Propain Spindrift 5 CF on test: Full throttle bike with all-round qualities

Originally, we had planned the Spindrift from the German distributor Propain as a side view with more suspension travel. How does a 180 mm bike with freeride genes perform in the enduro test field? However, since some of the competition also delivered enduro bikes with 180 millimetres of travel, the Spindrift not only slipped into the main field, but in the end even fought for the test victory.

We have tested these bikes

• Forestal Siryon Diode 16.17 kg / 170/170 mm / 29" / 8899 Euro
• Lapierre Spicy 8.9 16.16 kg / 180/180 mm / 29/27.5" / 6999 Euro
• Merida One-Sixty 8000 15.61 kg / 170/170 mm / 29/27.5" / 7899 Euro
• Norco Sight C1 15.68 kg / 160/150 mm / 29" / 8499 Euro
• Propain Spindrift 5 CF 16.25 kg / 180/180 mm / 29" / 7029 Euro
• Scott Ransom 900 RC 15.46 kg / 170/170 mm / 29" / 9999 Euro
• Transition Sentinel Carbon 14.91 kg / 160/150 mm / 29" / 8990 Euro

You can find an overview of our high-end enduro test here: The right devices with the licence to shoot

Equipment Propain Spindrift 5 CF

• Fork: Rockshox Zeb Ultimate
• Shock: Rockshox Vivid Ultimate
• Gear system: Sram X0 AXS Transmission, 1x12
• Bandwidth: 520 %
• Brakes: Sram Code RSC / 220/200 mm
• dropper post/stroke: Rockshox Reverb AXS / 170 mm
• Wheels: DT Swiss FR 1500
• Tyres: Continental Kryptotal DH 29 x 2.4
• max. system weight: 130 kg
• Warranty: 5 years
• Special features: Configurable equipment

From the test lab

• Total weight: 16.25 kg without pedals
• Weight of wheels: 5614 g
• Impeller inertia: 4673 kg x cm²

But first things first. The Propain model range naturally also includes the Tyee, which covers the entire spectrum from all-mountain to enduro thanks to the comprehensive configurator. However, 160 millimetres of rear travel is the limit and from there the Spindrift takes over with 20 millimetres more travel in its luggage.

The Propain Spindrift 5 CF fact check

At € 7029, the Propain Spindrift 5 CF is only slightly more expensive than the Lapierre Spicy. Thanks to the Versender power, the Spindrift is nevertheless equipped to a very high standard. Sram X0 Transmission, Rockshox Ultimate suspension and AXS Reverb dropper post leave nothing to be desired and help the large-calibre Spindrift to a still competitive weight of 16.25 kilos without pedals - even with fat Conti Kryptotal tyres with a thick carcass. In terms of geometry, the Spindrift also floats along inconspicuously and doesn't go over the top in any area. With 444 mm chainstays and a long suspension fork, the Propain is of course one of the smoothest candidates in the test field.

Was there a stone field?

With a certain amount of anticipation, the Spindrift makes you look forward to the steep sections of our test track with their nasty steps. Thanks to the high front end, the potent tyres and the considerable capacity to swallow, the Propain delivers at all times, whizzing confidently over every bumpy section. Nothing can rattle the Spindrift. On flat and narrow sections, however, the smoothness and extra travel come at the expense of agility. Especially with a soft setup, it is difficult to maintain speed or accelerate the bike by pushing. Only a slightly firmer setup with less SAG will help here.

Even uphill, the "long-legged" surprises with a decent performance. Thanks to the steep seat angle and the short stub stem, you sit very compactly but far forward on the bike. This means that even technical climbs are possible without having to shift your weight too much. The bike takes a lot out of you, even on climbs. Pumping while pedalling is limited and absolutely acceptable. Details such as the storage compartment in the down tube (missing on the Tyee) and the tidy cable routing are impressive. However, the SQlab saddle is too wide for our anatomy and restricts freedom of movement.

Conclusion on the Propain Spindrift 5 CF

Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor

With 180 millimetres of travel, the Propain Spindrift 5 CF has more than enough reserves for enduro use and long days in the bike park. Nevertheless, the uphill capability and the associated wide range of use of the supposedly pointed specialist is surprising.