WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE HUGENE CF
The new Propain Hugene CF is a bike with seemingly two personalities. Its travel numbers and supportive Pro10 suspension platform say short-travel trail bike. However, its geometry numbers lean more towards those on the enduro side.
And, depending on which end of the spectrum you are coming from, you may or may not get along with the new Hugene.
FRAME AND FEATURES | What you see is what you get. By that, I mean that the Propain Hugene doesn’t have geometry adjustment or the ability to adjust for wheel size. The frame features a large and straight head tube, so you could use an angle-adjust headset to tweak if that’s your preference.
An option Propain offers is standard or headset cable routing. We prefer the ease of cables and hoses avoiding routing through the headset, and it is nice to see Propain giving the option. However, this does mean that for those who prefer headset cable routing, there are unused cable ports on the downtube. This can detract from the clean aesthetic that the headset cable routing provides, but it’s far from a major issue.
Perhaps most notable is the downtube storage (topped with water bottle bosses) on the new Hugene. The door is relatively easy to open thanks to a sliding latch, and Propain provides two bags to store all your goodies safely inside, without rattling.
While in-frame storage certainly adds weight to the frame, some of that weight is reduced by Propain’s use of a carbon top link. Total frame weight for a size medium comes in at 2.8kg as a result. In the frame’s redesign, they also adjusted the seattube to allow for longer dropper posts. Propain claims that even the size small Hugene can fit a 200mm dropper, giving much appreciated clearance for the descents.
SUSPENSION | Propain intended for their latest iteration of the Hugene to stand squarely in the trail category. This meant creating a solid suspension platform with high antisquat values to provide efficient pedaling for all-day missions. Propain achieved this with a few tweaks to its Pro10 suspension platform for the 130mm Hugene, delivering progressive and supportive squish that leans toward firm and “racey”.
GEOMETRY | The new Hugene has seen a few geometry tweaks from the previous iteration. As a result, the geometry is where some may find the new Hugene to be somewhat polarizing. The bike is long and low, and relatively slack for its travel category. For those coming from a gravity background, these numbers will feel familiar. However, those coming from an XC or light trail bike might struggle a little with the Hugene’s stature.
Our size Large has a 483mm reach, stack height of 632mm, and a 1,255mm wheelbase. The HTA and STA are 64.8° and 77.5°, respectively, and the 445mm chainstays are shared across the size range.
While Propain doesn’t specify the bottom bracket height, they do state that the Hugene has a BB drop of 36mm. And, by the number of pedal strikes I had during my time on this bike, I can confirm that the BB is relatively low.
BUILD SPEC | Propain offers a couple of build spec options for the Hugene in the US. However, Propain also allows customers to build a custom bike from a list of component options, to dial in the spec to their preferences.
Our Hugene essentially had Propain’s “Signature Spec 2” build, but with a few upgrades. The “Ultimate” part of the build name undoubtedly comes from the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate shock. It has SRAM Maven Silver brakes with 200mm rotors, front and rear. Our Hugene also had OneUp carbon bars, Schwalbe Albert Radial tires, and Ergon grips and saddle.
This is where our build differs from Propain’s Ultimate build. We essentially “upgraded” for a SRAM X0 Transmission drivetrain and Reverb AXS dropper post (200mm). We also upgraded to DT Swiss XM1700 wheels with DT’s 350 hubs.
While the typical Hugene Signature Spec 2 build is $5,299, our upgrades brought the bike to just shy of $7,000.
THE DIRT
As I’ve already alluded to, the new Propain Hugene can seem to have two different personalities. And, I feel that depending on the type of rider you are, the Hugene will either suit you well, or leave you reaching for another bike.
CLIMBING | In certain circumstances, Propain’s trail bike climbed like a goat. On other, more technical climbs, the Hugene really struggled at times, due to its length. But whether you will get along with climbing on the Hugene or not depends on what end of the mountain bike spectrum you come from.
Overall, the Hugene was an efficient and comfortable pedaler. Propain set out to create a supportive trail bike for big days, and it shows in the Hugene. I had multiple “big days” (that is, 30 miles or so…it’s a big day for me!) on the Hugene. I loved this bike’s backcountry prowess, and it was an easy choice when getting “way out there.” On fire roads or mellower singletrack climbs, the Hugene was consistent, comfortable, and felt efficient over significant distances.
However, when the singletrack became fairly technical, the Hugene struggled. This was primarily due to the bike’s length. On paper, a 130mm bike should be sharp and snappy, navigating through technical chunk with relative ease. But the Hugene’s long wheelbase and 445mm stays caught me off guard on multiple occasions. Especially when encountering technical climbs with multiple steps to lift up, the front and back felt somewhat disconnected.
Many bikes in this travel category typically have 10mm shorter chainstays and a significantly shorter wheelbase overall. While this length may make technical climbing a touch more challenging, it also makes the Hugene feel planted to the ground when climbing the steepest sections. When I had to scoot forward or even get out of the saddle, I never lost traction on the rear wheel thanks to the longer chainstays.
On steep, moderately technical climbs, the Propain Hugene was formidable.
Climbing is an area where this bike will appeal to different crowds in different ways. A rider with an XC or light trail bike background will immediately notice the Hugene’s struggles on more technical ascents. However, the gravity-oriented rider (who I think the Hugene appeals to), coming from a DH or enduro bike, likely wouldn’t notice its struggles at all, and likely would appreciate its efficiency.
DESCENDING | At the risk of saying something very cliched like “the downhiller’s trail bike,” I do think that the Propain Hugene favors gravity-oriented riders. But not in the way you might think.
We often hear other clichés about the bike seeming to have “endless” travel, or at least a feeling of more travel than its short-travel numbers indicate. This wasn’t the case with the Hugene. As I pushed the bike onto rougher trails at faster speeds, I indeed found the bottom of the travel on both ends. This certainly isn’t a knock against the Hugene, as I feel that it used its 130mm of travel well, but perhaps its geometry encouraged riding harder than its suspension could keep up with.
The Pro10 suspension platform was incredibly supportive throughout the entirety of its travel. Leaning toward the firmer side, it was a bike that rewarded actively loading and pumping through the trail. At times, this meant the Hugene lacked a bit of traction, as the top of the stroke just didn’t have the supple initial feel that I typically look for. But it seemed that the bike’s longer wheelbase offset any lack of traction from a firmer suspension feel.
Ultimately, I adapted to the firmer platform, and even came to enjoy it. It balanced the Hugene well, and I often wondered if a more supple suspension feel would have kept that bike too glued to the ground. As it stands, the Hugene’s length provided plenty of descending confidence, while the firmer suspension kept the bike light and playful.
On big backcountry missions, I found the Propain Hugene shone the most. It provided significant confidence on the descents, which was greatly appreciated when 15 miles and 4,500 feet in. The descending confidence was largely due to the fact that the Hugene was such a comfortable and efficient climbing/pedaling bike. Not feeling completely wiped out from the climbs went a long way toward providing calm and control on the way down.
Lastly, as a bike geared toward gravity riders, I think this will be especially noticeable in the Hugene’s component build. At least in this case, 130mm of travel doesn’t mean flexy components that won’t last. Gravity riders will appreciate the power of the SRAM Mavens, the stiffness of the RockShox Lyrik (over something like the Pike), and its stout DT Swiss wheelset.
Many of these same offerings are on their enduro or DH bike, and for good reason.
FINISH & VALUE | Simply put, Propain offers great value in their market space. Their direct-to-consumer model knocks a few bucks off the top, making them a competitive brand. However, it’s the ability to pick and choose where to save money that puts Propain at the top. If brakes and suspension are your priorities, you can splurge on those and save elsewhere. If carbon wheels are a must, you can easily choose a lower suspension spec to stay within your budget.
Sometimes, you don’t have to sacrifice at all. I was playing around on Propain’s website, building an aluminum Tyee without compromising on parts, for just over $4,000. This will, of course, depend on component availability, but it is pretty cool nonetheless.
Propain also has tons of other great information about each of their frames on their website. Propain has all those tiny details you never need—until you actually need them—on its website, under “Technical Data.”
COMPONENT REPORT
As someone who leans more toward the gravity side, I appreciated the familiar components on our Propain Hugene. I’m a big fan of RockShox suspension, especially a Lyrik Ultimate and Super Deluxe Ultimate combo. I also liked the XM1700 wheels from DT Swiss. They are not the flashiest wheelset, nor necessarily my first choice for a 130mm bike, but a solid workhorse and one I’m definitely familiar with.
As a personal preference, I opted to switch out the tires. I’m fine with the Schwalbe Albert Radial tires that came on the build, but I wanted something lighter and faster-rolling. Something more trail, or dare I say, XC. So I swapped them out for a Maxxis DHR up front and an Aggressor in the rear. I got along well with the Aggressor, which isn’t a tire I typically use. It rolled fast, and nearly had me reaching for Lycra.
In keeping with what has become all too common here at The Loam Wolf, I had issues with the SRAM Maven brakes. They were good for a bit, then gave up the ghost as I started a lengthy descent, with the rear brake lever going directly to the bar. After two piston massages and two bleeds, the brake was better, but not entirely fixed.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Ok, so let’s say you’re a DH racer, enduro bro, or just a general park rat. Finally, after being bugged by your trail-oriented buddies, you’re finally considering a trail bike. The Hugene is a bike you will throw a leg over and feel right at home on. Propain’s trail bike is not a machine that’ll erase every bump, and it has its quirks for the most technical climbing. But it’s a bike that’ll satisfy those looking for a supportive and efficient aggressive trail machine, without a doubt. 
Price: ~$7,000
Website: Propain-bikes.com
SHARE THIS REVIEW
ABOUT THE WOLF
The local boy — Travis was born and raised in Bend, OR. Skateboarding consumed his life until his high school years (yes, he can still kickflip), but was replaced by mountain biking…then rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and finally back to mountain biking. After a stint in the big city, Travis returned home, trading a teaching career to be an okay mountain biker and above-average journalist. He is an outspoken 90s grunge fan, cornering poor souls in conversations about the meaning behind the lyrics of Alice In Chains’ “Would.” Most days, Travis hopes to be outside, whether that is on an early morning ride or a hike with his family (the best days include both).
Rank: Contributing Writer
Size: 5’8” / 172cm | 195lbs / 88kg
Social: @travis_reill_writes
SUPPORT AND JOIN THE LOAM WOLF PACK
Did you find this review helpful? Would you like the chance to review (and keep) products? Are you interested in saving big bucks by getting exclusive Members Only discounts from industry brands all while helping support a small, rider-owned media crew? We have big plans for our members beyond big discounts and product giveaways! To learn more and help support small, independent media, visit our Member’s Page.