Minimal-Assist: Update: The Propain Sresh SL now features Italo suspension and a fresh new colour scheme

​Propain Sresh SL: Less is more. For those who don’t know yet: the Propain Sresh SL is what’s known as a ‘minimal-assist’ bike or a ‘light e-MTB’. In other words: no high-torque motor, no range claims – instead, deliberately reduced, subtle assistance that gives the bike a real ‘organic’ feel. It’s essentially the answer to the rampant obsession with e-bike performance.

What's new?

In short: not much has changed; everything remains the same, except that a new colour and an additional chassis option are now available to choose from in the online configurator.

First things first: Firetruck Red is a thing of the past. New to the colour range is Jolly Aubergine – a blend of purple and burgundy. Propain is also expanding the configurator to include two new components from the Italian suspension specialist EXT.

EXT ERA V2.1 – The Fork

The ERA V2.1 is based on EXT’s tried-and-tested HS3 system and introduces a number of improvements. A new, lighter magnesium lower leg and revised DU bushings – borrowed directly from motorsport – noticeably reduce friction. What remains: the creak-free crown, strong mid-stroke support and the excellent stiffness for which the ERA has already become renowned. That’s the theory, at least. Available in the configurator for 685 euros – or at a special price of 550 euros as part of the Red Bull Cerro Abajo Stuttgart model.

EXT Storia V4 – The damper

The Storia V4 refines the features that already made its predecessor so impressive. New features include position-sensitive rebound control, frequency-dependent damping and a DLC-coated piston rod for greater durability and reduced friction. Added to this is a steel spring that is 30 per cent lighter whilst retaining full four-way adjustability. EXT itself calls it a “stronger but quieter package” – familiar in feel, noticeably better in practice. This shock is also available in the configurator for 765 euros – and likewise at the Cerro Abajo special price of 550 euros.

​Sresh SL – Key Facts:

• Category: Lightweight mid-power e-MTB – Trail and Enduro
• Frame: Blend Carbon (High Modulus)
• Motor: TQ-HPR60 (350 W / 60 Nm / 1.9 kg)
• Battery: 360 Wh / 580 Wh / +160 Wh range extender
• Weight: from 18.2 kg (size M, Mullet)
• Suspension travel: 160 mm at the front / 150 mm at the rear
• Wheel sizes: 29" / Mullet (Flip-Chip)
• Colours: Jolly Aubergine (matt), Moon Shine (gloss), Carbon Raw (gloss)
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Max. system weight: 130 kg
• ASTM category: 4

Editorial view:

I ride the Propain Sresh SL and I’m a huge fan – both of the bike category and of the Sresh SL itself. Propain’s online configurator offers plenty of options, making it a real bonus. But having so much choice also means having to make a lot of decisions. My advice: keep it light – that’s the only way to realise the full potential of this minimal-assist category. Check out my thoughts and my configuration in this Link.
I haven’t ridden the EXT suspension yet, so I can’t comment on it. My RockShox setup has proved its worth – even though the fork quickly developed play in the bushings. Fortunately, the warranty covered it.
BIKE tester Laurin Lehner