Propain Sresh CF: Light and strong? Propain launches new trail e-bike

Pretty much every manufacturer is currently coming up with a new light e-MTB. Now Propain is also launching a new E-project, the third within six months. But: It's not a light bike! Instead, the mail-order company from Lake Constance is staying true to its line: the new Sresh CF also relies on a rather small, but quickly removable battery and a motor with full power. The result is a powerful yet lightweight e-MTB that focusses on performance on the trail.

With the Ekano and the Ekano CF Propain recently launched two long-travel downhill bikes with E-support. To differentiate itself, the new Sresh CF comes with slightly less travel. 160 millimetres at the front are intended to smooth out bumps, while the rear has 150 millimetres, so you can't call it short travel here either. Propain sees the range of use somewhere between home trails, trail parks and long days in the saddle. The Propain Sresh CF can be configured in different ways: The online configurator ranges from a rather light build with Rockshox Lyrik to a potent setup with a 38 mm fork and coil shock. In other words: In global terms, the Sresh CF also plays more on the trail and downhill-orientated side of E-MTBs.

>> Also full power but even lighter: Cannondale's Moterra SL also comes with Shimano EP8 and 600 watt hours, but should weigh less than 20 kilos with a fixed battery.

The facts about the Propain Sresh CF

• Motor: Shimano EP801
• Battery: Darfon 626 Wh, quickly removable
• Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
• Wheel size: Choice of 29 inch or mullet
• Pro10 rear triangle
• Full carbon frame
• Equipment customisable in the configurator
• From 5999 Euro
• Weight: Under 21 kilos possible according to the manufacturer
• Bike park approval, ASTM category 5

At the new Ekano 2 AL the design celebrated its premiere on e-bikes: the Pro10 rear triangle! The trademark is of course also used on the new Propain Sresh CF. The manufacturer promises a lower centre of gravity and better suspension performance thanks to its special design with a virtual pivot point. A fixed rear frame triangle is connected to the shock and main frame via two separate levers. The kinematics have been further refined for the e-bike - and should harmonise with both air and steel spring shocks. Both variants can also be found in the Sresh CF model range and online configurator.

How much does the Propain Sresh CF weigh?

Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to inspect the new Propain Sresh CF live - or even hang it on a scale. And Propain has also not yet provided exact weights for the individual equipment variants. But according to the Allgäu-based company, the bike should easily come in under 21 kilos in a weight-optimised configuration. With Fox 36, Float X shock, Magura MT7, OneUp handlebar and dropper post, Maxxis Dissector Exo+ on Newmen Advanced SLA wheels and Sram XX Transmission, the bike should weigh 20.8 kilos in size M and with MX wheels. That would be a very good figure and would make the bike one of the lightest full-power eMTBs with a removable battery. And that with full trail capability, because theoretically, even more could be achieved with even lighter equipment. However, if you turn the dial to downhill in the configurator (Fox 38, coil shock, fat tyres), this weight is clearly out of reach.

Shimano EP801 and small battery, quickly removable

Like the Ekano, the Sresh CF relies on Shimano motors. The EP801 offers an outstanding power-to-weight ratio. Thrifty riders can also configure the Sresh CF with a Shimano EP6. However, this cost-saving measure not only adds 300 grams to the weight, but also results in a noticeable 100 watts less peak power.

The energy is supplied by a 626 Wh battery. This is rather low compared to the market. However, Propain is deliberately not taking part in the range race. Instead, the battery is quite light and compact and can also be removed quickly and easily. A carbon cover is attached directly to the battery and removal is simple with an Allen key.

>> Click here for a detailed test of the Shimano EP801 motor

Propain Sresh CF: The geometry

The geometry of the Propain Sresh CF is modern, but not extreme. Depending on the size, the reach ranges from 430 to 505 millimetres. The moderate steering angle of 65 degrees should give the bike neutral and manoeuvrable handling. Not too short chainstays of 447 (Mullet) or 450 (29er) millimetres are typical for Propain. We are already familiar with the very steep seat angle from the two Ekano models, which places the rider far forward on the bike. This gives you a lot of control on steep and technical climbs. "It was important to us to develop a light and agile e-bike that is playful, poppy and precise," says Propain about the bike's design. The bike is available both as a 29er and with a small 27.5 cm rear wheel. This is made possible by a flip chip that can be used to customise the geometry.

Propain Sresh: Models and prices

As usual with Propain, you can choose the equipment yourself in the online configurator. It starts at 5999 euros. However, there are also four pre-built models to make the customer's decision easier. "The build kits are recommendations from us to our customers, because that's exactly how we would build our own bikes," says Propian. The bikes are available to order now and will be delivered from May. There is a choice of three frame colours, which can be seen in the pictures below.

The entry-level "Base" configuration costs € 5999 and comes with Rockshox suspension and an EP6 motor. The Sresh CF Ultimate Enduro is trimmed for downhill riding and equipped with Rockshox ZEB and Vivid shock. Price: 7529 euros. If you want it as light as possible, go for the Sresh CF Ultimate Trail with lighter suspension elements from Rockshox (Lyrik and Superdeluxe) for 9449 euros. For fans of Fox suspension (and wild descents), the Sresh CF Factory with a 38 mm Factory fork and Fox steel spring shock absorber is ideal. This costs 9789 euros.