The rocker/damper unit is positioned very centrally above the bottom bracket - good for a low centre of gravity. Despite the interrupted seat tube, the developers have managed to accommodate a dropper post. Almost all of the rest of the equipment also speaks for a good interpretation of the freeride concept: stable wheels, 1x11 gears and fat tyres are the right choice for downhill fun after a hard-fought climb. Only the fork surprised us at first - we would have expected a "Mattoc" in an enduro bike. The light and slim fork looks out of place in the massive frame.
The "spindle drift" still works well on the climbs. You can feel the heavy weight, the riding position is upright and somewhat cramped, but the rear end remains stable and the propulsion is effective. On the downhill, the "Mattoc" limits the potential of the bike. And that is high! Balanced, but slightly shorter and higher than the Kona, for example, you stand on the bike. It takes tight and wide bends dynamically. The rear suspension works unobtrusively but firmly and keeps the bike securely on the ground. The progression is just right and the compression damping effectively absorbs even hard hits. On the other hand, the front end falls short: either the fork was set up appropriately, but then only used just under 150 millimetres of travel despite the open compression damping. Or it released too much travel with a softer setting and dipped away when braking. Even the compression adjusters didn't help. Too bad. Fortunately, Propain also offers the bike with a "Lyrik RC2 DH" for just under 100 euros more - our recommendation!
ConclusionThe "Spindrift" freerider has turned out pretty well. A mini downhiller with features suitable for touring and a powerful rear end. Unfortunately, the "Mattoc" doesn't match the characteristics and pulls the rating down. With a better "Lyric RC2 DH" (+ 100 euros) a 9-rated bike.
PLUS - Equipment - Processing - Rear triangle
MINUS - Fork
Manufacturer information
Distribution Propain Bicycles GmbH www.propain-bikes.com
Material / Sizes Aluminium / S, M, L
Price / weight without pedals 3599 Euro / 15.6 kg
Measurement data
Front / rear suspension travel 170 mm / 180 mm
Rear suspension system VPP
Equipment
Fork / damper Manitou Mattoc Pro 170 / RockShox Vivid Air R2C
Cranks / gears SRAM X0 / SRAM XX1
Brake system SRAM Guide RSC
Impellers Mavic Deemax system wheelset, Onza Citius DHC / RC2 45a 2.4 tyres
