The 27.5-inch Propain Tyee enduro bike was a complete success. When the Allgäu-based manufacturer recently launched the Trailbike Hugene on large 29-inch wheels wins the BIKE test but it was already clear that it wouldn't be long before the Enduro Tyee would follow suit.
The Tyee now presented is available in both a 27.5-inch and a 29-inch version, each with a carbon or aluminium frame. The frames have been fundamentally redesigned in order to largely retain the geometry of the predecessor.
Robert Krauss, CEO at Propain, is noticeably satisfied with the result: "The conceptual decisions in the development of our new Tyee were significantly influenced by our experience with the previous models, the 29" trail bike Hugene and the experience of our World Cup Downhill Team. We have incorporated the best findings into the development of the new Tyee. The new Tyee is the most versatile and probably the best bike we have ever built."
All versions of the Propain Tyee 2020 absorb 170 millimetres of bumps at the front and 160 millimetres at the rear. The 1x12-speed Sram drivetrain works either mechanically or electrically. The latter option pushes the price of the top models to heights previously unknown to Propain, but can also be bypassed in the online configurator.
Frame and geometry
Numerous changes were made in order to integrate the large 29-inch wheels into the frame. The geometry was not to change, nor was the familiar fluffy ride feel of the successful enduro bike. One thing was clear: the centrepiece, the sensitive Pro 10 rear triangle with floating shock, was to remain, but had to move to the other side of the seat tube and is now located in the front frame triangle. As a result, the seat stays retained their length of 445 millimetres, while those of the new 27.5-inch version even shrank to 430 millimetres.
With the second wheel size, Propain has also adjusted the size distribution. Frame sizes M and L are available with both wheels, size S only in 27.5 inches and size XL only in 29 inches. The drive neutrality is said to have been increased even further with a further increased anti-squat value (110 % max.). Numerous details such as cable ducts integrated into the carbon frame, extra-sealed Acros bearings, an exchangeable ISCG mount or the newly developed down tube and chainstay protectors round off the package.
Model variants: Equipment, prices and weights
Here, too, everything remains the same. The carbon version still bears the abbreviation CF, and aluminium is abbreviated to AL. Propain continues to offer the option of customising the bikes, but also offers three complete bike variants. Regardless of the frame material, these are also called Start, Performance and Highend.
The entry-level standard models with a carbon frame weighing 2.7 kilos according to the manufacturer are priced at a friendly 3000 euros, while the price of the top model with electric gears can be pushed up to over 7700 euros.
The prices of the aluminium versions start at 2400 euros and end just below the 7000 euro mark, depending on the desired equipment. According to the manufacturer, the aluminium frame in size M weighs 3.7 kilograms.
The two colours mars red dark (glossy) and petrol are also new. The head tube logo has also been revised and is now available in The familiar Propain colours are still available. Propain customers can customise their bike in the online configurator. For this reason, the following manufacturer images do not necessarily show one of the above-mentioned standard customisations.
Conclusion and ride report Propain Tyhee 2020
"Finally a genuine enduro bike again and not just a pure race file. The new Propain Tyee seems to be a great success. It masters the balancing act between uphill and downhill capabilities very well - just as it should be for this category in my eyes. The 27.5-inch version with air shock is lively, gives a lot of feedback and is still potent enough for fast, rough descents. However, we think that the former Tyee rear triangle had more hoover capabilities and was more potent. On the other hand, the Tyee is now more balanced and consistent. The credo fits here: one bike for everything. The look is classy. I also like the online configurator. You can customise your bike here - from the equipment to the decal colours." Laurin Lehner, BIKE tester
Sebastian Brust
Editor
