The way the Propain Yuma 4 26 rolls into the BIKE editorial office, several fathers of families would have loved to adopt it. The children's fully with 26-inch wheels is equipped with solid mountain bike parts throughout and looks sleek to boot. 140 millimetres of suspension travel front and rear, enduro tyres, dropper post, four-piston brakes: isn't that perhaps too much of a good thing for young bikers? We took the new children's MTB to the BIKE youth camp and took it for a spin on the trails with experienced young MTB testers.
Propain offers the Yuma as either a 24-inch or 26-inch bike. Conversion to the other wheel size was possible with the predecessor, but the new version has abandoned this concept. Instead, the German direct mail order company wants to offer children in different age groups customised options tailored to their needs. The tried-and-tested online configurator is also available for the Yuma 4 on the Propain website. However, the choice between a rigid seatpost or a Vario model is the only variable in the equipment list. There are two frame colours, 13 decal colours and four emblem colours to choose from.
Other children's bikes in the comparison test
Propain Yuma 4 26 in detail
- Field of application: Trail / Enduro
- Spring travel: 140/140 mm
- Wheel size: 26"
- Recommended body height: 141-154 cm
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Weight: 13.7 kg
- Price: 2299 Euro
Equipment
- Suspension fork: Rockshox Reba
- Damper: X-Fusion O2 Pro RL
- Circuit: Sram Eagle 70 Transmission, 1 x 12
- Translation: 32 / 10-52 (520%)
- Brakes: Sram G2 R, 200 / 180 mm
- Seatpost / Stroke: X-Fusion Manic / 125 mm
- Impellers: Newmen Performance 30
- Tyres: Continental Crypto Valley
How the children's bike from Propain rides on the trail
When it came to voting for the best-looking test bike, the Propain Yuma 4 and the Canyon Lux World Cup CF Young Hero carbon fully were at the top of our young test group's favourites. Everyone wanted to try out the lilac-coloured mini trail bike. After the first test laps, the feedback was divided. Jakob (147 centimetres, 11 years old) said: "The weight makes it difficult for me uphill. The fat tyres don't roll as well as on my own bike." Despite the proper weight of 13.7 kilos, the kids also managed to tackle steep climbs - thanks to a wide gear range and strong traction. The huge enduro tyres are prominently positioned on Newmen rims with a 30 millimetre rim width. Despite the small wheels, however, they weigh quite a lot. Endurance tours with lots of climbs are not one of the strengths of the 26-inch full-suspension bike.
Young tester Leo (143 centimetres, 11 years old) came back to the group after a few quick laps with a grin: "I think it's great downhill. The vario support fits well in the small frame and I think the small wheels are playful." The kids already ride large 29-inch wheels on their own hardtails. Either way, Propain seems to have hit the nail on the head with the geometry. 424 millimetre short chainstays simplify cornering. A low standover height and a very short seat tube in combination with 125 millimetres of Vario travel invite you to play with the trail.
So everything is great with the handling of the Propain Yuma 4 26? Unfortunately not quite: "Somehow I find it quite difficult to steer the bike quickly," Jakob complains. He noticed the very slack steering angle of 65 degrees at low speeds on technical terrain. Although the Propain stem is only 40 millimetres short, the steering behaviour is sluggish. Although the Yuma with its monster tyres and flat geo is like a board on fast descents, the bike is too hesitant to respond to the kids' impulses at low speeds. Other children's mountain bikes are lighter and more agile, but the Yuma is a specialist for challenging trails and first bike park experiences. The Conti tyres are equipped with decent puncture protection and the mechanical transmission drive also boasts durability.
In terms of suspension, the young testers were able to recognise a difference between the front and rear. The Rockshox Reba works reliably in the mid-travel range, but the kids wanted a little more sensitivity in the lower range. They also found it difficult to utilise the full 140 millimetres of crumple zone at the front. The X-Fusion shock is much livelier. It readily releases its travel over the entire stroke, even for small rider weights. Unfortunately, the rebound damping is not fast enough at temperatures below ten degrees. While the Sram G2 brakes are considered too tame for adult bikes, they did a good job on the children's mountain bike from Propain.
Geometry
- Reach: 383 mm
- Stack: 550 mm
- Top tube length: 534 mm
- Chainstay length: 424 mm
- Wheelbase: 1110 mm
- Bottom bracket height: 340 mm
- Seat tube length: 320 mm
- Protrusion height: 702 mm
- Steering angle: 65°
- Seat angle: 74,5°
- Head tube length: 105 mm
- Stem length: 40 mm
- Handlebar width: 730 mm
Data from the BIKE test lab
At BIKE, we go to unprecedented lengths to test bikes. We are the only trade magazine in the world to operate its own test laboratory. The data obtained supports our impressions from the practical test. When it comes to geometry data, we don't just rely on the manufacturer's specifications, but also use the laser measuring device ourselves.
- Complete weight: 13.70 kg (without pedals)
- Impeller weight: 5068 g (incl. tyres, tubes, cassette, brake discs)
- Impeller inertia: 3491 kg x cm² (the lower the value, the better the acceleration)
Conclusion
I think the Propain is cool. I have the most fun downhill. That's when I feel really comfortable on the bike. - Leo, BIKE young tester
For young trail shredders, the Propain Yuma 4 26 delivers a decent performance. The details and geometry are on point for trail use. However, the head angle and weight clearly favour a focus on fast descents. The suspension function is only mid-range, but the rest of the equipment is top-notch. Parents will be delighted with the casual look and robust construction. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- super handling on demanding descents
- Sturdy parts promise a long service life
- Traction and tyre grip
- High transmission ratio range
Contra
- Sluggish steering behaviour
- Chassis with minor deficits
- More trail specialist than versatile touring mountain bike for children
Jan Timmermann
Editor
