German direct-to-consumer brand Propain is known for strong value for money and a high level of customisation. With the Spindrift, they clearly mean business. With 180 millimetres of travel front and rear, it’s one of the most capable bikes in the entire test field –at least on paper. The Spindrift is available with either an aluminium or carbon frame and can be customised down to the smallest detail through Propain’s online bike configurator.
Our Propain Spindrift 5 CF test bike relies on a carbon frame, tipping the scales at 16.5 kilograms in size XL (MX wheel configuration). Given the huge reserves of travel, that’s a very decent weight, placing the Spindrift squarely at the average weight for our test field. In the configuration we chose, the Spindrift retails at € 6,609, which places it in the more attractively priced corner of the test field.
For an overview of the test field head to the comparison test: The best enduro bike of 2026
Propain Spindrift 5 CF: Specs and details
At the heart of the Propain Spindrift 5 CF lies the manufacturer’s proprietary PRO10 rear suspension system. The shock is installed vertically right in front of the seat tube, and is driven by two links– a layout that has become a hallmark of the brand since the launch of the Tyee. The Spindrift’s frame is impeccably finished throughout and features plenty of well-thought-out details. This starts with the cable routing, which,depending on the configuration, enters the frame through conventional ports behind the head tube, through the headset or even through the stem.
The carbon version of the Spindrift features a practical storage compartment in the downtube and a tool mount on the top tube. A bottle cage can be mounted on the compartment’s lid as well. A generously-sized downtube protector shields the frame against impacts, protecting one of the three available paint finishes. The soft chainstay protector extends well along the rear end to prevent chain slap and ensure a quiet ride, working together with the integrated cable guides for a clean, noise-free setup. In line with its intended use, the Spindrift 5 CF is approved for category 5 riding with a system weight of up to 130 kilograms.
One standout feature remains Propain’s extensive online configurator. “Anything goes” is very much the guiding principle here. From the frame and logo colours to the suspension, wheels, brakes and cockpit, you can pick nearly every component to your taste, which is a big plus in this test field. Our test bike is specced entirely with downhill performance in mind. The suspension consists of a FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 fork and a matching FOX FLOAT X2 Factory shock. Both components offer countless adjustment options and deliver a tremendous performance even on long, punishing descents.
Long and fast. The Propain Spindrift has the longest wheelbase in the entire test field.
SRAM Maven Silver brakes with 200-millimetre rotors front and rear do stopping duties, combining a wide range of adjustments and enormous braking power. The SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain is robust and shifts precisely even under load. Our test bike features a special touch on the SRAM GX crankset. It runs an OCHAIN | R chainring, which uses an adjustable degree of float between the chainring and spider to isolate the rear suspension from drivetrain forces and reduce pedal kickback. For the cockpit, Propain rely on OneUp’s 800 mm carbon handlebars, which are fairly stiff. The Canadian component manufacturer also supplies the V3 dropper, which has a generous 210 millimetres of travel.
The build is rounded off by an exceptionally tough DT Swiss FR 1500 wheelset, which fits perfectly with the bike’s gravity-first concept. The tire choice is just as downhill focused. You get a 2.5-inch Schwalbe Magic Mary front and rear, both in the Gravity radial casing, with the Soft compound at the rear and Ultra Soft compund at the front. This combination ensures tons of grip and excellent damping, although it does come with a noticeable increase in rolling resistance. All in all, Propain deliver the Spindrift 5 CF with an impressively coherent spec that can be easily fine-tuned to your own preferences through the configurator.
Specifications
Fork FOX 38 FLOAT Factory GRIP X2 180 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 180 mm
Seatpost OneUp V3 210 mm
Brakes SRAM MAVEN Silver Stealth 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission 10-52; 32
Stem SIXPACK MILLENIUM 40 mm
Handlebar OneUp Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss FR1500 MX
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity, Ultra Soft, Radial/Schwalbe Albert Gravity, Soft, Radial 2.5/2.5
Technical Data
Size S, M, L, XL
Specific Features
storage box
Tuning tip: None. Propain’s bike configurator leaves no wishes open.
The Geometry of the Propain Spindrift 5 CF
The Propain Spindrift 5 CF is available in four sizes – S, M, L and XL – and can be ordered either with a mullet wheel configuration or as a full 29er through the configurator. That means Propain give you plenty of scope to tailor the bike before it even touches a trail. The geometry is long overall and very much geared towards descending. The slack 63.5-degree head angle underlines the Spindrift’s gravity focus.
Reach values start at 435 mm in size S, and grow in 25 mm increments up to 510 mm in size XL, which makes the Spindrift the second-longest bike in the entire test field. With a wheelbase of 1,315 millimetres in size XL, the Spindrift is the longest bike in this group test. A flip chip on the shock mount allows you to change the rear wheel size afterwards while keeping the geometry figures the same.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 565 mm | 593 mm | 620 mm | 648 mm |
| Seat tube | 410 mm | 425 mm | 450 mm | 480 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 | 1,223 mm | 1,254 mm | 1,284 mm | 1,315 mm |
| Reach | 435 mm | 460 mm | 485 mm | 510 mm |
| Stack | 613 mm | 627 mm | 648 mm | 660 mm |
The Propain Spindrift 5 CF on the trail
For a freeride-focused bike with 180 millimetres of travel, the Propain Spindrift 5 CF pedals surprising well. Despite the huge reserves, the weight is far from excessive. The pedalling position is comfortably upright, with very little pressure on your hands. The rear end only bobs slightly when pedalling. For a bike with this much travel, there is really nothing to complain about on the climbs.
What will it be? Propain’s bike configurator leaves you spoilt for choice.
The balance is equally convincing. The Spindrift integrates you deep into the frame. On a classic bike park track you feel at home straight away. The handling of the Spindrift 5 CF is direct but not especially playful. The tall front end and long wheelbase ensure excellent composure, although this comes at the expenses of agility. The suspension’s defining trait is comfort. It’s plush and very sensitive, ironing out bumps with ease and forgiving the odd riding mistake. The rear end feels planted and calm rather than lively, which results in a very forgiving character.
The plush suspension soaks up brake bumps almost entirely, delivering excellent braking traction. Point it downhill and the Propain Spindrift 5 CF feels every bit like a mini downhill bike. Alongside the Orbea Rallon, it’s clearly one of the most capable bikes in this test. In tight, slow sections, however, it requires an active riding style to clear corners.
Who should take a closer look at the Propain Spindrift 5 CF?
The Propain Spindrift 5 CF is aimed at anyone who wants maximum capability for a competitive price, while keeping full control over every single component choice. The Spindrift’s extensive configurator makes this possible. With its plush, forgiving suspension and huge composure, the Spindrift is tailor-made for riders who love to push hard at the bike park and on rough, demanding trails. At the same time, ambitious riders benefit from its high performance and the deeply-integrated, secure riding position on steep terrain.
Conclusions about the Propain Spindrift 5 CF
With its premium carbon frame and fully downhill focused spec, the Propain Spindrift 5 CF is a gravity rocket that shines in the bike park and on fast, rough trails. The deeply-integrated riding position makes it incredibly forgiving, and the reserves feel almost endless, which is perfect if you want to push things hard. If you are after maximum performance, huge capability and excellent value for money, the Propain Spindrift 5 CF is a true full-throttle partner that you can configure to your exact needs.
Tops
- Confident, composed handling
- Comfortable, forgiving suspension
- Surprisingly good on the climbs
- Countless configuration options
Flops
For more information, visit Propain.
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Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Peter Walker