Propain Tyee Comp Review
No other bike has had such a monumental effect on the success of the young bike company Propain, arguably still in its infancy, than their Tyee enduro model. The German direct-order company now offer the bike on their online shop in countless specs (which can be individually customized using their configurator). We’ve taken a look at the cheapest version, the Propain Tyee Comp, to see how it fares.
Ponying up just 1,999 € will get your hands on the entry-level enduro model, Propain’s Tyee Comp. For this group test we chose this exact bike, but used the online configurator to upgrade the fork and the seatpost, leaving us with the tidy total sum of 2,304 €. With this spec in front of you, how could anyone complain?
The ever-reliable and solid RockShox suspension, with the new Yari fork and a Monarch rear shock, will get an approving nod from any experienced rider, who’ll also look longingly at the grippy ONZA tyres and the stout SRAM GX 1×11 drivetrain.
The short frame is pretty noticeable once you’re on the saddle, and at 180 cm tall you end up sitting pretty solidly up onto the compact bike. Climbs are thus pedaled in an upright manner, ticked off with the front tyre firmly planted on steep gradients too. The long 443.5 mm chainstays are a real advantage here. In today’s world of ever more extreme geometry, the Tyee is proof that a short main frame can deliver fun and confidence on descents. The slack 65.5° head angle serves to keep you and the bike on track no matter how steep and rough the trail gets. The only aspect that earned a grumble from our testers was the relative lack of ground feedback through the suspension, which prevented them from riding more aggressively. While less experienced riders will love the fact that the Tyee clings so much to the ground, offering a huge dose of comfort from the suspension, this could be frustrating for more advanced riders. Particularly when jumping, the Tyee needs a bit more effort from the rider or air time will be limited.
Details of the Propain Tyee Comp
Solid: The Yari is a seriously solid contribution from RockShox to the fork market. When it comes to shock absorption, however, they don’t quite mix it with their big sister the PIKE, and they also deliver less ground feedback.
Stylish: The tidy SIXPACK cockpit doesn’t just look ace – it also boasts the ideal width and ergonomics, with markings on the bar to simplify set-up.
Classic: The cables take the classic route along the downtube on the Propain Tyee, which makes servicing far easier while still looking good. Form follows function here.
Reliable: The ONZA IBEX tyres, stock on the Tyee, offer great grip and a predictable threshold. In our long-term test the tyres have also proven to be durable, therefore guaranteeing long-term trail triumphs.
Specification: Propain Tyee Comp
- Fork: RockShox Yari RC 160 mm
- Shock: RockShox Monarch R (160 mm rear wheel travel)
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX
- Brakes: SRAM Guide R
- Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
- Stem: Sixpack SAM 50 mm
- Handlebar: Sixpack Leader 750 mm
- Tyres: Onza Ibex 2.4″
- Wheelsize: 27.5″
- Wheelset: TwentyTwo XD
- Weight: 14.31 kg
- Price: € 2,304
Conclusion for the Propain Tyee Comp
The Propain Tyee already has an immense number of loyal followers, and deservedly so. Even the most affordable version is a solid one with a handling package that is generous and predictable, and suspension that’s plush and comforting. Aggressive riders may be after more ground feedback, but the overall package deserves your approval.
Strengths
- Generous handling
- Top spec
- Super value for money
Weaknesses
- Too little ground feedback from suspension for active riders
More information on the Propain Tyee Comp can be found on the Propain website.
This bike was part of our Group Test: Ten Trail & Enduro Bikes 2016 under €2599.
All bikes tested: Bergamont Trailster 6.0 | Canyon Spectral AL 7.0 EX | COMMENCAL Meta AM V4 | Focus SAM Ltd. | Ghost SL AMR 5 | GIANT Trance 2 Ltd| Radon Slide 150 8.0 HD | Rose Uncle Jimbo 1 | Solid Magix Comp
Text & Photos: Christoph Bayer