Propain Introduces All-New Hugene

The boundaries between categories are becoming increasingly blurred in today’s gravity-oriented mountain bike market. Many brands are selling bikes as trail bikes that, just a few years ago, would have been considered full-fledged enduro machines.
The new HUGENE takes a different approach. Instead of adding more, we focused on less – precisely refined with the goal of creating a true trail bike: lightweight and agile, playful and efficient, incredibly easy to ride and effortless to pedal.
But when pushed hard, the bike pushes back just as hard, inviting riders to experience trails in a way that’s both technically demanding and incredibly fun. The new HUGENE is engineered and equipped to be ridden at the limit – and it can take it. With less travel, you naturally reach that limit faster. But let’s be honest: there’s nothing more exciting than deliberately exploring the limits of both rider and bike.

Key Facts 

• Frame Material: Blend Carbon (High Modulus)
• Weight: from 14,2 kg
• Travel: 140 mm front / 130 mm rear
• Wheel Size: 29” only
• Colors: Aussie Dust (Matte), Violet Ash (Gloss), Venom Black (Matte)
• Frame Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Max. System Weight: 120 kg
• ASTM-Category: 4
• Price from 3.399, - EUR/GBP; from 3.799, - USD
  Framekit: 2.499, - EUR/GBP; 2.749, - USD
• Availability: Available to order from July 31, 2025 / Deliveries begin in mid-August in North America and at the end of August in Europe

Positioning and Differentiation

Our goal was to establish a clear distinction within our portfolio. PROPAIN has built a strong reputation as a true enduro brand – our enduro bike remains at the core of our gravity line up and continues to embody our vision of the ultimate "do-it-all" bike. The new HUGENE is therefore not intended to be just another "do-it-all" bike – it’s a specialist, deliberately positioned below the Tyee. With more efficient power transmission, significantly lower overall weight, and a more agile geometry, the HUGENE is designed for maximum riding enjoyment and simplicity. Its 130 mm of rear travel, 140 mm fork, and nimble geometry intentionally define natural limits when it comes to smoothing out rough terrain – in contrast to the capabilities of long-travel bikes.

What You Need To Know

• "Short Stroke. Max Stoke." – Less travel for increased agility, efficiency, and riding fun
• Not an all-mountain bike, not a downcountry rig – the HUGENE is a short-travel trail ripper: lightweight, efficient, and durable
• Deliberate decision against more travel, as many riders carry “too much bike” with them
• Components are designed for robustness rather than ultra-lightweight, ready for trail use
• Clear distinction within the PROPAIN portfolio: the HUGENE is a specialist positioned below the enduro model “Tyee”
• The perfect bike for local trail loops: more bike is often unnecessary
• Efficient and light enough to reach remote trails without motor assistance
• Training device for ambitious riders: designed for long distances with Garmin and heart rate monitor
• Delivers a playful, agile riding experience that remains fun even at the edge of performance

Highlights & New Features

• Completely new frame design & new colors
• Frame pocket for tools/accessories integrated into the downtube with bottle mount
• Room for long dropper posts thanks to steep seat tube angle and low standover height – even in size S, a 200 mm Reverb AXS can be fully inserted
• Carbon fiber top linkage to minimize overall weight
• Flexible cable routing with multiple options (classic routing, standard ICR, and Sixpack ICR)
• New geometry with a modern trail focus: slack head angle (64.8°), steep seat angle (74.8°), low bottom bracket
• Slightly revised kinematics with adjusted progression for sensitive response and balanced performance
• TPR seatstay and chainstay protector for reduced chain slap and less noise
• New, soft downtube protector
• Compatible with UDH standard and SRAM T-Type Transmission
• 148 mm Boost rear axle standard
• Classic post-mount interface for 180 mm brake rotors – no adapters required
• ISCG05 mount for chain guide / bashguard
• Exclusively stainless steel bearings and sealed Sixpack seat clamp

Build Kits & Customization

As with all PROPAIN bikes, the extensive online configurator also serves as the foundation for maximum customization on the new Hugene CF. From the cockpit and wheel size to cable routing, nearly every detail can be tailored individually. Those who prefer can choose classic cable routing or the fully integrated SIXPACK system.

As a guideline, we offer four build kits – carefully assembled and ride-ready, tailored to different requirements and preferences:

• Base: RockShox Psylo Gold RC, SRAM DB8, NEWMEN Performance 30 Base
• Bomber: Marzocchi Bomber Z1, Shimano XT, NEWMEN Beskar 30 Base/Light
• Ultimate: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, SRAM XO Transmission, DT Swiss EX1700
• Factory: Fox 36 Factory Grip X2, Shimano XTR Di2, DT Swiss EXC1200

Two Signature Specs are available for the North American market – featuring specific equipment tailored to local requirements and riding styles. For more information, head on over to www.propain-bikes.com.

Geometry

About PROPAIN Bicycles

Straight to your doorstep – no detours and perfectly tailored! Our bikes are sold directly through our website. This allows us to assemble and deliver bikes tailored perfectly to the customer's specifications, only after an order has been placed. PROPAIN bikes are developed, tested, and assembled by trained bicycle mechatronics technicians at our location in Vogt, Germany and in Vancouver, WA in the USA. At PROPAIN, you get custom mountain bikes that perfectly match your individual use case, fit, desired design, and budget.

PROPAIN – INSPIRE RIDING AMBITIONS!

View key specs, compare bikes, and review the new Propain Hugene in the Vital MTB Product Guide.