Propain Sresh SL: The post is here! The endurance test bike from tester Laurin has arrived
Laurin Lehner
· 02.08.2025
I've just sent back my last long-term test bike - now I need a new one. The Propain Sresh SL in carbon with the new TQ motor could fit the bill. Ordering from the Allgäu-based mail order company can be easy - but it doesn't have to be.
There are pre-configured models of the new TQ HPR 60 motor, such as the Base (5994 euros), Bomber (6629 euros), Swedish Gold (7939 euros), Ultimate (8239 euros) and the top Factory model for 10,499 euros.
Attractive alternative: You can configure your bike yourself online and choose not only the decal colour, but also numerous components such as forks, shocks, tyres, brakes or variable seat post. A service that, as far as I know, is not available anywhere else with this level of choice.
The idea: Keep the price as low as possible - ideally under 7000 euros. Make compromises where they make sense, go for top components where it seems necessary. Check out my order process and my thoughts on it. Spoiler alert: I didn't manage to get it under 7000 euros - oh dear!
Why the Propain Sresh?
First things first: complaining is (not) allowed. As a BIKE tester, I have the privilege of being able to order long-term test bikes - and ride them free of charge for a year. Very cool, I know. Nevertheless, the choice can be agonising and I'm in my colleagues' ears: "Which bike should I get now?" After all, the bike has to suit me - and the choice is huge.
My last long-term test bike, the minimal-assist bike Specialised Levo SLseems hard to beat. My decision had already been made: I wanted the Commencal T.E.M.P.O trail bike with Bosch SX motor - I was familiar with the organic counterpart and I really liked it.
But does so little travel really make sense for my riding style? I started to have doubts - and then I stumbled across the new Propain Sresh SL. I thought: That could be a good fit. However, what gave me pause: the very long chainstays.
The new Sresh: All the facts in a quick check
- 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
Single test: Propain Sresh All 29 Custom
We have already been able to test a model in All-29 and with Rockshox suspension. Click here for the individual test by our colleague Florentin Vesenbeckh: >> Single test Propain Sresh SL
Propain Sresh SL: The geometry
The new Sresh SL is available in sizes S to XL. Propain combines a moderate head angle of 64.5 degrees with long 453 mm chainstays, the latter of which I take a critical view of. The reach is 480 mm in size L and looks modern, but not too extreme.
The very steep seat angle, which hardly decreases even at the highest post extension, results in a compact riding position. Despite the flip-chip, the geometry in the 29er set-up differs slightly from the version with mullet wheels. With a smaller rear wheel, the angles are almost half a degree slacker and the chainstays slightly shorter, which further encourages playfulness.
Using the online configurator to find my dream bike: this is how I made my decision
17 steps to your dream bike. Price: from 5499 euros. Here you can find the surcharge components.
Decision 1/17: Wheel size - All 29 or Mullet?
The price is the same. My choice: Mullet, because it's more manoeuvrable, lighter, more playful and the advantages of a 29-inch wheel at the rear make little sense to me.
Decision 2/17: Frame size
One of the hardest decisions when buying a bike: choosing the frame size. I've already ridden the top model in size L - and it felt really good.
The only question is: does size M suit my riding style and my height of 1.78 metres better?
Because a little smaller is usually more manageable, I opted for frame size M.
Propain recommends the following frame sizes: S - Small (158 - 172 cm); M - Medium (168 - 182 cm); L - Large (178 - 192 cm); XL - Extra Large (188 - 202 cm)
Update: After the first ride, the M frame (reach: 450 mm) feels a bit squat. At 1.78 metres tall, I'm usually somewhere between the frame sizes. I usually tend towards frame size M. Now I'm wondering whether L wouldn't have been better.
Decision 3/17: Frame colour & decal size
You can choose from: Carbon Raw gloss ; Moon Shine gloss ; Firetruck Red Matt. Only the black carbon look is too boring for me. I like the red colour, but it's very striking. Moon Shine gloss is basically white and that always works, white it is! I like the decal size to be discreet.
Decision 4/17: Decal kit & emblem
Here you can choose between several colours, I take discreet "White matt", the emblem on the steering ear in Oilslick.
Decision 5/17: Battery
The battery on the Sresh SL is removable. In addition to the range extender, the supplier offers different battery sizes - very practical. The standard 360 Wh battery is the cheapest option. For the range extender with 160 Wh, you have to invest a whole 600 euros more. For the large TQ battery with 580 Wh, on the other hand, it is only 400 euros. This combination is also available: large battery plus range extender for 998 euros extra.
The small battery seems to me to be the most consistent option for a minimal-assist bike - because of the lower weight. That's why I'm trying it out first.
Decision 6/17: Fork
All have 160 millimetres of travel. The Lyrik from Rockshox is the cheapest option (+0 euros). There is also a choice of: Marzocchi Bomber Z1 (+190 Euro), Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate Electric Red (+475 Euro), Rockshox ZEB Ultimate Electric Red (+475 Euro), Öhlins RXF 38 (+645 Euro), Fox 36 GripX2 Factory Kashima (+685 Euro).
I don't want to skimp here this time, we've just tested the new Fox Podium (which isn't available here) plus the ZEB and the Fox 38. The ZEB from Rockshox suited me very well with its sensitive response behaviour and can do everything at a high level.
So I choose the ZEB in the top Ultimate trim. And change my mind at the last minute. Because I want a rather potent All Mountain (Trailduro) and not a downhill baller Enduro. The Lyrik Ultimate fits the bill better and I save around 400 grams and 70 euros.
Decision 7/17: Damper
You can choose between air and steel spring shocks.
Rockshox Deluxe Select (+0 Euro) ; Marzocchi Bomber Air (+245 Euro) ; Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate (+300 Euro) ; Fox Float X Factory (+345 Euro) ; Rockshox Vivid Ultimate (+510 Euro) ; Öhlins TTX 22 Coil (+615 Euro) ; Fox DHX2 Coil Factory (+740 Euro). I'm tempted by a coil rear end, but I want to keep an eye on the weight. So it's the Rockshox Deluxe in the top Ultimate version.
Decision 8/17: Drive
The following groupsets are available: Sram Eagle 70 Transmission (+0 Euro) ; Shimano XT (+90 Euro) ; Sram Eagle GX Transmission (+475 Euro) ; Sram Eagle X0 Transmission (+850 Euro) ; Sram Eagle XX Transmission (+1295 Euro) ; Shimano XTR Di2 (+1395 Euro).
You have to save money somewhere. I opt for the cheapest option: the mechanically shifting Sram Eagle 70 Transmission.
Decision 9/17: Handlebars
Four options are possible here. The handlebars differ in terms of rise and material. I choose the cheapest aluminium version with a 20 mm rise. That fits.
Decision 10/17: Handles
Two options, the company's own grips or those from Ergon. I take the S-Trix at no extra charge.
Decision 11/17: Stem
Five options with different lengths. Up to 70 euros extra. I'm debating between 35 mm and 50 mm, but I've opted for frame size M, so I choose the 50 millimetre version at no extra charge.
Decision 12/17: Seatpost
Electric or with cable: there are four variable seatposts to choose from: OneUp Dropper V3 (+0 euros) ; Bikeyoke Revive 3.0 (+65 euros) ; Fox Transfer Kashima (+160 euros) ; Rockshox Reverb AXS (+360 euros). I've had good experiences with OneUp so far, so I opt for these with 180 mm travel.
Decision 13/17: Saddle
There are three saddles to choose from, two from Ergon and one for women. I opt for the Ergon for an extra 60 euros, which also allows me to choose the width of the seat hump.
Decision 14/17: Brakes
Here you can choose between a total of eight brakes. Not all of them were in stock in my configuration. Sram DB8 (+0 Euro) ; Formula Cura 4 (+50 Euro) ; Magura MT5 (+50 Euro) ; Sram Maven Silver (+240 Euro) ; Magura MT7 Performance (+260 Euro) ; Shimano XTR M9220 (+430 Euro) ; Trickstuff Diretissima (+890 Euro).
I was annoyed with the Sram Code on my last endurance test bike, even though it's not available here. I don't want to save money on the brakes. The Maven brakes from Sram are great, but the modulation isn't that great. I'm struggling with the decision: Magura or Sram Maven? I finally decide in favour of the latter.
Decision 15/17: Wheelset
I have a choice of four, two from Newman and two from DT Swiss. From zero euros extra to 1250 euros for the lightweight DT Swiss EXC 1200 (1714 grams, manufacturer's specification). I decide in favour of the Newman Beskar 30 Base/Light because they are relatively light (1750 grams, manufacturer's specification) and I hear they are also stable. Surcharge: 250 euros.
Decision 16/17: Tyres
Three options, no extra charge.
- Schwalbe Radial Magic Mary/Albert Gravity
- Schwalbe Radial Albert FR/RE Trail
- Continental Kryptotal FR/RE
My colleague Max Fuchs is enthusiastic about the Conti Kryptpotal FR/RE because they seem to provide good grip and still last a long time. I use them too.
Decision 17/17: Tubeless or inner tube
40 euros extra for milk. I choose a hose because I don't like re-pumping and the whole mess with milk if you do get a flat tyre.
Too bad: A weight is not specified after the component selection. The finished bike weighs 19.3 kilos without pedals.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
