Propain Bikes (Germany) - Press Release: Tour, Trail, Allmountain? What now? The new Hugene is the answer. A bike with 140-150 mm of travel that always fits. Whether it is a quick trail loop, an all-day tour or even an alpine cross. The Hugene is a summiteer on the uphills and a rocket on the downhills. One bike to rule them all!

We continue to rely on carbon and 29″ wheels, but we took the criticisms of the previous Hugene very serious. Therefore, our new trail rocket has a slightly steeper seat angle, a lower steering angle and a longer reach. The travel has increased by 10 mm and the chainstay remains at a moderate length of 445mm. As with our other models, the damper is placed in front of the seat tube. For this purpose, we have neatly optimized our proven PRO10 suspension system. The result is an even better balance of smoothness and agility to give the trail rider safety and stability without being sluggish.

The new Hugene is even lighter and more dynamic, with a lot of attention to the drive efficiency. With 110% anti-squat, nothing will upset the rear triangle on the uphill. The bike climbs like a hardtail, but also offers you a steady downhill performance. The kinematics has been further optimized to give more support in the mid-travel and to increase the sensitivity at the same time.

It climbs, it jibs, it shreds, it’s huge – huge on trails!

Highlights:

We have completely redesigned the Hugene for the model year 2021. We have responded to the criticism and wishes of our customers:

• Optimized frame material made from Blend Carbon
• Wheelsize 29”
• Travel: 140/150 mm front; 140 mm rear
• PRO10 suspension system
• Two mounts for drinking bottles or straps, tools, pump, etc.
• PROPAIN DirtShields (double sealed frame bearings)
• New frame design: “clean and highend”
• Selectable headtube badges and new decal colors
• New selectable frame colors
• Removable ISCG chainguide mount
• Bolted BSA bottom bracket
• New Drivetrain: Eagle 52z
• New hanger standard: SRAM UDH
• New cable routing above the bottom bracket with internally routed cables in ducts
• Upper linkage made of carbon and in frame color
• HIGH5 Warranty: 5-year warranty and crash replacement

Overall concept and geometry:

By combining a flat steering angle of 65.5° with a steep seat angle of 76.5° (effective) and the floating damper, which is centrally mounted in the bike, we achieve exactly this: easy pedalling on the uphill with a lot of pressure on the front wheel and an optimal weight distribution on the downhill. A characteristic that you notice once you get on the bike and never want to miss again afterwards. Remarkably, this geometry change has significantly improved both the uphill and downhill performance. A reach of 480 mm with a chainstay length of 445 mm at size L makes the new Hugene smoother and more agile than before and creates a noticeable balance.

Suspension system / kinematics:

The PRO10 system is known for its drive neutrality. With the optimised suspension system we can top that once again. The anti-squat has been increased from 100% to 110% compared to its predecessor. The system nevertheless retains its sensitive responseand works even on the slightest unevenness.

The progression of the rear suspension was also optimized compared to the previous model and provides the rear wheel with optimum traction on every occasion.

Travel:

Front: 140 mm/150 mm; Rear: 140 mm.

Wheel concept:

Comfort! Grip! Smooth running! We continue to rely on 29″ wheels for our trail bike. The advantages are obvious: The larger wheels ensure better rolling behavior and rough terrain can be rolled over more quickly than with smaller wheels. The larger contact area of the 29″ tires also improves traction resulting in better grip. The longer wheelbase makes the bike more stable and the larger wheels store more energy during the ride, which keeps you going faster for longer. And that is exactly what we want to achieve with our trailbike: speed, smoothness and comfort both uphill and downhill.

New design concept:

We are also breaking new ground in the design language, as with our other models. The modern design of the Hugene looks elegant, clean and dynamic at the same time. To achieve that we use the versatility of the material in the processing of the carbon. The upper linkage is now also made of carbon and painted in frame color. Many visible edges and flowing shapes characterize the look. With attention to detail, a design was created that is tidy, noble and puristic. In addition to new frame colors, the customer now also has the option to configure the headtube badge. As usual, the bike can also be further individualized from the wide selection of decals for every taste.

Uphill:

Forward on the uphill with the new Hugene. Thanks to the steeper seat angle, the lower steering angle and the 29″ wheels, you have a lot of pressure on the pedal and plenty of propulsion and traction even on steepest climbs and technical uphills. The high anti-squat keeps the PRO10 rear-end tight and you do not experience any energy loss. The stiff frame made of full carbon provides lightness and agility. The new Hugene wants only one thing: go forward!

Colors and Decals:

The new main frame colors of the Hugene are “Safari (matte)” and “Petrol Dark (gloss)”. The third color, “Carbon Raw (gloss)”, is already known from the Tyee and Spindrift. A visual varnish creates a unique look and the special processing of the “Blend Carbon” becomes visible.