PROP AIN TYEE CF 29 PERFORMANCE
4,194 Does this 29er bring pleasure or pain on the trail?
The Tyee is the bike that put German direct-sales brand Propain on the map, in international enduro circles at least. It’s seen plenty of refinement over the past six years, but this is the first time it’s rolled on 29in wheels. The 2020 model has received an extensive overhaul of its layout to allow it to fit the bigger wheels. So, how does this 160mm bike stack up in a very competitive market?
The frame
Propain use their own ‘blend carbon’ design, with frame sections made from di erent resin-impregnated (‘prepreg’) carbon fibre layers, which meet varying requirements for strength, sti ness, impact resistance, stress direction, weight and flexibility. The frame comes in three sizes, and includes several neat touches that should make the life of a directsales customer easier. Bearings are covered with a ‘Propain Dirt-Shield’ to help prevent dirt, water and dust ingress. There’s also some hefty frame protection. Cables run through internal channels, which should make replacing them a breeze.
The Tyee has contemporary geometry figures, but nothing too extravagant, including a 64.5-degree head angle, 77.1-degree seat angle and reach numbers that range from 451mm to 491mm. These match to a 445mm chainstay length.
The kit
Propain have a bike configurator on their website, which lets you customise the spec. There are three default models – Start, Performance, and High-end. We tested the Performance level, which features SRAM X01 Eagle gears and Code RSC brakes with 200mm rotors. The build benefited from a 170mm RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork and a Super Deluxe Coil Select+ rear shock, instead of the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT Air on the Performance model. Our Tyee rolled on Stan’s Flow MK3 rims with Propain hubs and DT Swiss Competition spokes, shod with Schwalbe Magic Mary EVO SS 2.35in tyres. A BikeYoke REVIVE dropper took care of seatpost duties and Sixpack finishing kit rounded out a competent set-up.
The ride
This is the first enduro bike we haven’t resorted to firming up the suspension on for climbs or extended pedalling sections. Even when standing up on the pedals, it behaves
SPEC
Frame Carbon fibre, 160mm (6.3in) travel
Fork RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, 170mm (6.7in) travel
Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select+ (450lb spring)
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle (1x12)
Wheelset Stan’s NoTubes ZTR Flow MK3 rims on Propain hubs, Schwalbe Magic Mary EVO SS 29x2.35in tyres
Brakes SRAM Code RSC, 200mm rotors
Bar/Stem Sixpack Millennium, 805mm/ Sixpack Vertic, 50mm
Seatpost/saddle BikeYoke REVIVE 160mm dropper/ Sixpack Kamikaze
Weight 14kg (30.9lb), claimed well with minimal bob. This is thanks to the anti-squat figures remaining at 100 per cent throughout its stroke. The steep-ish seat angle helps weight distribution on steep climbs too. The 64.5-degree head angle provides straight-line stability, while still negotiating tight turns well. The 445mm chainstays help keep the bike straight over rough ground and o -cambers, but allowed us to throw the bike around when we wanted to.
The Tyee doesn’t give up its travel unnecessarily but keeps it in reserve for when it’s needed, meaning you can still plough down nasty trails without having to hold back. That means the Tyee doesn’t o er a superplush, glued-down ride sensation that some bikes have. However, it also doesn’t feel like the suspension is stealing your energy, helping you pump, pop and flow down the trail.
Overall, the Tyee provides a stable and composed ride, and if you like your suspension well supported, it will reward you. LUKE MARSHALL www.propain-bikes.com
Smart design, excellent performance and a price that’s hard to beat