Propain Spindrift 5 CF and AL: New gravity bikes for enduro, freeride and bike parks

The Spindrift is a kind of perennial favourite in the Propain range and has undergone a number of major renovations over the years - sometimes the gravity bike has been trimmed more in the direction of a downhill freerider, sometimes in the direction of a super enduro with all-round talents. Now Propain, the mail-order and modular specialist, has taken a different approach: the new Spindrift is available in three versions to suit every taste: as a super enduro with a carbon chassis, as an aluminium freerider and as an uncompromising big bike, also in aluminium.

>> Click here to test the predecessor: Propain Spindrift AL

In principle, there are two frame constructions, carbon and aluminium, but the aluminium bike is available in two suspension travel versions: the freerider is equipped with 180 millimetres front and rear, the park bike with 200 mm front and 180 mm rear.

With this concept, Propain wants to cover all trends in the gravity sector without having to offer a completely independent (expensive) design for each of these rather small target groups. This is to be achieved with one and the same rear triangle system - the World Cup-proven PRO10 rear triangle, but different suspension travel, geometries and wheel size concepts. The Propain Spindrift 5 CF, the 180-millimetre super enduro bike, is available in a mullet wheel mix or as a pure 29er version. All three wheel combinations are possible on the Spindrift 5 AL freeride bike: 29-inch front and rear, 27.5-inch front and rear and mullet mix with a small rear wheel and large front wheel. And the Spindrift 5 AL Park big bike comes exclusively as a mullet mix.

Which driver types are addressed?

So one platform, but three different versions. What types of riders does Propain want to appeal to with the individual Spindrift versions?

Spindrift 5 CF - the Superenduro

Spring travel 180/180 mmThe Spindrift 5 CF is offered by the Upper Swabians as the all-rounder among their gravity bikes. The long-stroke carbon bike is designed to appeal to all those who also like to toil uphill so that they can then plunge into technically demanding descents away from the hustle and bustle of the park.

The facts about the Propain Spindrift 5 CF

• Price: 3,699 to 8,769 euros
• Enduro application area
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 180/180 mm
• Wheel sizes: 29/29 inch; 29/27.5 inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: from 15.50 kilos (manufacturer's specification)

Spindrift 5 AL - the freerider

Spring travel 180/180 mmOf course, the difference between the CF and the AL with the same suspension travel is also based on the price. The basic aluminium version is 700 euros cheaper than the carbon bike, perhaps a little more robust, but also 700 grams heavier. In addition, only the AL gives you the option of riding the smaller 27.5 mm wheels at the front and rear. This allows you to configure a bike that is designed more for playfulness than pure riding performance.

The facts about the Propain Spindrift 5 AL

• Price: 2,999 to 8,069 euros
• Application: Enduro/Freeride
• Frame material: Aluminium
• Suspension travel: 180/180 mm
• Wheel sizes: 27.5/27.5 inch; 29/29 inch; 29/27.5 inch
• Frame sizes: M, L, XL
• Weight: from 16.20 kilos (manufacturer's specification)

Spindrift 5 AL Park - the big bike

Spring travel 200/180 mmNo compromises - this Spindrift is designed to withstand the toughest downhill tracks and park use with airtime. The motto is Double Crown equals Double Fun. With 200 millimetres of travel at the front and flat angles thanks to the mullet mix, nothing burns here.

The facts about the Propain Spindrift 5 AL Park

• Price: 3,199 to 5,989 euros
• Area of use: Downhill/Bikepark
• Frame material: Aluminium
• Suspension travel: 200/180 mm
• Wheel sizes: 27.5/27.5 inch; 29/27.5 inch
• Frame sizes: M, L, XL
• Weight: from 16.60 kilos (manufacturer's specification)

Concept comparison: Spindrift CF and AL

Spindrift Carbon

Propain says: "Our Spindrift 5 CF is a classy and ultra-modern long travel super enduro bike with 180 mm front and rear travel, made for demanding freeride and enduro adventures. It embodies innovation, technology and value." This claim is underpinned by many clever features, e.g: Frame Storage, Flip Chip for geometry adjustment and three options for cable routing, including classic through the frame. The carbon frame should be particularly stiff, light and yet robust, and the high-quality high-modulus carbon fibres allow for a slim frame design. The top priority for the geometry and chassis was riding stability at high speeds. So it's no wonder that the Geo is rather long and flat. Compared to its predecessor, the reach has increased by 10 millimetres and the steering angle has been slackened by one degree to 63.5°.

Centrepiece rear end: At the heart of all Spindrift models - whether with air or coil shocks - is the PRO10 rear suspension, which Propain claims is drive-neutral: "We are 100% convinced that our PRO10 system is still the most powerful frame concept on the market." The PRO10 rear suspension is based on four pivot points and a floating damper that is controlled by two counter-rotating links. Its strengths are said to be its sensitive response behaviour and high progression. This should guarantee plenty of grip on the trail with lots of support at the same time. According to the manufacturer, the high anti-squat value allows the Spindrift to climb technical climbs with active suspension without bobbing. The position of the shock absorber on the new Spindrift has been optimised. The slightly inclined position provides more insertion depth for the seatpost.

Size and wheel concept: As already mentioned, the Spindrift 5 CF is available in a mixed wheel setup as well as in a pure 29-inch configuration. Thanks to the flip chip on the upper link of the PRO10 frame, both wheel configurations can be used on the same frame. The customer therefore has a choice: 29-inch wheels offer better rollover behaviour, especially on technical sections, while the small 27.5-inch rear wheel makes the bike more manoeuvrable and offers more freedom of movement. Frame sizes S, M, L and XL are available for the carbon Spindrift.

Spindrift aluminium

With the slightly cheaper, but also slightly heavier aluminium Spindrift, Propain should appeal to a younger clientele. The Spindrift 5 AL aims to be a reliable long-travel machine that - whether in the 180 single-crown or 200 dual-crown version - "stands up to any abuse" according to the manufacturer. Propain probably doesn't want its customers to take this claim too literally, but the manufacturer emphasises that the AL stands for reliability, consistency and durability. The shorter geometry also gives the aluminium version more playful handling and agility. "No frills, but a simple and classic design with the demand for a robust and maintenance-friendly bike for price-conscious riders." The crash-resistant blend aluminium with smoother weld seams also comes with the classic cable routing through the frame and should still be able to be pedalled efficiently in the single crown setup thanks to the PRO10 rear suspension system with plenty of anti-squat.

One frame, two bike concepts: The focus in the development of the Propain Spindrift 5 AL was therefore on reliability, durability and longevity, says Propain. Based on a platform with 180 mm travel at the rear, two variants can be configured. The single crown version with 180 millimetres of travel at the front and various drive options for the necessary uphill performance. And the dual-crown version with 200 millimetres at the front and 7-speed DH drivetrain. The double bridge turns the Spindrift 5 AL into a bike park weapon and completes the Propain line-up with a park bike.

The geometries

The geometry of the Propain Spindrift 5 AL is more compact compared to the carbon chassis: The reach is five millimetres shorter on the single crown version and ten millimetres shorter on the park bike, while the wheelbase is also ten millimetres shorter. A slacker steering angle of 63.9° for the Single Crown version and 63.5° for the Dual Crown version provides even more safety and stability in technical terrain and on steep descents. The Spindrift 5 AL with Single Crown is available in 27.5 inch in sizes S, M, L and in the Mix and 29 inch version in sizes M, L and XL. The Spindrift 5 AL Park comes in sizes M, L and XL.

The Spindrift model versions

For each of the three Propain Spindrift models - the Spindrift 5 CF, 5 AL and 5 AL Park - there are four model versions with predefined configurations. The CF starts at € 3,699 in the Base version and ends at € 8,769 in the Factory version. The 5 AL ranges from €2,999 to €8,069 and the 5 AL Park from €3,199 to €5,989.

Equipment and prices

As usual, Propain offers its customers the opportunity to customise their dream bike. In addition to the tried and tested suspension options from Rockshox and Fox, Öhlins components are now also available. The range of Newmen and Crankbrothers wheels has been expanded to include DT Swiss, while the brake range now includes Shimano Saint alongside Magura, SRAM and Formula. In addition to the customised configuration, the Spindrift 5 comes with four fixed equipment packages to make it easier for customers to decide on the right components. These "build kits" are recommendations from the manufacturer for those customers who find customisation difficult. The Spindrift 5 AL starts at €2,999, while the Spindrift 5 CF starts at €3,699.