Typical for Propain: You can choose the brakes, grips, drive or frame colour yourself using the online configurator. Super! At 13.6 kilos without pedals, the Propain Hugene carbon bike weighs by far the least. A look at the data sheet reveals further extremes: at 445 millimetres, the Hugene has the longest chainstays in the test field and the steepest head angle (66.2°). Everyone felt equally comfortable on the bike. The bike positions the rider low on the bike and the wide cockpit provides a lot of security.
Only the G2 brakes from Sram decelerated rather poorly and don't match the downhill character of the Propain Hugene. This is where the bike's strength lies. The suspension eats up hits like popcorn and generates a lot of traction and comfort. Root carpets, stone fields, off-road edges - bring it on! The Hugene trail bike devours everything. Some testers did miss a bit of counter-pressure, like the suspension of Specialised Stumpjumper Evo or YT Jeffsy Core but the Propain was one of the fastest bikes downhill. The Hugene also takes the lead on uphills. The steep steering and seat angle places the rider nicely in the centre of the bike. The low weight and the almost drive-neutral rear triangle do the rest. Great!
STRENGTHSChassis, geo, weight
WEAKNESSES: Long chainstays, brakes, saddle
Conclusion
Watch out! This is a real all-rounder bike. The Propain Hugene can go up, along and downhill - and all at the highest level. Test victory! However, other bikes are more playful.
Alternative to the Propain Hugene CF 29:
The Hugene is only available with a carbon frame. The entry-level model starts at 3599 euros. However, there is no dropper post installed here (surcharge: 230 euros). Front: the Rockshox Pike Select fork. Rear: the Deluxe Select+ shock.
Technical data and notes Propain Hugene CF 29
Manufacturer information
- Distribution Propain Bicycles GmbH
- Material / Sizes: Carbon / S, M ( tested size), L, XL
- Price: 4534 Euro
- Weight without pedals: 13.6 kg
Measurement data
- Front / rear suspension travel: 140 mm / 140 mm
- Rear suspension system: VPP
- Reach: 460 mm
- Stack: 615 mm
- BB drop: -33 mm
Equipment
- Fork / shock: Fox 34 Float Performance / Fox Float X Evol Perf. Elite
- Cranks / gears: Truvativ Descedant / Sram GX Eagle
- Brake system: Sram G2
- Wheels: Newmen Evolution A.30 system wheelset
- Tyres: Maxxis Dissector 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ 2.4, / Maxxis Dissector 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ 2.4
Statement by Laurin Lehner, deputy editor-in-chief of FREERIDE:
The Giant is more playful, YT and Specialized racier, but the Hugene from Propain is in the middle and can do everything well. Test victory! It leaves the competition behind on mountain tours and undulating trails. Now just shorter chainstays, please!
Laurin Lehner
Editor
