Around four years ago, the German mail-order company Propain presented its new Hugene, which moved from the trail bike segment to the all-mountain camp with an increase in suspension travel. Since then, the frame with 140 millimetres of rear travel has remained unchanged and continues to sell in large numbers.
The special feature of all Propain models is the ability to customise your bike. In the online configurator, you can put together the equipment, colour and decals you want.
Lots of features for little money
For our test bike with carbon frame and a slim total weight of 14.47 kilos, the configurator calculates 4089 euros. Considering the price, the Hugene has an above-average amount to offer. For example, a RockShox Lyrik and a Superdeluxe shock of the highest quality are used for the suspension. The Wheels Propain remains consistent with the aluminium lightweights from Newmen.
Grippy but good-rolling Schwalbe Super Trail tyres complete the harmonious picture. A mechanical Sram GX EagleCircuit changes gears reliably, the Formula CuraBrakes provide decent deceleration - albeit with fiddly grip width adjustment. On the trail, the high-quality components make themselves felt with good propulsion.
Equipment Propain Hugene CF 29
- Fork: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate
- Damper: Superdeluxe Ultimate
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle, 1x12
- Bandwidth: 520 %
- Brakes: Formula Cura 4 / 203/203 mm
- Telescopic support/stroke: One Up / 180 mm
- Wheels: Newmen Performance Trail
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary / Big Betty Soft Super Trail 29 x 2.4
- max. system weight: 120 kg
- Warranty: 5 years
- Special features: Customised body possible via configurator
From the test lab
- Total weight: 14.47 kg without pedals
- Weight of wheels: 5483 g
- Impeller inertia: 4408 kg x cm²
Slim weight & sporty fit
With every turn of the pedals, you benefit from the light weight and low rolling resistance. However, as soon as the trail becomes steeper, the tide turns and the now somewhat dusty geometry becomes apparent. The seat angle is quite slack at 75.4 degrees. You pedal lightly from behind and the front wheel becomes too light too quickly.
The slippery six-pack saddle reinforces this feeling. To remedy this somewhat, we have developed the Saddle pushed further forwards and the nose tilted slightly downwards. Nevertheless, the seat length remains quite long due to the flat seat angle, which means you sit in a slightly sporty and propulsion-orientated position on flat sections.
Downhill lacks comfort
As soon as the highest point of the ride is reached and the trail drops into the descent, the Propain Hugene has to let the competition go. While the Lyrik Ultimate performs solidly as usual, the rear suspension can't really follow the ground and isn't very active or sensitive.
Even with a quick rebound adjustment, the desired comfort is not achieved and the rear end remains wooden. A real shame, as both the geometry and the choice of tyres offer plenty of potential.
Due to the long chainstays, the Hugene is on the smooth side and needs to be pushed hard in tight bends. The low weight nevertheless ensures easy handling. The rattling of the internally routed cables in the frame is annoying.
Conclusion on the Propain Hugene CF 29 in the test
The Propain impresses with a great price-performance ratio and the large selection in the modular system. However, the climbing position and rear triangle function cost points in the practical evaluation and make us wish for a successor. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
