Full suspension travel, high front end, maximum clearance for bike park and downhill missions. Like its rival Merida eOne-Eighty 400 the Propain Ekano 2 AL also has the licence to shoot, officially from the manufacturer.
Another typical feature of the mail-order company from Lake Constance is that you can choose the bike's equipment relatively freely in the configurator. And: everything you need is included for just over 5000 euros. This is by no means a matter of course for modern e-bikes.
Propain Ekano 2 AL: The facts
- Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 600 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Spring travel: 180/170 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 5294 Euro
- Weight: 24.8 kg (test bike in size M, BIKE measurement)
- Max. system weight: 130 kg
- Guarantee: 3 years
Shimano motor with small battery
The e-drive, especially the small battery, is the weakest point of the Propain Ekano 2. The bike comes with the Shimano EP801, which is now a few years old. The slightly weaker and heavier EP6 can also be selected in the configurator. The bike then costs 300 euros less and weighs 300 grams more. We think: The EP801 is absolutely worth the extra cost. The low weight is still great, but the Shimano motor rattles out of the gearbox on some downhill sections and is not quite as confident as the new Bosch in uphill challenges. However, the latest software helps. Be sure to install it!
Even when you pedal a little, the Shimano pushes hard. The problem is that the motor drains the small and short-range battery relatively quickly. In our standardised range tests, the Propain only managed just under 1300 metres in altitude. Of course, short tours are no problem, but if you want to ride longer, you have to consciously conserve energy. Removing the battery is a bit tricky. In some cases, Propain also struggled with poor contact between the battery and motor and the bikes could no longer be switched on. Fortunately, our test bike was not affected by this.
Simple but functional: the features of the Ekano AL
At Propain, you can customise the equipment extensively using a configurator. Our test bike rolled with functional Rockshox parts and the new mechanical transmission to the editorial team. More glamour is of course possible, but in terms of functionality, nothing bothered us here, even in demanding trail use. The price is fair.
- Fork / damper: Rockshox Zeb R / Superdeluxe Select R Coil
- Circuit: Sram Eagle 70 Transmission
- Brakes: Sram DB8, 220/200 mm
- Impellers: Newmen Perf. 30 Base
- Tyres: Continental Kryptotal Front / Rear, Downhill Supersoft/Soft
- Special features: Equipment customisable via configurator
Pro-10 rear triangle and geometry
For the new edition, Propain has also given the Ekano the sophisticated Pro-10 rear suspension system with VPP and vertical shock. Previously, this kinematics was reserved for analogue Propain bikes. The disadvantage of the design is that the standover height and seat tube of the bike are rather large and long due to the motor and upright shock. The reach is quite short, the angles are modern. Propain does not rely on explicitly short chainstays.
Practical test: How the Propain Ekano 2 AL rides
If the frame fits (long seat tube!), you sit comfortably integrated on the Ekano. A steep seat angle puts the rider far forward and favours control on steep climbs. With the high front, the riding position is still comfortable and doesn't feel too cramped. This means that the Ekano can also be used for challenging climbs. Side tip: Pay attention to the motor software. The latest update via the E-Tube app brings clear improvements for uphill fans and was not yet installed on our test bike ex works.
Preference for the rough
However, rough downhill trails are the Ekano's favourite territory. This is where the elaborate rear suspension can show what it's made of. The rear needs little sag and a high spring rate, but then irons out even rough bumps impressively. The rider stands securely behind the high front end. Thanks to the short frame and medium-length chainstays, the bike is very easy to control and easy to pull into the air on jumps. That's how a freerider should ride!
The super grippy Conti tyres and the comfort-oriented ZEB fork fit well into the concept. However, park fans might miss a little back pressure in the rear end on hard berms. The Propain rear end is more of a hoover than a sports gun. And while we're on the subject of criticism: The range of the Ekano is below average in our standard test. Propain has also been struggling with contact problems between the motor and battery recently, but this bike was spared.
The rest: The six-pack cockpit and Sram's new mechanical transmission are well chosen. The lightweight wheels provide direct handling on flat trails. Only if you want to pull the bike onto the rear wheel do you have to use the Ekano. Despite the Shimano motor, our test bike remained remarkably quiet on the descents. The usual clattering from the gearbox was not audible.
BIKE review of the Propain Ekano 2 AL
Strengths
- High driving safety
- Suspension that absorbs shocks
- Balanced handling
Weaknesses
- Low range
- Rear could do with a little more support
The BIKE conclusion
The small points of criticism can hardly spoil the overall picture. The Propain Ekano 2 is a really good downhill bike with absolute feel-good handling. An unreserved recommendation for adrenaline fans! - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE Magazine
Adrian Kaether
Editor
