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The 2023 Propain Tyee Enduro Bike Must Be Considered

2023 propain tyee cf enduro mtb carbon mx or 29
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Propain Bikes has renewed its Tyee Enduro MTB for 2023, improving its versatility while also expanding the size range to suit a wider range of riders. Rear wheel travel is maintained at 160mm, delivered via the PRO10 twin-link suspension platform, with some subtle but sensible changes to the kinematic and overall geometry.

Evolution of the Propain Tyee Enduro MTB sees it go longer and slacker than its predecessor, with more tire clearance and reduced seat tube lengths to allow for the fitment of longer travel dropper seat posts. The changes bring the bike bang up to date, and with AL and CF frames to choose from across eight price points – starting at $3,599 for a complete bike – we have to recommend that anyone forking out for a new enduro bike consider the new Tyee – especially the value-packed aluminum options.

2023 Propain Tyee AL cable routing options headset or headtube
The heavier, but more affordable Tyee AL gives riders the option of running cables through the headset or the downtube

Yes, the CF frame has to run cables through its headset, but aside from that, we’re hard pushed to find legitimate criticisms. Here’s a first look.

2023 Propain Tyee: An Overview

2023 propain tyee cf price2ride formula suspension mod coil shock
The 2023 Propain Tyee CF Price2Ride Model with Formula Suspension is the cheapest carbon option; it retails at $4,199 USD (and the equivalent EUR and GBP)

The 2023 Tyee is now available in no fewer than six frame sizes; XS, S, M 275, M 29, L & XL. The XS and Small frames are dedicated to 27.5″ wheels, while there are two distinct frame options for those after a Medium; there’s a Medium dedicated to 27.5″ wheels, or a Medium 29 with a larger swingarm that can be configured with a 27.5″ rear wheel for a mixed-wheel setup, or with a 29″ rear wheel to be a complete 29er. The L & XL frames also have that larger swingarm – they too can be run Mullet or 29er.

  • Intention: Enduro Racing
  • Fork Travel: 160mm or 170mm
  • Rear Wheel Travel: 160mm
  • Frame Material: CF or AL
  • Frame Sizes: XS, S, M 275, M 29, L & XL
  • Wheel Size: XS, S & M – 27.5″; M 29, L & XL – Mixed or 29er
  • Starting Price: $3,599 USD AL – $4,199 USD CF – Pricing equivalent in EUR and GBP
  • Frame Only Option: No
2023 propain tyee enduro bike compatible sram t-type transmission
Yes, it is compatible with the SRAM T-Type Transmission and its Full-Mount Derailleur

From a geometry and kinematic perspective, the CF and AL frames are almost identical; the CF offers slightly more standover clearance than the AL. The increased rear-end stiffness brought about by added material and the extra length of the new CF frame make it 100g heavier than the 2022 CF Model, now weighing a claimed 2.9 kg in the M 29.

Meanwhile, the 2023 AL frame is actually 300g lighter than its predecessor, now an impressive 3.4 kg (claimed) in M 29. Both frames are said to be 10% stiffer than their respective outgoing models.

2023 propain tyee al phantom 160mm fork rear wheel travel
The 2023 Propain Tyee AL with a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate and Super Deluxe Ultimate Suspension; this is a custom build

New Frame Geometry

The Propain Tyee sees some key geometry changes for 2023. Up front, we have a 0.5° slacker head angle, now sitting somewhere between 63.2° and 64.1°, dependent on frame size, wheel size and flip-chip orientation. Reach has increased by around 5mm across the board, now at 471mm on the Large. Shorter riders will rejoice at the addition of an XS for this model year; available reach measurements now span a range of 393mm to 496mm. Those numbers pertain to the 2023 Tyee with a 160mm travel fork, in its Low flip-chip position.

The XS, S and M 275 frames are dedicated to 27.5″ wheels; switching out the front wheel for a 29″ option is not recommended, not least because there is insufficient frame clearance. The M 29, L & XL all run a longer swingarm for the capacity to run a 29″ rear wheel.

2023 propain tyee al non-drive side flip-chip high low positions

Indeed, the new Tyee is available with a 160mm or a 170mm fork, customizable by the buyer at check out. That, in addition to the geometry-correcting flip-chip at the swingarm-upper link interface, leave us with four geometry charts to pore over.

On the M 29, L & XL frames, the flip-chip is there to correct for the geometry changes brought about by rear wheel size changes. It is feasible to run those frames with a complete 29″ wheelset in the High flip-chip position, but Propain say this doesn’t deliver any benefit to the rider. On the XS & S frames where wheel size changes aren’t possible, Propain recommend the high setting, but the Low position is also viable. In all scenarios, the High flip-chip position reduces rear wheel travel to 157mm with a concomitant increase in progression.

Importantly, seat tube lengths have shrunk a fair bit, meaning more riders will be able to benefit from longer travel dropper seat posts. The new XS frame option gets an appropriate 380mm seat tube length, while the Large frame’s seat tube is 450mm long – 10mm shorter than that of the previous version.

Chainstay length of the Propain Tyee goes shorter for 2023, now at 445mm on those sizes that can accomodate a 29″ rear wheel. On the bikes dedicated to a 27.5″ rear wheel, the chainstay length is much shorter at 430mm.

2023 propain tyee cf pro10 linkage layout twin-link

2023 Tyee Kinematic

The 2023 Propain Tyee still runs that instantly recognizable PRO10 linkage, a twin-link suspension platform wherein the shock is compressed from both ends as the rear wheel is pushed through its 160mm travel. It does, however, see some kinematic changes for 2023; the pink line in the graphs below pertains to the 2023 Tyee, while the blue line pertains to the previous bike.

2023 propain tyee kinematic information leverage ratio axle path anti-squat pedal kickback graphs
2023 Propain Tyee Kinematic Graphs: Click to enlarge

The new Tyee has a less progressive leverage curve than its predecessor, with a notably lower starting ratio. At no point is the curve regressive, and the end stroke ratio is slightly higher. In the climbing gears, anti-squat is a touch lower at sag but still remains well above 100%. The shock will still have a slight tendency to extend under pedal-induced accelerations, but this should be less noticeable as compared to the 2020 Tyee. Axle path is similar, but does result in a greater loss of rear-center length at bottom-out.

2023 propain tyee cf headset cale routing spacers sixpack stem
One can choose between a 35mm or 50mm custom stem from Sixpack. The integrated cable routing adds 15mm of stack height.

Key Frame Details

It’s no major surprise to see cables running through the headset on the 2023 Tyee; Propain is just another brand in a long line of brands to have partnered with Acros on a custom integrated solution of their own. Here, Propain also worked with Sixpack Components to create a custom cnc-machined stem, the underside of which has a shape complementary to the top composite spacer of the Acros headset. The cables are routed through this top spacer before entering the headset and then the frame. Propain tell us this allows the stem to be switched effortlessly if necessary and the stem height can be adjusted by clip-in spacers without having to remove it at all.

“When Acros approached us with their ICR headset, we were initially, to put it mildly, skeptical. But after the first test ride it was clear to us, that if we properly think it through, this concept is superior to classic cable routing in all aspects” – Propain Bikes.

2023 propain tyee alloy enduro bike cable routing formula mod coil shock
The Tyee has Boost 148 spacing. We are told all frames have clearance for any 2.5″ tire on the market.

Inside that headset are stainless steel bearings from Acros. Beyond the headset, cables and hoses are routed internally to their respective positions, with the rear brake hose and gear cable popping out of the downtube near the base of the shock. That routing is not guided, but cables are wrapped in foam tubing to reduce noise from rattling. On the AL frames, cables and hoses are guided externally along the stays, while the CF swingarms have entry ports to continue the internal routing along the stays.

Moving on: the Tyee can take a 180mm or 200mm rear brake rotor. It runs a custom post-mount that is integrated with the frame, tucked inboard of the swingarm. We are told this design delivers improved transfer of braking forces.

2023 propain tyee carbon enduro mtb 160mm travel
The 2023 Propain Tyee CF customized with a 170mm RockShox ZEB Ultimate, SRAM Transmission and Reverb AXS Dropper Seat Post

The 2023 Tyee gets one set of bottle bosses located inside the front triangle, as well as a secure mounting point for tools and spares on the underside of the top tube. ISCG 05 tabs on the BB shell allow for fitment of a top guide and bash guard for the purposes of chain retention and chainring protection. Soft plastic frame protection is seen on the drive-side swingarm, as well as on the underside of the downtube.

2023 propain tyee al swingarm 148mm spacing sram udh dropout
The CF and AL frames both run a SRAM UDH. The BB is BSA 73mm.

All frame bearings are double-sealed offerings from Acros, too, and all have the added protection of Propain’s Dirt Shield washers as part of the pivot hardware.

Pricing & Availability

The 2023 Propain Tyee is available in a monstrously large number of builds, customizable by the buyer at checkout. However, to keep things straight forward for those who don’t want to be faced with that many decisions, Propain have come up with four builds for both the CF and AL frames. All get a Schwalbe Magic Mary / Big Betty pairing, and a finishing kit from Sixpack components, but differ on almost everything else. For the moment, there is no frame only option.

Note: The AL bikes are sold with a 3-year warranty, while the CF bikes are sold with a 5-year warranty.

2023 propain tyee cf price2ride formula spec
The 2023 Tyee CF Price2Ride Build

2023 Propain Tyee – Price2Ride

Propain’s entry-level model of the 2023 Tyee is referred to as the Price2Ride. It really does look to be excellent bang for your buck, boasting a Formula Selva S Fork and MOD Coil Shock, both of which benefit from Formula’s CTS damper tuning. The Cura 4 Piston Brakes are also from Formula. Other highlights include the Newmen Performance 30 Wheelset, BikeYoke Divine Dropper, and a SRAM GX Eagle 12-Speed Mechanical Drivetrain.

AL: €/$/£ 3,599
CF: €/$/£ 4,199

2023 propain tyee cf SHRED2MODEL IN CF
The 2023 Tyee CF SHRED² Build

2023 Propain Tyee – SHRED²

Next up the ladder is the Tyee SHRED² model, rocking a 170mm travel Rockshox ZEB Ultimate and Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil Shock. Other highlights include a SRAM GX Eagle 12-Speed Mechanical Drivetrain, Newmen EG30 Wheelset and SRAM Code R Brakes.

AL: €/$/£ 4,484
CF: €/$/£ 5,084

2023 propain tyee al phantom build rockshox lyrik ultimate
The 2023 Tyee AL Phantom Build

2023 Propain Tyee – Phantom

The Tyee Phantom boasts a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate RC2 Fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate Air Shock, Newmen Evolution SL A.30 Wheelset, SRAM Code RSC Brakes and AXS X0 Transmission.

AL: €/$/£ 6,109
CF: €/$/£ 6,709

2023 propain tyee cf goldrush build fox factory suspension sram transmission
The 2023 Tyee CF Goldrush Build

2023 Propain Tyee – Goldrush

Top of the crop is the Tyee Goldrush model. It benefits from a Fox 36 Factory Fork, Float X Factory Shock, Magura MT7 Brakes, a Crankbrothers Synthesis Carbon Wheelset, and the AXS XX Transmission.

AL: €/$/£ 7,644
CF: €/$/£ 8,244

propain-bikes.com

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Johann
Johann
11 months ago

It’s not after a test ride that you should decide on headset cable routing, but after having to change your cables and housing. That’s a bike I could have considered. But not after having seen this wonderful feature.

Dinger
Dinger
11 months ago
Reply to  Johann

Having owned a couple of bikes with fully internal routing I can tell you that this isn’t the problem most are imagining. With everything tucked away and protected the maintenance interval stretches out to practically never. Assembly is only a little more tedious than the typical internal routing scheme.

Fabricio
Fabricio
11 months ago

It was in my fav list for replacing my bike. Waiting for this bike for a while and checking all my like boxes in the previous model, but now just with the headset routing they lost me, I will try with Nukeproof instead

FrictionDi2
FrictionDi2
11 months ago

Full squish is for dentists. Bring back fully Rigid MTBs.

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