German bike makers Propain, who also make some killer bikes for small kids, are taking their popular trail riding platform in the other direction as well – with larger frames. The 27.5 Tyee – available in both a 160mm travel enduro version & a trimmed down 145mm all-mountain version – just got updated to a full carbon fiber frameset last season. But if you are a taller rider, say above 6’2″/1.90m, you would have had to go with the previous alloy version since Propain didn’t make the new carbon bike in their biggest size. That changes for 2017 with both the Tyee Carbon & Tyee Carbon AM getting the larger XL frame option, while at the same time all sizes get some additional updates, like spec & finish options. Plus for a limited time, they are selling a special Pumptrack Edition of their alloy hardtail dirt jumper. Get the details on all across the gap…
Tyee Carbon & Tyee Carbon AM
The carbon version of the Tyee with its virtual pivot, short-link 4-bar bike has become a solid choice for Propain buyers, offering a solid trail performer in a bike they had established first in aluminum. Propain first thought that by offering S-L frames in carbon they would satisfy most mountain bikers looking for a premium enduro bike, but they got enough customer response that they cut the molds for the Enduro version and shorter travel AM versions in XL as well.
Either bike is now available as a frame-only (no shock) from 2100€ and up or in complete bikes from 3200€ in four sizes S-XL. Still if you want to save a bit of money, or if you are in fact at the opposite smaller side of the spectrum the alloy framesets with the same suspension & geometry setups can be had from just 1000€ in five sizes from XS-XL.
Along side the sizing update, both the Tyee Carbon & Tyee Carbon AM also get some refinements for 2017. The big performance change is the move to metric sized shocks which promise larger air volumes, better overall performance, and a more future-proof setup.
The frames also get new matte blue or matte silver colors for the new year, plus a new option to get a frame in raw finished carbon. With the raw frames buyers can customize decal colors with neon yellow, gray, blue/red, turquoise, or even no logos for a completely stealth look, all for no extra charge.
Propain also added some more build options, with complete bikes starting with SRAM GX, then up to X01 Eagle 1×12 for teh top 5000€ bikes.
4Bidden Pumptrack Edition
On the dirt jumping front, for a limited time Propain is running a deal on their aluminum hardtail 4x and jump bike as a complete bike to hit the dirt. The alloy 4Bidden is usually available only on its own as a 300€ frame, but the Pumptrack Edition sets it up ready to ride.
The 4Bidden Pumptrack Edition uses the same 26″ wheeled hydroformed frame with sliding X12 rear thru-axle, but adds in a Manitou Marvel LTD 100 fork, SRAM DB3 brakes, and of course a single speed setup. Pricing is $1000 and they say that only a limited number remain.
