Propain Sresh CF – In our big 2024 eMTB comparison test under € 7,000

A lightweight carbon body paired with Shimano’s newest motor system and a good quantity of journey, all rounded off with a customized spec, which you’ll be able to put collectively utilizing Propain’s on-line configurator. Sounds good to this point, doesn’t it? The Propain Sresh CF eMTB goals to fulfil each e-mountainbiker’s dream. However how does it fare on the path?

Propain are increasing their eMTB lineup with the brand new 160/150 mm Sresh CF. It’s meant to supply a nimbler different to Propain’s rowdy eMTB bruiser, the Ekano 2 CF, which generates a whopping 180/170 mm of journey (f/r) and has already featured in our large 2024 eMTB comparability check, the place it took on 26 of essentially the most thrilling e-mountainbikes of the season. As Propain’s downhill-oriented eMTB, the Sresh CF solely generates 160/150 mm of journey (f/r) and is supposed to impress above all with its vigorous, playful character. Relying on the spec variant, it comes geared up with both a Shimano EP6 or Shimano EP801 motor, each of which is able to ship 85 Nm of torque and draw their energy from a 626 Wh battery. Tipping the scales at 23.8 kg, our check bike in dimension L is the second lightest contestant on this group check, proper after the Specialised Turbo Levo. Propain’s in depth on-line configurator offers the Sresh CF a novel promoting level on this check subject, making it the one bike that may be customised right down to the smallest element, straight from the producer. You’ll be able to both select one of many pre-configured fashions – Base, Final Enduro, Final Path, and Manufacturing facility – or construct your individual dream bike. Relying in your wants and driving type, you possibly can select between a full 29er setup or a blended wheel configuration, with an enormous 29″ wheel up entrance and smaller 27.5″ wheel on the rear. In our check configuration, the Propain Sresh CF simply scrapes in beneath the € 7,000 mark, retailing at € 6,894, however it’s nonetheless not the most costly eMTB on this check.

For an outline of the check fleet head to the group check: The perfect eMTB of 2024 beneath € 7,000 – 5 reasonably priced fashions in our comparability check

Building equipment 2.0 – What units the Propain Sresh CF aside from the competitors?

The Sresh CF is distinctly recognisable as a Propain and suits seamlessly into their eMTB portfolio. The harmoniously curved carbon body depends on a contemporary design language and appears virtually as if the entire body had been one flowing, steady piece. The cables are routed internally and disappear into the body via a two-piece spacer system, eradicating the necessity for typical cable ports, making certain a cleaner total look. Propain additionally embrace a number of intelligent body options, just like the software mount on the highest tube, which lets you safe your path necessities on to the bike. Bottle cage bosses in the primary body triangle stop you from drying out beneath the summer season solar.

Propain’s in depth configurator is no doubt the German producer’s robust level. Similar to an old-school pizzeria menu, it offers you loads of decisions for toppings when constructing your individual Propain Sresh CF. So far as paint finishes go, Propain hold it elegant, providing you with a selection of three delicate colors with fancy names like Polar Blue Gloss, Heavy Steel Gloss and Uncooked Gloss – that is the one you’ll see on our check bike. The lettering will be customised, selecting from numerous totally different colors. The net configurator additionally permits you to customise your spec right down to the smallest element. You’ll be able to select from a big selection of elements, together with the suspension, wheels, brakes and dropper publish, similar to at a 5 star resort dinner buffet. We specced our check bike with an emphasis on downhill efficiency, so it comes geared up with RockShox Final suspension consisting of a ZEB Final Charger 3.0 fork and matching Tremendous Deluxe Final Coil shock, which each supply numerous adjustment choices and ship an incredible efficiency on the path. BTW, the Propain is the one eMTB on this check that may be bought with both a coil or air shock! Whereas for this check we selected to run a full 29” wheel configuration, the Newmen Efficiency 30 alloy wheelset can also be accessible in a blended wheel dimension variant which, together with the flip chip on the higher shock linkage, permits you to convert the Propain Sresh CF to a mullet bike. The downhill-oriented character of the bike is emphasised by the Schwalbe tire combo, which depends on the strong Tremendous Gravity casing entrance and rear. For max grip, the Magic Mary entrance tire comes within the sticky Extremely Mushy rubber compound, whereas the marginally tougher Mushy compound on the Huge Betty rear tire presents a wonderful compromise between traction and put on – superior! Highly effective System Cura 4 four-piston brakes with 200 mm rotors do stopping duties. Nonetheless, the brakes, shifter and dropper distant all depend on separate clamps, which comes on the expense of cockpit ergonomics (and appears a tad fugly). In the event you’re ready to spend a little bit extra money, it is best to choose the SRAM CODE RSC brakes from the configurator, which let you connect the shifter on to the brake clamp and supply highly effective, dependable deceleration.

The brand new Propain Sresh CF depends on a Shimano motor system. The Base mannequin we examined comes geared up with an EP6 drive, whereas all the different spec variants make use of Shimano’s in style EP801 motor. The 2 drives look precisely the identical, and each ship 85 Nm of torque. The one distinction is that the EP6 delivers barely much less peak energy, and depends on aluminium slightly than magnesium for the housing, which makes it round 300 g heavier. In order for you extra energy, you will get the Shimano EP801 motor for an additional € 300. Nonetheless, each drives are fantastically built-in into the carbon body and, along with the neat battery integration, guarantee harmonious body proportions. By the best way, the 626 Wh battery is the smallest in the complete check subject and will be faraway from the down tube utilizing a 4mm Allen key. The charging port offers wonderful haptic suggestions and is simple to entry proper above the motor. Sadly, the Propain Sresh CF doesn’t have the choice of a spread extender akin to with the MERIDA, which shares the identical motor system. The minimalist Shimano EN600-L handlebar reveals solely essentially the most fundamental driving information, just like the battery cost standing and present assist degree through colored LEDs. Our check bike didn’t have an extra show just like the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY or the Specialised Turbo Levo. Nonetheless, relying on the spec variant, the Propain Sresh CF will be configured with the Shimano SC-EM800 show.

Tuning tip: Improve to the marginally extra highly effective Shimano EP801 motor for an extra €300

What’s the Propain Sresh CF succesful on the path?

As quickly as you swing your leg over the saddle, the Propain Sresh CF scores extremely with an important feel-good issue and intuitive journey. It’s extraordinarily forgiving of driving errors, inspiring large quantities of confidence on technical trails, no matter whether or not you’re an entire newbie or a seasoned path veteran. In our check group, solely the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY conveys extra confidence, making newbies really feel even safer. Your weight is distributed evenly between the entrance and rear, and because of this, the Propain implements steering enter willingly, with out the necessity to push into the entrance finish of the bike to maintain the entrance wheel monitoring via open corners. General, the Sresh strikes a wonderful steadiness between composure and agility, with the coil shock glueing the rear finish to the path, making the Propain really feel barely smoother than the MERIDA – although not as easy because the Canyon Try:ON. When ploughing via rock gardens, the delicate rear suspension filters out bumps and generates loads of traction. Sadly, the identical occurs on move trails, requiring extra bodily effort to pop into the air than with the very best bikes on this check.

With its intuitive dealing with, the Propain Sresh CF appeals to learners and superior riders alike.

On the best way again as much as the trailhead, the Propain locations you in a cushty pedalling place. On degree floor, there’s a slight stress in your fingers, however this decreases because the gradient steepens, making certain a pleasing climbing place on steep uphills and stopping you from having to actively weight the entrance wheel to maintain it monitoring. The Propain Sresh CF is completely appropriate for epic backcountry expeditions, the place solely the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY is extra snug. In the event you dare to sort out technical climbs, the delicate rear suspension generates loads of traction and absorbs hits effectively. Though the Shimano EP6 motor doesn’t fairly sustain with the Shimano EP801 of the MERIDA or Bosch Efficiency Line CX drive of the Canyon, it nonetheless will get you to the trailhead with out breaking a sweat.

Propain’s in depth configurator permits you to customise each the spec and look of your Sresh right down to the smallest particulars and finally to construct your dream bike.

Who ought to take a better have a look at the Propain Sresh CF and who ought to look elsewhere?

The Propain Sresh CF is a superb possibility in the event you’re in search of a downhill-oriented path bike with a delicate breeze of synthetic tailwind, and also you additionally need to sort out some harder trails. On the identical time, it additionally cuts a high quality determine on steep climbs and longer rides, whereas the in depth on-line configurator permits you to adapt it to a variety of purposes.

Our conclusions concerning the Propain Sresh CF

Whether or not you hang around on flowing trails or technical singletrack, the Propain Sresh CF is a wonderful companion for each learners and seasoned path bums with its intuitive dealing with. Furthermore, it impresses with wonderful climbing traits and touring qualities. Propain’s in depth configurator permits you to customise each the spec and look of the Sresh CF to go well with many alternative driving types and areas of software. The Propain is a powerful all-rounder, however it doesn’t fairly come near the very best e-mountainbikes on this check… and solely it simply misses out on our Greatest Purchase Tip.

Tops

• Propain’s configurator permits for numerous customisation choices
• Composed and confidence-inspiring
• Appropriate for each learners and superior riders

Flops

For extra info, go to propain-bikes.com

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For an outline of the check fleet head to the group check: The perfect eMTB of 2024 beneath € 7,000 – 5 reasonably priced fashions in our comparability check

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Phrases: Mike Starvation Pictures: Mike Starvation