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
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!
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″
The rear suspension of the Propain Tyee AM responds sensitively, all the while offering enough support and progression – just as it should be.
There is an additional rubber seal protecting the pivot bearings of the Tyee AM against dirt and moisture.
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.
The Stan’s Flow MK3 wheels provide an excellent amount of flex at an acceptable weight.
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.
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
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
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