The Propain's spec is more controversial: two chainrings without guides, a 65-millimetre stem, very light XC tyres and a Revelation fork don't quite fit into the test field. However, the bike has very good gearing. And after converting to a 50 mm stem, it fitted like a glove. The higher weight is noticeable on the trail. However, the Onza tyres roll very well and the rear suspension reacts firmly to spontaneous acceleration without bottoming out. Nevertheless, the Propain lacks dynamics. Unlike the Ghost, however, it makes up for this with a fairly comfortable rear end. The 145 millimetres of travel take the sting out of roots, they feel like more. The lightweight Revelation is also convincing on flowing trails. But as soon as you hit fast and heavy bumps, it feels wooden and insensitive compared to the Pike. In the park, the impression is reinforced: the rear end can do much more than the fork. Nevertheless, the bike was still fast enough on push trails, albeit a class worse than the Rocky.
ConclusionGreat frame with lots of potential, but the wrong spec. The bike would be even better with a Pike, 1x10 drivetrain and shorter stem. There's a lot missing from the Rocky Thunderbolt.
TRAIL RATING
Fun factor *** (3 of max. 6)
Acceleration
*** (3 of max. 6)
PLUS Rear triangle, geo, price
MINUS Weight, fork, equipment
Distribution www.propain-bikes.com
Material Aluminium
Sizes S, M, L, XL
Price 3099 Euro
Weight without pedals 13.4 kg
Front/rear suspension travel 140 mm/145 mm
Fork/damper RockShox Revelation RLT/RockShox Monarch RT Debon Air
Chainstay length 444 mm
Wheelbase 1 157 mm
Steering angle 66,3°
Seat angle 73°
Bottom bracket height 328 mm
Reach 410 mm
Stack 600 mm
BB-Drop -21 mm
