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Factory Visit: We go behind the scenes at Propain bikes

22.10.2014
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If you take a look at the entry lists of German and European enduro races, you’ll discover an increasing frequent number of riders on Propain bikes. The best known of these is certainly Daniel von Kossak, who celebrated numerous victories this year on his baby blue Propain Tyee. We recently visited the guys behind the consumer direct brand based in Ravensburg to get a closer look at the company.

The Propain factory visit starts in a cosy log cabin.
The Propain factory visit starts in a cosy log cabin.

The Propain success story started in 2011. Founders David and Robert established Propain Bikes GmbH with a 40 meter square office-workshop and one employee. Their most successful model then was the downhill model Rage. In 2012 the portfolio was extended with the Headline and things started to take off. When the enduro model Tyee was launched sales increased even further and the company needed a bigger base. In 2013 they moved into the current location, which has enough space for a big warehouse, office, testing rig and assembly area. As the Tyree and the new sibling the Twoface became such a success space is already becoming a scarcity.

The first successful model, the downhill bike Rage hangs on the wall at Propain.
The first successful model, the downhill bike Rage hangs on the wall at Propain.
House in a house: the office takes form of a log cabin in the middle of the warehouse.
House in a house: the office takes form of a log cabin in the middle of the warehouse.

All of the components and frame parts are stored in the warehouse . The frames are painted at a local business allowing the wildest of custom finishes to be realised. In general individuality is a big deal at Propain and customers can configure their bikes with many choices. Colours, specification and wheel size can all be varied with 26″, 27.5″ or a mix of both – anything is possible.

Tyres waiting for assembly.
Tyres waiting for assembly.
Frame parts are also stored here awaiting further processing.
Unpainted frame parts are stored here and finished according to customer wishes.
Here anodised linkage parts are waiting to have bearings pressed in.
Here anodised linkage parts are waiting to have bearings pressed in.
Painted frames waiting for assembly.
The finished frames waiting to be built up.

Frame assembly, decal application and end assembly are completely “in house”. Even components such as wheels are made directly in Ravensburg. With a range of seven bikes now (incl. ladies bike and kids bike) and numerous spec choices require much more manpower and the team has grown to 10 full time employees and 4 external workers.

Even with decals the customer has many choices. In total eight different colours are available.
Even with decals the customer has many choices. In total eight different colours are available.
Hbs waiting for assembly.
The hubs for Sixpack wheels waiting to be built up.
Rim decals are applied by hand.
Rim decals are applied by hand.
At the computer terminal Emu, who has been with Propain since the beginning, checks a customer order...
At the computer terminal Emu, who has been with Propain since the beginning, checks a customer order…
... and fetches the necessary parts for assembly from the warehouse.
and fetches the necessary parts for assembly from the warehouse.
From bikers for bikers: every employee is a rider and passionate about the company.
From bikers for bikers: every employee is a rider and passionate about the company.
In the current location you can find a photo studio and a testing rig.
In the current location you can find a photo studio and a testing rig.
But at the end of the day there's nothing better than an extensive trail test. Here CEO David is personally checking the ride of the new Propain Twoface.
But at the end of the day there’s nothing better than an extensive trail test. Here CEO David is personally checking the ride of the new Propain Twoface, which is currently also part of our long term test fleet.

You can find more about Propain Bikes on their website at: www.propain-bikes.com

Text & Pictures: Christoph Bayer

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