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New with Shimano EP8Propain Ekano

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 03.09.2020

New with Shimano EP8: Propain EkanoPhoto: Max Fuchs
New with Shimano EP8: Propain Ekano
After just one year, the Propain Ekano has received its first major update. New: the Shimano EP8 motor. The strong price-performance ratio and good handling remain the same.

Admittedly: The Ekano for the 2021 model year is not a revolutionary new development from direct-to-consumer Propain. Most of the variables remain the same Predecessor MY 2020 pass. But these are not bad innovations for the Ekano, as the aluminium bike has impressed us in previous tests. New, and definitely a step forward, is Shimano's new EP8 motor (You can find all the information about the new engine here!). The frame remains largely untouched. This also means that Propain continues to rely on the compact Shimano battery with 504 watt hours.

Propain Ekano Performance: Everything an E-Endurist needs is on board for 5644 euros!Photo: Max Fuchs Propain Ekano Performance: Everything an E-Endurist needs is on board for 5644 euros! New centrepiece: EP8 instead of E8000. The latest generation of Shimano drivetrain provides the thrust.Photo: Max Fuchs New centrepiece: EP8 instead of E8000. The latest generation of Shimano drivetrain provides the thrust. The 500 Shimano battery sits under a plastic cover in the down tube.Photo: Max Fuchs The 500 Shimano battery sits under a plastic cover in the down tube. The speed sensor is well protected and integrated into the dropout, the magnet on the brake disc.Photo: Max Fuchs The speed sensor is well protected and integrated into the dropout, the magnet on the brake disc. Clever: The on/off switch on the Shimano battery is activated via the rubber button in the down tube.Photo: Max Fuchs Clever: The on/off switch on the Shimano battery is activated via the rubber button in the down tube.

27.5", 29" or both? Ekano riders have the choice

A special feature of the Ekano is the variable choice of wheel sizes. The bike can be ordered in the online configurator with either 27.5 inch, 29 inch or the MX wheel mix. This is made possible by two flipchips that adjust the geometry accordingly. On the one hand, the chainstay length can be varied, while the other adjustment option on the shock mount influences the angle and bottom bracket height. However, one option has been dropped for the next model year. The Ekano will only be available in the Enduro version with 170/165 millimetres of travel. The smaller trail bike option with 150 millimetres is no longer available. A pity, because The 150 cc version impressed us in the test with its balanced and lively character. We are currently finding out how the massive 170 mm version performs. You'll find the detailed test in EMTB 5/2020!

The Propain Ekano, with its long suspension travel and massive spec, is not made for leisurely rolling along. When it comes to fast and furious descents, it feels right at home. You'll find a detailed test in EMTB 5/2020!Photo: Max Fuchs The Propain Ekano, with its long suspension travel and massive spec, is not made for leisurely rolling along. When it comes to fast and furious descents, it feels right at home. You'll find a detailed test in EMTB 5/2020!

The facts about the Propain Ekano 2021

  • Shimano EP8 motor
  • Shimano Intube battery with 504 watt hours
  • 170/165 mm suspension travel (variant with 150 mm not applicable)
  • available in 29 inch, 27.5 inch and with MX wheel mix
  • Equipment configurable online
  • from 4899 Euro
The chainstay length can be adjusted to a 29er or 27.5er rear wheel using the flip chip on the dropout.Photo: Max Fuchs The chainstay length can be adjusted to a 29er or 27.5er rear wheel using the flip chip on the dropout.
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The adjustment on the shock mount allows you to adjust the steering and seat angle as well as the bottom bracket height.Photo: Max Fuchs The adjustment on the shock mount allows you to adjust the steering and seat angle as well as the bottom bracket height.

Propain Ekano: The geometry

The geometry of the Ekano can be adapted to three different wheel dimensions using two flipchips. However, the geometry changes in detail. The biggest difference: with a 29er rear wheel, the chainstay length increases from 445 to 459 millimetres - this should be clearly noticeable on the trail. If you prefer playful handling, go for the small rear wheel and short chainstays. If you want maximum climbing ability and a smooth ride, there is no getting round the long chainstay setup.

The geometry of the Propain Ekano with 27.5 mm wheels.Photo: Propain The geometry of the Propain Ekano with 27.5 mm wheels. The geometry of the Propain Ekano with 29er wheels.Photo: Propain The geometry of the Propain Ekano with 29er wheels. The geometry of the Propain Ekano with MX wheel mix (29" front, 27.5" rear).Photo: Propain The geometry of the Propain Ekano with MX wheel mix (29" front, 27.5" rear).

Propain Ekano: Prices and features

As is familiar from Propain, every customer can customise the equipment in the online configurator. The three basic configurations Start (from 4899 euros), Performance (from 5644 euros) and Highend (from 8134 euros) serve as the basis. In line with the downhill-orientated design, Propain only uses forks with 38 mm stanchions on the Ekano. The brakes and tyres are also all from the robust range.

Schwalbe's Eddy Current shows where the Ekano is heading: extreme terrain. The massive tyres offer plenty of grip and puncture protection, but are also very heavy.Photo: Max Fuchs Schwalbe's Eddy Current shows where the Ekano is heading: extreme terrain. The massive tyres offer plenty of grip and puncture protection, but are also very heavy. All versions of the new Ekano come with a thick 38 mm fork with 170 mm travel. The Performance model features high-quality Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate suspension.Photo: Max Fuchs All versions of the new Ekano come with a thick 38 mm fork with 170 mm travel. The Performance model features high-quality Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate suspension. 200 mm brake discs and four-piston brakes - nothing less is possible with the Ekano.Photo: Max Fuchs 200 mm brake discs and four-piston brakes - nothing less is possible with the Ekano. The features of the Propain Ekano 2021.Photo: Propain The features of the Propain Ekano 2021.

Availability of the Propain Ekano

The new Ekano is now available on the Homepage of the direct sender can be ordered. However, it will probably be some time before the bikes are dispatched. The sticking point is the new motor. The delivery of the series products is delayed and Shimano is currently unable to provide a specific delivery date.

Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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