High-end downhiller: Propain Rage 3 CF - how does the test winner from 2023 perform today?

Team FREERIDE

· 20.09.2024

Viagra for the nerves: With the Propain, you don't want to miss a stunt. The full suspension and comfortable handling boost your confidence in every riding situation.

Creaking noises: We just couldn't get rid of them. Pulling the fork out and refitting it only helped for a short time, the creaking in the head tube remained.

Calming agent: The rear suspension convinced us once again, especially on small, fast hits the rear end soaks up the bumps like no other bike. One tester noted: "If a 24-hour downhill, then with the Propain!"

Stylish & fast: With the Propain Rage you get a lot of bike for your money. However, Propain is charging 745 euros more than last year.

4 Images

Photo: Lars Schar

Once good, always good? The Propain Rage 3 CF was already the test winner in last year's big bike comparison. Can it also hold its own against the new competition in the 2024 season? Propain's high-end downhiller in the test.

Topics in this article

We packed the Propain Rage, the Winner of our big bike test from Freeride 3/23 and were very excited to see how the mail-order bike would fare against the new competition. We'll say it straight away: the Rage was right up there at the front, even if it couldn't defend its title as test winner.

The bike (model year 2021) is absolutely up to date. As usual with Propain, the customer can put together their personal dream bike from a large selection of add-on parts and decorative colours. We received the same test bike (really the same) again - with Mullet tyres and Fox Factory suspension.

Photo: Lars ScharlCalming agent: The rear suspension convinced us once again, especially on small, fast hits the rear end soaks up the bumps like no other bike. One tester noted: "If a 24-hour downhill, then with the Propain!"

Propain Rage 3 CF: Repeat offender

Motto: sit on it, feel good, have fun. Although compared to Commencal and YT Although the bike seemed softer and not quite as "racy", it mastered all chicanes with ease. "Perhaps the ideal big bike for hobby downhillers," was the opinion of the testers, as it generated the highest level of riding comfort. Above all, the bike absorbs small, fast bumps like no other.

Even in passages with steps, root sections and dirt edges like UFC fighter Conor McGregor in his prime time, the bike reacts calmly. Only Commencal and YT roared down the valley faster and with more support. But they also demanded more from the rider. Annoying then, annoying now: creaking in the head tube, loose bolts on the rear triangle. The bike also generates enough pop on jump tracks and cuts a good figure. The Rage is also the first choice for high drops.

Conclusion on the Propain Rage 3 CF

The Propain Rage is and remains a top bike, whether for park shredding or downhill riding. It is fast, has excellent rear suspension and is available for comparatively little money.

I was curious to see how the test-winning bike would perform this time. Our verdict from 2023 still applies. The rear suspension is a game changer. So much comfort! Although the suspension is rather soft, it never bottomed out. - Stefan Garlicki (height: 1.84 m)

>> Bigbikes: Rose, Santa Cruz, Scott - 3 top models for park & race in comparison

>> Introducing the VPace Kids Cup: The pre-school for the big downhill racing series

>> MTB trail action: Jackson Goldstone in "Solo" - downhill history repeats itself

The Propain Rage 3 CF (29/27.5 inch) in detail

Photo: Lars ScharlStylish & fast: With the Propain Rage you get a lot of bike for your money. However, Propain is charging 745 euros more than last year.

Manufacturer information

Distribution: Propain Bicycles GmbH
Material: Carbon
Sizes: M, L, XL
Weight without pedals: 17.2 kg
Price: 5399 Euro

Measurement data

Front / rear suspension travel: 200 mm / 215 mm
rear suspension system: Pro 10 Suspension (VPP)

Equipment

Fork / damper: Fox 40 Factory Kashima / Fox DHX2 Coil (450 lbs)
Cranks / gears: Truvativ Descendant / Sram GX DH
Brake system: Sram Code RSC
Impellers: Newmen EG 30 Evolution system wheelset
Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Evo Super-DH Ultra Soft 2.4 / Schwalbe Big Betty Evo Super-DH Ultra Soft 2.4

Strengths & weaknesses of the big bike

Plus: Geo, handling, price
Minus: according to

Notes on the Propain Rage 3 CF

Park: 6 from 6
Race: 5 from 6
Overall grade: 9,5

Photo: FreerideInformation on the handling and suspension of the Propain Rage 3 CF

Photo: FreerideGeometry data of the Propain Rage 3 CF

Home