Propain Sresh SL on test: The jack of all trades among e-mountainbikes?

Propain builds its first light eMTB! Did the company from Lake Constance deliberately wait for the new version of the TQ motor? In any case, the Shresh SL fully utilises the strengths of the new HPR 60 and puts a very wide-ranging e-mountainbike on the virtual shop counter. Of course, the gravity-focussed brand is all about trails and descents. However, the newcomer is not purely an enduro or bike park projectile, but a broad-based all-rounder for trails of all kinds. We have already been able to scrutinise the Sresh SL in detail and test it off-road.

In the video: BIKE checks out the Propain Sresh SL

The key data of the stylish full carbon frame is also aimed at all-round strength: 160/150 mm suspension travel on the E-MTB is the golden mean for versatile trail to enduro use. When it comes to wheel size, there is a choice between 29 inch front and rear wheels or the Mullet mix with a small 27.5 rear wheel. The wheel size can not only be changed afterwards, but can also be freely selected ex works. Keyword: configurator. More on this later.

TQ HPR 60 - the golden mean?

Maximum quietness, maximum compactness: with these values, the Bavarian motor manufacturer TQ set a new benchmark in the light e-MTB sector a few years ago. With the new HPR 60, the second expansion stage of the whisper motor is in the starting blocks. The newcomer is more powerful and more stable, but has lost none of its weaknesses - a direct hit. All information and the detailed test of the TQ HPR 60 can be found HERE in our big article.

While the HPR 50 was at the minimalist end of the e-bike motor power scale, the new HPR 60 is noticeably more powerful. As a result, the drive has earned itself a place among the more powerful light motors such as the Bosch Performance SX and the Fazua Ride 60. This is also because the HPR 60 is able to maintain its full power over a longer period of time. The stability of its predecessor, the HPR 50, was still a clear weakness. However, the character of the 60 remains clearly in the light segment. You shouldn't expect the turbo boost of a classic electric motor.

Unique selling point? The modular battery concept

The flexible battery system is a special feature and an absolute rarity in the light segment. Bikers can quickly and easily switch between the 360 and 580 TQ battery and trim their bike for either weight or endurance. There are 800 grams between the two battery options, with both energy sources weighing in at 1940 and 2710 grams (including Propain mount). Small restriction: Only the small battery fits frame size S.

Our test bike weighed in at 19.1 or 19.9 kilos (depending on the battery) in frame size L with 29-inch wheels.

Propain has opted for downward battery removal from the closed down tube. The compact design of the TQ motor makes this construction quite simple. Compared to many other bikes that rely on this removal method, changing the battery is quick and easy. The battery cover is removed in seconds without tools and the battery is secured at the top end with a single screw in the down tube.

Ingeniously simple?

At the lower end, the battery is clamped in the frame by a plastic clip and held in position. This means: push the battery in, fix just one screw (may require a little practice to hit the thread right away) and you're done! All in all, changing the battery is really quick and easy.

However, this simple method also revealed disadvantages in our test. With the large 580 battery, there were some creaking noises. This is because the twisting of the frame caused the clamp on the battery to move slightly in the down tube, which caused noises. We didn't have this problem with the smaller and shorter battery. Logically, the longer battery is more susceptible to this, as it protrudes further into the down tube towards the motor, where the frame twists the most.

Propain is also aware that these problems exist on some pre-production bikes. The developers want to optimise the clamp until the series bikes are delivered. In addition, a special tape in the down tube should eliminate the noise. We will get to the bottom of the issue in an endurance test with a production bike and report back here.

To complete the battery options: If you want to increase the range, you can also pack the 160 range extender (1080 g incl. cable and attachment) from TQ into the bottle cage. For mini trips (or air travel!), the TQ system also works exclusively with the range extender.

The facts about the Propain Sresh SL

• Motor: TQ HPR 60
• Battery: Choice of 360 or 580 Wh
• optional: Range extender with 160 Wh
• Spring travel: 160/150 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch or Mullet
• Weight: 19.1 kg (test bike in size L with 360 Wh, 29 inch) / from 18.2 kg (manufacturer's specification)
• Permissible total weight: 120 kg
• Price: from 5994 euros, individually configurable equipment

Propain Sresh SL: Equipment & price - from 5994 euros

As usual with Propain, the Sresh SL can also be customised and adapted to personal preferences in the online configurator. The type of cable routing is also a matter of taste. The cables can be routed through the in-house Sixpack stem, the Acros headset cap or the classic way through the cable entries behind the head tube into the frame.

The price starts at 5994 euros, which is quite favourable compared to many other light e-MTBs. Especially as the slim TQ system from Bavaria is one of the more expensive E-drives. In addition to the new Shimano XT and XTR components including wireless Di2 shifting, the highlights of the equipment list include suspension from Öhlins. The Sresh SL is available to order now and will be delivered from mid-July.

A pity: the maximum system weight of 120 kilos is not exactly generous and the possible insertion depth for the telescopic support could also be greater.

Model overview: The build kits of the Propain Sresh SL

Sresh SL Base - 5994 Euro

• Suspension fork: RockShox Psylo Gold RC 160 mm
• Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select
• Motor: TQ-HPR60
• Battery: TQ 360 Wh
• Drivetrain: Sram Eagle 70 Transmission (1x12)
• Brakes: Sram DB8 200 mm / 200 mm
• Wheels: Newmen Performance 30
• Seatpost: OneUp V3
• Handlebars: Sixpack Millenium 805 30 mm Rise
• Grips: Sixpack S-Trix
• Stem: Sixpack Vertic 50 mm (Classic Internal Cable Routing)
• Saddle: Sixpack Kamikaze
• Tyres: Continental Kryptotal

Sresh SL Bomber - 6629 Euro

• Suspension fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z1 160 mm
• Damper: Marzocchi Bomber Air #
• Motor: TQ-HPR60
• Battery: TQ 360 Wh
• Drivetrain: Shimano XT (1x12)
• Brakes: Magura MT5 203 mm / 203 mm
• Wheels: Newmen Performance 30
• Seatpost: OneUp V3
• Handlebars: Sixpack Millenium 805 30 mm Rise
• Grips: Sixpack S-Trix
• Stem: Sixpack Millenium 45 mm (Classic Internal Cable Routing)
• Saddle: Sixpack Kamikaze
• Tyres: Schwalbe Albert Trail Radial

Sresh SL Swedish Gold - 7939 Euro

• Suspension fork: Öhlins RXF 38
• Shock absorber: Öhlins TTX 22 Coil
• Motor: TQ-HPR 60
• Battery: TQ 360 Wh
• Drivetrain: Sram Eagle 70 Transmission (1x12)
• Brakes: Sram Maven Silver 200 mm / 200 mm
• Wheels: DT Swiss EX1700
• Seatpost: OneUp V3
• Handlebars: Sixpack Millenium 805 30 mm Rise
• Grips: Ergon GDH Team
• Stem: Sixpack Millenium 45 mm (Classic Internal Cable Routing)
• Saddle: Ergon SM Enduro Comp Men
• Tyres: Continental Kryptotal

Sresh SL Ultimate - 8239 Euro

• Suspension fork: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 160 mm
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate
• Motor: TQ-HPR60
• Battery: TQ 360 Wh
• Drivetrain: Sram GX Eagle Transmission (1x12)
• Brakes: Sram Maven Silver 200 mm / 200 mm
• Wheels: Newmen Beskar 30
• Seatpost: RockShox Reverb AXS
• Handlebars: Sixpack Millenium 805 30 mm Rise
• Grips: Ergon GDH Team
• Stem: Sixpack Millenium 45 mm (Classic Internal Cable Routing)
• Saddle: Ergon SM Enduro Comp Men
• Tyres: Continental Kryptotal

Sresh SL Factory - 10,499 euros

• Suspension fork: Fox 36 Factory Grip X2 160 mm
• Shock: Fox Float X 2-pos.
• Motor: TQ-HPR60
• Battery: TQ 360 Wh
• Drivetrain: Shimano XTR DI2 (1x12)
• Brakes: Shimano XTR 203 mm /203 mm
• Wheels: DT Swiss EXC1200
• Seatpost: Fox Transfer Factory Kashima
• Handlebar: OneUp Carbon Handlebar 35mm Rise
• Grips: Ergon GDH Team
• Stem: Sixpack Millenium 50 (Sixpack Integrated Cable Routing)
• Saddle: Ergon SM Enduro Comp Men
• Tyres: Continental Kryptotal

Propain Sresh SL: The geometry

The new Sresh SL comes in four sizes from S to XL. Propain combines a moderate head angle of 64.5 degrees with rather long 453 mm chainstays. At 480 mm in size L, the reach is modern but not extreme. Due to the very steep seat tube angle, which hardly flattens out even when the dropper post is extended, the riding position is compact. Despite the flip-chip, the geometry in the 29er set-up differs slightly from the Geo with mullet wheels. With a small wheel at the rear, the angles are almost half a degree slacker and the chainstays are slightly shorter - which should further increase the playfulness.

The Sresh SL in the test

For our first test, we had a Sresh SL in a 29er set-up at our disposal and were able to test the bike on a variety of trails. Sit up and feel good - the Sresh SL has absolutely internalised this phrase! The seat angle is steep and positions the rider in the centre of the bike, even when the dropper post is extended. This makes the bike feel very compact at first. As the chainstays are also rather long, the bike mutates into a confident climber.

What's pleasant: despite its length, the bike never feels sluggish or sluggish. On the contrary: the character is extremely fun, balanced and the riding feel is close to that of a non-motorised bike. What is already true with the full 29er set-up is likely to be even better with a small rear wheel. Even with the large rear wheel, the bike is surprisingly fluffy on the rear. You wouldn't expect that with this chainstay length.

Too bad: Due to the Topic described above our test bike with the 580 battery was not always quiet. Unpleasant creaking noises crept in both on the climbs and during heavy compressions on the trail. With the smaller 360 battery, however, we found the bike to be very quiet. Both uphill and downhill.

Thanks to the high cockpit, the rider is nicely integrated into the bike. Thanks to the sensitive suspension, the rider feels really secure and remains in control even in tricky situations. Overall, the bike strikes an ingenious compromise between stability and agility for our taste. Even on flowing trails, it remains lively because the rear suspension provides good support and plenty of pop. The bike's range of use is therefore really wide. You don't need to be afraid of more demanding enduro trails and the riding fun remains high even on shallow trails. The bike is also happy to take on longer tours - although it shines more when it is challenged off-road.

The BIKE verdict on the Sresh SL

The Sresh SL is an absolutely successful light eMTB! The modular battery concept and the configurator make the bike incredibly versatile. These two features are only available on very few light eMTBs. With the TQ HPR 60, the Mini-Sresh has a really quiet, unobtrusive and yet not too weak motor at the start. Coupled with the absolutely balanced riding characteristics, the Sresh SL is extremely fun and well thought-out. From tours and trails to enduro missions, the bike can do it all. Whereby sporty off-road use definitely suits it even better than a leisurely forest road tour. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Editor BIKE Magazine