Propain has introduced the Powertrain-equipped Ekano 2 CF, a full carbon SRAM equivalent to the Shimano-powered Ekano AL that launched earlier this year. Like the aforementioned, this is a 170mm/180mm travel eMTB. But, instead of being dedicated to an MX wheelset configuration, this one comes as a 29er, with the versatility to switch out the rear for a 27.5″. That’s true for all frame sizes, S-XL.
As such, geometry and kinematic are subtly different. While the AL is marketed as an e-Freeride bike, the CF announced today is pitched as the more performance-oriented eMTB that can go well both in and out of the bike park. Here’s the need-to-know.
Propain Ekano 2 CF
- Bike: Propain Ekano 2 CF eMTB
- Fork Travel: 180mm
- Rear Wheel Travel: 170mm
- Wheel Size: 29″ (stock) or MX
- Motor: SRAM Eagle Powertrain
- Main Battery: 630 Wh
- Range Extender: 250 Wh
- Sizes: S-XL
- Claimed Weight: 22.8 kg (Medium, Ultimate)
- Starting Price: 7,794 € / USD / GBP
The Ekano 2 CF delivers its 170mm rear wheel travel via the PRO10 linkage, a dual-link affair wherein the links counter-rotate as the rear wheel is displaced. With the shock mounted to those links, it is simultaneously compressed from both ends. Propain says this arrangement delivers a bike with a low center of gravity, and a drive-neutral kinematic.
That may not be strictly true, given that the high anti-squat of around 135% around the sag point. That would suggest the shock will extend under pedaling-induced accelerations, which is not necessarily a bad thing. As for descending, the suspension is said to be very sensitive off the top. Indeed, the PRO10 linkage has a high starting ratio of 3.05, finishing up as low as 1.85 toward bottom-out. That makes this frame really rather progressive.
It is compatible with both large volume air shocks and coil shocks; the three models announced today reflect that with both the Fox DHX2 and the Rockshox Vivid air shock on the table.
Like the Ekano 2 AL, the new CF models announced today come under the ASTM Category 5 classification. Specifically, that approves both eMTBs for extreme jumping and downhill grades on rough trails where speeds exceed 40 km/h. Basically, you’re good to go shred it on anything you might find in the bike park.
Geometry
The Ekano 2 CF does not represent a grand departure from the Ekano 2 AL that was announced in August. The major difference is that the AL is dedicated to an MX setup, while the CF can run a 29″ wheelset or the mixed-wheel configuration. A flip-chip on the upper link, where it mounts to the shock, partially corrects for the geometry changes that would otherwise arise from a wheel size change.
Otherwise, reach, seat tube lengths and head tube angle are identical to those of the Ekano AL. Specifically, that’s a 475mm reach, 455mm seat tube, and a 64° head angle in a size large. In a bid to improve the CF eBike’s stability, the chainstays are a little longer at a consistent 453mm.
Powertrain Motor
While the Ekano 2 AL that launched last year is equipped with the Shimano EP801 motor, the CF models announced today benefit from the marginally more powerful SRAM Eagle Powertrain, powered by Brose. It has a maximum torque of 90 Nm, and a peak power of 680 W. There are just two pedalling support modes; Range and Rally, and a Push mode, too. Also, when paired with any SRAM Transmission AXS group (as it is on the Ekano CF), it also delivers bonus features such as coast-shift and auto-shift. You can read our first ride review of the Powertrain system here.
Providing juice to the SRAM Eagle Powertrain motor is a 630 Wh main battery, accessed via a large door on the downtube. Then, there’s space for a 250 Wh range extender battery on the downtube (M=XL only), bringing total capacity to a monstrous 880 Wh. This is the first Powertrain-equipped eMTB launched with range extender capability, likely making it one of the longest range eBikes of this travel bracket on the market.
Other Frame Details
- Shock Dimensions: 205mm x 60mm (Trunnion)
- BSA Bottom Bracket
- 200mm Post Mount (220mm Max)
- Seat Post Diameter: 31.6mm
- Rear-end spacing: 12mm x 148mm
- Chainline: 55mm
- UDH
Pricing & Availability
Like all Propain carbon frames, the Ekano 2 CF is sold with a five-year frame warranty. There are three models to choose from…
Ekano 2 CF Factory – 11,299 € / USD / GBP
Highlights:
- Fox 38 Factory Fork with GRIP 2 Damper
- Fox DHX2 Coil Shock
- SRAM XX Eagle Transmission
- Magura MT7 Brakes
- Fox Factory Transfer Dropper
- Crankbrothers Synthesis Carbon Wheels with i9 Hydra Hubs
- Schwalbe Magic Mary / Big Betty Tires
Ekano 2 CF Ultimate 9,999 € / USD /GBP
Highlights:
- Rockshox ZEB Ultimate Fork
- Rockshox Vivid Ultimate Shock
- SRAM XO Eagle Transmission
- SRAM Code RSC Brakes
- Rockshox Reverb AXS Dropper
- Newmen EVO EG 30 Wheels
- Schwalbe Magic Mary / Big Betty Tires
Ekano 2 CF Base – 7,794 € / USD / GBP
Highlights:
- Rockshox ZEB Base Fork
- Rockshox Super Deluxe Coil Select Shock
- SRAM GX Eagle Transmission
- SRAM DB8 Brakes
- BikeYoke Divine Dropper
- Newmen Performance 30 Wheels
- Schwalbe Magic Mary / Big Betty Tires
