Propain Spindrift 2017 – 180 mm travel thrasher updated
The Propain Spindrift is the latest offering from the German brand to be given an overhaul whilst still retaining its mighty punch with 180 mm of big hitting travel! Get the low down on the bike direct from Propain below:
Superenduro? Bike park enduro? Trail freeride bike? Our industry gets more and more creative when it comes to new category names for long travel bikes. At Propain the name is simply Spindrift! Propain Bicycles launched their latest long travel bike at the Glemmride Festival in Saalbach, Austria, the perfect stage for this bike!
So what is this new bike all about? Big hit capabilities of a true Downhill bike with 180mm of travel, but without the typical limitations that come with this category. A lightweight frame and balanced geometry make for surprisingly easy climbs. But the Propain Spindrift is not the typical Superenduro bike which other companies offer.
Simply, it is a bike with loads of big hit capabilities and high fun potential, which won´t let you down on the uphill. Propain accomplished this through a game-changing geometry, which is different from most other bikes in this category: long reach and wheelbase, a steep seat tube angle, a slack head tube angle, all this in a perfectly balanced ratio.
The Spindrift has always been the favourite pick of the Propain team for bike park runs. However, it has always been Rage’s little brother and was a bit on the heavy side. The short seat tube also limited its climbing abilities. The new Spindrift is a different beast altogether and checks all boxes.
It is part of Propain’s philosophy to consistently develop each existing model to its fullest potential. For example, we employ both innovation and evolution, where it makes sense, while optimizing all the important little details. All models are based on the PRO10 suspension design which was invented by Propain founder Robert Krauss. The new Spindrift also benefits from this technology. The PRO10 system delivers perfect traction, smooth small bump sensitivity and amazing uphill capabilities.
Why do we use so many superlatives? Are we saying the Spindrift is a Superenduro after all? Not really – the Spindrift is a class of its own. But “super” for sure is Propain’s outstanding price-performance ratio. For €2,399 the „Comp“ entry version of the Spindrift delivers with a well thought-out component package, featuring Rock Shox Yari Solo Air fork, Rock Shox Super Deluxe RC3 Plus shock and Sram Guide R brakes. On the other end of the range is the high end model “Race” for €3,999 with the brand new 1X12 SRAM Eagle X01 group, Magura MT7 brakes, a Fox Float 36 Factory fork, and the Cane Creek Double Barrel Air shock.
Different from the prototype, the production frame features external cable routing for both quieter performance and convenient maintenance. The weight of the demo bike is 13.95 kg. The production models will make their debut at the Eurobike show and will be available for order soon afterwards.
Geometry of the Propain Spindrift
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Size | 16.5″ / 420 mm | 17.5″ / 440 mm | 18.5″ 460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,202 mm | 1,227 mm | 1,247 mm |
| Head angle | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° |
| BB Drop | 3 mm | 3 mm | 3 mm |
| Seat Angle (Actual) | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° |
| Seat Angle (Effective) | 75.7° | 75.5° | 75.5° |
| Headtube Length | 110 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm |
| Chainstay Length | 445 mm | 445 mm | 445 mm |
| Toptube Length | 579 mm | 603 mm | 623 mm |
| Reach | 425 mm | 445 mm | 465 mm |
| Stack | 602 mm | 611 mm | 611 mm |
The Propain Spindrift will be available to order soon after Eurobike in September, keep an eye on the Propain Bicycles Website for more information.
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Words & Photos: Propain
