Propain Release New Sresh CF eMTB
PRESS RELEASE: Propain Bicycles
We are closing a significant gap in our growing e-bike lineup: With the Sresh, we are launching a lightweight short*er travel e-bike with a lively and playful ride feel all while delivering full e-power. The full power Shimano EP801 drive unit, 626 Wh battery, and a lightweight blend carbon
frame with 150mm PRO10 rear suspension form the foundation for the new trail e-bike.
With our extensive configurator, these characteristics can be further defined, significantly influencing the character of the Sresh. From a lightweight full-power e-bike at just under 21kg for long days in the saddle, to the short travel ripper for home trails and trail parks, anything is possible.
Overall Concept and Geometry
Building on the fundamental concepts of our Ekano models introduced last year, the Sresh offers the same qualities with a different focus - it was important for us to develop a lightweight and agile e-bike that has a playful ride feel, with a lot of pop and precision all while making no compromises in terms of drive unit power.
We achieve this through the use of the lightweight and powerful Shimano EP801 motor and our slim 626 Wh battery in combination with the trail geometry of the blend carbon frame. 150 mm of rear travel and 160 mm up front, a 65° head angle, 78.5° steep seat angle, 450mm chainstays and typical compact reach values deliver direct and playful handling and a comfortable riding position.
Like all our e-bikes, the Sresh also stands out for its downhill performance. The positioning of the shock, drive unit and lightweight battery ensures optimized weight distribution and a natural ride feel. The battery installed in the cut-out down tube can be quickly and easily removed for easier charging or to double the range with a spare battery if needed.
The Sresh can dramatically change its character through the chosen components. With a focus on weight, it can reach the 20kg mark, making the Sresh ready for alpine tours. Even with low assistance, it pedals efficiently and shines on day tours with great range and perfect handling. When speced sturdy, the Sresh becomes an absolute home trail ripper that playfully lets you hunt KOMs. And thanks to ASTM CAT 5, it can also handle rough trail parks with an active riding style.
Frame Concept PRO10
We are convinced that our PRO10 system represents the best frame concept. As has already been proven on the on our EKANO models, the vertically positioned shock floating between the counterrotating links offers absolutely the best performance, especially for E-Bikes. The Sresh's 150 mm PRO10 rear end combined with shocks specifically tuned to it delivers sensitive initial travel and high progression. On the trail, this translates to lots of traction coupled with a playful, poppy feel. The anti-squat characteristics harmonize perfectly with the powerful EP801 motor. Technical climbs and shifting under full load happens without bobbing, yet the suspension remains active for maximum traction.
The cut-out down tube is closed with a carbon cover painted in the frame color, making the frame appear as one seamless piece. A motor cover made of carbon, also painted in the frame color, underscores the sleek design of the lightweight full-power e-bike.
Integrated Cable Routing
Our Integrated Cable Routing "ICR" system co-developed with Sixpack is used on the Sresh as well. The CNC-machined stem from Germany forms a precise fit with the top composite spacer. The cables don't run through the stem, but instead through a pinch-through seal below the stem into the top spacer, through the headset and into the frame. This allows the stem to be easily swapped if needed and the stack height adjusted via clip-in spacers without having to removing the stem.
To maximize longevity, an additional IPS seal is mounted on the top headset bearing alongside the cable entry seal. Our ICR system is made bulletproof by using exclusively high-quality Acros stainless steel bearings in all frames, recognizable by their red seals. Headset wear is a non-issue with our ICR system.
Silent Is Fast
Once you go silent, you never go back. A quiet bike totally changes trail perception and delivers an immense sense of confidence. Ever since the Tyee 6, we've made acoustics a major consideration in developing all our bikes and e-bikes. Thanks to the integrated cables, optimized cable routing, and TPR chainstay protectors, the Sresh is also extremely quiet on the trail. The new improved EP801 plays its part in the near-silent ride too.
Brake Integration
The 200mm post mount brake mount on the Sresh CF is cleanly integrated into the rear triangle. In addition to aesthetic benefits, this design better transfers braking forces into the frame.
Shimano EP801
The EP801 is the current top model of the Japanese manufacturer. This intelligent drive unit delivers superbly controllable high power with a maximum torque of 85 Nm and 600 watt peak over a wider cadence range than before. The harmonious power delivery and optimized control result in a very natural feel on the trail. These feastures, combined with the mere 2.7 lb weight, made choosing the EP801 for our new trail e-bike an easy decision.
To enable a more affordable entry into our e-bike world, we also offer the 300g heavier EP600 alloy version. Aside from the added weight of the aluminum housing, it puts out the same torque and just 100 Watts less peak power than its bigger brother made of magnesium.
To enable a more affordable entry into our e-bike world, we also offer the 300g heavier EP600 alloy version. Aside from the added weight of the aluminum housing, it puts out the same torque and just 100 Watts less peak power than its bigger brother made of magnesium.
626 Wh Battery
The Sresh uses a powerful 626 Wh battery. The new 21700 lithium-ion cell generation achieves a remarkably high energy density, packing more power into less space and weight. This makes the Sresh's battery significantly slimmer, more compact and lighter than other batteries in this class - the perfect energy storage for optimal trail performance.
E-TUBE PROJECT App
The Shimano EP801 can be conveniently customized to individual needs using the E-TUBE PROJECT app. 15 individualization modes allow fine-tuning of the assistance level to terrain and personal preferences. The settings can be saved in two different profiles and switched directly while riding without using the app.
Kinematics
The PRO10 system is known for its drive neutrality. For an e-bike designed to pedal as efficiently as possible, we wanted to further refine this trait. With 123% anti-squat at sag, the Sresh climbs technical uphills with an active suspension and without bobbing. Descending, the system retains its known sensitive initial stroke while providing supportive progression and plenty of pop that accentuates the lively trail bike character. The shocks tuned to the EKANO 2 CF, both air and coil, release the full travel perfectly controllable when needed.
Wheel Size and Concept
The Sresh is available in both a mixed wheel setup as well as a full 29" configuration. Through the flip chip on the upper link of the PRO10 frame, both wheel configurations can be used on the same frame. 29" wheels provide better rollover behavior, especially on technical and slower sections, while the smaller 27.5" rear wheel makes the Sresh more agile and offers more freedom of movement. As the Sresh is designed to be very versatile, we leave it up to the customer to decide on their preferred wheel configuration.
The Sresh CF is available in sizes S, M, L and XL.
Blend Carbon
For a modern carbon frame that can withstand ambitious riding for years, using one good quality carbon material alone isn't enough. Instead, it takes a blend of various carbon fibers and fabrics exploiting their unique properties to meet the demands. PROPAIN carbon frames are made from pre-impregnated (prepreg) carbon fiber layers. These ensure an optimal resin content and far higher strength values. Each individual layer has special properties and corresponding duties in certain areas of the frame. Based on the requirements for stiffness, flexibility, impact resistance, weight, strength and stress direction, different fibers and fabrics are used.
Fresh New Colors
The Sresh is available in the three colors "Raw Gloss", "Polar Blue Gloss", and "Heavy Metal Gloss". Our raw carbon gets its unique look from the clear coat, making our "Blend Carbon" construction visible. "Polar Blue Gloss" and "Heavy Metal Gloss" are both new colors, available for the first time at PROPAIN. As always, the PROPAIN decals and badge are individually selectable, so everyone has the freedom to create their favorite color combination. A very durable, plotted vinyl foil is used for the decal kit, while the badge is a relief made of ultra-thin metal. With the Sresh, new decal kit colors are coming to the configurator. Apart from the shown “White Matt” there will be five new colors to chose from.
Specifications and Prices
When selecting components, we continue to offer a large and high-quality variety from which every customer can configure their dream bike. Proven suspension options from RockShox and Fox, brakes from SRAM, Magura and Formula, and wheels from NEWMEN and Crankbrothers, as well as various options for stems, seatposts, saddles and tires offer countless possibilities for individualization. New in the configurator for the Sresh is the carbon e-bar from OneUp Components.
In addition to the individual configuration, we offer four pre-configured spec packages for the new Sresh to make choosing the right bike easier. The build kits are recommendations from us to our customers, as this is exactly how we would build our own bikes.
The starting price of the Sresh CF is € 5.999 in Europe and $ 6.299 in north America as we do not offer the Shimano EP6 in the USA.
It‘s capable.
• E-Bike tuned PRO10 System
• Optimized weight distribution & geometry
• 626 Wh Battery
• 600 Watt Peak Power – 85 Nm Torque
• E-Bike tuned PRO10 System
• Optimized weight distribution & geometry
• 626 Wh Battery
• 600 Watt Peak Power – 85 Nm Torque
It‘s clean.
• Well-designed integrated cable routing through the headset
• Brake integration
• Perfectly fitting battery and drive unit cover made of carbon, painted in frame color
• Sleek, dynamic design
• Well-designed integrated cable routing through the headset
• Brake integration
• Perfectly fitting battery and drive unit cover made of carbon, painted in frame color
• Sleek, dynamic design
It‘s silent.
• Cable integration
• Optimized cable routing
• TPR chainstay protectors
• Cable integration
• Optimized cable routing
• TPR chainstay protectors
It‘s durable.
• Double-sealed Acros frame bearings (PROPAIN Dirt Shields)
• Frame and headset bearings made of stainless steel
• High-performance frame protection
• Double-sealed Acros frame bearings (PROPAIN Dirt Shields)
• Frame and headset bearings made of stainless steel
• High-performance frame protection
It‘s complete.
• Bottle and tool mount
• SRAM UDH derailleur hanger
• Sixpack sealed seat clamp
• Clever positioning of charging port
• New fresh colors
• Bottle and tool mount
• SRAM UDH derailleur hanger
• Sixpack sealed seat clamp
• Clever positioning of charging port
• New fresh colors
TECHNICAL DATA
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
During the development, our frames are extensively tested on the test benches at our HQ in Vogt, Germany. During load tests, with a total of over 500,000 load cycles per frame, they are punished to ensure the best performance, load and longevity. All frames are tested far beyond regulatory standards, resulting in our Enduro bikes being listed in ASTM category 5 and having unrestricted bike park clearance.
Author Info:
Must Read This Week
It blows my mind seeing that some companies are still trying to push this useless standard when it is crystal clear that nobody wants it.
It sucks to see Propain in on board with this madness. I love their bikes and they'd be on my short list for my next bike if it wasn't for headset routing. There is absolutely no way I will consider getting one until they get back to more standard internal routing or (even better) full-external cable routing.
They are. Really. I am not a super aggressive rider, but on blues and reds they are perfect, even for someone heavy (115 kg - 250 lbs) like me. I am now looking for a used set of DB8s online, hoping for someone who - like you - thinks that they need to be changed immediately after purchase of a bike ;o)
- Shimano 4-piston groupless (mediocre)
- Shimano XT (pretty good)
- Hayes (2 piston ... the worst ever)
- TRP 4 piston (mediocre)
- SRAM Guide T 4 piston (mediocre)
- SRAM DB8 (really good!)
again: I am a rather heavy dude and the DB8s are by far the best I have ever tried
“ The cables don't run through the stem, but instead through a pinch-through seal below the stem into the top spacer, through the headset and into the frame. ”
Thats a nope from me then
To be fair, it sounds like they implemented a less bad version of it than it could have been, because you can at least adjust the stem height without bleeding your brakes (uh, now I need proprietary stem spacers?). And they spec'd stainless steel bearings with better seals.
But objectively, less bad, is still "worse" than normal routing.
I have a crazy idea. Spec the headsets (or actually, all bearings) with stainless steel bearings AND use normal cable routing. Thats actual progress.
the only well designed one is the one that does not exist
Propain: "We didn't include any bar e-bike displays/controls, so there's no need to hide them. But we still went with headset routing."
This is another motorcycle .in disguise ... keep destroying our sport, thank you!
I bought mine frame only, built it up and am the only person to work on it.
Same as my mountain bikes (which I ride more often)
I don't have much to offer, but I do have this upvote. Please accept it.
LMAO
Im not here to defend it but theres is upsides and downs, IMO the upsides are better than down.
Its all cons.
You say installing a fork is a pain. You know what isn't a pain? A bike with regular cable routing and headset.
There is no upside of running a brake through a stem, headset bearing or anything. Regular internal routing is already a pain, this just makes it worse.
On top of that, now you have proprietary parts. What happens when it gets lost, broken etc?
And now that the manufacturer is saving a few dollars from not having to put holes in the headtube, is that savings passed on to the consumer in any way?
You have zero cable pull on any steering input(which is my favourite), Less cable length out the front mean less flapping around. no cable entry rattle etc i've also gotten better headset compression life from this setup ie not going loose or anything etc
no proprietary parts except the top cap/dust cover which is non issue as readily available, atleast for my merida it is... bearings... compression ring etc are readily available even at my LBS which doesnt even sell merida off the floor.
Changing a bearing has been a non issue in my current 6 months, Changed them before Going to Skyline for 3 days... just disconnected the brakes etc and slid new bearing on an put the Brakes stuff back together, quick 2min lever bleed... done for anther year. took all of about 5minutes longer.(for reference they didnt need changed but planned on not touching my bike the whole 3 days and was good)
Dont get me wrong at all id rather All being external and which it was, i actually bought external guides and printed some other bits for it but in the end the Headset routing wasnt even that bad.
The cons? 5 minutes longer for a yearly bearing change and fork takes probably 2mins longer to install
People clearly havnt even tried headset routing, just continue to whinge in the comments and downvote without any kind of experience or skill(which is a pinkbike User thing anyway lol)