Propain Ekano 2 CF: The E-Enduro that softens any terrain - test victory!

It was clear to us that the Ekano 2 CF had to be included in the next comparison test. Because already At the presentation of the E-Enduro at the end of 2023, we were quite impressed by the riding characteristics. However, the bike from the mail-order company from Upper Swabia has never fitted into a major comparison test. It's just as well that Propain has permanently reduced the price of the Ekano 2 CF. Despite its elegant full carbon frame, the speedster easily fits within the price limit of 6500 euros. But can it stand up to the current competition with a Bosch motor?

The Propain Ekano 2 CF is one of the very few bikes with Srams E-drive Eagle Powertrain (tested here). The motor hardware comes from Brose. The speciality is the AXS ecosystem from Sram. The drive is designed to work in combination with wireless components such as Sram's gears and seatpost. This means that the system can even shift gears fully automatically, even when rolling.

>> Sense or nonsense? Automatic gearsticks in the big reader test!

For price reasons, however, our test bike comes with mechanical components and therefore without these bells and whistles. So does the bike make any sense at all? Absolutely! Thanks to the clean cockpit without a remote for the motor, the slim display and the super-simple controls with just two U-steps (!), the focus is on the essentials: the off-road riding characteristics.

>> In test: Srams mechanical Eagle 70/90 Transmission

The facts about the Propain Ekano 2 CF

• Motor: Sram Eagle Powertrain, 90 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 630 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 180/170 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch (optional Mullet)
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 6499 Euro
• Weight: 24.1 kg (test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
• Max. System weight: 130 kg
• Warranty: 5 years

The features of the Propain Ekano 2 CF

Thanks to the online configurator, you have a free choice of equipment for the Ekano 2 CF. Our test bike is based on the cheapest version (from 5999 euros) and has been upgraded with the powerful Rockshox ZEB Ultimate fork. A luxury that is already possible at a comparatively favourable price point thanks to the configurator.

• Fork / Shock: Rockshox ZEB Ultimate / Vivid Coil Base
• Gear system: Sram Eagle 70 Transm. (12-speed)
• Brakes: Formula Cura 4 / 203 mm
• Wheels: Newmen Perf. 300 Basic
• Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity Pro Ultrasoft / Albert Gravity Pro, 29 x 2.5''
• Telescopic post: One Up V3 / 180 mm
• Special features: Option for mullet, equipment selectable in the configurator, approval according to ASTM 5

Propain Ekano 2 CF: The geometry

The geometry of the E-Enduro from Propain is surprisingly moderate. The steering angle is not extremely slack for a modern gravity bike, which also keeps the wheelbase within the frame. The very steep seat angle is much more progressive, which is maintained thanks to the straight seat tube, even with a long seat post extension. Too bad: The seat tube is quite long, which restricts short-legged riders somewhat in their choice of size and minimises the possible stroke of the dropper post.

Wonder weapon on the trail?

The Propain Ekano CF shines exactly where it counts: off-road riding characteristics. Like no other bike in the comparison, it combines sleepwalking safety on hard downhills with pleasant handling and riding fun on tamer terrain. The secret: The bike from Lake Constance combines a moderate geometry (steeper steering angle, not too long wheelbase) with an incredibly forgiving chassis. Even on the roughest terrain, you will hardly miss any smoothness and riding safety.

You stand deeply integrated behind the high front and let the sensitive ZEB Ultimate clear the way in front of the cockpit. The steel spring rear is in no way inferior to the excellent fork. Sensitive response paired with good mid-stroke support and the feeling of almost infinite suspension travel - this is how rough high-speed passages lose their terror. Thanks to the moderate geometry and low weight (despite the robust equipment!), the Ekano remains pleasantly manoeuvrable. Even on flatter trails, it doesn't feel as ponderous as the suspension qualities would suggest.

Only focussed on downhill?

The freeride character actually suggests a tough uphill performance. But we're talking about an e-bike here! With its very steep seat angle, longer rear end and enormous traction, the Propain climbs very confidently even in difficult sections. The riding position is compact and front wheel orientated, the front follows the steering movements easily and safely. This offers potential for really tough climbing challenges.

Compared to the Bosch CX with its performance update, however, the Sram drive is the loser. However, with its stoic thrust and high torque, a lot is still possible. This also applies to long tours. However, you have to save on the battery, as the Ekano runs out of breath a little faster with the smaller 600 battery. Good: The battery can be changed quickly and easily - a big plus for laps in the bike park or on local trail spots.

BIKE review of the Propain Ekano 2 CF

Strengths

• Extremely forgiving chassis
• Balanced handling
• Configurable equipment

Weaknesses

• Moderate range
• Brake pads rattle
• long seat tube

The BIKE conclusion

The riding characteristics of the Propain Ekano 2 CF come extremely close to the ideal of an E-Enduro. Super safe, super fun and massively forgiving - test winner! However, you have to compromise on range and the motor can't quite keep up with the best on the market. But if you want to accelerate off-road, Propain still offers a lot for your money. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, BIKE editor