Best Direct-Sales Downhill Bikes Tested | Canyon vs YT vs Propain

We took three downhill bikes, all raced by factory teams, all using carbon frames, and all fitted with Fox Factory suspension, and put them through a week of torture in Morzine and Les Gets (as well as Dyfi Bike Park), to find out which is the best direct-sales DH bike.

Let's start with the multi-adjustable Canyon Sender. It can be configured in multiple variations, with the ability to fine-tune the reach to get the perfect fit and weight balance.

In contrast, the YT Tues nails its geometry colours to the wall, confident in its ability to perform on a wide range of tracks straight out of the box. Something proved last year when Oisin O'Callaghan won the World Cup in Snowshoe last year.

Finally we have the Propain Rage 3 CF, ridden by the likes of Phil Atwill and @remymetailler It has tons of travel, adjustable geometry, and a customisable spec.

But which one would we buy for the ultimate uplifting ride experience?

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[LaurentiusTriarius]

Wow that's finally a relevant test, same wheel size, same suspension, that's always how it should be when comparing frames...

[drewchang]

you guys give some of the most concise technical detailed done.

[Pienimusta]

There is that something special about DH bikes.
The F1 cars of MTB world.

[tristanmayor]

Not paid much attention to MBR recently, but came across this video and have since subscribed to the channel. Great review

[T-rick]

Having owned some DH bikes, watched dozens of reviews and followed world cup racing for years - this was such a great description of the bikes ride feel. Wow. Really enjoyed hearing that and being able to relate!

[portox]

Love that you went into detail like that, super nice!!

[Alexj]

Nice review! For us, not racers, I would love to see shootout with fun in mind park bikes like Canyon Torque, Commencal FRS, Norco Shore, Transition TR11 etc.

[FitRacing]

Very informative review, thanks for taking so much time to dissect the best set-ups and giving insight to help reduce the time for us.

[zrex]

Love the details you gave about every bike in particular. Love the review!

[lindsaymcpherson]

Wow, great review had my eye on a sender for a while,

[WorkLessRideMore]

I love my Tues. Mines a 27.5 running a coil. Set up single speed for bike parks. Bombproof. I rode a rented propaine at Rock Creek. I really liked it, but I let the shop hand me an already set up bike and just trusted it.

[kng]

Another great video! I really do appreciate how you don't just rattle off the specs from the website or the MFG's crib notes. Because of that, when I want a real review, I come to your videos first. PS, that YT looks so sexy!

[TheNationalTrails]

Would choose the Canyon for sure after seeing this. By that token though, glad to hear the YT had a legit "perfectly dialed" day. I've ridden a couple YTs and have been truly impressed.

[travistuerschmann]

So rad. The original owners of Kona bikes bought it back. Good job guys

[OmnieStar]

Finally someone doing a REAL review of a YT. I can't wait till I own a YT. Maybe not a downhill yet. but 100% I will someday buy a Capra! lol

[borrowedbikejoe]

I have that same exact Canyon. The bike is f*king beast. Like the guy said, it's a proper racing machine. It has tons of adjustability (you get 3 springs to fit your weight), it's very quiet and planted. This bike needs to be rode fast. The only thing i can remember that needs to be added to it it's a down tube protection.
If you are thinking to buy a DH bike, go for the Sender. You will be amazed how good it is.

[BMXaster]

Awesome video, just watched it again. Very competent people who also are somewhat decent riders and explained everything really well. Also finally a video about the frames without a ton of variables like so many reviewers do. Would it for you to keep this going with other DH brands as well! Would be an awesome video with the big brands as well and then compared to these CDS bikes, like Specialized, Santa, Scott and the Trek models!
Only the fact that it was a full 29er review instead of a mixed one was kinda disappointing, especially now that the YT is also available in MX. But your choice of going all 29er was definitely the better decision.
Thank you so much!

[vlbz]

Great review. Any chance for a bike shop brand DH review? Specialized, Santa Cruz and company?

Ps. Trail bike reviews might be more useful for more people, but these DH bike reviews (as the bikes) are so much more exciting.

[trailpimp]

Good review dudes. Downhill bikes are needed. I am a season pass holder at Northstar and do a lot of shuttle riding. I think the canyon is the obvious choice. If I did not have a freeride e bike I would be on the sender.

[mihaics]

Thanks, i will buy the Propain Rage 3 CF 🙂