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Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate Trail on testRace bike with the best equipment

Jan Timmermann

 · 10.02.2025

The Propain Sresh with Rockshox Ultimate suspension and carbon frame looks delicious. In our test, we found out how good it really tastes for all-mountain bikers.
Photo: Max Fuchs
The Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate Trail is the only bike in our all-mountain test group with a Shimano motor. Can the stylish Sresh with its high-end equipment hold its own against the strong competition? See for yourself in the test video of the Propain e-bike.
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On paper, the Propain Sresh is a hot contender in the race for the title of best E-All-Mountain up to € 10,000. Less extreme than its E-freeride brother Ekano and available at a low entry-level price of € 5999 thanks to the direct-to-consumer concept, the Sresh has many fans. The bike with the stylish carbon frame has just earned praise in our bestseller test. Now the top model, trimmed for lightness, has to prove itself in its peer group. Packed with parts from the top shelf of Sram and Rockshox, the only bike in the comparison test from a direct mail order box is not stingy with its charms. Thanks to the flip-chip adjustment, a smaller rear wheel is also possible. The only test bike with a Shimano motor conceals its Darfon battery under a carbon cover. Contact problems left the Sresh without juice in the car park. Hopefully not a bad omen?

The Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate with 160 millimetres of travel equips the Propain Sresh for tough downhills without weighing too much.Photo: Max FuchsThe Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate with 160 millimetres of travel equips the Propain Sresh for tough downhills without weighing too much.

Video of the Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate Trail test

In our big test of eight high-end e-bikes, we spared no effort and captured our test impressions of the Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate Trail in a video. You can find the video directly here or on the BIKE YouTube channel.

While many manufacturers rely on the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor, Propain uses a Shimano EP801 in the Sresh.Photo: Max FuchsWhile many manufacturers rely on the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor, Propain uses a Shimano EP801 in the Sresh.

Details about the Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate Trail

  • Application: All Mountain
  • Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
  • Wheel size: 29"
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Weight: 22.5 kg (BIKE measured value without pedals)
  • Maximum system weight: 130 kg
  • Price: 9154 Euro
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Special features: Flipchip, tool mount, online configurator

>> More information about the Propain Sresh platform can be found here.

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Don't throw it away! The Darfon battery in the down tube of the Propain Sresh caused us temporary problems on the test bike.Photo: Max FuchsDon't throw it away! The Darfon battery in the down tube of the Propain Sresh caused us temporary problems on the test bike.Propain relies on the proven and much-praised Pro10 rear triangle on the Sresh.Photo: Max FuchsPropain relies on the proven and much-praised Pro10 rear triangle on the Sresh.
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Equipment of the Propain e-bike

  • Motor: Shimano EP801 Max
  • Battery: Darfon 626 Wh, removable
  • Fork: Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate
  • Damper: Rockshox Vivid Ultimate
  • Gear system: Sram X0 Eagle Transmission
  • Brakes: Sram Code RSC / 220/200 mm
  • Wheels: Newmen Beskar 30
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary / Big Betty SuperTrail Soft, 29 x 2.40
  • Seatpost / Stroke: Rockshox Reverb AXS / 150 mm

>> We have compiled all laboratory and practical data on the Shimano EP801 motor here.

The Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate features only the finest parts. The gears are changed by a Sram X0 Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain.Photo: Max FuchsThe Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate features only the finest parts. The gears are changed by a Sram X0 Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain.The front of the Propain e-bike tends to be high. With form-fitting spacers, the integration is visually clean.Photo: Max FuchsThe front of the Propain e-bike tends to be high. With form-fitting spacers, the integration is visually clean.

The Propain Sresh in a practical test

The fact that Propain has its roots in the downhill and freeride sector can also be seen in the Sresh's DNA. The Pro10 rear suspension exhibits extremely defined behaviour, catches the bike in a controlled manner at all times and provides a good level of feedback from the ground. The comfort is lower than that of Simplon, for example or gas gasNevertheless, the Propain is far from insensitive.

Thanks to its defined chassis, the Propain Sresh can be manoeuvred precisely through the terrain.Photo: Max FuchsThanks to its defined chassis, the Propain Sresh can be manoeuvred precisely through the terrain.Despite the fat Rockshox Vivid shock, the rear end of the Propain Sresh isn't ultimately sensitive. With a coil shock, we liked the rear end even better in other tests.Photo: Max FuchsDespite the fat Rockshox Vivid shock, the rear end of the Propain Sresh isn't ultimately sensitive. With a coil shock, we liked the rear end even better in other tests.

The Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate Trail is stable in the stroke of the high-quality suspension elements and doesn't hold back its sporty character. It can be actively pushed off on crests and is a damn fast descender in the right hands. Fittingly, the handling is wonderfully uncomplicated, striking a successful compromise between smoothness and manoeuvrability.

Tubeless wheels from Newmen keep the weight of the Propain Sresh low and contribute to its handling.Photo: Max FuchsTubeless wheels from Newmen keep the weight of the Propain Sresh low and contribute to its handling.On the Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate, the high and low-speed compression damping can be adjusted separately.Photo: Max FuchsOn the Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate, the high and low-speed compression damping can be adjusted separately.

Enduro spec, the Propain Sresh has the potency for really tough terrain. Only bikes with shorter chainstays are noticeably more nimble and playful. On very steep terrain, we also wished for more Vario travel. Thanks to the online configurator, this can be adjusted stress-free before purchase. It's a shame that the Shimano motor rattles, because otherwise the background noise is pleasantly quiet.

The Sram Code Ultimate brakes may not meet the new Stealth standard, but they offer enormous braking power.Photo: Max FuchsThe Sram Code Ultimate brakes may not meet the new Stealth standard, but they offer enormous braking power.At the front, a brake disc with a gigantic 220 millimetre diameter on the Propain Sresh prevents heat problems even on long descents.Photo: Max FuchsAt the front, a brake disc with a gigantic 220 millimetre diameter on the Propain Sresh prevents heat problems even on long descents.

The Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate Trail on the uphill

Bikers sit on the Sresh in a compact but not uncomfortable position. Overall, the riding position is pleasantly modern. On very steep ramps, the high front end sometimes comes into its own. However, the steep seat angle allows you to actively counteract this.

The mini display from Shimano does not offer infotainment, but the most important key figures at a glance.Photo: Max FuchsThe mini display from Shimano does not offer infotainment, but the most important key figures at a glance.With a moderate reach and steep seat angle, the riding position on the Propain Sresh is compact.Photo: BIKE-MagazinWith a moderate reach and steep seat angle, the riding position on the Propain Sresh is compact.Everything under control thanks to the wired motor remote from Shimano and wireless controller from Sram. Despite the many clamps, we had no space problems to complain about.Photo: Max FuchsEverything under control thanks to the wired motor remote from Shimano and wireless controller from Sram. Despite the many clamps, we had no space problems to complain about.

The Shimano motor in the Propain e-bike pushes hard at the start, howls louder than the Bosch antagonist and then has less power at the top. When things get very steep, the rider has to work a little harder. The high level of support in the suspension also helps here. Instead of just smoothing out the uphill trail, the rear end has a pronounced high lift.

>> Are Shimano and Bosch getting competition from Germany? We have extensively tested the new ZF CentriX.

Propain customers should be able to enjoy their Sresh for a long time thanks to the elaborately sealed rear suspension bearings.Photo: Max FuchsPropain customers should be able to enjoy their Sresh for a long time thanks to the elaborately sealed rear suspension bearings.The electronic Rockshox Reverb AXS does a great job functionally. On steep terrain, however, we would have liked more travel than the 150 millimetres.Photo: Max FuchsThe electronic Rockshox Reverb AXS does a great job functionally. On steep terrain, however, we would have liked more travel than the 150 millimetres.

he Propain's traction drops slightly compared to its strong competitors, but remains at a good level. Due to the high bottom bracket, the bike can feel wobbly in slow riding situations. On the other hand, there is plenty of ground clearance. All testers found the slippery saddle annoying.

Thanks to the wireless gearstick and cable routing underneath the stem in the frame, the look of the Propain Sresh is strikingly clean for an e-bike.Photo: Max FuchsThanks to the wireless gearstick and cable routing underneath the stem in the frame, the look of the Propain Sresh is strikingly clean for an e-bike.The chainstay protector is effective against the rattling of the motor, but unfortunately it doesn't help.Photo: Max FuchsThe chainstay protector is effective against the rattling of the motor, but unfortunately it doesn't help.Strengths and weaknesses of the Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate Trail.Photo: BIKE-MagazinStrengths and weaknesses of the Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate Trail.

The BIKE spider diagram shows the strengths and weaknesses of the Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate Trail in the E-All-Mountain category. Uphill, playfulness and downhill refer to the riding behaviour. The greater the range, the better the suitability. Equipment: is made up of various points such as quality/workmanship, usability, bottle cage volume, saddle retractability. Range: measured in a standardised field test.

The carbon battery cover looks high-quality, but can only be opened with a tool. Others solve this better.Photo: Max FuchsThe carbon battery cover looks high-quality, but can only be opened with a tool. Others solve this better.Reach height of the Propain Sresh, determined during test rides on asphalt with a gradient of 12.2 per cent. Highest support level, 150 watts of rider power, rider weight 90 kg. Grey arrow indicates additional metres in altitude in emergency mode.Photo: BIKE-MagazinReach height of the Propain Sresh, determined during test rides on asphalt with a gradient of 12.2 per cent. Highest support level, 150 watts of rider power, rider weight 90 kg. Grey arrow indicates additional metres in altitude in emergency mode.Unfortunately, installing and removing the Darfon battery on the Propain Sresh is a bit tricky in practice, which costs points.Photo: Max FuchsUnfortunately, installing and removing the Darfon battery on the Propain Sresh is a bit tricky in practice, which costs points.

Data from the BIKE test lab

  • Total weight: 22.53 kg without pedals
  • Battery weight: 3603 g (incl. cover)
  • Weight of wheels: 5244 g (per set with tyres, cassette, brake discs)

>> Would you prefer an all-mountain without a motor? Here we have tested the Propain Hugene.

The Propain Fully can be converted from a 29-inch to a 27.5-inch rear wheel using a flip chip. This can also be ordered ex works in the configurator.Photo: Max FuchsThe Propain Fully can be converted from a 29-inch to a 27.5-inch rear wheel using a flip chip. This can also be ordered ex works in the configurator.BIKE measurement of the geometry of the Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate Trail in frame size L.Photo: BIKE-MagazinBIKE measurement of the geometry of the Propain Sresh CF 29 Ultimate Trail in frame size L.The Schwalbe tyres on our test bike do not have the new radial carcass construction. Radial tyres offer a little more grip and stability.Photo: Max FuchsThe Schwalbe tyres on our test bike do not have the new radial carcass construction. Radial tyres offer a little more grip and stability.In the BIKE assessment of service friendliness, the Pivot Shuttle lands in the upper midfield.Photo: BIKE-MagazinIn the BIKE assessment of service friendliness, the Pivot Shuttle lands in the upper midfield.A chain guide keeps the drivetrain of the Propain e-bike in line.Photo: Max FuchsA chain guide keeps the drivetrain of the Propain e-bike in line.

Conclusion from BIKE editor Florentin Vesenbeckh

The Propain Sresh is a safe bet. If you are looking for a powerful downhill bike with a Shimano motor, you should definitely click through the online configurator. The Sresh plays in the top league on tough downhills. Racers in particular will like the defined suspension. It lacks a little comfort for easy riding. The bike is not a mountain goat. Valuable points are lost in terms of range. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, BIKE editor

Pro

  • Sporty chassis control
  • Balanced driving position
  • Online configurator

Contra

  • Motor power and noise
  • Neither comfort nor range miracle

BIKE grade: 2.2*

  • Driving behaviour: 2.0
  • Engine: 2.0
  • Laboratory: 2.8
  • Equipment: 2.7

*The BIKE grade is made up of practical impressions from test riders and laboratory measurements. The grade is independent of price. Grading range: 0.5-5.5, analogue to the school grading system.

Florentin Vesenbeckh, BIKE editorPhoto: Georg GrieshaberFlorentin Vesenbeckh, BIKE editor

Jan Timmermann

Jan Timmermann is a true mountain biker. His interests cover almost everything from marathon to trail bikes and from street to gravel. True to the motto "life is too short for boring bikes", the technical editor's heart lies above all in bikes with charisma. Jan also runs the fitness centre for our cycling brands.

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