What has been your biggest product development?
Robert: “The biggest development by far has been the new Rage Carbon DH bike. The bike features several never before seen developments that make the Rage Carbon the new benchmark for downhill bikes. Beside all the engineering efforts the amount of input received from riders and our World Cup racing team was incomparable to any other project here at Propain.”
What was the brand working on 20 years ago?
Robert: “Simply nothing. We exist since 8 years and started with our Rage Downhill bike at that time. It was more a hobby than anything else. After 3 years in business we went into direct sales and launched Propain as you know it today.”
What is the direction of the company setting up for the next 20 years?
Robert: “I guess we stick to what we are good at. Highly customizable gravity focused mountain bikes for riders of all ages. Maybe they will pop out of a 3D printer in 20 years…who knows…”
What influence has Dirt had on your company?
Tobi: “Dirt had a great influence on Propain… especially when it comes to our Propain Dirt Zelvy World Cup Team. It was a huge step for us to join the world cup circus and we could not wish for a better partner than the Dirt Magazine and Ben Reid and his boyz.”
What has been the biggest lesson the company has learnt in the industry?
Robert: “Long chain stays make downhill bikes fast as f*#%$. Sometimes it’s good to swim against the stream. (No worries, we still offer the short version as well, but you have the option to try out something new)”
What do you dislike about working in the bike industry?
Tobi: “I love to work in the bike industry and its much harder work than what it looks like from the outside. But I don’t want to complain about that. The bad part is that I see all the latest swag coming out and I spend my money quicker than I earn it.”
Give us a story from your wildest moment in mountain biking?
Robert: “Maybe a near crash with a bear in Whistler. Doesn’t get much wilder than that…”
Your favourite or most memorable Dirt Cover?
Tobi: “Looking back through all the covers you realize how many times Peaty was on there and how long this guys was on top of the game. Just mind blowing…”
What would you like to see from Dirt over the next 20 years?
Florian: “Basically what you did before… add some beers and hot chicks and you are sorted for at least 20 years…”
What would be the first question you would ask Dirt?
Robert: “Where the fuck is our test bike we sent you? (Just kidding guys, we got it back yesterday…it’s all good)”
Press releases or journalism?
Robert: “Both,…but some more real good journalism wouldn’t hurt.”
Who have been your favourite riders of the past 20 years?
Robert: “Peaty for being wild but professional at the same time. For me he really embodies the spirit of mountain biking and seems to be a great lad.
And of course our man Phil Atwill…always excites me to see what he is able to do on a bike.”
