Review

Back Issue | Propain Tyee XX1 Race Review

21.04.2015
by

There’s one thing almost every PROPAIN bike has in common: hardly a single bike sold is alike. The reason – the online-configurator allows you to chose the specification, frame colour, and even decal colour of every pre-defined model. But can the top machine from the Ravensburg company, the PROPAIN TYEE XX1 Race, do more than just look good? You’ll find out here.

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PROPAIN takes the ‘Race’ suffix seriously, working closely with their team riders to carefully select bike specifications, using only race-proven parts.

The heart of every bike is the frame, and the small manufacturer relies on aluminium as the material for the TYEE and their other models. The suspension is their own PRO10 system with a shock mounted behind the seat tube and activated from both ends.

Nobel Hobel Die Ausstattung des PROPAIN TYEE XX1 Race lässt Rennfahrer-Herzen höher schlagen und besticht sowohl durch ihre hervorragende Funktion als auch das geringe Gewicht. Die Kettenführung hält die Kette auch in rauem Terrain an Ort und Stelle.
Classy wheels: The spec of the PROPAIN TYEE XX1 Race will get racers’ hearts beating faster, and wins with both outstanding function and low weight. The chain guide keeps the chain in place on the roughest trails.
Praktisch Optisch sind außenverlegte Züge bekanntlich kein Highlight. Mechaniker und Fahrer, die viel bei schlechtem Wetter unterwegs sind, wissen sie jedoch zu schätzen, vereinfachen sie den Schaltzug- und Schalthüllenwechsel doch ungemein.
Practical: Visually, external cables are never a highlight. Mechanics and all-weather riders know to appreciate them though, as they make replacing inner and outer cable significantly easier.
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Thanks to the much more economical frame costs (compared to carbon fibre), PROPAIN is able to offer the TYEE for € 4,499 with an outstanding spec level. Classy SRAM ROAM 60 carbon wheels, high-end RockShox suspension units and a complete SRAM XX1 drivetrain is something you will normally search for fruitlessly at this price range.

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Getting aboard the TYEE, you feel at home straight away. The steep 75.2° seat angle combined with a long 420 mm reach (size M) results in upright, comfortable position for a 180cm rider. A slightly longer front centre would be preferable when pedaling out of the saddle. Thanks to the low rotating mass of the lightweight wheels and the fast-rolling Schwalbe Hans Dampf tyres, the bike accelerates quickly. On long rides the high frame weight of 3.2 kg without shock is always noticeable, so while climbing is relaxed, you won’t be breaking any records.

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The agile character that the bike conveys under power is also present on the downhills: whether during line changes or when playing about, the TYEE translates every rider impulse directly and willingly. With the PROPAIN you really push along the trail. The suspension doesn’t swallow your energy, yet still responsively filters out the big impacts. Regardless of how hard or rapidly the impacts come, the TYEE is always prepared and really feels like it’s glued to the ground. The rear suspension could best be described as bump-eating, but it also doesn’t dive excessively during compressions or in berms and harmonises very well with the RockShox Pike fork.

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Whether on our flowing home trails or in Alpine terrain, the TYEE always gives the impression that you have exactly the right bike. It even manages jump sections with aplomb and feels stable in the air. The wide bars, slack 65.5° head angle, and the low standover height all inspire confidence. This is rounded off with balanced handling and a decent portion of stability which keeps the bike on course, especially at high speeds.</p.

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Variabel Dank der geschraubten und austauschbaren Ausfall-Enden hat der Fahrer beim TYEE die Wahl zwischen 26”- und 27,5”-Laufrädern
Variable: Thanks to the bolted and replaceable dropouts the TYEE owner can choose between 26” and 27.5” wheels.
Dreckfänger Das serienmäßig montierte Carbon-Schutzblech schützt den exponierten Dämpfer vor Schlamm- und Dreckbeschuss und verlängert so Serviceintervalle und Lebensdauer
Dirt catcher: The factory fitted carbon-fibre mud guard protects the exposed rear shock from dirt and thus increases the service intervals and shock longevity.

Conclusion:

The PROPAIN TYEE is a real stunner! For the price of € 4,499 you get a top-specced bike with very balanced and confident handling. The opportunity to custom tune your bike to individual preferences both visually and functionally in the online shop is great! The only criticism is the high frame weight, which slightly mars the overall picture.

More information on www.propain-bikes.com

Looking for a more affordable spec of the Tyee? Check out our Propain Tyee Comp Review

Words & Pictures: Christoph Bayer

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