The new 2025 Propain Hugene CF is designed to be playful and fun. To achieve this, it relies on slightly less suspension travel, a completely revised geometry, and practical new features. As usual, Propain’s website offers countless configuration options. But how did the Hugene perform in our first test?

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Propain Hugene CF 2025 | 140/130 mm (fr/re) | 29” | 15.3 kg in size L | € 6,519 | Manufacturer website

Less is more – that’s how Propain are marketing the new Hugene, which combines 140/130 mm of travel – the ideal configuration, for fast trail sessions. However,that’s a whole 10 mm less of travel at the rear compared to its predecessor, but depending on your choices in the configurator, it can be equipped with some seriously robust components. The goal is to set it apart from the rest of the line-up, with the reduced travel ensuring added flickability, more pedalling efficiency, and enhanced riding fun.

The new Propain Hugene is currently only available with a carbon frame, including a carbon linkage and 29” wheels. Its predecessor was introduced nearly five years ago, and a lot has been changed with the latest iteration. As a result, the new Hugene features several innovations we’ve already seen on other Propain models – but more on that later.

The 2025 Propain Hugene CF in Detail

You have to look closely to spot the changes in the silhouette of the new Propain Hugene CF. However, one detail stands out immediately: the new frame compartment in the downtube. We already saw this on the Propain Spindrift, which was introduced last year. The “Frame Pocket” can be opened with a cross-slider beneath the bottle cage. While the slider requires strong fingers to operate, it closes the lid securely. However, the system can be a bit fiddly with a bottle in the cage, as the sliding mechanism sits underneath it. The compartment comes standard with a pouch, allowing you to store essential items without them rattling inside the frame.

The compartment closes securely and offers space for all your trail essentials.

All cables are routed internally through the carbon frame, and Propain give you several options for cable routing in the cockpit area when ordering the new Hugene. You can choose a conventional cable routing with cable ports on the frame (like on our test bike), as well as two different headset cable routing systems, which offer a cleaner look but require more effort when servicing the bike. The classic cable ports also clamp the cables, while inside the frame they run through designated channels, effectively eliminating any annoying rattling noises.

The seat and chainstay protector has been updated too – a welcome improvement, since it had long been a point of criticism. Now, the chain is sufficiently damped, and there’s neither noise nor risk of the chain damaging the beautiful carbon frame – excellent! The downtube also features additional plastic protection to shield your frame from rocks and flying debris.

The generous seat and chainstay protection ensures a quiet ride on the trail.

The Spec of the new 2025 Propain Hugene CF

As usual, the 2025 Propain Hugene CF can be configured to your individual preferences using Propain’s in-house configurator and is conveniently delivered to your doorstep after assembly. You can choose from four pre-configured models and customise them further, or start with a completely individual setup. Options include various suspension systems, drivetrains, brakes, tires, dropper posts, and cockpits – and thanks to the wide range of components available, everyone should be able to find the right setup to suit their needs and budget. In addition to the frame colour, you can also personalise the decals, giving your bike a custom look. However, keep in mind that the stickers are carefully applied rather than protected by a clear coat – but this also makes them easier to remove if needed. ;)

We also took advantage of the countless configuration options and selected components for our test bike according to our needs. If you’re unsure about which components to choose but want a Hugene that can confidently shred trails, feel free to use our configuration as a reference.

Our Hugene CF comes equipped with FOX Factory suspension. The new FOX 36 fork features the latest GRIP X2 damper, which offers a wide range of adjustment options and also won our suspension comparison test last year. The fork is paired with a matching FOX Float X air shock, featuring an additional, easily accessible lockout lever. FOX also supply the 210 mm dropper post, which can be fully inserted into the frame.

Shifting is taken care of by a wireless SRAM X0 Transmission drivetrain. A handy bash guard can be mounted directly to the chainring to protect it from nasty impacts. SRAM Maven Silver brakes with 200 mm HS2 rotors front and rear do stopping duties. OneUp provide the 800 mm V2 carbon handlebars, which impressed us with its comfortable ergonomics and a pleasant level of compliance. The standard Ergon GDH Team grips also convinced us across the board.

On our test bike, the robust build is rounded off by a DT Swiss EX1700 aluminium wheelset, which we’ve had great experience with in the past. Mounted on it are Schwalbe Radial tires: a Magic Mary Gravity Pro with ADDIX SuperSoft rubber compound up front and an Albert Gravity Pro with the slightly harder ADDIX Soft compound at the rear. In total, our test bike tips the scales at 15.3 kg, which is on the heavy side for a trail bike. On the other hand, you have to consider that it’s specced uncompromisingly towards trail performance.

The Geometry of the new 2025 Propain Hugene CF

The Hugene CF is available in just four sizes, S to XL. Reach values range between 433 mm (size S) and 508 mm (size XL). While particularly short or tall riders might walk away empty-handed, most people should be able to find a suitable size. Additionally, the seat tubes are short across all sizes, and even very long dropper posts can be fully inserted into the frame starting from size S. This ensures plenty of freedom of movement on the trail.

However, the chainstay length is consistent across the board, and the new Hugene CF doesn’t allow you to adjust the bike’s geometry or kinematics. While many other manufacturers are currently focusing on maximum adjustability, Propain have confidently chosen not to include a flip chip on the new Hugene.

Helmet Urge Rascas | Goggle 100% S3 | Shirt Monserat Trail Jersey LJ5 | Pants Monserat Trailpants TP3 | Shoes FOX Union

The new 2025 Propain Hugene CF on the Trail

We’ve had the chance to test the new 2025 Propain Hugene CF over several weeks, riding it on our home trails, various tracks at the La Bresse bike park, and in alpine terrain around Flims. On the climbs, the Hugene CF feels compact and climbs well even without reaching the climb switch. The rear suspension remains active, effectively absorbing bumps and edges without compromising efficiency. The front end remains planted on the ground without needing extra pressure, allowing you to steer accurately even on steep climbs.

Once you point it downhill, the new 2025 Propain Hugene CF makes you feel at ease from the get go. Handling is intuitive, and the character playful – this is a bike that begs to launch off every kicker and carve through corners and berms with style. The agile nature not only provides great riding fun but also gives you the confidence to keep your fingers off the brakes and charge through flowy trails at speed. This is where the new Hugene really comes to life.

During our test, the FOX suspension performed at its best: firm yet sensitive to small impacts. Riders willing to put in a bit of physical effort and ride the Hugene actively will pick up plenty of speed through every roller and berm. The lively suspension also contributes to the bike’s character, making it easy to hop over roots, rocks, or other trail obstacles.

When the trail gets rougher – like the demanding enduro lines in Flims or La Bresse – the Hugene’s limited travel means it has to take a few hits. If you’re planning to push hard on such trails, you’ll reach the bike’s limits, and precise line choice becomes essential. Still, the Hugene CF impresses with great composure, and as long as you don’t overdo it, it’s a blast even on rough terrain.

Who should take a closer look at the new 2025 Propain Hugene CF?

The new 2025 Propain Hugene CF is perfect for anyone looking for a nimble trail bike with high fun potential that doesn’t shy away from rougher terrain. Playful riders who enjoy an active riding style will love the direct handling and poppy feel. It’s ideal for those who prefer flowy trails but want to be able to dip into rougher terrain now and then – provided they know its limitations.

Conclusions about the new 2025 Propain Hugene CF

While many manufacturers are focused on maximum adjustability and pushing their bikes’ capabilities beyond their travel category, Propain takes a different approach with the new Hugene CF. This lightweight trail bike primarily impresses with its playful character, which turns it into a fun machine on flowy trails. And if you opt for robust components in your individual setup, you don’t have to worry about rough sections either – as long as you keep the bike’s natural limits in mind.

For all further information, visit the Propain website.

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Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker