Propain Tyee Carbon Free Review
Propain have succeeded where many have floundered by turning customers into fans. It’s a route they’ve trodden carefully, relying on genuine interaction and unbeatable service. But will the new Tyee Carbon be met with the same warm reception?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: SOOOOO F#%$&NG ENDURO: 11 Enduro Bikes under € 4,000 in Review
As current bike trends dictate, the Propain Tyee has been brought thoroughly up to date after its first launch as an aluminium 26er. Now it’s evolved into a 27.5″ carbon-framed bike with all the current standards – we’re talking boost axles and a metric-sized rear shock. However, the Tyee’s frame and Pro 10 rear end design remain virtually unchanged, which keeps relatively long 445 mm chainstays, a pretty short 443 mm reach, and a slack 65.5° head angle. It’s a geometry that works, particularly for less hands-on riders, as it ensures decent pressure over the front wheel without too much exertion. Alongside three set build specs, you can also go online to configure the bike’s exact specification. For € 4,029, our test bike ticked all the boxes with top-flight RockShox suspension comprised of a Lyrik RCT3 fork and a Super Deluxe RC3 rear shock, MAGURA MT7 brakes, ZTR Flow MK III wheels, and a BikeYoke REVIVE seat post.
The Propain Tyee CF has top-notch handling and a spot-on riding position. Thanks to the steep 75.3° seat angle (which gets slacker fast when you pull out the seatpost further out), the bike is very capable on steep climbs. There’s tons of traction from the rear, and it rewards pedaling with neutral efficiency.
Despite the long chainstays, there’s also ample agility and precision when cornering. If you’re the type that likes a good drift and pop, then you’ll have to put in some muscle. The Propain Tyee Carbon keeps stable as the terrain gets more technical and the hits get bigger, but it struggles to match the speed of some of the competition. The super-plush rear end blasts over everything with composure.
The Propain Tyee Carbon Free in detail
Fork Rock Shox Lyrik RCT3 170 mm
Shock Rock Shox Super Deluxe RC3 160 mm
Brakes Magura MT7
Drivetrain SRAM X01
Seatpost Bikeyoke Revive 160 mm
Stem Sixpack Leader 50 mm
Handlebar Sixpack Millenium 785 mm
Tires Onza Ibex FRC
Wheelset Stans ZTR Flow EX MK 3
The BikeYoke REVIVE is buttery smooth and super-compact, which means you can enjoy 160 mm of drop in a seat post with the same dimensions as most 150 mm models. Nice!
A tidy matte paintjob and fluid-looking frame design lend this bike a well-considered look.
Powerful brakes are essential for an enduro bike, and the MAGURA MT7 tick all the boxes.
The Pro10 design is Propain’s trademark at the rear. It takes up so much space that it’s no wonder the chainstays are longer than usual.
The geometry of the Propain Tyee Carbon Free
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 420 mm | 445 mm | 470 mm | 490 mm |
| Top Tube [A] | 565 mm | 585 mm | 605 mm | 631 mm |
| Head Angle [D] | 65.5 ° | 65.5 ° | 65.5 ° | 65.5 ° |
| Seat Angle [B] | 75.3 ° | 75.3 ° | 75.3 ° | 75.3 ° |
| Chainstays [C] | 445 mm | 445 mm | 445 mm | 445 mm |
| BB Drop [J] | 3 mm | 3 mm | 3 mm | 3 mm |
| Wheelsbase [E] | 1166 mm | 1186 mm | 1206 mm | 1228 mm |
| Reach [G] | 409 mm | 425 mm | 443 mm | 466 mm |
| Stack [H] | 591 mm | 599 mm | 604 mm | 614 mm |
| Wheel Size [F] | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ |
Conclusion
Propain have stayed true to the original Propain Tyee Carbon and rehashed a really great bike into an even better one with a quality frame, sorted spec, and good value for money. The majority of riders will appreciate its generous handling and great suspension, but its geometry could be too mellow for others. And Propain fans? They’ll love it!
Strengths
– Easy to ride
– Generous handling
– Great spec
Weaknesses
– Not suited for going full gas
For more info head to: propain-bikes.com!
The test fleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: SOOOOO F#%$&NG ENDURO: 11 Enduro Bikes under € 4,000 in Review
All bikes in test: Bergamont ENCORE 9.0 | Canyon Strive CF 7.0 Race | Giant Reign 1.5 LTD | Merida ONE-SIXTY 5000 | Radon SWOOP 170 10.0 | Rose UNCLE JIMBO 3 | Specialized Enduro Comp 29 | Trek Remedy 9 Race Shop Limited | VOTEC VE ELITE 2017 | YT CAPRA CF PRO