A rather steep head angle, long chainstays, little suspension travel. When the Propain Hugene 2018 when it was launched, the first 29-inch bike from the previously downhill-orientated distributor Propain didn't really knock anyone's socks off - at least when looking at the spec sheet. But the first practical tests spoke a completely different language. The supposedly conservative bike proved to be a serious competitor for Specialized, Canyon, Scott and co. thanks to its excellent suspension, balanced handling and strong price-performance ratio. And barely half a year after its launch, it won the big All-mountain test in BIKE 5/19 promptly wins the test from.
10 millimetres more rear suspension travel
After another Test victory in BIKE 5/20where the competition still had no chance, the new Hugene is now in the starting blocks. Propain claims to have improved the few points of criticism in particular. The new rear triangle now offers one centimetre more travel thanks to a longer shock. This increases the nominal suspension travel from 130 to 140 millimetres. Since the old bike was already well-fed with a real 138 millimetres (BIKE measurement), the new bike should be able to go one better.
In addition to the increased suspension travel, the longer shock has another positive side effect: the top tube can now be straighter than on the predecessor. Together with the shock linkage, which is now also made of carbon, and a new frame layup, the new frame is over 200 grams lighter than its predecessor (BIKE measurement).
Geometry: Smoother with a steep seat angle
The geometry of the new Hugene has also been optimised. A seat angle that is 1.5 degrees steeper ensures a more efficient and comfortable riding position when pedalling, especially on steep climbs. The two centimetre longer reach continues to place the rider in the centre of the bike and, in combination with the significantly slacker head angle (-2 degrees to 65.5 degrees), the slightly lower bottom bracket and the slightly higher front end, ensures greater safety and smoother downhill riding. The chainstays remain at 445 millimetres. If you are looking for a particularly agile bike, you should opt for the smaller frame size if in doubt.
Despite the increased suspension travel, the rear suspension characteristics remained largely untouched. Only the anti-squat value has been slightly increased to prevent bobbing when pedalling. However, the predecessor did not have any weaknesses here and, despite its good uphill performance, impressed downhill with its high sensitivity and good feedback and bottom-out protection.
Prices and equipment
The Hugene Start starts at 3399 euros, the top end of the flagpole is now only reached at 7199 euros thanks to exclusive equipment. There is a choice of three colours. As always, Propain allows you to customise each of the three configurations - Start, Performance and Highend - and adapt your bike to your own preferences.
If you prefer to ride the Hugene light and fast, you can stick with a 140 millimetre fork and Nobby Nic tyres, for example. If you want to let it rip in enduro races or in the bike park, you can add Fox's 36 with 150 millimetres of travel and Schwalbe's Magic Mary/Big Betty enduro combo for an extra charge.
Everything new? Our first ride impression of the Propain Hugene 2021
The new Propain Hugene has big shoes to fill. But indeed: the rear suspension, already a strength of the previous bike, has become even more efficient and sensitive. The steep seat angle and long reach provide real added value. Thanks to the slacker steering angle, the new Hugene is smoother than its predecessor, but also requires a little more effort in tight corners. Thanks to the lighter frame, the weight remains within the green range despite the heavy tyres.
Can the new Hugene match the test results of the old bike? We are looking forward to a first comparison test.
All information about the new Propain Hugene and the configurator can be found on the Website of the manufacturer. You can read a detailed riding impression including BIKE measurements such as weights and stiffness in BIKE 4/20 - available from 2 March in specialist shops and as a digital edition.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
