First ride on the new 2025 Propain Spindrift 5

The Propain Spindrift 5 is going to make the heart of freeride and bike park enthusiasts beat faster. The German direct-to-consumer brand introduced a brand-new carbon model alongside two alloy variants — all of them at an unbeatable price. But what is the Spindrift capable of with its 180 mm of travel?

German direct-to-consumer brand Propain has become popular thanks to the countless customisation options they offer through their extensive online configurator which allows you to choose from a wide range of components to spec your bike. The new Spindrift 5 is no exception: it’s available with both a carbon frame and aluminium frame whereby the latter employs a more aggressive geometry for bike park and freeride enthusiasts. Plus the alloy frame is compatible with a dual-crown fork. Prices start at just €3000 but if you get too excited clicking your way through the configurator you can spend up to € 8800. This allows you to customise the spec of your bike down to the smallest to suit your preferences and riding style.

Our Propain Spindrift CF test bike in the eye-catching “Swedish Gold” spec variant tips the scales at 16.12 kg and retails at € 6199.

The new 2025 Propain Spindrift 5 in detail

The Propain Spindrift 5 CF

The Propain Spindrift 5 CF is every bit the carbon beauty you’d expect and relies on a sleek elegant frame silhouette with organic lines. It’s available in three colours: glossy red, matte silver, and a minimalist raw carbon finish. Needless to say, the new Spindrift features Propain’s proprietary dual-link Pro 10 suspension design which positions the shock vertically in front of the seat tube and is actuated by two rocker arms.

A practical feature for home mechanics: the three different cable routing options. You can choose to route the cables through the clamped cable ports in the frame, through the Acros headset, or directly through the Sixpack stem. There’s also a new storage compartment in the downtube which is well thought out and extremely practical. The cover is secured to the frame with a sturdy sliding latch which seals reliably but can be a little finicky to use with a bottle in the cage. The compartment comes standard with a neoprene pouch which offers enough room to stow away a spare inner tube. The pouch also has a small additional zippered pocket which can be used to store smaller objects like a chain link. The edges of the storage compartment are lined with plastic, preventing you from damaging fragile items such as a thin rain jacket – or your fingers!

Additionally, there’s a tool mount at the bottom of the top tube which can be used to secure a multitool for basic trailside repairs. A soft, generously sized chainstay protector prevents paint chips and chain slap, ensuring a quiet ride together with the integrated cable sleeves. A big TPU plate on the downtube shields the frame against stray rocks and nasty impacts – a valuable feature on rough descents.

The Propain Spindrift Alloy models at a glance

While the aluminium version retains the same frame-shock layout, it looks slightly different from its carbon counterpart. The top tube is straighter and the visible welds make for a more rugged look. In terms of finish, the alloy frames are available in raw aluminium, matte pink, and glossy green. One downside – the alloy models don’t have the practical storage compartment nor the practical tool mount, meaning that you’ll have to use a tool strap or carry a hip pack with all your trail essentials. Moreover, Propain only offers one cable routing option with the alloy bikes: through conventional cable ports on the frame – though this might be the most popular option for most riders. However, the aluminium models offer the most robust, reliable – and obviously more budget-friendly – alternative to the CF model.

The specs of our 2025 Propain Spindrift 5 in the Swedish Gold variant

As if the bold ruby red of the Spindrift CF frame wasn’t striking enough, there’s also the eye-catching yellow Öhlins suspension which gives the name to this spec variant. The Öhlins suspension consists of a 180mm RXF 38 fork and matching TTX 22 coil shock. The fork offers countless adjustability options, including a ramp-up valve to fine-tune the end-stroke progression. This is a cool feature that basically works a bit like a volume spacer. It’s perfect for heavier riders who want a plush response while still maintaining strong bottom-out resistance. The coil shock is just as impressive, ensuring excellent performance and smooth response. It has three compression settings – Open, Mid, and Pedal – along with adjustable rebound, allowing you to fine-tune your ride to suit your preferences and riding style. Another cool feature: when ordering your bike, you can choose the spring rate that suits you best, reducing the likelihood of needing upgrades later on.

Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which relies on a direct-mount rear derailleur and ensures butter-smooth shifting even under load. A rare sight these days: the Shimano Saint brakes. Not only do they match the bike’s look perfectly with their golden decals, but they also ensure powerful, reliable deceleration together with the 200 mm rotors front and rear. For the wheels, Propain rely on a robust DT Swiss FR 1500 wheelset (standard in Swedish Gold: DT Swiss EX 1700) which is built for tough downhill and enduro riding. The rims are paired with front/rear-specific Continental Kryptotal tires, which complement the yellow theme and offer optimal traction and stability on the trail. Both tires come in a durable casing and the softest available rubber compound.

The 210 mm OneUp V3 dropper post on our test bike in size L ensures excellent freedom of movement and offers butter-smooth action. A nice touch: Propain lets you choose the travel of the dropper post at no extra cost, allowing you to pick the size that suits you best. Moreover, the OneUp V3 lets you reduce the travel by 10 or 20 mm. The cockpit consists of a 35 mm Sixpack stem and OneUp carbon handlebars.

Overall, the “Swedish Gold” spec of the Spindrift 5 CF isn’t just about a cohesive colour scheme – every component is chosen according to the bike’s intended use. From the suspension to the brakes and even the tires, the Spindrift comes across as a well-rounded, thoughtfully designed package that’s perfect for tackling demanding enduro adventures.

The different spec variants of the 2025 Propain Spindrift 5

The build options for the Propain Spindrift 5 are nearly limitless. In Propain’s extensive configurator, you can choose from three platforms: the CF and AL, both with 180 mm of travel and single crown forks, and the aluminium Park version, which comes equipped with a 200 mm dual crown fork. All variants generate 180 mm of travel at the rear. Alongside our “Swedish Gold” test model, there are three pre-configured builds for each platform available in the configurator.

2025 Propain Spindrift 5 CF and AL spec variants

The Base build is aimed at budget-conscious riders who are looking for solid performance and know there’s room for upgrades. It comes equipped with an entry-level RockShox suspension consisting of a ZEB R fork and a matching Vivid Coil Select shock. Both suspension components offer limited adjustability options, and the coil shock adds significant weight to the bike. The Sixpack Kamikaze dropper post is extremely minimalistic: it’s a rigid post with no dropper function. True to its name, it will quickly let you know why it’s called like that if you leave it up on a descent. SRAM DB8 brakes do stopping duties, ensuring powerful, reliable deceleration despite their bulky, beefy look. A solid cable-operated SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain delivers reliable gear shifts. For the wheels, Propain rely on a robust Newmen Performance 30 alloy wheelset and Schwalbe tires, combining a grippy Magic Mary at the front and a versatile Big Betty at the rear – a solid setup that works well on most trails. The Base build retails at € 2999 (alloy frame) and € 3699 (carbon frame) respectively, which is a very fair price. However, given the suspension’s limited adjustability, you should be aware that there’s room for improvement if you want more control and tuning options. We’d also recommend upgrading the dropper post – unless you’re only riding bike park.

The Propain Spindrift, with its three platforms and configurator function, is almost the perfect all-rounder for tackling demanding trails.

The Propain Spindrift 5 Ultimate spec variant elevates the bike into the premium category and relies exclusively on top-tier components from RockShox and SRAM. At its heart is the RockShox suspension, consisting of a striking red ZEB Ultimate fork and Vivid Air Ultimate shock. Both offer countless adjustability options and deliver a tremendous performance on the trail even with the most demanding riders. The wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post delivers fast, butter-smooth action but only offers limited travel between 125 and 170 mm. Braking is taken care of by SRAM Code RSC brakes, which pack a punch on the trail and offer countless tool-free adjustments. The wireless SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission drivetrain impresses with precise, smooth shifting. The DT Swiss FR 1500 wheelset perfectly complements Propain’s “Freeride ain’t dead” claim. The rims are paired with grippy Continental Kryptotal tires in the enduro casing, which generate excellent traction and offer enough puncture protection even on the roughest of trails. This build is the second most expensive in the lineup, setting you back € 6319 for the aluminium version and € 7029 for the carbon model. The price might seem steep at first, but it is perfectly justified given the top-tier components.

The Factory flagship model comes with a full FOX Factory suspension and is the most expensive pre-configured variant. The suspension consists of a 38 Factory fork with fancy Kashima coating and a new super-sensitive X2 damper. The fork is paired with a DHX2 coil shock which offers maximum adjustability and delivers a tremendous performance on the trail. The super-light SLS spring keeps the weight down and is just as durable as a conventional steel spring. The FOX Transfer Factory dropper post features a fancy Kashima coating too and has between 125 and 200 mm of travel depending on the frame size. Magura MT7 brakes do stopping duties, offering strong deceleration and tool-free lever reach adjustment. Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM XX Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which is lighter than its X0 counterpart and delivers the same smooth gear shifts. A standout feature compared to the other variants is the Synthesis carbon wheelset with Industry Nine Hydra hubs, which makes the Factory model the only pre-configured build with carbon wheels. For all the bling, you’ll have to fork out € 8069 for the alloy version and € 8769 for the carbon variant.

As usual, the Swedish Gold build is heavily inspired by its suspension setup. Which suspension manufacturer is based in Sweden and uses yellow decals? That’s right, it’s Öhlins. But the entire spec for this build is already covered in detail with our test bike. In this spec, the aluminium model retails at € 5499 while the carbon version sets you back € 6199. The price is extremely fair considering all the fine parts, which makes the Swedish Gold our top recommendation for anyone who doesn’t want to spend time navigating the extensive configurator – brilliant!

Propain Spindrift 5 2025 AL Park

Propain have another ace up their sleeve: the Spindrift AL Park variant. This build comes without a dropper post and relies on a 200 mm dual crown fork, which is provided by different manufacturers depending on the spec variant. All AL Park models come with a 180 mm shock. For maximum durability, Propain rely on a Newmen Performance 30 DH or a DT Swiss FR 1500 DH wheelset paired with robust tires with DH casing. Moreover, the Park models rely on a 7-speed drivetrain, which is a perfect match for park riding. Prices for this mini DH bike start at a beginner-friendly € 3199 and go up to € 5989 for the Factory model.

The geometry of the 2025 Propain Spindrift 5 CF and AL

The new Propain Spindrift 5 CF is available in four sizes, from S to XL, and with all variants, the configurator allows you to choose between a mullet setup (29” front and 27.5” rear) or full 29″ wheels. The geometry is slacker and longer compared to its predecessor: with a head angle of 63.5°, it’s a whole 1° slacker than the previous model, and the reach was extended by 10 mm – in size L, it measures 485 mm.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	410 mm	425 mm	450 mm	480 mm
Top tube	565 mm	593 mm	620 mm	648 mm
Head tube	85 mm	100 mm	110 mm	125 mm
Head angle	63,5°	63,5°	63,5°	63,5°
Seat angle	78°	78°	78°	78°
Chainstays	445 mm	445 mm	445 mm	445 mm
BB Drop	23 mm	23 mm	23 mm	23 mm
Wheelbase	1223 mm	1254 mm	1284 mm	1315 mm
Reach	435 mm	460 mm	485 mm	510 mm
Stack	613 mm	627 mm	648 mm	660 mm

The Spindrift AL has its own geometry and is slightly shorter and more playful than the other models. With a reach of 480 mm in size L, it’s 5 mm shorter and the head angle, at 63.9°, is 0.4° steeper. It also comes with more wheel size options: sizes S, M, and L are available as full 27.5″ bikes, while M, L, and XL can be configured either as a mullet or 29″ setup.

Size	S 27,5″	M 27,5″	L 27,5″	M Mix/29″	L Mix/29″	XL Mix/29″
Top tube	553 mm	580 mm	607 mm	585 mm	612 mm	641 mm
Seat tube	420 mm	440 mm	460 mm	440 mm	460 mm	480 mm
Head tube	100 mm	110 mm	120 mm	100 mm	110 mm	120 mm
Head angle	63.9°	63.9°	63.9°	63.9°	63.9°	63.9°
Seat angle	78.4°	78.4°	78.4°	78.4°	78.7°	78.6°
Chainstays	435 mm	445 mm	445 mm	445 mm	445 mm	445 mm
BB Drop	7 mm	7 mm	7 mm	20 mm	20 mm	20 mm
Wheelbase	1196 mm	1226 mm	1255 mm	1244 mm	1274 mm	1305 mm
Reach	430 mm	455 mm	480 mm	455 mm	480 mm	505 mm
Stack	605 mm	614 mm	623 mm	636 mm	644 mm	658 mm

The Spindrift AL Park version, equipped with a dual crown fork, is only available in a mixed wheel setup and in sizes M, L, and XL. Due to the extra travel at the front, the head angle here is 0.4° slacker, matching the carbon model at 63.5°.

The new Propain Spindrift 5 CF 2025 on the trail

With 180 mm of travel and a weight of 16.12 kg, no one expects the Spindrift to be a climbing machine. Nevertheless, the bike is a real surprise, placing you in a comfortable, upright pedalling position with little pressure on the hands. The rear end only bobs marginally when pedalling. There’s no traditional lockout on the shock, but switching the compression to Pedal mode noticeably improves efficiency. For a bike in this travel class, there’s little to complain about on the climbs, so it’s now time to talk about the fun part.

Propain chose the “Freeride ain’t dead” slogan for the entire Spindrift lineup. So naturally, we wanted to put the bike through the wringer: at Bikepark Chatel, both on and off the official trails, and on the gnarliest home trails we could find. When gravity takes over, the Spindrift 5 shows where it truly shines. Over smaller bumps, the bike generates heaps of traction, making it easy to carve through corners with great confidence. The 180 mm suspension gobbles up everything in its path, remaining stable and progressive even on bigger hits without bottoming out.

The suspension of the Propain Spindrift gobbles up bumps for breakfast but provides solid support and reserves when it really counts!

At the same time, you get plenty of feedback from the ground and the bike maintains excellent composure without ever feeling sluggish. While the Spindrift makes it easy to change direction and take off into the air, it really comes alive on bigger jumps. You’ll need a bit more speed or input to clear smaller rollers. The silver lining? The bike remains stable in the air and the suspension soaks up even botched landings without a fuss.

On moderate trails, the Spindrift can quickly feel underwhelmed and a bit sluggish. With its generous travel, it begs you to pump your way through the trail and use its full reserves – and only really comes into its own on rough descents with fast corners and berms. While quick direction changes require slightly more physical effort, the Propain negotiates battered bike park tracks with potholes and brake bumps without batting an eyelid. On natural trails with plenty of rocks and roots, the excellent tire choice shines: the Continental Kryptotal tires deliver tons of traction, even in wet conditions, avoiding nasty surprises.

Overall, the Spindrift 5 proves to be a true freeriding machine, thriving in challenging terrain and at high speeds. Yet it’s not as sluggish on the climbs as you might expect from a bike with 180 mm of travel – the Pro 10 rear suspension does a great job and the bike pedals efficiently and neutrally.

Who should take a closer look at the 2025 Propain Spindrift 5 and who should look elsewhere?

The 2025 Propain Spindrift is made for riders who love to push their limits and prefer having more bike than they need. The suspension feels almost bottomless and rarely reaches its limits. The carbon version even makes for a fully capable enduro racer. If you’re after even more travel but want a slightly more playful ride, the shorter alloy version is worth a closer look. And for those lucky enough to live close to a bike park with uplift, the aluminium Park variant with dual crown fork is the best choice. With all the different versions, the Spindrift covers almost every riding style and terrain – and all at a fair price. However, if you’re not a “natural-born shredder” or if you prefer relaxed home trails and leisurely tours, a bike with less travel might be a better fit. The Spindrift is simply too much bike for moderate rides and can become exhausting to ride over time.

The conclusion about the new 2025 Propain Spindrift 5 CF

The Spindrift is for riders who take their trail riding seriously and refuse to compromise. With its strong price-performance ratio, practical innovations, and excellent handling, it hits the sweet spot for many bikers – though it shows less enthusiasm on flatter trails. The wide range of variants means there’s something for nearly every rider, and the aluminium Park model truly brings the slogan “Freeride ain’t dead” to life.

More info at Manufacturer’s website

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Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Peter Walker, Propain