Propain Sresh SL Review

The TQ HPR 60 motor is currently the best light eMTB motor on the market. Alongside the options from Rose and Yeti, the Propain Sresh SL clearly targets those who enjoy aggressive riding in challenging terrain. But what sets this bike apart from the competition and how does it actually perform on the trail?

TQ promotes the HPR60 system as the lightest, quietest, and most compact in its class. A clear premium promise that is currently found in only a few new light e-MTBs from brands like Yeti and Rose. But how does the system perform on the trails and compare to competitors like Bosch or Fazua?

The system indeed operates remarkably quietly, especially compared to a Bosch SX motor. Additionally, it scores with a pleasantly natural riding feel. The motor doesn’t deliver abrupt, powerful thrusts but instead provides consistent support, especially in lower gears. This allows for controlled starts and makes efficient use of the entire gear range.

A distinct characteristic of the motor: In technically demanding uphills, there is a lack of traction. Full-power climbing sessions that more closely resemble riding a dirt bike than biking are less enjoyable with the TQ. Those accustomed to the explosive power of a full-power motor will notice the reduced acceleration. However, this is inherent in the nature of a light e-bike and should be known to most who consciously choose this category.

A note from our practical test: With the Rose File Plus, which we also have on long-term test, the motor showed technical problems after about 700 km, which is why we had to send the bike back to the manufacturer. In the Propain, however, the TQ HPR60 system ran flawlessly. The motor seemed slightly louder here compared to the Rose and Yeti MTE. Overall, the sound is still quiet.

Our test bike weighed 20.4 kg. For a light e-MTB costing almost €10,000, this isn’t a top value. The Rose File Plus costs €2,000 less and weighs exactly the same. The Yeti MTe is slightly more expensive but also somewhat lighter. Both models have the same motor and battery.

If desired, the Sresh SL can also be lighter. With the small 360-Wh battery and lighter parts, the total weight can be reduced to under 19 kg (without pedals). It is then significantly more expensive than the Canyon Spectral On:fly, which also plays in this league, but you have the new motor on board.

Exciting: Thanks to the modular concept, the battery can also be removed, allowing the bike to be ridden as a pure mountain bike (“bio-bike”) – in the lightest configuration, the weight is then 17 kg. This is a decisive advantage for shuttle days or bike park visits where no motor support is needed. We actually tried it and were surprised at how well it pedaled without the battery.

The 580-Wh battery proves to be a practical compromise between weight and capacity. Even with continuous use of the highest assist mode and lots of trail riding, ranges well over 1,000 meters of elevation gain per charge were easily achievable.

In our standard test on asphalt, the combination of HPR60 and 580 Wh battery even achieves just over 2000 meters of elevation gain. The difference between the trail experience and our standard test is due to the fact that our range test consistently demands power from the motor on tarmac. We chose this procedure to be able to compare all motor systems with each other. When riding off-road, there is much more acceleration and the terrain also drains the battery significantly.

The old HPR 50 motor achieves only about 1100 meters of elevation gain with the commonly installed 360 Wh battery (as in the Canyon Spectral ON:Fly) in this test. Bosch’s SX motors reach 1244 meters with the usual 400 Wh battery in the standard test. The range of the 580 Wh battery in combination with the TQ HPR 60 motor is about double that of most light EMTBs equipped with other motor systems.

The frame of the Sresh SL is based on the proven PRO10 kinematics, which also characterizes other models of the manufacturer. The concept, which has found many fans in recent years, is consistently used by the Allgäu team. The closed rear triangle and the vertical shock combine many advantages in practice, but also have their own character.

Those facing a purchase decision will likely want to consider the Rose File or the Yeti MTe. That’s why we analyzed the rear suspension on a comparable basis using a kinematics program.

On the trail, the Propain strikes a great balance with its sporty and defined rear suspension character during the sag phase. However, when delving deeper into the travel, the rear suspensions of the Rose and Yeti feel slightly more plush. Especially with the Rose, this sensation can sometimes end with a harsh bottom-out. You’re less likely to experience that with the Propain. The downside is the high pedal kickback of the Propain.

All in all, it can be said: The Pro 10 rear suspension lives up to its high expectations and mainly appeals to sporty riders who have enough core strength and skills to blast through the trails quickly. The Rose, in particular, is more comfort-oriented.

The suspension characteristics can easily be modified via a flip-chip. The frame also offers flexibility in wheel size, supporting both pure 29-inch configurations and the more agile MX setup.

Additionally, you can choose between classic or integrated cable routing through the headset. Both cater to different aesthetic and maintenance preferences. We deliberately opted for classic routing outside the headset to ensure easy maintenance.

A minor criticism of the frame is the lack of protection on the downtube, which can lead to damage from rock strikes in rough terrain. Also, the seat post has a relatively low insertion depth due to the PRO10 kinematics. Especially taller riders who want 200 mm or more of travel need to consider this when configuring and choosing a size.

The drivetrain of the Sresh SL impresses on the climbs with its balanced and predictable performance. The three support levels offer finely-tuned modulation, allowing for smooth acceleration without jerky power surges. Even on technically demanding ascents, the bike maintains its light and agile riding feel.

The battery capacity enables long rides. More practical than the range extender is the replaceable battery. It allows you to easily carry a spare battery on longer rides or multi-day stages, effectively doubling your range. This way, the range can be flexibly adapted to the respective route and individual riding profile. A clear advantage for anyone looking to use their bike for extended explorations. By the way: Even without motor assistance, the Propain can be pedaled uphill reasonably well. We’ve definitely had much worse experiences here.

This is also possible with the Rose File and the Yeti MTe, but it’s much more fiddly than with the Propain. Important for uphill performance is the geometry: The steep seat angle places the rider very centrally over the bottom bracket, ensuring excellent climbing properties. However, this geometry also leads to a very compact seating position. Riders who are between two frame sizes and value a comfortable seating position for long rides should therefore opt for the larger frame size.

When it comes to descending, the Sresh SL really shows what it’s made of. The Öhlins suspension provides enormous grip. When the trail gets rough and demanding, you don’t blow through the travel, but you do need some core strength to hold your lines. Surprisingly, the lively, poppy ride feel is maintained despite the coil shock. The bike is easy to lift and practically begs you to hit jumps and actively engage with trail features.

During the test, we occasionally experienced an issue with the Öhlins fork sagging. We had to refill the air chambers, and then everything worked again. Overall, it must be said that the setup of the Öhlins fork with two air chambers is really finicky. The setup table helps, but it doesn’t save you the work. With the coil shock in the rear, you are also less flexible when it comes to making quick adjustments. We simply prefer air shocks here.

Nonetheless: The agile character, combined with the confident stability of an enduro bike, makes the Propain a true beast on the downhill. When descending, you quickly forget you’re even on an e-bike. The Sresh SL responds precisely to direction changes, remains impressively composed over root carpets, and conveys an enormous sense of security on fast straights. Compared to many full-power e-bikes, the ride feels noticeably more direct and lively. An experience that resembles a classic enduro more than an e-bike.

The bike’s setup follows the concept of customization. Propain utilizes an online configurator that allows the selection of components based on personal priorities such as weight, durability, or budget. With this approach, it’s possible to tailor the frame’s setup precisely to the intended use and riding style, rather than offering a fixed standard setup.

The Base model starts at €6000, but it doesn’t include a dropper post. The full-spec setup is available for over €10,000. In the past, direct sellers often offered significantly more bling at a lower price. Compared to traditional retail brands like Cube, Trek, or Stevens, the price advantage with comparable setups is negligible.

Ergo: If you want the Propain Sresh SL in a killer setup, you’ll need a solid bank balance. Our test bike, priced at just under €10,000, is certainly not a bargain.

The Sresh SL is the perfect bike for trail enthusiasts seeking an authentic mountain biking experience but who don’t want to miss out on the support of an e-drive. It’s geared towards riders who focus on diverse, technical singletracks, where precision, flow, and ride feel are paramount.

Even in the bike park or on enduro race tracks, this bike would certainly be the right choice. Those looking to explore their local trails in detail and vary their lines will find the perfect partner here. If you’re seeking maximum boost and a partner for technical climbs, you’re at the wrong place.