In our survey where we asked you which bike you would like to see in this group test, the Propain Tyee AM was a firm favourite. Our test proves that it’s not only because of its value for money that the young German brand is enjoying such great popularity.

For an overview of the test fleet head to The best budget trail bike of 2019 – 11 mountain bikes head to head

Propain Tyee AM Performance | 150/145 mm (f/r) | 14.12 kg | € 3,015

When ordering the Propain Tyee AM you will be spoiled for choice. Thanks to Propain’s online configurator you’ve got countless build options to choose from. In order to stay within the price range of this group test, we decided on the performance build and downgraded the drivetrain and the brakes. That left us with a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, powerful MAGURA MT5 brakes and a RockShox PIKE RCT3 fork and a Super Deluxe RC3 shock controlling 150/145mm travel at the front and rear respectively. Highlights include the 160 mm BikeYoke REVIVE dropper post and the Stan’s ZTR Flow MK3 wheels. The 14,12 kg bike will be delivered to your door for € 3,015. Unfortunately, customers from the USA are unlucky, as the bike is currently only available in Europe, South Africa, Russia and parts of Asia. Besides the excellent spec for the price, we also appreciated little details such as the additionally sealed bearings.

Freedom of choice: you can configure the Propain Tyee AM according to your own preferences and budget!

Helmet Specialized Ambush | Glasses 100 % Speedcraft | Jersey Nukeproof Blackline Short Sleeve | Short Fox Ranger | Knee pads ION K_Pact

The Propain Tyee AM Performance in detail

Fork RockShox PIKE RCT3 150 mm
Shock RockShox Super Deluxe RC3 145 mm
Brakes MAGURA MT5 200/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle
Seatpost BikeYoke REVIVE 160 mm
Stem SIXPACK Leader 50 mm
Handlebar SIXPACK Millenium 785 mm
Wheels Stan’s ZTR Flow MK3 27,5″
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary/Hans Dampf 2.35/2.35″

Outstanding
The rear suspension of the Propain Tyee AM responds sensitively, all the while offering enough support and progression – just as it should be.
Sealed
There is an additional rubber seal protecting the pivot bearings of the Tyee AM against dirt and moisture.
Hard to reach
The climb switch is as difficult to reach as the help centre of your mobile service provider – fortunately, you don’t need it thanks to the pedalling efficiency of the rear linkage.
Reliable
The Stan’s Flow MK3 wheels provide an excellent amount of flex at an acceptable weight.
Tuning potential
The Tyee AM could do with a 160 mm fork. Overall, the front end seems a bit too low, pulling the rider forward.
Size S M L XL
Seat tube 420 mm 445 mm 470 mm 490 mm
Top tube 566 mm 592 mm 614 mm 641 mm
Head tube 110 mm 120 mm 125 mm 130 mm
Head angle 66,5° 66,5° 66,5° 66,5°
Seat angle 76,3° 76,3° 76,3° 76,3°
Chainstays 435 mm 435 mm 435 mm 435 mm
BB Drop 9 mm 9 mm 9 mm 9 mm
Wheelbase 1,174 mm 1,203 mm 1,226 mm 1,250 mm
Reach 419 mm 447 mm 467 mm 484 mm
Stack 587 mm 596 mm 602 mm 606 mm

Propain Tyee AM Performance in test

The Tyee AM features Propain’s proprietary Pro10 rear linkage with a virtual pivot point. This proved itself to be pleasantly pedal efficient within the first few meters of riding. Pedal bob or wallowing? None to speak of! That’s a good thing, seeing as you wouldn’t be able to reach the climb switch while riding anyway. The seated riding position is comfortable and slightly stretched. Since the seat tube angle slackens as the dropper extends, we’d advise pushing the saddle forward. Nevertheless, the front wheel remained in contact with the ground on steep climbs, thanks to the long chainstays and the low front end. The suspension provides plenty of traction on the more technical bits.

Tuning tip: possibly increase the fork travel (beware: will also slacken the seat tube angle)

The long chainstays also define the handling of the Tyee AM on the descents. They place the rider’s weight very centrally on the bike, generating lots of grip on the front wheel. As a result, the bike behaves very predictably while cornering. Changing direction is easy and direct. As things get steeper and the terrain gets rougher, the suspension fork could sometimes do with more travel, seeing as the bike has a slight tendency to pitch the rider forwards. A 160 mm fork would probably be ideal. As it is, the Propain lacks the reserves for really demanding, fast descents. Due to the rather moderate 467 mm reach, the bike feels somewhat compact. The rear suspension is sensitive yet defined. The Tyee AM has a lot of pop, but it’s also capable of absorbing big hits with ease. If you like catching air, you’ll have to adapt your riding technique to suit the bike’s long rear end, which means it tends to nosedive when jumping. The brakes are reliable and don’t fade on long runs – perfect!

Stable, agile, but not very composed – that best describes the Propain’s handling.

Conclusion

The Propain Tyee AM scores with its stable and balanced handling. Less experienced riders will benefit from the long rear triangle and the even weight distribution that this creates. If you like your trails rough and fast, you’ll want something a little more composed. Thanks to the online configurator, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the spec.

Tops

  • stable and easy cornering
  • excellent rear suspension
  • cleverly specced
  • excellent value for money

Flops

  • it lacks a little composure
  • seat tube angle too slack

Riding Characteristics

12

Uphill

1
  1. sluggish
  2. efficient

Agility

2
  1. cumbersome
  2. playful

Stability

3
  1. nervous
  2. confident

Handling

4
  1. demanding
  2. balanced

Suspension

5
  1. harsh
  2. plush

Fun Factor

6
  1. planted
  2. poppy

Value for money

7
  1. terrible
  2. very good

Technical Data

Propain
Tyee AM Performance

Size: S M L XL
Weight: 14,12 kg
Travel (f/r): 150/145 mm
Wheel Size: 27,5"
Price: € 3,015

Intended Use

XC 8
Trail 9
Enduro 10
Downhill 11

For more info head to: propain-bikes.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to The best budget trail bike of 2019 – 11 mountain bikes head to head

All bikes in test: Canyon Spectral CF 7.0 | FOCUS JAM 6.8 NINE | Giant Trance 29 2 | MERIDA ONE FORTY 800 | RADON SLIDE TRAIL 8.0 | ROSE PIKES PEAK AM1 | SCOTT Genius 950 | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy 29 | Trek Remedy 8 | YT JEFFSY 27 AL Base


Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words & Photos: