WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE PROPAIN SRESH SL
The 2025 Propain Sresh SL packs a big punch in a lightweight package. A 1.9kg TQ HPR 60 drive unit helps keep the overall weight under 44lbs. With a 150mm Pro10 rear and 160mm fork suspension package, the Sresh SL tackles rugged terrain effectively. Combining the suspension character with its geometry set, Propain created a machine that blurs the trail and enduro lines effectively.
DRIVE UNIT AND ELECTRONICS
Propain opted to equip the new Sresh SL with the TQ HPR 60 drive unit. The motor delivers 60Nm of torque and 350W of peak power. Thanks to TQ’s Harmonic Pin Ring system which gives the HPR 60 its name, this light eBike drive unit stays exceptionally quiet.
The Sresh SL frame features an easily removable battery, which can be accessed by loosening one allen key bolt. This means that batteries can be swapped out at the trailhead if you have a spare. Propain offers two battery sizes for the Sresh SL — a smaller 360Wh (1.83kg / 4.04lbs) and a larger 580Wh (2.70kg / 5.94lbs). We chose the larger 580Wh battery, which can be paired with a 160Wh range extender, for a potential total range of 740Wh.
TQ’s display screen is integrated into the top tube of the Sresh SL, with a remote mounted to the handlebars. The screen displays information such as ride mode and battery life, and can be easily toggled through using the controller. More control and fine-tuning are offered through TQ’s app, where users can customize power, level of support, and pedal response.
FRAME AND FEATURES
Depending on your riding style, buyers have the option of a full 29er Sresh or a Mix wheel Sresh. And, of course, there is always the option to go back and forth between the two, thanks to a generous flip chip in the upper link.
Regardless of rear wheel size, this flip chip also allows riders to fine-tune the Sresh SL’s geometry to their liking. However, it is important to note that an MX setup with the flip chip in the “low” setting results in a very low bottom bracket, so care should be taken when riding this lightweight eBike in the “shred” setting.
Wheel size isn’t the only option Propain provides. The Sresh SL has standard cable ports in the usual places on the frame for internal routing. They also have an option to run the cables through the headset, for an extra tidy look.
Some love it, others hate it. For our purposes, we stuck with the standard internal cable routing.
SUSPENSION
Like all Propain full suspension bikes, the Sresh SL uses its Pro10 suspension platform. The dual-link design offers the traction, climbing, and handling characteristics they desire, working with either air shocks or coil-sprung units happily. The Sresh SL featured 150mm of rear travel, which sits at 25% progression over the length of travel, and has anti-squat levels of roughly 125% at SAG.
GEOMETRY
Between a flip chip and the option to run the Sresh SL as a full 29er or MX setup, there are several different geometry options. Our size Large Sresh’s geometry will reflect mixed-wheels and the flip chip in the high setting.
The Propain Sresh SL features a 64.5° HTA, paired with a 77.6° STA. The reach is 475mm, the stack is 636mm, and the chainstays are 450mm, which remains consistent across all sizes. This gives the Sresh SL a relatively long wheelbase of 1,269mm for a trail category lightweight eMTB.
But, wait! That’s not all! For those really wanting to rip, Propain provides a “Shred” setting. This is an MX wheel configuration with the bottom bracket set to low — making it extra low. This slackens the HTA to 63.6°, grows the chainstays to 452mm, and the wheelbase to 1,270mm. Moreover, it drops the BB from 344mm to a slammed 338mm.
BUILD SPECS
Propain is one of the few brands that provides its customers with the option to build a bike to their exacting specification. As is the case with all the Propain offerings, the Sresh SL is customizable from a list of components. They also allow customers to choose paint and decal color, creating a truly one-of-a-kind light eBike.
Those who do not want to fully customize their eMTB can choose between Propain’s two standard builds for the Sresh SL in North America: the CF1 Signature Spec 1 or the CF1 Signature Spec 2. Yet, choosing one of these will still offer some choices, such as frame color, decals, and battery size. The frames come with the smaller of the two batteries, with an upgrade available upon purchase.
Propain sent its Signature Spec 2 our way for our shootout, with the large battery upgrade. This bike features a RockShox Lyrik and Super Deluxe suspension package, both at the Ultimate level. SRAM Maven Silver brakes with 200mm rotors take care of the stopping, while a GX Transmission drivetrain with 160mm Praxis cranks keeps things shifting smoothly.
Tried and true DT Swiss EX 1700 wheels are wrapped in our Schwalbe control rubber – the Magic Mary Radial Gravity up front and Albert Radial Gravity in the rear. The build is rounded off with a 180mm OneUp V3 dropper, an Ergon SM Enduro saddle, and 35mm rise OneUp carbon bars.
Total weight with our control tires for the Propain Sresh SL 1 CF Signature Spec 2 in size large was 43.8 lbs (19.9 kg).
THE DIRT
SETUP
As a consumer-direct brand, Propain has worked to give its customers a straightforward and expedited setup experience. From the initial build to getting this lightweight electric mountain bike up to speed on the trail, the Propain Sresh SL was not overly temperamental and did not require extensive tuning to get to a happy spot. The only time-consuming issue we had – which was present on nearly all SRAM Maven-equipped bikes – was the need to perform multiple piston massages and brake bleeds to ensure braking consistency.
Our testers experimented with different suspension sag settings on the Sresh SL, and found that a good starting point for most trails was around the 30-32% setting. This varied depending on trail type and rider preference, and everywhere in the 28% to 32% range performed without quirks.
ELECTRONICS AND INTEGRATION
The Propain Sresh SL’s TQ HPR60 drive unit became the crew’s favorite lightweight eMTB drive unit by the end of the shootout. We appreciated this eBike system’s small form factor, tidy frame appearance, and battery modularity. The ability to choose either a 580Wh or 360Wh internal battery and the optional 160Wh range extender presented an option to satisfy most riders.
The top tube had a neatly integrated display, and our crew thoroughly enjoyed the power-monitoring capabilities it offered. The TQ app was relatively easy to use, and allowed riders to customize aspects of the drive unit and personalize rider profiles or display views on the screen.
While some riders may enjoy the integrated headset cable routing option, we applaud Propain for giving customers the choice to also run traditionally routed internal cables if they desire. We liked the integration of the electronics, frame protection, and considered the Sresh SL to hold its own as a premium product when compared to competitors in the light eMTB field.
Learn more about the TQ HPR 60 drive unit in our Lightweight eMTB Shootout main page.
DRIVE UNIT RANGE TEST RESULT
We compared lightweight eMTB drive unit performance and efficiency with a standardized test. We created a 13-mile, 1,300-foot elevation “Battery Efficiency Loop” and rode every bike in its highest assist mode until the loop was done. Our test rider, Travis, is 193lbs and was diligent about his efforts and physical state for each ride.
The TQ HPR 60 system completed the loop in 01:03:23 (6th/8), but only used 192.2Wh of its 580Wh capacity (34%). This placed it best in class for consumption and capacity remaining. The predicted range in this terrain would be an impressive 38.2 miles, 3,820 feet.
CLIMBING THE SRESH SL
Our testers enjoyed climbing the Propain Sresh SL, as it provided a balanced, comfortable position. Along with a comfortable geo set, the TQ drive unit delivered enough power to take the sting off the steepest climbs. It may not have been as fast as the Bosch, but the efficiency and battery range were worthwhile trade-offs for our team. The overall benefits of the TQ still placed it above others in the category as of the time of publication.
One area that our testers did bring up on certain climbs was the rear end’s lack of sensitivity under load. The flip side to the slightly stiffer platform was impressive efficiency, which rewarded high efforts. Still, riders who are seated and climbing with spaced-out hits or washboards will likely feel a bit more energy transmitted through their saddles.
DESCENDING ON THE PROPAIN SRESH SL
Keeping in tune with suspension critiques, the Propain Sresh SL’s PRO10 suspension platform had some polarizing characteristics. Overall it was a solid platform, but riders found that the rear wheel would get bucked occasionally. This was noted when entering corners with body weight over the front end of the bike. With the rear end unweighted and the brakes engaged slightly, square-edge hits could also send the rear wheel airborne a bit more than some platforms found on other light eBikes.
It’s an issue that may never happen on your local trails, or it could be exactly the type of thing that makes every corner feel a bit rough and unnerving, depending on where you live. Testers also noted that the suspension was a bit firmer throughout its travel when airing into three- to six-inch roots or rocks that were slightly spaced out.
The rest of the descending and cornering characteristics of the Propain Sresh SL were nothing short of inspirational. It was an absolute treat to let this lightweight eMTB dip, dive and dance when the corners were twisting and the trail pointing downward. It was in these more flowy and purpose-built MTB trails that the Sresh SL left many of its contemporaries in the dust. From mid-turn stability to effortless direction changes and drifty back-end slides, when the Sresh SL was in its element, it was the bike to beat. If you regularly ride trails of varying steepness that are full of sniper jumps, pocket berms, quick-transitioning corners and generally active bike handling moments, the Sresh SL could be a real asset. The way this bike accelerates when pumping rollers or getting it up on the back wheel kept it fighting as we looked for bikes to move up or down our list of top performers.
FINISH AND VALUE
Every rider on our crew and on the trail appreciated the Sresh SL’s appearance. Heck, even people at the gas station had positive things to say about the “Hot Tamale”, as we called it. It was an eBike that commanded attention with its all-red finish and unique-looking suspension platform. The fit and finish of the hardware, its charge port door, and paint all displayed a pride of craftsmanship that would make an owner proud to call this bike their own. Combine that with the ability to customize colors and graphics, and with build options that provide some strong value, Propain are certainly here to compete with the Sresh SL.
COMPARISON AND RANKING?
The Propain Sresh SL was certainly a competitor in the lightweight eMTB space. We appreciated the solid value-to-spec ratio, utilization of our new favorite TQ HPR60 drive unit and its 580Wh battery, and the ability to customize many aspects. Combine that with some of the biggest grin-inducing cornering skills of the group test, and you’ve got an eBike that is hard to count out. Depending on where you live and what you like to ride, this bike could rank very high, or be something a little less desirable than other options due to its trail character.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Overall, our review concluded that the Propain Sresh SL stood out among the 13 competitors in this year’s lightweight eMTB Shootout. While it may not be our first pick for comfort or plushness on certain high-speed choppy trails, it was a bike we continued to rank highest on the fun, flowy trails with tons of active riding scenarios. In short, this bike is a ton of fun when ridden on the trails it was designed to shine on. 
Price: $8,849
Weight: 43.8 lbs (19.9kg)
Website: propain-bikes.com
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