Propain Ekano 2 AL on test: E-freerider from Propain for all downhill conditions

The German distributor Propain is known from freeride videos or the Downhill World Cup. The young brand's focus is clearly on gravity. And the latest e-bike from Lake Constance fits perfectly into this image. The new Propain Ekano AL offers 170 mm travel at the rear and 180 mm at the front (as on our test bike) or even 190 millimetres on request. In terms of wheel size, Propain has opted for a mix of 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels.

>>Propain Ekano 2 or Canyon Torque:On? In the e-freerider duel, the two mail-order companies engage in the ultimate battle<<

For maximum trail strength, Propain deliberately doesn't go "all in" when it comes to range poker. The comparatively small 626 Wh battery is designed to save weight and give the Ekano balanced handling. On the motor side, the brand remains true to Shimano. The drive is called EP801. However, the Ekano is also available in a second version. The Ekano 2 CF has a carbon chassis and is equipped with Sram's new Eagle PowertrainBrose power and automatic transmission. However, this model is more expensive. The aluminium Ekano, which is the subject of this test, is available in the online configurator from 5000 euros.

The facts about the Propain Ekano 2 AL

• Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 625 Wh (3.5 kg, removable)
• Frame material: Aluminium
• Suspension travel: 180/170 mm (optionally available with 190 mm suspension fork)
• Wheel size: Mullet (29" front / 27.5" rear)
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 8109 Euro
• Weight: 24.5 kg (test bike in size L, without pedals, EMTB measurement)

Premiere: Pro10 rear suspension

The design highlight of the new Ekano 2 Al is the rear suspension kinematics with virtual pivot point. The Pro10 system is the trademark of the Propain fleet. However, the developers of the original Ekano were not yet able to transfer this linkage to the e-bike for space reasons. The motor and battery limit the installation space, which is why the suspension logic of the non-motorised Propain bikes has not yet been seen on the E-MTB.

Thanks to the space-saving trunnion mount shock, the feat has now been achieved. Propain promises a lower centre of gravity and better suspension performance thanks to its kinematics with the shock positioned low in the frame. In the Ekano, the suspension characteristics have been adapted to e-bike requirements. The rear should harmonise with both air and steel spring dampers. Both variants can therefore be found in the model range and in the online configurator.

The e-bike drive

The original Ekano was powered by the Shimano E8000. And the new aluminium Ekano also relies on power from Japan. However, in the latest EP801 version. Even if nothing has changed on the outside compared to the EP8, the engine has become somewhat more powerful, as our detailed test shows. The display and remote are from the new 600 series from Shimano. Optionally, the display can also be omitted completely with this combination. In this case, the LEDs on the pusher indicate the selected rpm level and, rudimentarily, the battery status.

The power is supplied by a battery from Darfon. At 625 Wh, the capacity has increased slightly compared to its predecessor with 500 Wh. However, this does not make the bike a range monster by any means. Top: The battery can be removed quickly and without tools. This makes full days in the bike or trail park possible, as a second battery can be inserted in the car park in no time at all. And with 1250 watt hours, there are plenty of trail laps possible.

The geometry of the Propain Ekano 2 AL

Wild? Yes. Extreme? No. The new aluminium chassis of the Ekano explicitly dispenses with absurd dimensions. The wheelbase of 1275 mm in size L is long, but by no means extreme for a designated downhill machine. The same applies to the bike's reach and steering angle. The high stack and steep seat angle are striking. This combination gives the bike a particularly compact, comfortable riding position. The moderate chainstays of 445 mm are also based on a balanced mix of riding stability and manoeuvrability.

Because that was the main goal of the developers: the Ekano AL is not supposed to be a long-distance lorry that stubbornly collects best times on downhill tracks. Instead, it should be easy to handle and fun to ride on trails of all kinds. At 445 mm in size L, the seat tube is rather long by modern standards. If you favour a long reach and therefore prefer a larger size, you might have problems with too little legroom.

By the way: The visually very similar Ekano CF is designed with slightly longer chainstays for more riding stability and straight-line stability. The slightly racier bike is therefore the CF, while the AL is clearly designed as a freerider.

EMTB measurements for the Ekano AL at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 445 mm
• Wheelbase: 1275 mm
• Reach: 464 mm
• Stack: 660 mm
• Steering angle: 63.5 degrees
• Seat angle: 77.2 degrees
• Chainstay length: 447 mm

The features of the Propain Ekano 2 AL

Propain has an ace up its sleeve in this respect. Because the equipment can be customised in many details according to personal preferences in the online configurator. Maxxis or Schwalbe, Rockshox or Fox? It's all up to you! Our test bike is based on the pre-configured "Shred²" model and leaves nothing to be desired in terms of functionality. On board is a comprehensive Sram package: Rockshox suspension with ZEB Ultimate fork and Vivid Select shock, Code RSC brakes with thick discs and a GX AXS Transmission wireless gearstick. The Reverb AXS seatpost can also be operated wirelessly. In addition, there are lightweight yet robust Newmen aluminium wheels with solid and grippy Maxxis tyres.

• Suspension: Rockshox ZEB Ultimate / Vivid Air Select
• Brakes: Sram Code RSC, 220 / 200 mm
• Gear system: Sram GX Eagle Transmission, 12-speed
• Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip, 29 x 2.5'' / Minion DHR II DD, 27.5 x 2.4''
• Wheels: Newmen EG 30 Evolution
• Telescopic seatpost: Rockshox Reverb AXS, 170 mm

Practical test: How the Propain Ekano 2 AL rides

Downhill

Get on, open the brakes and step on the gas! The new Ekano AL gives the rider a good and safe feeling right from the start. Whether it's a rough rocky field, a steep step or a big jump: the new Propain is one of those bikes that makes you feel ready for almost any downhill challenge. Above all, the creamy suspension scores real points here. With its sensitive response behaviour, it generates plenty of traction.

And the combination of ZEB fork and Pro10 rear triangle also absorbs big impacts with ease at all times. But this requires the right setup. Propain recommends a rather firm shock setup with 26 to 27 per cent sag (over 300 PSI in the shock with a rider weight of just under 90 kilograms!) And we would emphasise this recommendation after our extensive test. The rear works very linearly and remains rather plush even with a firm setup. The suspension travel is readily released, making the bike feel like it has a lot of travel. With a classic 30 per cent sag, the rear end was too undefined for our taste.

The position on the bike inspires confidence: In true freeride style, you are deeply integrated behind the high front end, which gives you a lot of confidence, especially on steep terrain. The great thing about the Propain Ekano 2 AL: even when the trail glides along tamely, the hub monster doesn't feel bored. Playing with the terrain, pulling off small edges - the bike does all of this surprisingly smoothly for an E-MTB in this class. The freerider doesn't just score points when you're chasing seconds with a knife between your teeth. On the contrary: the Ekano rewards a playful, relaxed riding style. This also suits less experienced riders, who will find the Ekano a really good-natured and comfortable descender.

We were particularly surprised by the background noise on the trail. Shimano's EP8 and EP801 motors usually rattle noticeably downhill. Although a very slight clacking noise was also perceptible on the Ekano, we had to pay close attention to it to notice it. All in all, we were left with the impression of a really quiet descender, which is very rare among E-MTBs. A bike with an EP8 or EP801 has definitely never been this quiet in our test fleet. Unfortunately, we can't say for sure whether our test bike is a lucky isolated case or whether Propain was actually able to keep the Steps drive as quiet as possible.

Uphill

With its high front end and short chainstays, the Ekano is not a proven climbing specialist. On really steep ramps, you can lose pressure on the front. However, thanks to the central riding position, these situations can usually be handled well with an active riding style. The good control and high-traction rear end stand out positively on difficult climbs. On rocky and rooty sections, however, there is an increased risk of the cranks touching down as the bottom bracket sits very low.

On tour

Of course, the new Ekano is not a born touring bike. But on long rides, the bike shines with its super comfortable suspension. The compact riding position is also fundamentally comfortable. On flat terrain, however, there is a lot of pressure on the wrists - the bike definitely feels more comfortable on constant ups and downs. The range of the 626 battery is not exactly generous compared to the rest of the market. However, the battery can be changed very quickly and easily. This is ideal for a two-battery strategy, for example with a spare battery waiting in the bike park car park. At 3.5 kilos, the compact battery also fits in your rucksack.

Conclusion: How the Propain Ekano 2 AL fared in the test

The term freeride seems to have been made for the Ekano 2 AL. No matter which downhill hurdle you face: The aluminium bike gives the rider plenty of security and confidence. Riding fun comes before pure speed. Propain has created a real party boat with an integrated shuttle - you can (or must) overlook the rather small battery! - Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB Magazine

Pro

• Extremely forgiving chassis
• Feel-good geometry, super handling
• Great mix of smooth running and agility
• Remarkably quiet for a bike with a Shimano motor
• Battery can be removed quickly and easily
• Customisable equipment

Contra

• Small battery, moderate range
• No lightweight
• Rather long seat tube restricts size choice for short-legged riders

>>Propain Ekano 2 or Canyon Torque:On? In the e-freerider duel, the two mail-order companies engage in the ultimate battle<<