Propain Electric Mountain Bike Test: This Bike Meets the Highest Demands

The Propain Sresh SL electric mountain bike aims to impress with its sporty design and customizable options, potentially earning accolades for its aesthetics alone. This review delves into whether its performance matches its looks.

Propain, a small-scale manufacturer from southern Germany, emphasizes a sporty and individualized approach. Their top model, the Sresh, a full-suspension "fully," is paired with a lightweight, mid-assist TQ electric drive system. The bike is available in frame sizes S to XL and in three colors: Firetruck Red, Moonshine White, or Carbon Black.

The base model comes equipped with a carbon fiber frame and swingarm, RockShox Lyrik suspension (160mm front, 150mm rear), and a mixed 29/27.5-inch wheel setup with Continental tires. It features an electronic drivetrain, an Ergon SM10 saddle, an aluminum handlebar, and a OneUp dropper seatpost, all powered by the new TQ-HPR60 motor. Priced at 5037 Euros, it is notably lightweight at 18.2 kg with its 360-Wh battery, with an optional 740-Wh battery available.

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If there were a prize for the most beautiful E-MTB – the Propain Sresh SL would have a chance.

The tested top model, featuring a OneUp dropper, Öhlins suspension, a SRAM Eagle 70 drivetrain, and DT Swiss Classic wheels, offers a more premium feel but is heavier and costs nearly 8000 Euros. Accessories like lights or mudguards are not included at this price. For those not customizing, four "Build-Kits" are offered.

While the bike boasts high-quality construction with no creaks or rattles and a three-year warranty, the steering angle limiter was a point of irritation. Propain explains this is a protective measure due to the geometry required for battery removal, preventing fork-to-downtube contact. Despite this, the bike's relatively steep head angle and short stem contribute to very agile and nimble handling.

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The geometry was designed so that the battery can be removed. Due to the required steering angle geometry, there is a risk of contact between the fork and the down tube at full steering lock. To protect the frame, steering angle limiters were therefore provided that limit the maximum turn and prevent damage to the down tube.