred the altitude though. We'll have to wait for the final comparison of all the bikes to know for sure I guess.

I bought mine a week ago with the 190mm Zeb and I'm planning to get a spare 27.5 wheel for the rear along with a 180mm spring assembly for the Zeb. That let's me run the fork at 190mm or 180mm and the rear wheel at 29 or 27.5, which will have allow me to significantly change my head angle and BB height depending on what riding I'm doing on a given day.
  • 2 0
 @hugh-dh: in the mullet config with a 190 mm travel zeb, the HA becomes pretty slack.
  • 1 0
 @eugenux: 63.1 degrees according to the other pinkbike review. It also drops the BB by somewhere between 5 and 10mm. Just the 190mm fork with 29 rear wheel changes the head angle from 64.5 to about 64 and raises the BB by 3-4mm. I'll have to work out all of the other geo changes when I have time but it should ride more like a DH bike with those numbers.
  • 3 0
 @eugenux: if my illiterate math is correct, I'd say about a 63.3° head angle on a mullet with a 190 Zeb.
  • 1 3
 @hugh-dh: personly, I'd leave the 190 fork travel and just the hardest, bad-ass, thick rear 27.5 wheel, wide AF and DH casting for sure as it will have a DH geo and probably DH speeds and that rear wheel for sure it will take some hits.

For normal enduro-epic style of riding, 64 HA, IMO, is really enough.
  • 1 0
 go to their website, you can bolt on any part you want, mostly to chose between 5 different parts for forks, drivetrains, wheels , shocks, etc. This way you could just spend later if you carefully chose your parts.
  • 1 0
 So nice to see this review! I have also ordered Spindrift al in raw and with silver decals. 3500 euros (including postage) with Zeb Ultimate, super deluxe with coil, Gx shifters, Code rsc brakes, Selle Italia Slr saddle (option by the way Mike), Bikeyoke 180 mm dropper...
Should arrive in april when the snow has melted (if we gonna have any) and bike parks will open Smile
  • 1 0
 @eugenux: I think I'll get the 180mm air spring assembly anyway because it only costs 30 euro and I don't like the idea of the BB being any higher than it needs to be. For the rear wheel I'm thinking of getting a carbon 27.5 rim from light bicycle as I've seen good stuff online about them and the price is good. I've never tried carbon wheels but they're stiffer and don't deform so I think I'll go that route. Or else if a cheap used 27.5 rear wheel pops up I'll buy that.
  • 1 0
 @hugh-d: @Serpentras: Unfortunately they only give us a couple build kits to pick from here in the states without any of the custom spec options. The prices are also a little higher over here. They're still pretty good, but definitely not the screaming deal you guys are getting.
  • 1 0
 @eugenux: I also believe you could fit a DC, Propain said it is legal Razz
  • 1 0
 Also keep in mind the Spindrift is approved for 200mm DH forks.
  • 1 0
 @hugh-dh: depends where you want stifness and where you want compliance. I tend to run stiffer castings but more compliant wheels but, I'm not very fast so it is not really relevant.
Congraz on your purchase though.
  • 1 0
 @kauris: Kinda late, but i'm looking @ getting that same frame with those decals. You mind posting a pic to your PB profile or sending me a pic of it? Cheers!!
  • 3 0
 want, don't need, but still want. sigh...
  • 3 0
 At 5:50, are those road pedals?
  • 2 0
 So it seems like easy handling = fastest bikes:-) Not the lowest, slackest and longest....
  • 1 0
 This bike looks like the best of the bunch, so far. Of course, I can't form a final opinion until I read about the "TBA" bike.
  • 1 0
 Is it just me or does it seem to have lots of flex in the rear end? I'm not too impressed by how much the rear triangle wiggles around side to side in the slow-mo shots...
  • 2 0
 "Propain propain, cant stop the flame." Its okay Mr lahey, let's just go to the liquor store.
  • 1 0
 Just a thought, but do you really need your seat lower than your wheel? If the seat tube was any shorter that's where the saddle would be and that seems excessive...
  • 3 1
 Is the TBD bike the Grim Donut?
  • 3 0
 new Nomad, dropping tomorrow
  • 2 0
 when will the fifth bike be unveiled?
  • 2 0
 The new Nomad is being released tomorrow.
  • 1 0
 @unrooted: Confirmed. Not much different, a few small changes. 27.5.
  • 1 0
 Not much. Steeper seat angle. 78.2 to 77.2 depending on settings and size. Reach has grown by around 5mm. Travel is same as well as wheel size. Chainstays get bigger per size. 426 to 441
  • 2 0
 4 down only the To Be Announced left.
  • 15 0
 What if they are playing mind games with us and the bike is named To Be Announced?
  • 4 0
 Yep, hearing its a new santa cruz......
  • 2 0
 @unrooted: Maybe. Santa Cruz bikes all look alike. Its nice looking and i like the color but l can still stand up without making it awkward.
  • 2 2
 @Thirty3: I can’t say any SC bike has ever “made my pants feel tighter”....especially after I’ve ridden one....
  • 3 0
 @unrooted: The other color way is better IMO.
  • 5 4
 “...and “there” brake and derailleur housing now run inside the frame...”

Maybe change to “the” or “their”
  • 2 0
 If anything, Propain bikes look really cool
  • 1 0
 I'm wondering if this might be a good all around Bootleg Canyon bike, even for the longer, rough, "XC" loops.
  • 2 0
 This is one good looking bike hands down
  • 1 0
 Mike, you can also click Selle Italia Slr for 40 euros and minus 100 grams when choosing components in the configurator.
  • 1 3
 I’m sorry but you think that a seat tube length of as you say 470 is long with your height,I think that if bikes with 29 rear wheels with lower than that will eat-your ass on ,and i think that maybe you don’t really need that seat tube much lower for an (like you all say this days ) aggressive front weight style ,because of that stupid longer reach ,just saying this cause with a long reach and lower seat tube with that kind of front height you will be like a grocery store bike handling in the turns when going down ,it’s almost like that thing with handlebars (YES THE NEW STANDARD IS AT LEAST 800 mm),but hey from all the videos and this one in particular I think this bike is the one that fits you the best ,maybe only change that dropper to a 170/5/80 ,cause is the one that you could really pushed to next level of your riding ,thanks for all of all of you
  • 1 0
 Are these available in the USA? A 180mm park bike with not-so-slack geo would hit the spot for me.
  • 1 0
 A bike named after my favorite flavored soda watering I wonder how well it pairs with whiskey
  • 1 0
 Excited for nomad 5 review soon to come. Seat angle is actually good! 78.2-77.2 depending
  • 2 0
 Not available in the US, and no release date.
  • 1 0
 I would love to demo this bike.....its so damn good looking.
  • 1 0
 the best, the front brake is mounted on the right side !!!!!
  • 1 0
 i knew i shouldn't have looked at new bikes....
  • 1 0
 Looking good. Nice review.
  • 1 0
 Please zip tie those cables! It's sore for the eyes...
  • 1 0
 I think I'm in love! Looks awesome!
  • 1 0
 how does it compare to a yt capra ?
  • 3 0
 "better"
  • 1 0
 @etownrider3: Agree. Capra is better. Wink
  • 1 0
 This is such a good looking bike
  • 1 0
 Well, I've come to realize, I want some pinkbike socks.
  • 1 0
 Sounds like it handily beat the Slash.
  • 1 0
 But why are the brakes set up moto?
  • 1 0
 because moto is the one true way
  • 1 0
 That is one, BEAUTIFUL, bike!
  • 1 0
 In my very humble opinion, this is the best looking bike made right now
  • 1 0
 I want to know more about the unnamed 27.5" bike already!
  • 1 0
 Squint a litttle bit and look at last years Nomad....
  • 1 0
 That's a sexy looking bike.
  • 1 0
 I just want one because the orange coil spring looks SO bada$$!
  • 2 0
 Meh, orange springs are becoming girls with purple hair.
  • 1 0
 @Xlr8n: Sigh. Always late to the fashion party -- the story of my life!
  • 1 0
 If it looks good, it flies good. I think this may be my next bike.
  • 1 0
 propane?? where is Hank Hill
  • 5 7
 Would love to see how this bike feels with the long chainstays but moderate reach. Maybe that's why he wanted it even slacker, to make the front longer?
  • 4 11
flag Dogl0rd (Dec 14, 2020 at 10:48) (Below Threshold)
 I'm literally saying I'm open mindedly interested to try this geometry, wtf is with the downvotes? People here are a*sholes
  • 1 0
 Such a nice bike
  • 1 0
 8.5k!? WTF!
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