Home > Bike Types > eBike

Propain Ekano 2 CF Powertrain eMTB Packs 880 Wh Range, If You Want

propain ekano 2 cf emtb sram powertrain 880 w max battery capacity
2 Comments
Support us! Bikerumor may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

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 factory model powertrain emtb
Propain says the Ekano 2 CF is just as fast on the trail as its non-motorized counterpart, the Spindrift.

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.

propain ekano 2 cf kinematic anti-squat leverage curve

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.

propain ekano 2 cf emtb factory model

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.

propain ekano 2 cf emtb geometry table
The geometry table pertains to the 29er; the MX configuration sees reach go 4mm shorter, with a slightly slacker head angle.

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.

propain ekano 2 cf emtb 880 wh capacity total
Riders must choose between carrying a water bottle or the 250 Wh range extender. The latter only fits on sizes M-XL.

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.

propain ekano 2 cf sram powertrain ebike clean cockpit wireless sram pod ultimate shifters
The Powertrain system gives rise to a super clean eBike cockpit, thanks to use of wireless Pod Controllers on the bar.

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
propain ekano 2 cf emtb thru-headset cable routing sixpack stem spacer
The Ekano 2 CF sees thru-headset cable routing, with cables entering through the spacer directly underneath the SixPack stem. Propain spec all models with stainless steel bearings and an extra seal to prolong their usable lifetime. The brand says, “wear in the headset is therefore absolutely no issue with our ICR (integrated cable routing) system”.

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

propain ekano 2 cf factory model powertrain emtb

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

propain ekano 2 cf ultimate model blue frame color powertrain emtb
The Ekano 2 CF Ultimate model gets a Rockshox Reverb AXS dropper. That means the larger frame sizes get only 170mm drop, meaning many riders will want to switch that out for a longer, aftermarket upgrade.

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
propain ekano 2 cf base model deep forest blue

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

propain-bikes.com

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
paquo
paquo
11 months ago

uh….brose motor , that’s not good

nooner
nooner
11 months ago
Reply to  paquo

another Direct To Consumer brand like YETI…

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.