First Ride: 2021 Propain Spindrift - 180mm of Travel & Lots of Options

Sep 28, 2020
by Ralf Hauser  


It was only a question of time until Propain's latest design generation of their PRO10 suspension system was going to find its way into the rest of their lineup. The Spindrift is their big-hit single-crown model, featuring 180mm of rear wheel travel, with 29", 27.5, or mixed wheel options available. There's also now a full-carbon frame to go along with the aluminum models.

Wondering where the name Spindrift comes from? It actually wasn't dreamed up in a marketing office. When founders Robert Krause and Markus Zander were on a road trip on Vancouver Island a while ago they decided at some point that the next crossroad would decide their next model's name. Lucky for them, it was Spindrift Road, and not Ragged Ass Road in Yellowknife.
Spindrift Details

• Intended use: enduro, freeride
• Wheel size: 29"/27.5"/mixed
• Rear wheel travel: 180mm
• Carbon or aluminum frame options
• 64.5° head angle
• 78° seat angle
• 445mm chainstays (29"), 435mm chainstays (27.5"/Mixed)
• Frame weight (w/o shock): 3,000g / 3900g (alloy)
• 12 x 148mm rear spacing
• Sizes: S-L (27.5"), M-XL (29"/Mixed)
• Price: €2,599 - €7,904
www.propain-bikes.com


photo
Spindrift CF 27.5"

photo
Spindrift CF 29"
photo
Spindrift CF Mixed

Frame Details

As mentioned, the Spindrift is available with a full-carbon or aluminum frame. The carbon version is constructed with their Blend Carbon process, utilizing different fibers and cloths of carbon for different areas of their frames depending on the requirement of stiffness, impact resistance, flexibility, weight, strength or stress direction.

The aluminum version uses more than one type of aluminum depending on the need, thereby dubbed Blend Alloy. Frame parts like rockers and axles that have to endure high stress use 7075 T6 aluminum. Their tubing features more fatigue resistant 6066 T6 aluminum, whereas forged parts are made out of 6061 T6 aluminum.

Both aluminum and carbon are available as a 29” version, a 27.5" version, or as a mixed-wheel version (29" front triangle and 27.5" rear end).

All their pivots are protected by Propain Dirt-Shields, a second seal to further protect the Acros bearings from the elements.

photo
PRO10 suspension system with 180mm of travel.
photo
The upper link is partly embedded into the top tube.

photo
The asymmetrical rear end features a connection strut on the left-hand side.
photo
Plenty of tire clearance.

The rear disc brake attaches to a 180mm post mount. A chain protector with ribs and integrated softer material on top is in place to minimize the noise from chain slap. The lower down tube is also protected by an extra layer. The rear end features the 12 x 148mm Boost standard. New is the use of SRAM's standardized UDH derailleur hanger, something that will also be used on other Propain models in the future.

Cables are routed internally, but the routing near the bottom bracket has been adjusted, compared to the Tyee, and is now located alongside the lower link rather than traveling under the bottom bracket.

Attached to the bottom bracket are ISCG chainguide mounts, but with Propain's twist. They slide an ISCG adapter onto a counter-piece of the CF's aluminum bottom bracket insert or respectively the AL's bottom bracket tube. If a bash guard is mounted, impact forces are spread over a larger area, protecting the frame. If the mounts do get damaged they can easily be replaced.

Propain has tested their frame beyond the required standardization values, and the Spindrift frame is designated up to category 5 use, so it's perfectly fine to take it to the bike park. You could even mount a dual crown fork up front, if you felt like it.

The 29" carbon frame in size L weighs 3,000g without shock, the aluminum model without shock 3,900g. Color options for the CF are Carbon Raw, Moongrey Dark and Lime. The AL comes in Raw, Venomblack and Petrol. Their frame decals and even Badge colors are also customizable.

And yes, there's room for a water bottle.


photo
Internal cable routing and customizable badge.
photo

photo
Custom chainstay protector with two materials.
photo
Evolution of the Spindrift.


Geometry

The 27.5" model is available in size S, M and L. 29" and the mixed-wheel bikes come in M, L and XL. Compared to their previous model, reach has grown slightly at 5mm for the size M, 10mm on the L and 15mm on the XL frame size. The Spindrift's reach measurements still fall into the moderate category, with 450mm for M, 475mm for L and 500mm for the XL on the 29er and Mixed version. 27.5" comes to 425mm for a size S, 450 for M and 475 for L.

One of the biggest differences between 29" and the 27.5"/Mixed option is the change in chainstay length. 29" uses 445mm stays, the 27.5" and Mixed rear end a short 435mm length.

The head angle is sitting at 64.5 degrees with the 180mm travel fork, and at 64 degrees with the available 190mm travel option for the RockShox ZEB. The effective seat angle is angled at a progressive 78 degrees. With that combination, the horizontal top tube length is up to 25 mm shorter (except for XL, which is the same due to the longer reach), compared to the older model – something to consider when picking the right size.

The Spindrift's seat tube length is at the longer end of the spectrum, which means shorter people wanting to use a larger frame might not be able to run longer travel dropper posts.


CF 29"
photo

CF 27.5"
photo

CF Mixed
photo

Suspension Design

The PRO10 suspension design is based around a virtual pivot system with two counter-rotating links, activating a floating shock from both sides. With the new Spindrift, the linkage assembly has moved from behind the seat tube inside the main triangle for better protection.

The bike's has a progressive leverage curve a steady drop from beginning to end. That means the Spindrift can be run with either a coil or air shock without fear of bottoming out harshly.

The Spindrift uses a 230 x 65mm stroke shock, delivering an average leverage ratio at 180mm of rear travel of 2.77 : 1 and thereby lowering the ratio from their older model slightly, since that was using a shock with 60mm stroke.

Anti-squat at the recommended 30-35% sag sits at around 120%, having been raised considerably from their previous version, which was located at 60%.

photo

photo
photo



Specifications

Propain offers many options for their bike specs with their online configurator. Almost all components can be altered, starting with one of the three differently priced starter packages.

As far as the choice of suspension forks goes, you can either pick between RockShox' ZEB or Fox's 38 burly single-crown models. For the rear shocks, you can pick from air or coil models from both makers.

The cheapest version of the carbon Spindrift CF starts at €3,199, going all the way up to €7,904 if you deck it out with goodies like Crankbrothers Synthesis Carbon wheels, AXS shifting and Fox Factory suspension.

The aluminum Spindrift AL can be had from €2,599, going all the way to €7,304.

One of my medium sized test bikes with 29" wheels, coil shock and a spec list similar to the Performance package had a weight of 15.7kg (34.54lbs.) without pedals. According to Propain, the top spec would bring the bike's weight down to 15.1kg (33.22lbs.), which sounds about right.

The Spindrift CF can be ordered from their website beginning September 28th 2020, the aluminum bike from November 2020. By November 2020 the Spindrift will also be available in North America, with prices in dollars being announced by then.

photo
The aluminum version shares all of the features of the CF.
photo
Choose from RockShox or Fox suspension.

photo






I love bikes with lots of travel that you can still pedal up the hill without much hassle to then blast down on whatever trail you find. While that could be said for many enduro bikes these days, bridging the gap to a burly downhill machine is still as enticing to me as it's ever been. As a matter of fact, I can still remember the days when I lovingly called my 180 mm travel bike with a single crown fork my cross-country ride, almost two decades ago. We've come a long way since then.

After having ridden the Tyee's PRO10 suspension system, my expectations in the Spindrift's capabilities were high, and I wasn't disappointed. Propain has found a formula that just works for a wide range of riders, and in case of the Spindrift especially for aggressive pilots, thanks to a nicely progressive suspension curve.

I set up the air shock suspended rear end at the recommended sag of a bit over 30% (ending up at 32%) and never looked back. That provided enough plushness for plowing through roots and rocks, while keeping it from bottoming out at bigger drops or hard landings. At the same time, the suspension still provides enough support for the bike to remain playful enough to pop it off lips or other obstacles on the trail without it feeling like a waterbed on wheels.

Running a coil shock the next day, and running slightly less sag, still worked out fine, although I felt that the extra sag from the day before did cater to the bike's character well.

photo

In terms of handling, I was first assigned the 27.5" size medium version, and to be honest, I had a hard time getting used to that setup. Now, that's not to say that there was anything wrong with it design-wise, but the smaller wheels and agile handling of the bike was far off from what I was used to riding lately. It was a blast to throw from corner to corner and nimble in the air, I didn't feel comfortable pushing it past a certain speed, missing the stabilizing effect of a bigger front wheel and longer chainstays.

The moment I jumped on the 29er after about a half day's ride - also a size medium - my frown literally turned upside down immediately. Stable at any speed with lots of cornering traction, I was able to push harder into corners and gained that extra bit of confidence that makes a good day on the bike great.

I was also extremely happy about the slightly longer chainstays, balancing front and rear center better and putting my body more centered over the bike. You'd be surprised how much those 10mm extra in chainstay length can affect the handling – in my opinion, in a positive way. I was blown away myself how much of a difference in handling the two versions provided. I did try the mixed-wheel setup for a really short stint, and while I felt much more at home than on the 27.5" version with the extra stability the front end provided, I couldn't shake the feeling that the shorter chainstays wouldn't make me happy in the long run either.

photo

Wheel size and geometry is a highly immersive topic and with so many choices on the Spindrift it sparked a lot of different discussions. In the end, I'd say the only conclusion that is safe to come to is to ride whatever you feel most comfortable on or that you have the most fun with.

For me, my favorite setup with the Spindrift CF was to run the 29" frame with longer chainstays for higher balance with a 27.5" rear wheel, dropping the head angle to about 63.1 degrees with the 190mm travel fork and lowering the bottom bracket to about 340mm (at least that's what the squiggly measuring tape told me when I grabbed it to check). I was able to readjust the seat angle to its intended measurement by sliding the seat forward on its rails and I was standing in front of what I felt was a near perfect setup for me. Not just in theory, but also out on the trail.

Glued to the ground when cornering, adding a bit more responsiveness overall, being able to push the smaller rear wheel into corners harder with no tire buzzing my rear end in steep sections either was just what I was looking for. Unfortunately, my experiment is not a setup that can be ordered from Propain's extensive menu, but that doesn't mean that the Spindrift couldn't be run like that.

photo

Maybe climbing is not your first concern when considering a 180mm travel bike like the Spindrift, but the little climbing we did showed the bike's potential. It really feels like a Tyee with more travel and probably a bit more weight due to the components. My test bike with mostly aluminum parts weighed about 16kg including pedals and felt far from sluggish or being a pain to pedal up the hill. The steep seat angle helps enormously, and if you feel like it, you can always activate the pedal platform lever on the shock to reduce bob.

I don't care if freeride ain't dead or not. To me, the Spindrift CF represents a very versatile bike, built to excel in the gnar but still light enough with smart geometry to pedal to the top. I'm certain that there are quite a few people out there that are going to enjoy that idea.

For a more detailed review, we already have Propain's new Spindrift CF in for an upcoming Field Test - stay tuned for more ride impressions, timed laps, and comparisons.

photo


Author Info:
ralf-hauser avatar

Member since May 10, 2010
66 articles

217 Comments
  • 191 3
 Anybody else happy to see Freeride bikes return?
  • 142 5
 Freeride isn't a type of bike, it's a state of mind. But... uh, yes. Yes I am happy to see them return.
  • 37 0
 This fat guy sure as hell is.
  • 34 0
 Yes. I can't freeride for shit, but yes.
  • 4 30
flag PauRexs (Sep 28, 2020 at 5:49) (Below Threshold)
 If an 160mm Enduro bike can win DH races like Jesse did, why a 180mm is not DH category too?
  • 2 0
 @PauRexs: Well it is a DH , you could run a dual crown and 190 mm 29" so?
  • 2 24
flag vjunior21 (Sep 28, 2020 at 11:23) (Below Threshold)
 Anyone know what that lower link is for on this new Trek Slash? Hehehe...Session
  • 1 0
 Hell Yeah!
  • 2 0
 Hell yes. I would add to cart If they would ship frame & shock only direct to Canada.
Bike looks killer.
  • 5 0
 they never went away? cough cough....https://www.knollybikes.com
  • 55 2
 "For me, my favorite setup with the Spindrift CF was to run the 29" frame with longer chainstays for higher balance with a 27.5" rear wheel, dropping the head angle to about 63.1 degrees with the 190mm travel fork and lowering the bottom bracket to about 340mm (at least that's what the squiggly measuring tape told me when I grabbed it to check). I was able to readjust the seat angle to its intended measurement by sliding the seat forward on its rails and I was standing in front of what I felt was a near perfect setup for me. Not just in theory, but also out on the trail. "

"Sounds like: I really liked your chocolate brownie recipe, but i used almond milk instead of soy milk, i added 3 cups of sugar more, i did not use hazelnuts but walnuts and i used dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Anyway good recipe"

Great the Spindrift allows these kind of configurations!
  • 1 0
 hahaha very true
  • 38 6
 very good round numbers. Nice bike. I will wait for complains here with my popcorn.
I'll give you guys a list of random things to whine on: no enough bottle mounts, cable rouing, name, shock placement and mud, ec.
  • 15 4
 Too many bearings to service!?!
  • 13 0
 it is great, but i had hoped for adjustable cs length :/
  • 6 13
flag Quantzer (Sep 28, 2020 at 4:29) (Below Threshold)
 If it wasn´t for guys like thath you would still be riding your 2005 crapass bike
  • 35 1
 No bar ends
  • 12 0
 Spelling.
  • 11 0
 The pics were shot in SFL bikepark, so I'm going to randomly complain that Ralf had sun while there, and I didn't ;-)
  • 5 2
 I would like to see the seat tube length shorter. For example I ride smalls and some companies have them as short as 380mm. This frame has it at 420mm which a medium in other frames. Other than that it looks great.
  • 11 2
 You forgot the most important thing. It's running SRAM. I'm a Fox and Shimano fanboy.
  • 3 0
 @Busted-Up-Biker: they know it, so have put the Fox right for you Smile
  • 5 1
 Ridiculous seat tube lengths are its only weakness, I guess :/
  • 1 0
 @OutnumberedBilbo: every 2 or 3 years! For every bearing service you'd've done at least 5 fork lower services.
  • 1 6
flag stumphumper92 (Sep 28, 2020 at 6:53) (Below Threshold)
 over-complicated linkage system?
  • 12 0
 The customizable headtube badge doesn't come in the color i want
  • 2 0
 The bike looks too icy
  • 3 0
 @OutnumberedBilbo: 99% of the bikes are designed with a 4 bars linkage and thus use the same amount of bearings; i.e. 4 per side. It doesn’t matter if it’s a horst link, DW link, VPP, this Propain PRO10 etc. The only place where it differs is the shock mount (trunnion), but in this it looks like they used bushing on both ends.

A few notable exceptions are: Ibis (bushings on one link), flex stays (mostly XC bikes), Spot (living hinge), Specialized Enduro (6 bars linkage)...
  • 4 7
 max dropper lengths are way too short.
If I’m reading their site correctly, 160mm max on the XL?? enough to make it a no deal for me unfortunately.
Sweet looking bike otherwise
  • 1 12
flag ceecee (Sep 28, 2020 at 9:29) (Below Threshold)
 Asymmetrical swingarm implies weakness. Not available for purchase
  • 18 0
 Personally I would actually prefer the name Propain Ragged Ass instead of Spindrift
  • 10 0
 @ceecee: No, it implies there's a chain.
  • 1 2
 @stumphumper92: It's really not that complicated. Just another form of twin counter rotating 4 bar linkage system. I'd argue it's like Giants suspension only with one link flipped. If you want to talk complicated see EVIL or Scott
  • 1 4
 @SuperHighBeam: Evil is also a 4 bar linkage. Wheel pivots around a single point, but the linkage is used to alter the shock kinematics. If you're talking about the 2018- Scott Gambler, it's also a 4 bar linkage.
  • 1 0
 I had been looking at the Tyee. Now the Spindrift specs are up it looks like you can get it with a 185 Yoke dropper. But the insertion length for that is 290 and the seatpost is still only 250mm. So, better but not ideal
  • 3 0
 My geometry analysis is that this is sexier AF than even the recent sexy bikes that have popped up. The asymmetrical rear end is making me feel funny. If I start a new life, imma buying one.
  • 4 2
 That STA....Far too steep. When will they figure this out
  • 3 0
 @Notmeatall: that double conjunction action in you'd've is choice.
  • 1 2
 @Loche: Pretty sure there is at least one extra link in those arrangements those, or perhaps its just the insanely compact nature of the linkage that visually complicates it.
  • 5 0
 @Loche: the evil and old gambler are linkage driven single pivots, not four-bar, silly goose
  • 1 2
 @thegoodflow: I think there may be some confusion here about what constitutes a 4-bar and what constitutes a single pivot. Many bikes use a 4-bar linkage (i.e. EVIL) to drive the shock and have a single pivot for the rear swingarm, and many bikes use a 4-bar linkage to dictate the movement of the rear wheel and just a single link and a pivot (or two links) to drive the shock (i.e. Specialized, Santa Cruz, Pivot, etc.). So it's not as cut and dry as it may seem what is and what is not a 4-bar. For the record when I referred to SCOTT I was thinking of the 2010 Ransom with the equalizer shock; that thing was weird, but the Scott Gambler DH is another good example. The Ransom wasn't the best example of what I was trying to get at with crazy linkages though. The Cannondale Moto may be a better example, or the Gambler DH. There was also a bike I saw back in like 2008 that hand moto-esque rear suspension design with a wacky linkage, I think it was Jamis but it could have been another brand (silver single piece swingarm (no chainstay) attached to a relatively simple frame (no hydroformed tubes to my recollection).
  • 4 0
 @SuperHighBeam: you could use a Rube Goldberg machine consisting of 12 levers and a hamster wheel to actuate the shock, but a single pivot is still a single pivot
  • 2 0
 @thegoodflow: Fair enough.Good point.
  • 24 0
 If I would be in a market for a new bike, Propain would get my money for the Tyee/Spindrift. Good geo, normal prices, alu versions and 27.5in options! Propain, please keep it that way!
  • 24 0
 Can't quite explain why but I just love Propain!
  • 19 1
 Because they actually listen to what people wants and do make 27.5" alu bikes that looks so damn good!
  • 10 0
 I prefer butane...
  • 4 0
 I love the smell of Propain in the morning.
  • 2 0
 Haha same. I think it's because of Phil Atwill
  • 8 0
 Propain, and propain accessories
  • 1 2
 Its because of "...propsain and propain accessories"
  • 1 0
 @MikeBikerson: Damnit! came to post this exact comment. Upvote for you sir.
  • 20 2
 Tall people still like 27.5 bikes...
  • 4 0
 And average height people swing both ways too!
  • 13 2
 so this guy complains about short chainstays.. another reviewer of the old version complains about the long chainstain, said it made the bike front heavy making it loose stability in steep rought terrain.. if you new to the sport its quite confusiing huh Wink
  • 3 0
 On the old one for size small rear end was longer than front end
  • 7 1
 Just remember, these reviews aren’t the be all end all. They are subjective and ride impressions should be taken as such. What matters is what YOU like, so try before you buy.
  • 4 0
 @CircusMaximus: I wish there was a Warby Parker for mountain bikes. Go online pick 5 bikes, have them shipped to your house, ride them, then send them back, and buy the one you like. I know, I'm dreaming....
  • 10 0
 "The aluminum version uses more than one type of aluminum depending on the need, thereby dubbed Blend Alloy."

Well, I should hope so! And isn't this true of pretty much every aluminum bike on the market? Would be pretty half-assed engineering to just smack same alloy into all those applications.

7075-t6 is used in the links and axles because they're not welded, since 7075 is a pain to weld. I'm sure they'd love to make the entire frame out of 7075, but doing that assembly would be cost-prohibitive. 6066-t6 isn't more fatigue resistant than 7075-t6 (which is stronger in almost every aspect), just more resistant than other alloys or heat-treatments, and more easily weldable.
  • 1 0
 you can actualy weld 7075, but it's a very very weak weld.
  • 11 0
 What I always think of when I see a brand offering a "wide range of customisation" where your suspension is available "from both makers."

youtu.be/vS-zEH8YmiM?t=31
  • 7 1
 I really hope that Nukeproofs new Mega (or Giga) is also in the Field test. And it's going to be with bottle mount this time Smile
  • 3 0
 I honestly wasn't sure we'd get a field test this year. Glad to hear that we will still be able to read about a bunch of bikes we'll likely never own sometime in the future. Its a great pasttime.

@mikeKazimer any hints on which bikes will be there? Sounds like its going to be a long travel test if the spindrift is going to be in attendance.

I'll start by saying a few of the new mainstay/well known brands. I'd bet that we'll see a Process X, and the Slash at least. And maybe the new Norco Range or Shore?

Then apparently the spindrift... and maybe the Mega would fall into that category (slightly less known in the US/direct to consumer brands)? Same with the Meta AM?

What about the more obscure stuff like the Gnarvana, or Titan?
  • 2 0
 @ocnlogan: New patrol? I can hope
  • 1 0
 @ocnlogan: "dark stuff" haha. Put a Canfield blanace, mde damper, these are real "dark"
  • 6 0
 180mm is back for sure in 2020/21.

The VP Free/Totem was so far ahead of its time. The modern bike is just longer,slacker with more stand over.
  • 8 1
 Pretty sure Battleship grey is the ultimate bike colour.
  • 6 0
 Propain are just the sickest looking bikes to me. Can we get them in the US yet?
  • 2 0
 Yes, shipped out of SLC I believe.
  • 2 0
 @OldScratchJohnson: WOw, really!? I currently live in SLC but I'm literally moving to Washington this week. Next bike, for sure
  • 1 0
 Yes, but not really... Can't even place an order for a Spindrift until November. The Tyee wasn't available for many months after their US operation began either. So they're still getting up to speed for North American business.
  • 1 0
 @pnwpedal: wait time in Germany is ~3.5 months too
  • 1 0
 @OldScratchJohnson: I emailed them and the response had a Las Vegas address in the signature.
  • 2 0
 @pdxkid: when I check their site, it looked like bike were being shipped out of SLC? Stock was limited when I tried adding one to the cart though.
  • 3 0
 Fairly radical/unique anti-squat curve generated by those rotating links. Anti-squat goes up (pretty high with some definite influence in the suspension) as you get into the bulk of the travel (30-75%), then finally falls off in ton in the final ~25% rendering a chainless feel.
  • 4 1
 "My test bike with mostly aluminum parts weighed about 16kg including pedals and felt far from sluggish or being a pain to pedal up the hill."

Seriously? You guys have previously picked on bikes for weighing a hair over 30 lbs, or said an additional ~10-15mm more travel makes something feel "inefficient" and not the choice for a pedally day, but now a 35 pounder with 180mm travel is "far from sluggish" and not "a pain to pedal". Come on, stop treating us like idiots.
  • 65 60
 27.5 version...awesome. Nice to see that. Not everyone wants a silly looking 29er
  • 76 52
 How is 2016 treating you?
  • 16 9
 silly? oh boy..
  • 35 30
 @thompsy01: Yes they are silly, the "they are faster" argument falls short in my eyes since the majority of people riding are still slower on them. Good riding technique trumps any large wheels by a huge margin.
  • 34 8
 Rides a knolly decorated like a Christmas tree, brilliant.
  • 4 47
flag ricochetrabbit (Sep 28, 2020 at 5:05) (Below Threshold)
 I just bought it dickwad. Hasn’t even arrived yet. @foespower:
  • 5 16
flag ricochetrabbit (Sep 28, 2020 at 5:05) (Below Threshold)
 Just fine thanks @MTB-Colada:
  • 23 1
 @thompsy01: Well, certainly I look silly on a 29. At 5,7 I look like I stole my big brother's bike for the day. :-D
  • 22 16
 @foespower:
If you think that's a problem, wait until you see his profile pic.

Most of his kind fail to realize the fact that because ppl like him/they exists on this planet, we, as a whole, are so (currently)f-ed up from a civilization/society pov.
  • 25 5
 @tonit91: Good riding technique and larger wheels trumps both.
  • 8 14
flag eugenux (Sep 28, 2020 at 5:16) (Below Threshold)
 @tonit91:
Am a slow af/mediocre type of rider(no drops bigger than 4 ft, medium tts, shite-scared even by the small gaps) and going from a 180-165mm 27.5 bike to a 150-130 29er, I can tell you that I am 95-99% as fast on the rough suff and faster on the tamer parts trails. What I mean is...29" wheels makes for a faster bike. Stop with the biased BS!
  • 59 11
 @foespower: lives in Florida.Has a Trump 2020 profile picture...say no more
  • 7 1
 @eugenux: my totally scientific, definitely not biased study of N=1 means I'm correct. Also everyone I don't like is Hitler.
  • 10 1
 @danp63: tbh I have a 29er and I think the larger wheel in the back is kind of a pain unless you're tall of riding easy stuff.
As soon as I go down steep and technical sections the back wheel kicks my butt. Not happening with my transition patrol and its 27.5

Seeing all 1.80m riders on the WC circuit have tyre marks on their butts I think the good riding technique is not the problem
  • 14 8
 Not everyone wants a silly looking president...
  • 9 28
flag ricochetrabbit (Sep 28, 2020 at 5:49) (Below Threshold)
 Right. You are just soo much smarter than everyone else who has a different viewpoint/ideology @eugenux:
  • 1 5
flag eugenux (Sep 28, 2020 at 5:50) (Below Threshold)
 @zede:

I guess it depends of how low the ST is and how long is that FC. In a modern geo bike with a long WB, a long FC and a low/very low ST with 1 meter of dropper post, you don't need to go low behind the sadle. You can go low enough while being centered.
(unless, which is my case, you have a short travel bike that packs its susp. if you're not properly placing your weight on it...and because of that, on the real steep stuff, I do get the occasionally buzz)
  • 14 55
flag ricochetrabbit (Sep 28, 2020 at 5:50) (Below Threshold)
 Lives in Florida during the winter because I can afford to, and I’m in my 30s and will be voting for trump again. There. Fixed it for ya. How’s president blackface doing over there in Canada? @barbarosza:
  • 6 40
flag ricochetrabbit (Sep 28, 2020 at 5:51) (Below Threshold)
 So don’t vote for Biden @TannerValhouli:
  • 7 4
 I'm tired of all the winning.
  • 13 0
 @eugenux: That's good for you, but they don't work for me and I have no problem going fast on 27.5 wheels. My original point was not everyone needs them and providing a choice is nice - some companies are trying to force 29 wheels.
  • 4 29
flag ricochetrabbit (Sep 28, 2020 at 6:07) (Below Threshold)
 Wait. There’s more! November 3rd! @thegoodflow:
  • 10 21
flag eugenux (Sep 28, 2020 at 6:09) (Below Threshold)
 @ricochetrabbit:
no, being affraid and not understanding the world in which you live is not something one can call it "ideology". Then, it is also about the character of the person you choose to represent you. If he/they are shite..and you identify with what they say or do...well, guess what that says about you?
  • 2 0
 Said the guy with short legs
  • 5 25
flag ricochetrabbit (Sep 28, 2020 at 6:15) (Below Threshold)
 Everything you said is YOUR opinion@eugenux:
  • 6 0
 @eugenux: again, most of the WC rider and Enduro pro riders on 29er get tyre buzz. It's not just depending on geo (or on the centered position), it's the wheel size.
I will keep using 29er for XC and 27.5 (or mulet) for everything else.
  • 9 6
 @eugenux: why you mad bro? Seems like you been sniffing that Propain.
  • 2 20
flag thegoodflow (Sep 28, 2020 at 6:27) (Below Threshold)
 @ricochetrabbit: is that when you'll make the libtards cry again?
  • 7 41
flag ricochetrabbit (Sep 28, 2020 at 6:31) (Below Threshold)
 Libs will cry about anything and everything. Everything is racist. @thegoodflow:
  • 24 13
 @ricochetrabbit:
Human behavior is really simple when you know how to connect the dots.(the reason for your dumbf&ckistan attitude)

Also, there is a thing or two about what is legal and allowed to do or say in a modern society.(that is way beyond of what I, personally, say or believe..."MY opinion", as you've mentioned)

Also 2., education will tell that while probably every butcher can cook a piece of meat, 99.99% will not be able to make a plate you could consider 'fine dining'. So, in the same way you don't want a butcher as a chef, you really(I mean really) don't want persons with ...lesser character traits and a low ethic standards to be able to influence the course of the world.
And if nothing I have written here does not make any sense to you, start educating your'self a little, read a book ffs, read 100 books and realize that the 1700s and 1800s are loooong gone and this society is much-much different from the one in the wild west period, where you, presumably, belive you are living. Or you were more of a sugar-plantation master and less of a gunslinger?
  • 3 23
flag ricochetrabbit (Sep 28, 2020 at 6:39) (Below Threshold)
 Ok@eugenux:
  • 4 21
flag ricochetrabbit (Sep 28, 2020 at 6:39) (Below Threshold)
 Ok. @eugenux:
  • 17 2
 @eugenux: Hi all, I am not a fan of the current US president, but that is not a reason to bombard a biking forum. In 6 weeks we will know more, fingers crossed. Everyone has their reasons to vote for someone, and the other side always wishes they would be able to change the other side's mind. But in the current biased media age (and social media "isolating" ideas), just makes it difficult. Go and ride your Enduro beats!
  • 11 5
 @MTB-Colada:

I'm only interested in the US presidency from the global implications. The point was that our guy here said with conviction, believing he owns the truth on the matter, that 27.5 win and that 29ers are silly.
One can observe that this type of (not-so)critical thinking is recurrent on multiple levels, not only to a wheel size choice for a bike . That is where the discussion took a side turn.

Anyway, I appologise about insisting on the matter.

As for the bike, it looks pretty interesting with the exception of the small-ish reach and steep HA for such a long travel bike. The set-up with a 190mm Zeb and a 27.5" rear wheel inside the 29" rear triangle looks like a blast but, for all intented purposes, I will probably be will be ever more prone to OTBs, as the reach will surely go even smaller. Also, there is too little rearward wheel path motion and that's a bummer because big susp only cannot make square hits feel seamless. #that'smy2Carmchairreview.
  • 5 22
flag ricochetrabbit (Sep 28, 2020 at 7:09) (Below Threshold)
 No. What I said is not everyone wants a silly looking 29er. @eugenux:
  • 6 27
flag ricochetrabbit (Sep 28, 2020 at 7:12) (Below Threshold)
 To me, a 29er looks silly. I don’t care if it’s “faster”or “rolls over things better”. I don’t care. I said it’s awesome that they offer the bike in a 27.5. YOU got tour panties in a bunch, because you are a typical liberal who thinks anyone that doesn’t think like them is just stupid and uneducated and uninformed @eugenux:
  • 13 0
 @ricochetrabbit: that’s Prime Minister Black Face to you...
  • 16 5
 @ricochetrabbit: @ricochetrabbit: Aww, dude. Look, I have no problem that you embrace a leader that I don't. I would say, however, that I'm a big proponent of expertise, experience, and performance, regardless of political affiliation. I'm also a big proponent of Science Based Policy. So that puts me at odds with many politicians from both sides of the isle. It does seem, though, that there is a bigger group on the Red side than the Blue side. As for Trump, I don't consider him either. I grew up in NYC so I've known about the guy for many decades with all his shenanigans in the city, then again in the entertainment industry. I find him to be the stereotypical scam artist in basically every respect. I find him to be terribly uneducated, far more than George W was ever made fun of for being. I find him to lack any semblance of empathy, and I believe he actually despises the vast majority of America and what we all stand for. You may feel free to disagree. Examples of Republicans I would consider reasonable are: Romney and the late McCain. All I can say is, don't get sucked into being a useful hate monger. Stand above it and make your choice in spite of it, with eyes wide open and mind full.
  • 1 5
flag jrocksdh (Sep 28, 2020 at 13:03) (Below Threshold)
 @TannerValhouli: they're always strange looking...bunker biden basememt joe...Obama's ears, busges nose...cant all be good lookers like justin!
  • 3 1
 Wow. I've never seen a tire size argument get so political. Well, Just chillin here with me popcorn. Keep arguing like children. Its very entertaining.
  • 4 0
 @Dimdumb:

Over at bikemag.au they startet these identity politics with an lgbtq activist. They want to make everything political today.
Let's just ride our bikes and have fun.... Riding and reading this hilarious stuff. Nachos are here with me :-)
  • 1 1
 @bansaiman: Sounds like a good plan bro. Nachos, very good choice.
  • 3 2
 @Dimdumb:
Be carefull with south of boarder type of products. Your comrade @richochetrabbit might build a wall around you. his u s of a needs protection.
  • 1 1
 @eugenux: dont worry we'll figure it out.
  • 2 1
 @eugenux: I mean, heck the wall might even be a really cool mtb feature. I dont think nachos be worried about no wall, South American food is on high demand round this joint, we love it.
  • 1 2
 @Dimdumb:
Excellent!, do look out for some lebanese and turkish at the joint as well...., they were some of the best meat dishes I've had in my life!
  • 1 1
 @Dimdumb: I'm sitting in the Taco Bell parking lot, reading the thread eating a few crunchy tacos. I think I might regret it tomorrow though.
  • 1 1
 @Busted-Up-Biker: enjoy the good food and Have a good day
  • 5 0
 That first shot pinning through the roots has got to be a contender for photo of the year......oh and nice bike btw
  • 2 0
 What about the flex of the rear end though?

Every test of the Tyee CF I've seen mentioned negatively that the rear triangle has lots of flex. Checks out, because the seat stays are really long and don't have a bridge or any other type of support.
  • 3 0
 Very nice! well done Propain! If you're in the market for one of these the alu frame later in the year seems like the option to go for
  • 1 0
 I for one am glad that the new rage has kept the old design, and even moreso am glad to have the previous version spindrift. The new one has its niggles as well, the shock placement isnt perfect either as it still keeps pedal switches down low. Im perfectly content, prefer the look, and actually prefer the lower antisquat of the older design. It all works damn well. Only thing is i wish the pedal switch was easier to get to, or that i had a remote... my SD rct with high comp tune is a treat and changing to threshold mode adds 10% sag and is perfect for general trail riding.
Granted, i would love to try the new 29" model, or any 29" 180mm bike for that matter... but the old spindrift certainly isnt any worse than the new one.
  • 1 0
 oops, i meant reduces 10% sag, not adds..
too much typing not enough proofreading!
  • 3 2
 Just wonder why german brands always chose acros headset, got this on my YT and Canyon bikes and always the same result: it is bad and quite expensive... Apart from that this bike looks like a perfect customizable freeride bike, wish more brands could propose it
  • 3 0
 I have one on my trail bike and another one on my road bike both still running like new after each more than 10k kms in all possible weather conditions.
  • 6 1
 Thanks for calling Freeride bike instead of "Superenduro"
  • 7 4
 The water bottle argument still surprises me. I'd rather not sacrifice suspension performance to fit 21 oz of water on the bike.
  • 7 2
 Water on the bike improves sprung/unsprung mass ratio. By carrying water on your body you sacrifice suspension performance, add weight for a pack, have to deal with schweaty back (which, btw means you have to carry even more water), higher COG, and packs look shit. The freedom of not needing a pack for 99% of rides is a bigger benefit to most than any compromise that has to be made on the frame. And rider doesn't count as unsprung mass because all that force gets first transmitted through your arms and legs which equals harshness and/or rider fatigue so it's better to add extra weight to the bike.
  • 1 0
 @FatSanch: I'm 220lbs/99+kg and always carry 2 liters on my back plus a 24oz in my bag or on my bike. I even have an axle tool and CO2 in my head tube. Riding in Texas for hours in the summer, it's HOT as a MFer. This doesn't include all my riding gear and tools for me plus if someone is broke down as needs help, I have it. I had to get Fox to upgrade my damper to a firm setting. I was blowing through 140mm in the back even with spacers. I have to adjust my psi 2 times during my ride. As you state there is a huge difference in the way the suspension feels when I'm weighted and unweighed.
  • 3 3
 @FatSanch: Don't forget to fill your bottle with moto foam so the water doesn't slosh around too
  • 3 1
 @FatSanch: if the rider's weight doesn't count as sprung (aka supported by the suspension) weight, then why does my bike's suspension sag when I get on it?
  • 1 0
 @taldfind: Suspension only sags for pedantic people :-) If you want to get detailed, there are two sprung mass systems, and if you can transfer mass from yours to the bike, then it is only beneficial for suspension performance, handling, and even comfort. You should only carry stuff on your person if you run out of storage on your bike, or it is just convenient due to switching bikes. I have a OneUp pump and WB, and transfer that between three bikes for most of my rides, and it's easy enough. I'm lucky to live in Germany where there are often springs in the woods but I also don't do many long rides anymore. I used to always forget about what was stuffed into the bottom of my pack and have found an extra shock and a heavy ass battery half way through a 35mi/6000ft ride, so there is also that benefit when not using a pack.
  • 2 0
 @FatSanch: I take it that your bike has excessive amounts of sag then.
  • 3 1
 Been a fan of Propain for quite a while, and this bike is really sick, but if I have to be honest, I liked looks the previous iteration of Pro10 linkage more. But if it works better, I'm 100% on board.
  • 1 0
 Generally a pretty sweet bike, but gosh that seat tube is long. I'd rather have a longer dropper post. I think I prefer this to the Tyee though. Perhaps its the angle of the pictures but why does the top tube look so steep in those frame only shots and yet it looks considerably flatter in all of the complete bike pics?
  • 2 0
 I would have been VERY tempted if the seat tube on the large had been a little bit shorter. Please take that as constructive criticism Propain - plenty of us prefer a longer bike but don't have longer legs like you Germans.
  • 1 0
 "missing the stabilizing effect of a bigger front wheel and longer chainstays."

How about the extra ~20mm of wheelbase?

"I was also extremely happy about the slightly longer chainstays, balancing front and rear center better and putting my body more centered over the bike."

The 29er also has a ~10mm longer front-center, so how much "more centered" was it really?
  • 3 0
 is there gonna be a frame only option like the rest of their line-up?? (if yes, propain here is my money)
  • 2 0
 They deleted the old spindrift frame so most likely new one will be online soon
  • 1 0
 They always do that after a view weeks.
  • 3 0
 AL Option could cost only 1600€. I got the 2020 frame for 1050 w/o shock.
  • 1 1
 @Serpentras: 2019 Tyee Al was sub 1k
  • 1 0
 There is a rumor about rear disc clearance. To compare I'm sharing rear disc clearance of 2020 PROPAIN TYEE AL 29" with 203mm MAGURA rotor. Pic You can view here. www.pinkbike.com/photo/19882883
Enjoy
  • 3 0
 Ummmm...... Hands up who is wondering if the CSU is on the right way round? First picture...
  • 2 0
 How is this not getting talked about more?
  • 1 0
 I too used to call my 180mm single crown bike a 'trail bike', just because. It was loads of fun. Now a younger friend of mine, with many fewer un-broken bones in him, is having a blast on it.
  • 2 0
 Seems like the perfect bike to allow riders the option of a lowered Boxxer/40/49/Onyx DC/Nero R/Dorado. Something dual crown.
  • 3 0
 Named after my favorite carbonated beverage
  • 1 0
 I'm just psyched to see one of these 180mm category blurring bikes finally come in a tall dude friendly 29er with geometry to match rolling in alloy for a reasonable price.
  • 1 2
 The bike industry in a nutshell:

Step/year 1: hey components improved, here is your old bike with 20mm less travel but it will be the same downhill and so much better uphill or the other way around.
Step/Year 2: hey here is the same frame but with 10mm more travel so you can do even more rad stuff with the "new" bike that slightly heavier bc it uses worse components for the same price . and we want to earn more money with the mold
Step/Year 3: the bike last year was shit bc 0.1°more or less of an angle was really bad. so here take the new frame. Now with even more or less travel and a decent seated position. And it is so much lighter than the bike from last year.just slightly more expensive aka 1000€ more
  • 5 0
 The previous Propain Spindrift was more than 3 years old (with just a revision in between with internal routing), and was one of the few bike in the "freeride" category where bikes were able to pedal up trails and shred bike parks laps with ~180mm. They renew the Tyee (the enduro) 2 times since that... So what's the problem with that new bike ? A lot of people was waiting for a 29er and carbon version, also..
  • 1 1
 I think your an insider. You just layed it out perfectly.
  • 1 1
 @Busted-Up-Biker: Me ? I just had the older Spindrift, and loved it ! As you can see I don't work in bike industry or live in Deutchland..
  • 1 0
 Killer bike, it will be a ripper for sure. How long until actual N.America deliveries though? Can't even order one until November...
  • 1 0
 "Lucky for them, it was Spindrift Road, and not Ragged Ass Road in Yellowknife."

Lucky they weren't halfway across the continent?
  • 1 0
 Dumb question time...if you put dual crown on is there a conflict with the internal cable route ports near the headtube? Honestly just wondering not being critical of design.
  • 1 0
 At a glance it is my conclusion that Propain and Commencal bikes are made in the same factory. Also who else is keen to see George tear it up on this thing!?
  • 1 0
 Propain is one of very few companies that does almost everything right. My Tyee 2020 is still the best bike I ever ridden by a huge margin.
  • 1 0
 The only similar numbers from 27 to 29 for size medium is reach, "frame height" (seat-tube?), and angles. These are very fairly different bikes between wheel-sizes.
  • 1 0
 Freeride was never dead,it slept a while to be back better than ever...muhahahaha
  • 2 0
 That is a sick bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 man that's a good looking bike. Almost makes me want to trade in my Firebird 29.
  • 1 0
 "The aluminum version shares all of the features of the CF" this is good man!
  • 2 0
 What dropper sizes can fit at full insertion?
  • 2 0
 Go to their website, they recommend some droppers.
  • 2 1
 "Ragged Ass Road" hum... I wonder what type of bike they'll use that name for? A hardtail? No, a XS sized, long travel 29er.
  • 1 0
 Some ridiculous gravel grinder probably
  • 2 1
 Wow, geo looks dialed!! Purdy bike. I cannot believe new 2021 bikes dont have at least 77SA.
  • 1 0
 Also bn rated for dual crown is a must if im shopping for big travel bike, so they nailed that.
  • 1 0
 Somewhat related note. By the time the YUMA 26 is available in the US, my kid will be on a size small 275..
  • 1 0
 Great looking bike with decent geometry at a reasonable price. Well done Propain!
  • 1 0
 Pretty sweet bike. Still waiting to see what the transition patrol will have to offer
  • 1 0
 The US prices on these compared to what you can get them in Europe for are hilarious.
  • 1 0
 Would be such a great looking bike if only the rear triangle was symmetrical...
  • 2 0
 Mullet with a -1 angleset?
  • 1 0
 That first ride picture! Great!
  • 1 0
 I’m waiting for an updated Hugene!
  • 1 0
 Imagine a ”Propain - Ragged Ass”
Instant buy.
  • 1 0
 Lady Florence Cray would have loved this bike.
  • 1 1
 I'm glad they have fixed the shock position. Having it outside the frame was daft.
  • 3 0
 I suspect it was actually fine, I'm sure they ran that setup thousands of times without any issues before they released it. But yeah the optics of it were pretty bad and can't help but feel like it lost them some sales.
  • 1 0
 @CONomad: well I have the original design. It only take a super deluxe air or coil, CC DB , DVO Topaz. The updated version could take some fox shocks but you had to deal with a shitty position who could lead to removing the shock because you could not turn the dials fast or can't even turn them.
  • 1 0
 Outside the frame was perfectly fine. They had to move it inside to make place for the 29 inch wheels and steeper seat tube. Pretty much nobody who actually owned a bike with such a shock arrangement had an issue with it.
  • 1 0
 @PaulBoettig: you can't read?
I even need to remove some shocks to change the pressure..
  • 1 0
 Anyone have a price estimate on the Performance Build in the US?
  • 1 1
 If you go to the link in the article and switch to English you can do a build. I was interested in the bike then I couldn't add Shimano so Propain is out for me.
  • 2 0
 I was so excited for Propain to release in the US then their prices turned out to be way more than I expected. They aren't quite Santa Cruz, but they were way above differences in comparable bikes and the exchange rate price Euros to Dollars, even though the Euro price had 20% VAT included and the dollar price didn't include tax.

I'll be watching them in the future though as they look like cool bikes.
  • 1 0
 @MarcusBrody: Thats unfortunate. I have a 2021 Commencal Clash Race on pre-order but this new Propain had my interest peaked. I am in the market for a free ride bike. Looks like Commencal can't be beat in the category for bang for the buck aluminum free ride bike in the US market.
  • 1 0
 @MarcusBrody: Yeah I noticed the same. The same performance build is almost $2000 more in the US than it is in europe. I would expect some kind of increase but thats outrageous. The Tyee CF Performance converts to about 4500/4600 USD if you choose the UK as your destination but it comes to $6500 after taxes and shipping in the US.....
  • 1 0
 @ianswilson815: Yeah I had been waiting for Propain to enter the US market for a while. They seemed like a really cool company that offered great value. The Tyee seemed perfect for where I just moved and I'd configured it probably 20 times on the Euro site.

Then they actually entered the market with prices so much higher than their european prices that they didn't come close to matching companies for value that they had been smoking in Europe. Oh well. Thankfully there are so many great bikes around these days.
  • 1 0
 What is this heinous, black magic of a decent "actual STA"????
  • 1 0
 180mm in the back.. 17 front 14 back. that rocks
  • 1 2
 Good review. Too much bike for me personally. Not sure why besmirching Yellowknife was necessary.
  • 1 1
 I was sold until I saw the CS length
  • 1 1
 The forks stanchions are thicker than the riders arm.
  • 3 3
 bUt CaN iT hOlD a bOtTle Oh never mi...
  • 1 0
 I like that !!
  • 1 0
 I want one...
  • 1 0
 Great Bike!
  • 2 5
 Kashima coated droppers are fugly. Keep it black
  • 1 0
 I like Kashima and have some, and I agree with this
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.061563
Mobile Version of Website