Freeride Ain't Dead - Introducing the All-New Propain Spindrift 1

From tech-heavy skidder lines to huge hits and big tricks – our new Spindrift ticks all the boxes. The Spindrift 5 CF and the Spindrift 5 AL may share the same name, but they have developed in slightly different directions. What does a modern freeride bike look like? A no-nonsense bike park machine, or a premium super enduro with cutting-edge design features? Between the Alloy and Carbon iterations of our new Spindrift, we cover the entire freeride spectrum.

THE TWO APPROACHES

SPINDRIFT CARBON
With 180 mm of PRO10 suspension, the Spindrift 5 CF is designed to pedal uphill efficiently and get you down the mountain at race pace. New features include built-in frame storage, a flip chip for wheel size versatility, and high modulus carbon construction. We also provide 3 cable routing options, including the classic through-frame routing. This high-end super enduro lives for steep backcountry loam and is optimized for long days in the saddle, allowing you to comfortably reach far off freeriding destinations.

SPINDRIFT ALUMINUM
Our Spindrift 5 AL is also designed around 180 mm of PRO10 suspension but comes with the option of a 180 mm single crown or 200 mm dual crown fork. Shorter chainstays give our aluminum iteration more playful handling. No frills, just a simple, classic design. Rip your local trails with the single crown setup or build a shuttle rig bruiser with a 200 mm dual crown.

OVERVIEW CATEGORIES 

Spindrift 5 CF

02 CF Concept and Geometry

With the Spindrift 5 CF, we developed a high-end freeride bike. The fundamental concept is based on speed and stability. Compared to its predecessor, the head angle is one degree slacker (63.5°), and the reach is 10 mm longer, providing more confidence in technical and steep terrain. The drive-neutral PRO10 rear suspension performs well with both air and coil shock setups. Additionally, the shock position has been optimized to allow for more seat post insertion depth. The use of High Modulus Blend-Carbon material results in low weight and high stiffness.

03 CF Pro10 Rear Suspension System

We are 100% convinced that our PRO10 system remains the most advanced frame concept on the market. It is based on four pivot points and a floating shock that is controlled by two counter-rotating links. The 180mm PRO10 rear suspension of the Spindrift 5 CF, combined with its tuned shock, delivers sensitive responsiveness and high progression. On the trail, this translates to plenty of grip with playful pop. With its high anti-squat value, the Spindrift climbs technical uphills without bobbing. Descending, the system maintains its renowned small bump compliance.

04 Kinematics

05 CF Size and Wheel Concept

The Spindrift 5 CF is available in both a mixed wheel setup and a full 29“ configuration. With the flip-chip on the upper link of the PRO10 frame, both wheel configurations can be used on the same frame. 29“ wheels provide better rollover performance, especially on technical sections, while the smaller 27.5“ rear wheel makes the bike more agile and offers greater maneuverability. Since the Spindrift 5 CF is designed for versatile use, we leave the choice of preferred wheel configuration up to the customers. Frame sizes S, M, L, and XL are available.

06 CF Internal Cable Routing

07 CF Modern and Elegant Design Language

The Spindrift 5 CF stands out. A straight down tube, dramatic edges, and attentive linework culminate in an edgy yet elegant aesthetic.

08 CF Propain Frame Storage

Using the system first developed for our gravel bike, essential equipment can now be stored in the downtube of your Spindrift CF. The frame pocket is sealed against dust, mud, and water, and remains secure when the riding gets rough. Even with a bottle mounted, the compartment can easily be opened and closed, allowing you to easily access the provided tube and tool bags.

09 CF Cable Ports

The cable ports are securely screwed into the frame, internally clamped, and sealed to protect against dust and water. This new solution prevents unwanted elements from entering the frame while keeping cable noise to a minimum.

10 CF Silence Is Speed

Absolute silence – all you hear is the sound of the tires on the trail. This is achieved not only through cable integration and the new, optimized cable routing directly over the main pivot points of the rear suspension but also through the newly developed chainstay and seatstay protectors. These protectors are made from high-quality, soft TPR plastic with excellent damping properties. The air-filled knobs with an outward-tilted shape efficiently stop chain vibrations.

11 CF Brake Integration

The Postmount brake mount on the Spindrift 5 CF is integrated into the rear triangle of the frame. Besides the aesthetic benefits, this also ensures better transmission of braking forces to the frame. For 180 mm and 200 mm brake rotors, no adapters are needed, only the position of the Postmount mount needs to be adjusted.

12 CF Bottle and Tool Mount

Every freeride adventure is demanding and unpredictable. To stay focused and have the necessary tools even on the most remote trails, you‘ll find a bottle mount on the down tube cover of the frame pocket and a tool mount on the top tube.

13 CF High Modulus Blend Carbon

For a modern carbon frame that can withstand ambitious riding over a long period, simply using one good carbon material is not enough. To meet our demands, we employ a blend of carbon fibers and fabrics, each with their diverse properties. PROPAIN carbon frames are made from pre-impregnated (prepreg) carbon layers, which ensure an optimal resin content and significantly higher strength values. Given their various characteristics, each layer plays a unique role at specific points of the frame. Where and how they are utilized is dependent upon how much stiffness, impact resistance, or directional strength is required at any given location.

14 CF Fresh New Colors

With “Candy Red Carbon (Gloss)”, “Carbon Raw (Matte)”, and “Super Sonic Silver (Matte)”, there are three color options available for the Spindrift 5 CF. The “Carbon Raw” which is featured across our model range stands out particularly due to its clear coat, showcasing the high-quality Blend Carbon technology.

The new “Candy Red Carbon” offers a fresh and striking paint job that changes its hue depending on the lighting conditions and exhibits a deep brilliance in daylight. Like Carbon Raw, the clear coat reveals the structure of the processed carbon fibers, giving each frame a unique appearance.

Also new in the range is the color “Super Sonic Silver”. This matte silver-gray paint accentuates the dramatic form factor of the Spindrift 5 CF. Depending on the light, the surface appears more or less metallic, resulting in a subtly dynamic colorway.

15 CF Technical Data

SPINDRIFT 5 AL

02 AL Concept & Geometry

With the Spindrift 5 AL, we offer an agile, reliable, and hard-hitting freeride bike designed around 180mm of PRO10 suspension. We offer two main
variants in this material: a single crown option for pedal access riding, and a dual crown option with a 7-speed DH drivetrain. Both variants remain fully customizable within our online configurator. 

The aluminum Spindrift remains playful. With moderate reach and stack values, we ensure agility and responsive handling. Compared to the Spindrift 5 CF, the AL single crown option results in 5mm shorter reach, while the AL dual crown option is 10mm shorter.  

A slacker head angle of 63.9° for the single crown version and 63.5° for the dual crown version, compared to its predecessor, provides even more confidence and stability in technical terrain and on steep descents.

03 AL Pro10 Rear Suspension System

We are 100% convinced that our PRO10 system remains the most advanced frame concept on the market. It is based on four pivot points and a floating shock controlled by two counter-rotating links. The 180mm PRO10 rear suspension of the Spindrift 5 AL, combined with its tuned shock, delivers sensitive responsiveness and high progression. On the trail, this translates to plenty of grip with a playful pop. With its high anti-squat value, the Spindrift climbs technical uphills with an active suspension without bobbing. Descending, the system maintains its renowned sensitive response and begins working even at the smallest irregularities.

04 AL Kinematics

05 AL Size and Wheel Concept

The new Spindrift 5 AL with a single crown is available in a pure 27.5“ version, a mixed wheel setup, or a pure 29“ version. The Spindrift 5 AL Park with a dual crown is available exclusively in the mixed wheel setup. For the park bike, it was important to ensure maximum range of motion while maintaining good rollover performance. Therefore, "business in the front & party in the back“ is undoubtedly the best option.

The Spindrift 5 AL with a single crown comes in 27.5“ in sizes S, M, L, and in mixed and 29“ configurations in sizes M, L, and XL.

The Spindrift 5 AL Park is available in sizes M, L, and XL.

06 AL Cable Ports & Internal Cable Routing

Smart cable routing through the frame: Securely screwed-in and internally clamped cable ports with seals to protect against dust and water ensure optimal cable management while further minimizing noise. For the Spindrift 5 AL, we continue to offer exclusively classic internal routing through the frame.

07 AL Silence is Speed

Absolute silence – all you hear is the sound of the tires on the trail. This is achieved not only through cable integration and the new, optimized
cable routing directly over the main pivot points of the rear suspension but also through the newly developed chainstay and seatstay protectors.
These are made from high-quality, soft TPR plastic with excellent damping properties. The air-filled knobs with an outward-tilted shape effectively stop chain vibrations.

08 AL Bottle Mount

Every freeride adventure is demanding and unpredictable. To maintain focus and stay hydrated even on the most remote trails, you’ll find a bottle mount on the down tube.

09 AL Blend Alloy

Our aluminum frames use a variety of alloys. A Blend Alloy frame consists of at least three different alloys. For instance, the frame tubes are made from a material that is more fatigue-resistant than that used for the forged or CNC-machined parts. Frame components like linkages and axles are made from 7075 T6 aluminum, which offers very high strength.

10 AL Fresh New Colors

The new aluminum frame is available in three different colors. In addition to the classic “Raw (Matte)”, we also offer the new Spindrift 5 AL in “Dirty Lavender (Gloss)” and “Forest Jump (Matte)”.

“Forest Jump” is a rich, dark, earthy green. Under different lighting, the color can shift slightly, giving a nice polychromatic effect. 

Our “Dirty Lavender” catches the eye with its bold gloss finish. This muted pink/purple will turn heads in every setting and will really pop against the lush greens while you’re out having fun in the woods.

11 AL Technical Data

Build Kits and Prices CF + AL

As with our other models, we continue to offer a wide selection of high-quality components with the latest technology, allowing each customer to configure their dream bike according to their personal preferences. Alongside the proven suspension options from RockShox and Fox, we are excited to now offer premium components from Öhlins. We are also adding the RockShox Zeb and RockShox Boxxer in “electric red” to our configurator. In addition to wheels from Newmen and Crankbrothers, we are expanding our range to include DT Swiss. For maximum braking power, we now offer Shimano Saint, while Magura and SRAM remain available options. 

Moreover, we provide numerous options for handlebars, stems, seat posts, saddles, and tires, offering plenty of room for customization. We have also expanded our portfolio, and the new Spindrift 5 now rolls on Continental tires in addition to Schwalbe and Maxxis. Alongside the full customization option, we offer four fixed equipment packages for the Spindrift 5 to make it easier for customers to choose the right components. These build kits are our recommendations to our customers based on how we would build our own bikes.

We are pleased to maintain stable pricing with our new Spindrift and can even offer a lower entry price than the previous model. Thus, the Spindrift 5 AL starts at 2,999.00 €/$/£, and the Spindrift 5 CF starts at 3,699.00 €/$/£.

Research and Development

During development, our frames undergo extensive testing at our HQ in Vogt. With load tests involving over 500,000 load cycles per frame, they are tested for performance, durability, and longevity. All frames are tested far beyond the required standards, ensuring our new Spindrift frames are listed in category 5.

More info.

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