Following the renewal of the carbon model of Propain's successful Tyee, the Allgäu-based company is now also relaunching the aluminium version. The focus was primarily on numerous detailed improvements to the frame and geometry, which have resulted in a significant update overall. The entry-level "Start" model starts at just 2265 euros, with the upper end of the scale only being reached above the 5000 euro mark despite the aluminium frame. Propain has retained the division into an Enduro with 160 millimetres of travel and an All Mountain (AM) with 150/145 millimetres of travel.
Geometry update: seat angle, reach and steering angle
No surprises here. Propain has always been on the downhill track in the truest sense of the word and then passes this on to the "smaller" bikes below the double bridge bike Rage. The new Tyee is no exception. The head angle is rather slack at 65 degrees for the Enduro and 65.5 degrees for the All Mountain, while the chainstays are 445 millimetres long. The reach of 461 millimetres in size L (467 millimetres in All Mountain) and the steep seat angle of around 76 degrees are new. Climbing shouldn't be a problem either.
Kinematics: More anti-squat and more puncture protection, full bike park approval
The kinematics and frame of the Propain Tyee are also new for 2019. There is no longer a front derailleur mount, but the designers were able to utilise the freed-up space elsewhere. The overall rigidity of the frame is said to have been improved, the bearings are now larger and double-sealed for maximum durability. In addition, more space has been created in the rear triangle to allow the installation of larger shocks. The splash guard on the shock is now also larger than before.
However, the most important update is certainly the new kinematics. Compared to its predecessor, it is significantly more progressive. 30 per cent progression instead of 15 per cent is intended to guarantee a more sensitive response as well as greater protection against bottoming out. In addition, the more progressive transmission ratio now also allows the use of steel spring dampers, which - thanks to the new rear triangle design - also fit easily into the frame. The more sensitive response at the beginning of the suspension travel has been slightly corrected with a 10 per cent increase in the anti-squat value in favour of high pedalling efficiency.
In a nutshell: Propain now trust the new Tyee to tackle the hardest drops and nastiest jumps and have therefore labelled the bike as level 5 despite its improved climbing capabilities - full bike park suitability guaranteed!
Models, equipment and prices
All further information can be found on the Propain website.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
