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

A light carbon frame paired with Shimano’s latest motor system and a decent amount of travel, all rounded off with a custom spec, which you can put together using Propain’s online configurator. Sounds good so far, doesn’t it? The Propain Sresh CF eMTB aims to fulfil every e-mountainbiker’s dream. But how does it fare on the trail?

Propain are expanding their eMTB lineup with the new 160/150 mm Sresh CF. It’s meant to provide a nimbler alternative to Propain’s rowdy eMTB bruiser, the Ekano 2 CF, which generates a whopping 180/170 mm of travel (f/r) and has already featured in our huge 2024 eMTB comparison test, where it took on 26 of the most exciting e-mountainbikes of the season. As Propain’s downhill-oriented eMTB, the Sresh CF only generates 160/150 mm of travel (f/r) and is meant to impress above all with its lively, playful character. Depending on the spec variant, it comes equipped with either a Shimano EP6 or Shimano EP801 motor, both of which will deliver 85 Nm of torque and draw their power from a 626 Wh battery. Tipping the scales at 23.8 kg, our test bike in size L is the second lightest contestant in this group test, right after the Specialized Turbo Levo. Propain’s extensive online configurator gives the Sresh CF a unique selling point in this test field, making it the only bike that can be customised down to the smallest detail, straight from the manufacturer. You can either choose one of the pre-configured models – Base, Ultimate Enduro, Ultimate Trail, and Factory – or build your own dream bike. Depending on your needs and riding style, you can choose between a full 29er setup or a mixed wheel configuration, with a big 29″ wheel up front and smaller 27.5″ wheel at the rear. In our test configuration, the Propain Sresh CF just scrapes in below the € 7,000 mark, retailing at € 6,894, but it’s still not the most expensive eMTB in this test.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 under € 7,000 – 5 affordable models in our comparison test

Construction kit 2.0 – What sets the Propain Sresh CF apart from the competition?

The Sresh CF is distinctly recognisable as a Propain and fits seamlessly into their eMTB portfolio. The harmoniously curved carbon frame relies on a modern design language and looks almost as if the whole frame were one flowing, continuous piece. The cables are routed internally and disappear into the frame through a two-piece spacer system, removing the need for conventional cable ports, ensuring a cleaner overall look. Propain also include several clever frame features, like the tool mount on the top tube, which allows you to secure your trail essentials directly to the bike. Bottle cage bosses in the main frame triangle prevent you from drying out under the summer sun.

Propain’s extensive configurator is without a doubt the German manufacturer’s strong point. Just like an old-school pizzeria menu, it gives you plenty of choices for toppings when building your own Propain Sresh CF. As far as paint finishes go, Propain keep it classy, giving you a choice of three subtle colours with fancy names like Polar Blue Gloss, Heavy Metal Gloss and Raw Gloss – this is the one you’ll see on our test bike. The lettering can be customised, choosing from countless different colours. The online configurator also allows you to customise your spec down to the smallest detail. You can choose from a wide selection of components, including the suspension, wheels, brakes and dropper post, just like at a five star hotel dinner buffet. We specced our test bike with an emphasis on downhill performance, so it comes equipped with RockShox Ultimate suspension consisting of a ZEB Ultimate Charger 3.0 fork and matching Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil shock, which both offer countless adjustment options and deliver a tremendous performance on the trail. BTW, the Propain is the only eMTB in this test that can be purchased with either a coil or air shock! While for this test we chose to run a full 29” wheel configuration, the Newmen Performance 30 alloy wheelset is also available in a mixed wheel size variant which, in combination with the flip chip on the upper shock linkage, allows 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 relies on the robust Super Gravity casing front and rear. For maximum grip, the Magic Mary front tire comes in the sticky Ultra Soft rubber compound, while the slightly harder Soft compound on the Big Betty rear tire offers an excellent compromise between traction and wear – awesome! Powerful Formula Cura 4 four-piston brakes with 200 mm rotors do stopping duties. However, the brakes, shifter and dropper remote all rely on separate clamps, which comes at the expense of cockpit ergonomics (and looks a tad fugly). If you’re prepared to spend a little more money, you should pick the SRAM CODE RSC brakes from the configurator, which allow you to attach the shifter directly to the brake clamp and provide powerful, reliable deceleration.

The new Propain Sresh CF relies on a Shimano motor system. The Base model we tested comes equipped with an EP6 drive, while all of the other spec variants employ Shimano’s popular EP801 motor. The two drives look exactly the same, and both deliver 85 Nm of torque. The only difference is that the EP6 delivers slightly less peak power, and relies on aluminium rather than magnesium for the housing, which makes it around 300 g heavier. If you want more power, you can get the Shimano EP801 motor for an extra € 300. However, both drives are beautifully integrated into the carbon frame and, together with the neat battery integration, ensure harmonious frame proportions. By the way, the 626 Wh battery is the smallest in the entire test field and can be removed from the down tube using a 4mm Allen key. The charging port provides excellent haptic feedback and is easy to access right above the motor. Unfortunately, the Propain Sresh CF doesn’t have the option of a range extender such as with the MERIDA, which shares the same motor system. The minimalist Shimano EN600-L handlebar shows only the most basic riding data, like the battery charge status and current support level via coloured LEDs. Our test bike didn’t have an additional display like the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY or the Specialized Turbo Levo. However, depending on the spec variant, the Propain Sresh CF can be configured with the Shimano SC-EM800 display.

Tuning tip: Upgrade to the slightly more powerful Shimano EP801 motor for an additional €300

What is the Propain Sresh CF capable on the trail?

As soon as you swing your leg over the saddle, the Propain Sresh CF scores highly with a great feel-good factor and intuitive ride. It’s extremely forgiving of riding mistakes, inspiring huge amounts of confidence on technical trails, regardless of whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned trail veteran. In our test group, only the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY conveys more confidence, making newbies feel even safer. Your weight is distributed evenly between the front and rear, and as a result, the Propain implements steering input willingly, without the need to push into the front end of the bike to keep the front wheel tracking through open corners. Overall, the Sresh strikes an excellent balance between composure and agility, with the coil shock glueing the rear end to the trail, making the Propain feel slightly smoother than the MERIDA – though not as smooth as the Canyon Strive:ON. When ploughing through rock gardens, the sensitive rear suspension filters out bumps and generates plenty of traction. Unfortunately, the same happens on flow trails, requiring more physical effort to pop into the air than with the best bikes in this test.

With its intuitive handling, the Propain Sresh CF appeals to beginners and advanced riders alike.

On the way back up to the trailhead, the Propain places you in a comfortable pedalling position. On level ground, there’s a slight pressure on your hands, but this decreases as the gradient steepens, ensuring a pleasant climbing position on steep uphills and preventing you from having to actively weight the front wheel to keep it tracking. The Propain Sresh CF is perfectly suitable for epic backcountry expeditions, where only the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY is more comfortable. If you dare to tackle technical climbs, the sensitive rear suspension generates plenty of traction and absorbs hits efficiently. Although the Shimano EP6 motor doesn’t quite keep up with the Shimano EP801 of the MERIDA or Bosch Performance Line CX drive of the Canyon, it still gets you to the trailhead without breaking a sweat.

Propain’s extensive configurator allows you to customise both the spec and look of your Sresh down to the smallest details and ultimately to build your dream bike.

Who should take a closer look at the Propain Sresh CF and who should look elsewhere?

The Propain Sresh CF is a great option if you’re looking for a downhill-oriented trail bike with a gentle breeze of artificial tailwind, and you also want to tackle some tougher trails. At the same time, it also cuts a fine figure on steep climbs and longer rides, while the extensive online configurator allows you to adapt it to a wide range of applications.

Our conclusions about the Propain Sresh CF

Whether you hang out on flowing trails or technical singletrack, the Propain Sresh CF is an excellent companion for both beginners and seasoned trail bums with its intuitive handling. Moreover, it impresses with excellent climbing characteristics and touring qualities. Propain’s extensive configurator allows you to customise both the spec and look of the Sresh CF to suit many different riding styles and areas of application. The Propain is a strong all-rounder, but it doesn’t quite come close to the best e-mountainbikes in this test… and only it just misses out on our Best Buy Tip.

Tops

• Propain’s configurator allows for countless customisation options
• Composed and confidence-inspiring
• Suitable for both beginners and advanced riders

Flops

• Messy cockpit

For more information, visit propain-bikes.com

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 under € 7,000 – 5 affordable models in our comparison test

Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Mike Hunger