Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start Review
- Price: $4,199
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 29″ Aluminum
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: Lightweight carbon fiber frame with large 29-inch wheels and 140/150 mm of suspension travel ensure a smooth ride and efficient descending ability.
What we don’t like about it: It doesn’t come with a chain stabilizer design, and you may need to install it yourself later.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start has a smooth riding experience and agile handling with great off-road riding ability.
Therefore, no matter what the terrain is, you can easily handle to get the fun of riding.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike.
Additionally, at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start is a full-suspension trail bike, but with a geometry more like an enduro bike, and a large 29″ wheelset that can handle trail riding on almost any route.
For this reason I took the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start and prepared to go to Deer Valley Resort Mountain Bike Park. I had booked a hotel on IHG in advance.
Deer Valley has all routes for DH, AM, Trail and XC. The roads here are all rolling and small and are mainly trails, with some big drop-offs and downhills full of rocks and roots.
Climbing
The Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start is a full-suspension trail bike with excellent suspension design, which gives it good pedaling power feedback.
It gave me good power feedback on every pedal stroke on this uphill section of the road, and I didn’t feel so badly deflated.
Then, as I rode up the steeper uphill section, the Truvativ Descendant Eagle 32t crankset with the SRAM XG-1275 10-52T flywheel had an abundance of drive speeds.
The moment I adjusted the rear derailleur to a larger gear, the pedaling felt instantly lighter, helping me to be able to reduce physical exertion on this uphill section.
In addition, the excellent geometry, combined with the steeper seat tube angle, allowed me to maintain an upright riding position and the weight could be evenly distributed between the front and rear ends of the bike. This made my climbing more efficient.
Finally, I think the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start, aside from its 140mm front and 140mm rear travel, shows as much energy on the climbs as any other trail bike.
Decline
The Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start was fast, stable and agile when descending.
First of all, the RockShox Pike Select fork and RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock exerted great damping performance.
The pair of RockShox dampers absorbed most of the shock when I landed from a big drop. It ensured the stability of my landing and my safety.
Then on the descent on the rocky route, the pair of shocks was what I liked the most.
The active initial sensitivity worked fast, and with the large 29″ wheel diameter, it could do everything it could to absorb the vibration of the road, making my descent ride as stable as if I were on a flat road.
Finally, when I needed to slow down to get onto the trail, I squeezed the SRAM G2 R brake grips and its clamps responded instantly, grabbing the front and rear 200mm discs dead-on.
Immediately, I was able to slow the bike down for a more stable, safe and fast pass down the trail.
All in all the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start is a great all-round bike with great performance. Whether I’m climbing or descending, it meets what I need.
Specification
The Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start is available in four sizes (S-XL) with a choice of internal cable routing lightweight carbon frames.
Suitable for riders of 5’2″-6’7″ in height to choose from, it can meet almost all height sizes of people, and the standard 29″ large diameter wheelset improves the stability and speed of riding.
In addition, the protective patch at the downtube ensures that splashing stones hit the carbon fiber frame and cause damage during intense riding.
The chain protection patch on the rear lower fork reduces the noise generated by the chain slapping while riding and protects the frame.
The Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start comes with a dropper design that allows you to switch your riding weight between climbing and descending at any time, ensuring that the rider is always in the right position.
Finally, the mounting holes at the lower tube allow for the installation of a full-size water bottle, and the mounting holes at the upper tube facilitates the carrying of riding tools, thus helping the rider to ride further.
Video
Other versions
The Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start is a carbon fiber frame with excellent geometry and carefully selected components that exhibit excellent riding ability.
However, for riders with higher riding demands, it has a bias towards basic components that are difficult to satisfy.
For this purpose we offer a carbon fiber frame with the exact same geometry, but with higher grade components that can satisfy more experienced riders with a sufficient budget.
Propain Hugene CF 29″ Highend
The Propain Hugene CF 29″ Highend and Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start use the same internal cabling full carbon frame plus a 29″ wheelset for a powerful ride through and stability.
The Propain Hugene CF 29″ Highend, with its Fox 36 Grip2 Factory shock fork and Fox Float X 2 rear shock, offers better support and can compete with more aggressive riding styles.
Next, the SRAM X01 Eagle’s drive train has better drivetrain efficiency and responsiveness to shifting, and it’s one of my favorite drive trains, sturdy and lighter.
In terms of braking components, the Magura MT7’s brakes are paired with 203 mm / 203 mm discs for violent braking power, and the Magura’s brake appearance is designed in a way that I always thought was cool.
Below, we will list the specific parameters of the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start and some other brands of full-suspension trail bikes at similar prices for your reference.
What do we like about it?
- It climbs every peak smoothly and easily thanks to the steep seat angle and flat steering angle.
- Full carbon fiber frame with internal cable routing design makes the appearance neater and easier to clean.
- The mounting holes at the lower tube support full-size water bottle installation, and the mounting holes at the upper tube allow for carrying riding tools to ensure long-distance riding.
- The chain protection patch on the rear lower fork reduces the noise generated by the chain slapping during the ride.
- The dropper is designed to allow the rider to be in the right position at all times between climbing and descending transitions.
- The larger contact area of the 29-inch tires also improves traction, which provides better grip and passing power.
What don’t we like about it?
- No self-contained chain stabilizer design, and you may need to install it yourself later.
FAQs
- Can the rear wheel be replaced with a 27.5″ wheelset?
Due to its geometry and frame characteristics, the Hugene is designed for use with 29″ wheels only. Therefore, 27.5″ wheels cannot be fitted.
- What is the maximum tire width for this bike?
We cannot give you a general statement due to tolerances in the tire manufacturer’s width specifications. For example, it fits Schwalbe tires up to 2.4, VEE up to 2.35 and Maxxis up to 2.5 WT.
- How to choose the right size?
Here we provide you with a size chart, but of course you do not have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’8″ | S |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | M |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | L |
| 6’1″ – 6’7″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Blend Carbon Frame Hanger Standard: UDH |
| Fork | RockShox Pike Select, RC 140mm |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+ RT 140mm |
| Stem | SIXPACK Vertic 50 |
| Handlebar | SIXPACK Millenium 805 |
| Saddle | SIXPACK Kamikaze |
| Seatpost | PROPAIN Seatpost |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle (1×12) |
| Crank | Truvativ Descendant Eagle 32t |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1275 10-52 (1×12) |
| Brakes | SRAM G2 R, 200/200mm |
Wheels
| Rims | NEWMEN Performance 30 |
| Tires | Schwalbe Nobby Nic Supertrail |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Travel | Frame | Brake | Drivetrain |
| Ibis Ripley AF SLX | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Aluminum | Shimano SLX M7100 | 1 × 12 |
| Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 | Click View | 130mm rear, 140mm front | Carbon | SRAM Guide R | 1 × 12 |
| Scott Contessa Spark 920 | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Carbon | Shimano MT501 | 1 × 12 |
| Kona Process 134 DL 27.5 | Click View | 134mm rear, 140mm front | Aluminum | SRAM G2 RS | 1 × 12 |
Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start VS Ibis Ripley AF SLX
Comparing the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start to the Ibis Ripley AF SLX, I would recommend the former because its carbon frame has more potential and the lighter weight of the front bike makes it easier to ride.
In terms of damping components, the former RockShox shock has longer travel and better initial sensitivity. The Fox shock of the latter is a little more supportive.
In terms of drivetrain components, the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start’s SRAM GX Eagle shifts will feel more crisp and direct.
Ibis Ripley AF SLX’s Shimano SLX M7100 will have a smoother, denser feel to the drive.
When it comes to the braking components, the former SRAM G2 R brakes will feel more direct and violent, while the latter Shimano SLX M7100 brakes will be more linear and lighter.
In the end, between these two bikes, the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start would be superior because it has better frame potential.
Learn More: Is Ibis Ripley GX Worth Buying? [Ibis Ripley GX Review]
Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start vs. Cannondale Habit Carbon 3
The Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start and Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 are both iconic full-suspension trail bikes under their respective brands.
In terms of damping system, the two bikes have similar damping travel, with the former’s RockShox dampers performing better for continuous bumpy rocky roads and the latter’s Fox components providing better support in dealing with large drop-offs.
In terms of drivetrain components, both bikes use SRAM components, but the former is a full set of SRAM GX components while the latter is a mix of SRAM GX and NX components. I think the former does much better.
Finally, when it comes to braking components, both bikes carry reliable braking components, and both are worthy of positive brakes.
However, between these two bikes, I would still choose the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start because of its slightly better components.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 Worth Buying? [Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 Review]
Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start VS Scott Contessa Spark 920
The Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start and the Scott Contessa Spark 920 are both made of carbon fiber frame.
In addition, the Scott’s hidden rear shock design looks neater and cleaner, but it will be more troublesome to maintain.
In terms of drivetrain components, the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start uses higher grade components than the Scott Contessa Spark 920 for better drive performance and a more responsive shifting feel, as well as more tension on the rear derailleur.
In terms of braking components, the former SRAM G2 R feels more violent and direct. The latter’s Shimano MT501 shifts feel a bit more linear.
In the end, between these two mountain bikes, the Scott Contessa Spark 920 would look better if you like a neater look, and the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start is also a fairly good choice if you like a more powerful ride.
Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start VS Kona Process 134 DL 27.5
I would recommend the former more because it uses a carbon fiber frame with more potential.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former is at SRAM’s high-level and has more efficient performance and shifting feel than the latter.
Speaking of braking components, both bikes have similar braking capabilities worth relying on.
However, the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start features a larger 29″ wheelset for better passing and descent stability than the 27.5″ wheelset of the Kona Process 134 DL 27.5.
Overall, the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start will be more powerful in terms of performance, and it is a better presence both on the frame and in terms of components.
Learn More: Is Kona Process 134 29 Worth Buying? – [Kona Process 134 29 Review]
Summary
Above is my review of the Propain Hugene CF 29″ Start. In our opinion, it’s a solid performer with a top-notch carbon frame and carefully selected components. That’s why we gave it a 4.9 rating.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other similar bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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