Propain’s new Sresh CF offers full-fat power in a lightweight package

New lightweight eMTB weighs in at less than 21kg

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Published: Thursday, 04 April 2024 at 13:00 PM

Propain has released its new Sresh CF lightweight electric mountain bike, offering full electric power with a claimed weight of just under 21kg.

The new bike is available with a host of Shimano drive systems, and has shorter travel than the Ekano 2, with a 160mm fork and 150mm of rear suspension delivered by the brand’s Pro10 linkage.

Four models are available at launch, with prices starting at £5,999 / €5,999 for the Sresh CF Base, which features Shimano’s EP600 motor, and topping out at  £9,789 / $9,789 / €9,789 for the Sresh CF Factory.

US models start at $6,299 because the brand doesn’t offer the EP600 in North America.

Propain also has a bike configurator, enabling you to select your own component choice from an extensive list of options.

eMTB tuned linkage

The new bike is coil- and air-shock compatible. – Propain

Propain’s new lightweight electric mountain bike is made from a blended carbon fibre layup, which it says uses various carbon fibres and fabrics to give the frame compliance in some areas, such as the seatstays, while remaining stiff in others, such as the bottom bracket.

Propain Sresh CF with Shimano EP801 motor
The EP801 is Shimano’s top-of-the-range motor. – Propain

At the heart of the bike is a Shimano powertrain, with all but the Base model using the EP801 electric bike motor.

This motor churns out a maximum 85Nm of torque and has a peak power of 600W, while weighing in at only 2.7kg thanks in part to its magnesium construction.

Propain Sresh being ridden by male rider up rock climb
The Sresh CF is designed with technical climbing in mind. – Propain

The lower-end EP600 motor has the same torque rating, but is 300g heavier and has 100W less peak power.

Both motors are connected to a 626Wh battery integrated into the down tube, which can be removed for charging or storage and is covered with a carbon fibre cover to help it blend into the frame.

Propain Sresh with Fox DHX2 rear shock
There’s a pack mount in the underside of the top tube. – Propain

Propain has given the Sresh CF its ebike-tuned Pro10 suspension linkage, which sees the shock placed vertically in the frame, connected to counter-rotating links on the down tube and top tube. 

The brand says the bikes will come with specifically tuned rear shocks that deliver initial sensitivity with high levels of progression.

Propain Sresh with flip link in Pro10 Suspension System
Mullet setups add more agility to a bike. – Propain

A flip chip on the linkage enables you to pick between a 29in or 27.5in rear wheel, and this can be chosen through the website.

Propain Sresh with integrated headset cable routing.
Love it or hate it, headset cable routing makes for a less busy cockpit. – Propain

Integrated headset cable routing features, with Propain’s in-house Sixpack brand supplying its Millenium ICR stem to keep the cockpit looking clean.

Propain has given the Sresh CF plenty of frame protection, with TPR chainstay and seatstay protectors in place to minimise wear and noise.

Double-sealed Acros frame bearings are employed in the chase for durability, with Propain’s Dirt Shields used to keep debris from entering.

Propain Sesh CF with 200mm post mount
No adaptors are needed to run 200mm rear rotors. – Propain

A 200mm brake post mount features on the rear triangle, which the brand says offers better transfer of braking forces into the frame.

All-round geometry

SMLXL
Frame height (mm)415430455480
Frame offset (mm)42424242
Frame length (mm)573573573573
Head tube length (mm)100110120130
Reach (mm)430450480505
Stack (mm)618628637646
Head angle (degrees)65656565
Seat tube angle (degrees)76.676.676.676.6
Effective seat tube angle (mm)78.578.578.578.5
Top tube length (mm)556578610636
BB height (mm)350350350350
Chainstay length (mm)450 / 447451 / 447452 / 447453 / 447
Wheelbase (mm)1204122912631292
Standover (mm)825817807813
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The Propain Sresh CF is available in four sizes, ranging from S to XL.

While the bike has a focus on downhill performance, it features a steep 78.5-degree seat tube angle, which should assist with technical climbing by centring your weight further over the bottom bracket.

The head tube angle isn’t the most aggressive, at 65 degrees, but the brand says this gives a playful and agile character to the bike.

Chainstay lengths remain the same throughout the sizes, with a 29in wheel setup measuring 450mm and the 27.5in version coming up shorter at 447mm.

Reach measurements are up-to-date, with a size-L bike measuring 480mm.

Propain Sresh CF specifications and price

Propain Sresh CF Base

Propain Sresh CF Ultimate Enduro

Propain Sresh CF Ultimate Trail

Propain Sresh CF Factory