Propain calls the 2025 Spindrift a freeride bike but after spending some time on the 180mm travel platform, it’s clear it’s more. The gravity-optimized descender is packaged in three different configurations divided into three distinct subcategories: “Super Enduro”, “Freeride”, and “Park”.
Available in a carbon fiber and aluminum frame, the Park model uses an alloy frame and is up-forked with a dual crown for lift-assisted bike park laps and the biggest hits. The Freeride configuration uses the same alloy frame but is equipped with a long travel single crown fork. The lighter, weight-optimized carbon fiber frame is the most versatile model and is essentially a lighter iteration of the Freeride. Referred to as the “Super Enduro”, the lighter frame material resulting helf will make life easier on the climbs. In addition, the geometry on the carbon has a few small differences to make it a bit more stable for the rigors of enduro racing including a slightly longer reach, rear center, and wheelbase.
That said, I found the model I tested, the Spindrift Freeride with its alloy frame, was surprisingly easy to pedal for a bike with 7″/180mm of suspension travel.
Geometry highlights: Alloy Spindrift
- Model tested: Alloy Spindrift Freeride, size large, 29″ wheels
- Reach 480mm
- Head angle: 63.9º
- Seat angle, effective: 78.5º
- Top tube length: 612mm
- Chainstay length: 435mm
- BB” height 349mm
Riding the alloy Spindrift Freeride
After riding a range of 180mm to 200mm travel gravity-oriented enduro and DH bikes this summer, a fire for gravity-fueled laps has been rekindled. Every time the trail turned flat and I had to pedal though, I found myself wishing for a steeper seat angle and a dropper post. After riding the Spindrift and reviewing the specs, I realized that it checked all the buttons I was seeking, and it shot straight to the top of a short list of bikes I’d consider for my next gravity bike.
Not only did it feel familiar and comfortable immediately, but pedaling it reminded me of rides on the Specialized Enduro (170mm travel front and rear) and my personal long-travel-modded Specialized Stumpjumper EVO. (170mm travel front, 165mm travel rear via Cascade Link) It doesn’t feel like a rocket ship, but when you pedal it goes, and it didn’t feel inefficient. It certainly doesn’t feel like it has as much travel as it does, until you point it down hill and things start to get rowdy.
Dropping into a shuttled run down Murphy’s Grade, a local jump/flow line at the Cold Creek Trails, the Spindrift felt balanced and centered, taking to the air easily and landing smoothly and confidently. This trail is littered with rocks part way down, and I had to opportunity to test the bike over the rough stuff. Ironically, my only complaint was with the Zeb fork on some of the chatter. The tech team did a good job setting the bike up for my weight and riding style; I own a Zeb (though admittedly the top-shelf Ultimate model), so this shortcoming was minor as I would have just needed a bit more time to tweak the settings.
After a fun-filled descent, I loaded up for a ride down the Thrillium trail, the local DH run. I’ve ridden this trail on a lot of different bikes ranging from full-blown downhill bikes to 120mm travel trail bikes. (which I don’t recommend) I often prefer my 6″ travel enduro-ish steeds over my downhill bike for the pedal-y sections and the jumpy sections, but the Spindrift with it’s 29″ wheels and ample travel was possibly the best platform I’ve taken down this run. It’s surprisingly spry and jumpy, feels quick when I’m stabbing the pedals, and can comfortably handle the speeds when you open it up. If anything, I had myself thinking more about what it would be like to have a second set of wheels equipped with DH casings for when you want to ride down hills angrily.
Needless to say, the time I spent on the Spindrift was far too short.
About Propain Bikes
If you’re unfamiliar with Propain, they’re a direct-to-consumer German brand that became available domestically in 2022 when Propain launched their US operations in Vancouver, Washington. With their roots in gravity racing, we’ve been seeing more on our local trails lately, especially on the shuttle runs. The US team is often active at local events where models are available for demos and test rides.
The Spindrift I rode was equipped with some solid components courtesy of SRAM. However, when you purchase a Propain, you’re able to choose from a variety of configurations on the website. Complete models start at $2999, for the base build kit, which is surprisingly solid. Aside from the brakes, I felt like I could have lived with much of it — at least for a while before the upgrade fever hit. The closest option for the build I was riding was the “Ultimate” build which sells for $6319, albeit with the upgraded Zeb.
For more info visit PropainBikes.com.