Today, Propain announced the launch of its new Sresh SL mid-power eMTB. It joins the new Yeti MTe as one of the first bikes to use the new TQ-HPR60 drive system. With the compact and light TQ system, the Sresh SL is the lighter sibling to the brand’s existing full-power Sresh. With the same travel numbers and similar geometry, the Sresh SL aims to deliver similar on-trail capability at a lower weight with mid-power assistance.
According to Propain, the Sresh SL was “Developed for ambitious trail and enduro riders who value low weight, natural support, and a quiet ride feel, the Sresh SL delivers cutting-edge technology in a clean, slim look – powered by the brand-new TQ-HPR60.” With complete builds as light as a claimed 18.2 kg (40.1 lbs.), wheel size and battery size options, and the ability to customize your build in Propain’s online configurator, the Sresh SL has a lot to offer. We’re hoping to get our hands on a test bike in the near future, but for now, let’s dig into the details.
Propain Sresh SL Details
Just like its full-power sibling, the Sresh SL has a carbon fiber frame with 150 mm of travel intended to be paired with a 160 mm fork. As with all Propain mountain bikes, the Sresh SL has the brand’s signature looks with its unique PRO10 suspension design. The PRO10 system is arguably the most distinctive aspect of the brand’s bikes, giving them a look that’s unmistakably Propain.
This design involves a vertically oriented shock between counter-rotating links to provide “finely tuned suspension kinematics with compatibility for multiple air and coil shock options.” According to Propain, this design provides great responsiveness and moderate progression (25%) along with pedaling efficiency via balanced anti-squat (125% at sag).
The compact TQ-HPR60 motor surrounds the crank spindle and is much less noticeable than bulkier options. At the bottom of the downtube, a motor/battery cover can be removed for easy battery removal, plus the cover houses a multi-tool. The frame has a specially designed Sixpack bottle cage that can hold a water bottle or the Range Extender. An additional set of mounts under the top tube can be used to mount other accessories. For cable routing, Propain gives riders the option of standard internal routing or going through the headset.
Complete Propain builds come with a mixed wheel/mullet setup, or you can choose 29” wheels front and rear through the custom configurator. A flip-chip in the upper shock mount helps maintain geometry between the different setups.
Geometry
The Sresh SL has a modern geometry that speaks to the bike’s intended use for aggressive trail and enduro riding. It comes in four sizes, with reach numbers growing by 25 mm per size, with a relatively common 475 mm on a size large with mixed wheels. The effective seat tube angles are properly steep, with head tube angles varying between 64.5 and 64.1 degrees with a 29″ or 27.5″ rear wheel, respectively. When running mixed wheels, riders can also choose the “shred setting”, relaxing the head angle to 63.6 degrees and dropping the BB height further for extra stability. Check out the geometry chart for all the details.
TQ-HPR60 Drive System
Propain chose the new TQ-HPR60 drive system to power the Sresh SL. We covered the motor in greater detail in our launch article a few weeks ago, but we’ll hit the highlights again right now. This motor system provides up to 60 Nm of torque and up to 350 watts of peak power in a compact and lightweight package. TQ’s Harmonic Pin Ring Transmission design allows them to create a small but powerful motor concentric to the crank spindle, so it takes up less space and has a normal Q-factor. On top of that, it’s claimed to be nearly silent, so you can feel it, but you don’t have to hear it, too.
Along with the HPR60 motor, TQ offers several battery sizes and claims they have the “highest energy density on the market.” With the Sresh SL, the 360 Wh battery is the default size, but Propain gives you the option to choose the 580 Wh battery (+$550), or you can add the 160 Wh range extender (+$400) to either battery size. While they are different lengths, the 580 Wh and 360 Wh batteries are the same shape and can be swapped out easily by removing the aforementioned motor/battery cover. Propain also mentions an integrated strap to secure the battery connector if you’re riding without a battery.
The TQ system also includes a display that integrates cleanly into the top tube of the frame, along with a wired handlebar remote. The TQ app can be used to customize motor settings, the display, and more.
Build Options
The number of Sresh SL build options you have to choose from will depend on where you live. In the European market, there are five builds to choose from, ranging in price from 5,994 € for the Base model up to 10,499 € for the Factory spec. In North America, there are just two Signature builds to choose from, starting at $7,299 for Spec 1 and topping out at $8,499 for Spec 2.
Beyond the complete builds, Propain’s custom build configurator gives you tons of choices, including frame color, decal size/color, wheel size, battery size, suspension, and virtually every other component on the bike. It’s quite impressive how many options they give you.
European Builds
With five models to choose from, there’s a wider range of prices to choose from in the European market. Of course, riders also have the option to use the online configurator and build the Sresh SL up with all the parts you want. Here’s a quick rundown of our two favorites. Check out the Propain website for more details and complete builds offered in your region.
Factory: 10,499 €
Fox Factory 36 fork, Float X2 shock, and Transfer dropper. Shimano XTR Di2 drivetrain and XTR brakes, DT Swiss EXC1200 wheels, OneUp Components carbon handlebar, Ergon GDH Team grips, Ergon SM Enduro saddle, and Continental Kryptotal tires.
Ultimate: 8,239 €
RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork, Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, and Reverb AXS wireless dropper, SRAM GX AXS Transmission drivetrain, NEWMEN Beska 30 wheels, Ergon GDH grips and SM Enduro saddle, and Continental Kryptotoal tires.
North American Builds:
There are two complete Signature builds offered in the North American market. Riders can also choose the custom route and get a Sresh SL with all the default base-level components for $6,199. Most people choosing the custom option will likely opt for some higher-end parts, and the sky’s the limit price-wise.
Signature Spec 1: $7,299
Marzocchi Bomber Z1 fork and Bomber Air shock, SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission drivetrain, Magura MT5 brakes, Crankbrothers E-Bike Alloy wheels, OneUp Components V3 dropper and V1 carbon handlebar, Ergon saddle and grips, and Maxxis tires.
Signature Spec 2: $8,499
RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, SRAM GX AXS Transmission, Maven Silver brakes, DT Swiss EX1700 wheels, OneUp V3 dropper and V1 carbon handlebar, Ergon touchpoints, and Maxxis tires.
Propain Sresh SL: Availability
The new Sresh SL is live on the Propain website now. Click the link below to learn more about the builds available in your area or to customize your own unique build through the custom configurator. The brand is currently taking orders with estimated shipping dates in late July.
