2022 Propain Hugene Review: The Definition of Balanced | 2021 Fall Field Test

On its website, Propain boldly calls the Hugene the "one bike to rule them all." Has the German direct-to-consumer brand finally cracked the code?
Watch all the videos from the 2021 Fall Field Test: pinkbike.link/2021fallfieldtest
Read the full review on Pinkbike: pinkbike.link/propainhugenere...
Presented by:
Bontrager - trekbikes.com/bontrager/
Rapha - rapha.cc/
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Bike Overview
2:51 - Climbing
6:06 - Descending
10:23 - Components
13:02 - Models
14:08 - Cons
14:54 - Pros
15:30 - Verdict
Pinkbike Merch - pinkbike.link/merch
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[@nilmcmcdkdk5899]

i love the way propain bikes look. The position of the rear shock is amazing and looks sooo good

[@jonathondavis170]

It's a fantastic rear, for sure!👌👍

[@323johnnybravo]

Definitely on my list for my next trail bike. Alicia is a nice addition to the review crew!!

[@UnIhOcKeY95]

i am from europe and owner of the hugene since august. Love this bike and totally agree with what Alicia and Mike said......but yeah they could have done a better job with cable management.

[@a.m.franky]

The cable management is really the only thing i don't like on my hugene. I don't understand why they are not able to change it..

[@mircea5013]

@@a.m.franky What's wrong with the cable management? Also, is this in the same category as the Canyon Neuron/Orbea occam? Does it climb just as well as those or is it more like the Spectral?

[@jamescourier1545]

I sure hope that Propain develops a 120mm (more XC oriented) bike. This suspension design is stellar!

[@sneznavlocka1316]

Yes it is, however it's also heavy.

[@stefanoabad2405]

Had the propain hugene for a couple of weeks now. Absolutely love it! Perfect all round bike. The review matched my sentiments exactly

[@vidieitis]

I built one of these completely custom, DVO front and rear, DT Swiss EX1700s, XX1 AXS, I've never been more in love or more comfortable on a bike in my life.

[@fuddyduddy306]

Put a ring on it

[@troycarpenter3675]

How much does it weigh bro ?

[@vidieitis]

@@troycarpenter3675 oh that's what I meant to do weeks ago and forgot all about... I'll have an answer for you tomorrow!! 😂

[@chadclark2070]

Great commentary! Love this year's crew!!!

[@ctsingletrack]

Hearing the sound of the tires on the trail is more enjoyable than loud hubs.

[@juergentoelzer3555]

Quite a great experience report. Alicia is a great addition to your channel. I am from Germany and know both Hugene. The first generation is a bit better climbed. The second generation is for me the more balanced MTB. Close to the perfect bike

[@eliwebster4200]

Gotta say, Alicia is a fantastic presenter! Don't think she stuttered or paused at all. Definitely would like to see more of her on the channel!

[@kondirecs]

Propain is definitely onto something! Great geometry and heavily equipped for a really fair price. The direct to customer sale pays off for sure - with a great opportunity for customisation. And yeah - they are also some of the best looking bikes out there at the moment! Top bikes for sure!

[@theguy1633]

Damn the SCOR got the fastest descent? Its advertised as not a fast bike but a playful bike. Really looking forward to seeing how the field test for the SCOR works out.

[@Coerced]

I'm starting to lose my frame of reference with so many long travel bikes with massive wheelbases and slack HTA being called playful, nimble and agile. And some short (travel) and small wheeled bikes being called stable and composed. Can we have some objective competitive comparisons between different style bikes? For example: which bike you can bunnyhop highest on, crush a rockgarden fastest on, make it through a tight slalom section fastest on, manages to get furthest on a slight uphill rhythm section without a chain installed, which is the highest drop/huck you're willing to take per bike etc? All things you can actually measure. Take bikes out of different categories or, if you wanna go radical, make this a standard part of every bike review. I'm lost.

[@ZakMcGuireDownhill]

I agree as lots of bikes I have ridden ride nothing like their geometry. I have a santa cruz v10 xxl from 2017 and it is the most playful of all my ful suspension bikes even tho it is the longest travel and longest wheel base of them all, makes absolutely no sense why but I think the v10 is just a pogo stick on wheels thats how it feels when hopping around on the flat on it

[@junglejim3433]

It sounds amazing. I like to hammer on climbs, and enjoy a stable bike on the descents. Also, the review is oddly soothing. Makes me want to move to Canada.

[@BYin541]

So I just put 10 miles on this bike. I bought it in no small part because of this review. It’s a rocket! Everything they say in the review is true. Also, I’m 6’5 and the XL fits perfectly. Truly a dream machine. I was riding. 2014 Transition Bandit and I can’t believe what a change it is

[@ronaldvanderveen9148]

I think you guys should test a propain tyee!!

[@andreaTRY2FLY]

definitely. I'm saving up for an AL Tyee, so it would be cool to hear a few opinions about it

[@ronaldvanderveen9148]

@@andreaTRY2FLY I bought a tyee a few months ago it should come in a few weeks hopefully

[@andreaTRY2FLY]

@@ronaldvanderveen9148 Nice dude, hope it is to your liking

[@ronaldvanderveen9148]

@@andreaTRY2FLY hope so

[@user-hy8hs7ku6s]

@@ronaldvanderveen9148 I had a delivery time of 8 months + 1 month delay

[@evidario]

Great bike... Tested it out a couple of days and it's really playful and Balanced... Climbs well and shreds even better...

[@tobiasstamenkovic9628]

Weird how the phrase "quiver killer" never came up. Anywho, this definitely has a spot on my shortlist. Great job Propain, you totally nailed it! Now all you need to do is offer Rock Shocks bits with a 150mm fork. ;) ...and MT5's with one finger levers ofc. Maybe even a ShiGura option, that would be sweet.

[@Salvotation]

It always bothers me when the lower specs have less travel. Just because I’m not rich doesn’t mean I ride my bike any different.

[@toki2356]

Rock shox airshaft 40€ .... travel it to 150mm

[@kaiserashkaiserash8162]

Looks great and sounds like what I'm after. I would LOVE to see a comparison between this Hugegne and the Privateer 141 and the Stumpjumper EVO. Different but so similar. The Privateer looks more bad ass. Would make a good comparison I think

[@chfphoto]

This bike is so sick! It just went to number 1 on my next bike list. Maybe by Spring.

[@mrmensculpa7912]

The Hugene looks great. Though I was a little worried about ability to hit . Personally, something with a little more travel, but with the same characteristics would be better. That is why, on the 29th of December, I ordered Propain's Tyee. It is supposed to climb like the Hugene, but has more travel, and is bike-park rated. Maybe Pinkbike could do a test on the Tyee. You can borrow mine, when it arrives in 5 months.

[@kruhenstand]

Propain bikes are just so nice, I'm in deep love with my Spindrift 2020, goes uphill and for downhill is a beast! Def kind of a downhill bike with uphill capabilities (and climbs really well). I just ride features with more confidence than any bike before. The Hugene must be a goat uphill, pro 10 is so efficient in terms of going uphill.

[@Pozitivi]

Great review! love it!

[@jonundercover]

I have this bike with the ultimate suspension it’s phenomenal. I love the supportive firmer ride as I can power through and pop off stuff.

[@chfphoto]

It looks like the perfect New England bike!

[@mikenbikes9192]

I was thinking of buying same bike, have any pics and would love to know how it rides

[@rabrumf]

I have been debating between the Hugene and the Tyee. Both great bikes.

[@oldfreddyhardtail912]

@Alicia - SILENT HUBS! YES! It's easy to engineer something loud, but quiet with fast engagement...

[@likeaboss882]

I daydream over that spindrift. I know it isn’t the hugene but propain’s virtual pivot point system seems like a real winner regardless the travel.

[@th_js]

My friend has the Spindrift and it's a great bike. Incredible value.

[@khai6101]

17min video and *not one* mention of Propain accessories...

[@PhilipMarroni]

"...and you can order a Propain water bottle." How is that relevant to the review?

[@khai6101]

@@PhilipMarroniit's a dumb joke primarily popular with old North American guys: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3ekkJJqm7F1pdU If you check out ANY Propain review ever done by Pinkbike we're always cracking the same line. It never gets old!

[@PhilipMarroni]

@@khai6101 got ya

[@nicks8026]

Got dang it, Khai! That boy ain’t right…

[@mwsaab9]

Great review - very useful. Going on the short list...

[@wtfchazpwnt]

These 3 and henry are my favorite pinkbike reviewers

[@pipolchamp8205]

guys you should also test the antidote carbonjack, it also has an interesting suspension design imo one of the best looking

[@MichaelFaughn]

Today I rode this exact bike (the one in the video) at an event in Moab. I got along with it really well. Climbs really well. If you told me I had to ride this bike and had no other choice, I wouldn't be upset.

[@mircea5013]

Is it similar to the Neuron/Occam? Does it climb just as well? Or it's more in the category of the bigger Spectral/Ripmo/Jeffsy etc.?

[@alcapone4242]

Thx for that very good and detailed review. Hugene is not my choice but I think it will make happy very much owners.

[@kevinyounger7854]

Just ordered mine yesterday.

[@jonathanhowson6420]

Hope Alecia is doing okay. I got a couple of the SC grips off her recommendation 👌👌

[@keironandrews5235]

Silent hubs, yes! Excellent

[@kijaron4320]

Could you guys please review the Propain Tyee 🔥🤝(or the new one if one comes)

[@MrHeller55]

I have watched this video way too many times while I wait for my Hugene to be built and shipped.

[@user-dw9ss8rh9o]

Need to review the Hightower 3 !

[@gruensein]

Please test the new Tyee as well. I own a 2019 Tyee and it is awesome but 27.5" only. Just wondering how the new 29er fares.

[@ANTheWhizkid]

the bike is awesome of course (every bike is!) but as so often I'm asking myself if all the new tricks matter, or how much they do, if you don´t have the budget to go all in on the top premium version.- ...i admit im riding a stumpy evo and would defend it with my life^^

[@tonybasoni8443]

How would you guys compare this to the Rocky Mountain Instinct? Especially the climbing.

[@AaronDav-nq8hk]

you need to do a review of the tyee

[@faithfullegacy34]

They did the Spindrift and the Hugene. Now all we're missing is the Propain Tyee

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

Honestly that pricing is pretty stellar.

[@douglassmoore9255]

I'd like to see the Vitus Escarpe and the Fezarri Delano thrown in this catagory.

[@DailyNeighborhoodRide]

Talking about the seat tube angle at 3:50 and climbing, not one shot out of all those climbing shots, is she seated in the saddle. Who cares what the seat tube angle is if you always stand and climb? Great looking bike. Ride on \m/

[@jeanmarchendrickx5698]

hello thanks for the video. you prefer this bike of norco optic ?

[@matthewserna7475]

Now that y'all have ridden the izzo, how does it compare?

[@Pienimusta]

The Configurator is great, but is missing Shimano. 3600€ for the factory 36 and shock, with GX groupset.

[@juffkasvennsson4609]

How would you compare to a canyon spectral cf 8 ?

[@DeandreMurray]

Do all of the Newman wheels feature a silent hub? I think that's all I care about in life lol I just wanna hear the tires in the dirt.

[@dash0173]

i just bought a norco range as my big bike, now i'm looking at getting a short travel bike soon and fuck me, this bike looks exciting

[@EirikNeerland]

The auto CC said 160 millilitres of dropper post. Given a regular seat post diameter of 31.6 mm, this translates to 204 mm. So I think Kaz is a Negative Nelly here.

[@jggutierrez9]

Thank you Alisha! I can't stand loud hubs, aka angry bees!

[@JenkinsB]

Late follow up question. Do you think maintenance will be a problem or aggravating with all the bushings/bearings?

[@jurgenhormann1301]

this guy is a trainer and has ridden over 3400km. No issues with the bearings at all. (sorry only in german) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn7JnaWsds6ImKs

[@andyjonathan2486]

Cool bike, but for the frame, I would have wanted a shorter seat tube extension so I could fit a 200mm dropper post.

[@mudkayak6305]

hacksaw

[@greysonc3719]

You can't just use a hacksaw on a carbon seat tube. That's NOT how that works.

[@mudkayak6305]

@@greysonc3719 you dont know me very well 😉

[@peglor]

@@mudkayak6305 You can't do this on any bike frame - the diameter that contacts the seat tube is only the first few cm of the seat tube in most frames, with the inside diameter of the frame increasing below this point, so you're cutting off the only section with the right diameter to hold the seatpost - now if you get a shim to match the new diameter you might be on to something :-P.

[@piciu256]

@@peglor actually that doesn't matter, what matters is that a longer dropper won't fit down into the frame anyway, so no point in shortening the tube from the top.

[@hashy4940]

You should test the Ghost Riot Enduro series, they are extremely good at climbing and feel like DH bikes on the descent

[@pinkbike]

Coming up in a few days.

[@hashy4940]

@@pinkbike oh I see, awesome!

[@mudkayak6305]

was there geo specs in here, i musta missed them

[@patriciopires1436]

More Alicia please!!!!

[@tinshield]

She actually speaks properly 👍

[@mopedvieh]

I've been waiting for my frameset since June 😥

[@mircea5013]

Is this in the same category as the Canyon Neuron/Orbea Occam? Does it climb just as good as those? Or is it more like the Spectral/Ripmo/Jeffsy/etc?

[@adcheadn4382]

What’s the size bike of the test for the man ? He is 5’11 tall so size M or L could fit. I’m 5’10 and would like to order the correct size, and can’t find anything about Propain size fit. Thanks

[@alvaroneto6893]

"If you wanna get chased by a bunch of bees, go poke a hive". Thank you Alicia! :D #savethesilenthub

[@keironandrews5235]

Hear hear. Increasingly noisy hubs are ridiculous

[@Mo.Jo.MTB_101]

I really like the Hugene, and as I live in Germany I can configure it the way I want vie Propain online configurator... ;-)

[@lanes.]

So is the lower spec version with the rockshox fork/shock going to behave completely different then?

[@Dukhanstmichmal]

No it will mostly perform the same. Biggest difference will be the 10mm less travel at the front. However the Pike has 35mm stanchions so you are only a little less stiff than the Fox 36

[@SourPatchPuss]

I love the way the propane bikes look. Definitely one of the best looking full suspension bikes I’ve seen.

[@mannyfnsc29]

If I buy the Propain will I be able to ride like Remy? If so, I'm all in.

[@chfphoto]

will I be able to ride like Alicia?!

[@mircea5013]

@@chfphoto good thing you also typed in 'like' in that sentence.

[@mircea5013]

yes, but you'll be in the hospital afterwards.

[@Simbion12]

Funny thing is Propain has delays of over a year for their bikes. So even if you order it now,by the time it arrives a new Hugene will be out. I have a friend that ordered the Spindrift late March(so ~9 month ago) and most recent news from them are that is is going to arrive in April next year. When he ordered it the estimate shipping date was late August 2021.

[@dumirazvan8741]

Not good! The estimate delivery times made me go for canyon, where in 30/40 days I will have the bike.

[@Perception_]

I really want this bike, but... They should offer Shimano as a brand(as well), and they should offer more 150mm fork versions. To only have one option and it is bright orange with gold accents, is not ideal. Personally my goal was to build a bike with an understated look, and opt for the raw black finish of the frame. With that bright orange fork, it just stands out like a beacon unless you throw on some more bling, and then all of a sudden the understated look goes out the window. Almost tempted to go for the cheapest fork and just sell it, and then get a 150mm fork in black to match the rest. It does look a bit more toned down in the flesh(at least on video) than as a wallpaper so we'll see...

[@Dukhanstmichmal]

In Europe you can get the black fork with 150mm travel. In 140mm you can even get the non-kashima version for Maximum Understatement

[@Perception_]

@@Dukhanstmichmal That is false. There is only one option for 150mm fork and that is the *_orange_* Fox 36 Float GRIP2 Factory.

[@Dukhanstmichmal]

@@Perception_ You are right. The one i was talking about is the 34 also in 140mm. Sad.

[@tinshield]

Front quick release?

[@greysonc3719]

It's a through axle with a quick release lever. About as strong as a true thru axle, but has the advantage of easily being able to remove the front wheel

[@mircea5013]

Also, guys, everyone is shouting: "we want the seat tube angle steeper". But this just depends on body proportions! Someone with long legs needs to SLACKEN the seat tube i.e. move the saddle back. Otherwise the legs are in a weird position and it's uncomfortable and it's just a bad fit overall.

[@MuloyCamperTV]

Can you do dartmoors

[@CCWclassic]

Looks like a great 1 bike solution but I'm definitely a 2 bike guy

[@peglor]

Two? Those are rookie numbers. I only have 2 full suspension bikes I suppose... I'd be lost without my hardtails, commuter bike, vintage bike from the 1980s and trials bikes.

[@troycarpenter3675]

Not a fan of silent hubs. Hub choice should be optional. To each his own

[@heavensent2079]

The marking team really missed the name. Should have been hank hill propane and propane accessories

[@joeshmoe7967]

propain and propain accessories....

[@mtnbikerva1]

Why no test of the PIVOT TRAIL 429 Enduro and non?

[@mtbville]

🔥🔥🔥

[@saiyolcader6580]

An all-round machine from Germany

[@thomaspetrasek6122]

If they were only able to deliver the bike. I've been waiting for over 11 months now and Propain still has no clue when it is able to deliver. Apparently parts are missing despite availability on the market. Absolut devastating customer service and most unprofessional direct-to-consumer bike company I experienced on the bike market so far.

[@Max-dj5qj]

Nice bike, but too long chainstays for my style of riding. A mtb should pop into manual pretty easily :).

[@Wiroe]

Give it to me, I need it

[@tonyparkin3379]

Not cost effective to buy these in UK. Tax and import duties at 30%

[@peglor]

You're paying less initially though. It's the same story for buying from the UK into the EU. Within the EU it's already been added so it's less obvious how much of it is tax.

[@eerriiccbry]

Alicia is officially my favorite pinkbike presenter

[@gvi341984]

Hank hill approved bike

[@sloops4398]

I would say that it is a big disadavantage that you only can only select sram for shifting.

[@hannes6114]

It's the perfect bike for it's origin country germany I think.

[@peglor]

I hear Germany is where germs originally came from :-P.

[@hannes6114]

@@peglor yeah, definitely

[@lukasbormann4830]

Amazing configurator but its sold out for month😑

[@seanhornchek6440]

a month Is nothing compared to other lead times

[@JoPro06]

I was buying a bike back in august, and was originally going for a trek remedy 8. But, the delivery would happen in December 2023, yes, almost by 2024. Instead I went for the Propain Tyee, and now, after waiting since the end of august, I can finally look forwards to getting it in a week or two, max.

[@willienillie6337]

I like.

[@JohnWayne1107]

Where's henry tho 🧐

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Those are RAD

[@michaelmann3636]

For that price I’m buying an Ibis Ripmo V2.

[@nicholashines7686]

it sounds like a short travel Ripmo...

[@RicardoGarcia-mc2kd]

Gran marketing, mala gestión. Cuidado con comprarles una bicicleta "de ensueño" que tras más de 6 meses no te llega. La pedí en Agosto´21, con fecha de entrega en Marzo´22 y ahora en Mayo aún no se han dignado ni a responderme con alguna solución o alternativa. Finalmente, harto de sus respuestas automáticas por mail, les cancelo el pedido y aún no me han devuelto el dinero tras 8 meses. ¿Es una estafa de una gran marca? Pienso que mala y pésima gestión: si vendes algo que no vas a poder entregar, solo hay que decirlo no hacernos perder el tiempo y la ilusión que es lo más dañino. Espero no os engañen tampoco. Saludos y suerte!!

[@clothshorse]

Just when I thought Henry addition to the team was adding some spice… yet another great new presenter 🙌 does Alisha run an only fans? Asking for a friend 🌶🥳 loving the breadth of conversations and perspectives now. Kicking arse 👍

[@renenieman_mtb2759]

First 🔥

[@trailknight3985]

2nd! :-)

[@kwangma]

Why is pinkbike so white? Can we get any diversity at all?? Been watching ur videos for past few years but haven't seen any diversity in ur videos. With all sincerity..

[@joeshmoe7967]

GTFO. Create your own channel have all the what ever you want. None of us give 2 $#!Ts about the 'D' word......

[@troycarpenter3675]

@@joeshmoe7967 amen brother

[@piciu256]

What are you talking about? We have all the colors, we even got toothpaste color, whatever that means.

[@soular420]

Yikes