First ride review of the new...

The new 2025 Propain Sresh SL is the first light eMTB from the German direct-to-consumer brand . It’s powered by the new TQ HPR60 motor and offers two battery options in the online configurator. On top of that, it tips the scales at just 19.8 kg. We’ve already tested this descent-focused trail bike, which generates 160/150 mm of travel.

The german direct-to-consumer brand which is known for their gravity-focused bikes and online configurator, is now entering the light-assist segment. Following the full-power e-enduro Ekano 2 CF with a SRAM motor and the full-power e-trail bike Sresh CF with a Shimano drive, the new 2025 Propain Sresh SL marks their first light eMTB..

With the Sresh SL, Propain let you decide whether you want to ride with a full 29” setup or mixed wheels. And it doesn’t stop there. The configurator also gives you a wide range of choices for suspension components, brakes, drivetrain, wheels and tires. If that sounds like too much choice, don’t worry: Propain also offer pre configured builds, with prices ranging from € 5,994 for the Base model to € 10,499 for the top-tier Factory spec. Our test bike in size L was custom-built and closely resembles the Ultimate model, weighing in at 19.8 kg with a price tag of € 8,734.

You’ll have to look closely to spot the motor on this bike. The new TQ HPR60 delivers 60 Nm of torque and up to 350 watts of peak power, all neatly integrated into the frame. Two battery options – 360 Wh and 580 Wh – can be fitted inside the downtube, and there’s also a 160 Wh range extender available via the configurator. Whether you’re heading out for a quick post-work spin or tackling a full-day adventure, the Sresh SL has the juice to keep you going. With 160 mm of travel up front and 150 mm at the rear, the new Propain Sresh SL 2025 is built for riders who love the descent just as much as the climb.

The Propain Sresh SL 2025 in Detail

Our test bike came in a clear-coated carbon finish that looks every bit as classy as it sounds. When it comes to cable routing, Propain clearly listened to the often critical feedback around internal cable routing (ICR), where cables, brake hoses and wiring are routed through the headset. With the new 2025 Sresh SL, they’ve returned to a more classic internal routing layout, with side-entry ports at the head tube. The cables are sealed and secured in place with rubber grommets.

Even on the ICR version of the top-end model, these ports are still present, but here they’re paired with an ICR headset and ICR stem. From the main frame to the rear triangle, cables and hoses are routed above the bottom bracket along the PRO10 rear linkage. Everything is securely held in place with bolted ports and a centre clip – no rattling, no fuss. In this position, the lines are well protected from damage, although mud does tend to hide in all the little nooks and crannies, making post-ride cleaning a bit more involved.

There’s a tool mount on the top tube just in front of the shock, which is designed to carry medium-sized tools or a spare tube. The new 2025 Propain Sresh SL also comes with a multitool as standard, neatly clipped into the motor cover. You can open and remove this cover using a swivel lever. That said, this setup is more of a fair-weather solution—when things get muddy, the cover takes a direct hit, making the lever hard to spot and even harder to use without getting your hands dirty. On those days, it’s best to bring an extra tool along just in case.

Am Oberrohr vor dem Dämpfer gibt’s einen Tool-Mount, der mittelgroße Tools oder einen Schlauch aufnehmen kann. Ein Multitool hat das neue Propain Sresh SL 2025 immer dabei, es ist eingeklipst in die Motorabdeckung, die ihr mit einem Schwenkhebel öffnen und abnehmen könnt. Diese Lösung ist eher eine Sommeredition, denn bei matschigen Verhältnissen ist diese Abdeckung voll unter Beschuss, sodass der Hebel nicht einfach zu finden sein wird, ganz zu schweigen von den schmutzigen Händen. Für solche Tage solltet ihr besser noch ein separates Tool einpacken.

The rear triangle features Propain’s own PRO10 linkage, which the brand claims combines a sensitive initial response with plenty of progression and solid pedalling efficiency. To keep that smooth suspension performance going even after countless washes, the bearings are equipped with additional sealing rings to fend off dirt and moisture. And to protect both your ears and the chainstay, there’s a thick, wide elastomer chainstay protector keeping things quiet and clean.

The TQ HPR60 motor system

The ultra-compact TQ HPR60 motor is so discreetly integrated into the 2025 Propain Sresh SL that you’d be struggling to understand that it’s an eMTB at first glance. Weighing just 1.9 kg, the motor still manages to deliver a solid 60 Nm of torque and up to 350 watts of peak power – impressive figures for this category. The only thing it lacks is a short-term boost function, like those found on the FAZUA or Brose Qore systems.

With removable batteries housed in the down tube, you can choose between a lightweight 1.8 kg option with 360 Wh capacity, or a 2.7 kg battery offering 580 Wh for an extra € 399. There’s also a range extender available, delivering 160 Wh and weighing in at 1.1 kg. It straps into the bottle cage using a retention strap. While the system works, it’s a bit fiddly, and we often had to re-tighten the strap to stop the battery rattling around in the cage. On a bike this expensive with such a high-end system, we’d definitely expect a more refined solution.

Based on the 200 W charger with a 4A charge current, we calculated charging times of around 2 to 3 hours for the 360 Wh battery and roughly 3 to 4 hours for the 580 Wh version. The charger plugs into a port on the down tube, just behind the head tube. This charging port is well protected from dirt and sealed with a rubberised cover that’s easy to open and close.

The same port is used to connect the range extender, and its plug is meant to be secured using the built-in cover. However, we did run into an issue when the range extender wasn’t tightly strapped down– the plug worked loose despite the locking flap. So it’s worth double-checking the fit here.

The remote is the familiar two-button unit already seen on the TQ HPR50 system. It’s minimalist, compact and built to last. The buttons have a firm click, making accidental double-presses highly unlikely. You can switch between the Off, Eco, Mid and High modes, and activate the Walk Assist function.

Neatly integrated into the top tube, the new colour display of the TQ HPR60 system keeps things minimalist with just a single button. That one button, however, has multiple functions: a quick press turns the system on, while holding it for more than 3 seconds powers it off. A single click cycles through the support modes, and a double-click switches between display pages.

Although the button has a firm, defined click, we often found it a bit too easy to trigger the wrong function. Sometimes, instead of switching display pages, the motor mode would change – an issue that could be annoying mid-ride. Since assist modes can already be changed using the handlebar remote, and this button would really only be needed if the display were damaged, we’d prefer to see the display toggle on a single click and the mode switch protected behind a double-click to avoid accidental input.

The new colour display is intuitive and easy to read. At the top, it shows the battery levels of both the main battery and, if connected, the range extender– either as a bar or a numeric value. A new feature is the visualisation of the support mode via two side bars, which is a noticeable improvement over the previous generation’s dot-and-circle system. In the centre, you’ll see user-selectable data, configurable through the TQ e-bike app. You can set up to three display pages, each showing two values at a time: remaining range (calculated based on the current support mode), cadence, speed, motor power and rider power.

The app also allows you to fine-tune each support mode individually, adjusting max power, support level (up to 200%), pedal response (from slow to fast), and top assist speed. We found the way these settings are labelled especially clear and intuitive – something that can’t always be said for the Bosch eBike Flow app.

The spec options of the 2025 Propain Sresh SL

You’ve got full freedom of choice here: Propain’s online configurator lets you start by picking your preferred wheel setup– either full 29” or a mixed wheel combo. The “Individual” build starts at a base price of € 5,994, giving you the option to upgrade every component group to your liking. If you’d rather skip the decision-making, there are also five preconfigured build kits to choose from:

Base € 5.994
Bomber € 6.629
Swedish Gold € 7.939
Ultimate € 8.239
Factory € 10.499

When it comes to frame colours, the Propain Sresh SL 2025 is available in Firetruck Red Matt, Moon Shine Gloss and Carbon Raw Gloss. On top of that, you can pick from twelve decal colour options to make the bike your own.

We put our test bike together using the online configurator, but apart from the drivetrain, handlebars and wheels, it’s identical to the Ultimate build. The RockShox suspension on the Ultimate spec clearly highlights the Sresh SL’s downhill ambitions. Up front, the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork offers 160 mm of travel and features the top-of-the-line Charger 3.1 damper. High- and low-speed compression as well as rebound can all be adjusted independently.

At the rear, the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock delivers 150 mm of travel and plenty of traction. Like the fork, it offers separate adjustments for high- and low-speed compression and rebound, and also features a platform lever to firm things up for climbing. All compression settings on the Ultimate-level suspension can be adjusted quickly and easily on the trail, with less than one full turn covering the entire range and a clear scale showing your current setting at a glance.

The brakes also speak to the 2025 Propain Sresh SL’s performance potential. With SRAM Maven Silver brakes and 200 mm rotors front and rear, you’re getting top-tier stopping power and precise modulation.

The electronic SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission delivers quick and seamless shifts, even under load – which, in the eMTB world, is more the rule than the exception. On the Sresh SL, the derailleur draws power directly from the bike’s main battery, so there’s no need to worry about charging a separate derailleur battery. With the 520% gear range of the 12-speed cassette, you’ll still be able to grind your way up the hill even if the motor runs out of juice. Shifting is controlled via the SRAM AXS POD controllers, mounted with the Infinity Clamp for full flexibility in positioning – letting you dial in the cockpit just the way you like it.

Our test bike rolls on NEWMEN Beskar 30 Trail aluminium wheels, with rim and spoke combinations specifically tuned for front and rear use. For heavier riders or a more aggressive riding style, the configurator also offers tougher wheelset options. Traction comes courtesy of Continental tires: up front, a Kryptotal FR with Enduro casing and Super Soft compound; at the rear, a Kryptotal RE with Enduro casing and Soft compound. These tires strike a solid balance between grip and durability, performing well on everything from dry and hard-packed to wet and loose terrain – perfectly suited to the bike’s intended use.

Also wireless and electronic is the RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post with 200 mm of travel. It reacts quickly to input from the POD controller and performs flawlessly on the trail. Visually, it’s not the prettiest with the battery sitting mid-post, but that’s not something you’ll notice much while riding. Up in the cockpit, the bike features a Sixpack Millenium 35 mm stem paired with a OneUp carbon handlebar – an upgraded component that, with its 35 mm rise, helps create a balanced, centred riding position. The total weight of our Propain Sresh SL 2025 test bike is 19.8 kg, which is impressive considering the sturdy components, long-travel dropper and Enduro-casing tyres.

Other spec options of the Propain Sresh SL

With five fixed build kits and the fully customisable Individual variant, Propain cater to almost every preference and budget. Each model name reflects the suspension components it comes with (Images may differ from the actual specifications.)

At the top end, the Factory model, priced at € 10,499, features a FOX 36 Factory fork with the new GRIP X2 damper and a FOX FLOAT X shock. It’s paired with Shimano’s electronic 12-speed XTR Di2 drivetrain and matching XTR brakes. The bike rolls on DT Swiss EXC 1200 carbon wheels, comes with a OneUp carbon handlebar, and includes an ICR headset for riders who prefer a super clean cockpit.

The Ultimate model, priced at € 8,239, differs from our test bike in just a few components. It comes with the electronic SRAM GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain and NEWMEN Beskar 30 wheels, using the same rim and spoke setup front and rear. Instead of a carbon handlebar, this build features the Sixpack Millenium 805 alloy bar with 30 mm rise.

The Swedish Gold version, priced at € 7,939, is equipped with an Öhlins RXF 38 fork and an Öhlins TTX 22 coil shock. It features the mechanical SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission, SRAM Maven Silver brakes, DT Swiss EX1700 alloy wheels and the reliable mechanical OneUp V3 dropper post.

At € 6,629, the second most affordable option is named Bomber, thanks to its Marzocchi Bomber Z1 fork and Bomber Air shock. It comes with a Shimano XT drivetrain, MAGURA MT5 brakes and NEWMEN Performance 30 aluminium wheels. The OneUp V3 dropper post is also fitted here, along with grips and a handlebar from Sixpack.

The most affordable version, Base, starts at € 5,994 and also serves as the entry point for the Individual configuration. With a RockShox Psylo Gold RC fork, RockShox Deluxe Select shock and mechanical SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission drivetrain, it offers solid performance without breaking the bank. SRAM DB8 brakes, NEWMEN Performance 30 alloy wheels, the OneUp V3 dropper and a Sixpack cockpit round out the build.

The geometry of the Propain Sresh SL

When it comes to geometry, Propain stuck to their proven formula. The new Propain Sresh SL 2025 is available in sizes S, M, L and XL, with reach measurements ranging from 430 mm to 505 mm in consistent 25 mm steps. According to the brand, these sizes are suitable for riders between 158 cm and 202 cm tall.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Horizontal Top Tube	589 mm	616 mm	642 mm	662 mm
Seat Tube Length	390 mm	410 mm	430 mm	460 mm
Head Tube Length	100 mm	110 mm	120 mm	130 mm
Head Tube Angle	64,1°	64,1°	64,1°	64,1°
Seat Tube Angle	76°	76°	76°	76°
BB Drop	31 mm	31 mm	31 mm	31 mm
Chainstay Length	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm
Wheelbase	1210 mm	1239 mm	1269 mm	1298 mm
Reach	425 mm	450 mm	475 mm	500 mm
Stack	618 mm	627 mm	636 mm	645 mm

In line with its travel and intended use, the bike features a well-balanced trail geometry with a long rear end. One standout element is the steep effective seat tube angle, which positions smaller riders further forward while keeping taller riders from sitting too far over the rear wheel. The stack is moderate for a trail bike and pleasantly high – something taller riders will appreciate, as they often end up with a low front end and need to reach for high-rise bars.

A flip chip at the rear allows for an easy switch between 29” and 27.5” rear wheels. It compensates for about two-thirds of the wheel size difference, meaning the 27.5” setup already results in a 0.3° slacker head angle compared to the 29” configuration. If you keep the flip chip in the 29” position when fitting the smaller rear wheel, you get the SHRED setting – 0.9° slacker and noticeably more stable. As long as you’ve got two 5 mm Allen keys to hand, the adjustment is simple enough to do right on the trail. Propain have done a great job with this system.

The Propain Sresh SL 2025 on the trail

To get a well-rounded impression of how it rides, we took the bike out on our local trails – both up and down – with everything from smooth flow to proper technical sections. Right from the first few metres, the riding position feels comfortably centred and moderately upright. You’re well positioned between the wheels and feel nicely integrated into the bike. Despite being a size L, the bike feels surprisingly compact, and your pedal stroke feels more like you’re stepping forward than down. The rear end remains impressively stable while pedalling, even with the shock fully open and without using the platform lever.

Also not there: any unwanted noise. The new 2025 Propain Sresh SL glides through the forest almost silently. The TQ HPR60 motor is barely audible, and the new ratchet freehub in the NEWMEN Fade hubs is so pleasantly quiet, you’ll wish every rider who rattles past had one too. When the trail gets more technical, the bike proves to be a capable climber. Thanks to the sensitive rear suspension and solid traction, it handles roots, rocks and ledges with ease. The weight distribution, which is key for grip, is easy to dial in.

Depending on your chosen support mode and tuning, the motor assistance ranges from gentle to punchy. The support factor tops out at 200%, meaning you’ll need to put in a fair amount of your own effort to unlock the motor’s full output. The upside is that overall power builds early, well before you hit the motor’s limit. That makes the system feel natural and intuitive, as you rarely notice the point where the motor maxes out. The result is smooth power delivery and strong drive, more than enough to tackle steep climbs. If you want to dive deeper into the new TQ HPR60 motor system, be sure to check out our in-depth review.

When gravity takes over, the new 2025 Propain Sresh SL rides with the nimble, lively feel you’d expect from a trail bike. In the stock 27.5” rear wheel setup, the steering felt a bit too twitchy for our taste, so we switched to the Shred setting using the flip chip. In this configuration, the bike still carves eagerly into corners and remains agile, but the slacker head angle and altered position give it a more downhill-focused character. Unfortunately, this option is only available with the MX wheel setup. If you’re running a full 29” build, your only option is to fit an AngleSet – which the oversized upper headset cup has room for. With the slacker head angle, the bike’s stability gets a noticeable boost. Even so, it stays agile enough to flick the front wheel around any unexpected trail obstacles.

What we especially liked in fast corners was how easy it is to find the right weight balance between the front and rear wheels. Grip is consistent across both ends, and compared to bikes with shorter chainstays, there’s less effort required to keep that balance spot on.

One of the standout features on the descents is the suspension. Despite our relatively firm setup – with 18% front and 25% rear SAG – it still delivered a plush, cloud-like ride. There’s always plenty of grip, and the Propain gives you loads of confidence. That confidence is further boosted by the SRAM Maven Silver brakes, which control the bike effortlessly, even on steep terrain – as long as the tyres can keep up.

The Propain Sresh SL 2025 is also impressively quiet on the way down. No chain slap, no cable rattle, barely any tyre noise over rocks and roots, and the motor remains silent, even when you’re spinning a high cadence downhill. The only issue we had was with the range extender. It took three attempts to tighten the strap enough so the auxiliary battery wouldn’t rattle in the bottle cage.

Who should take a closer look at the 2025 Propain Sresh SL?

The Propain Sresh SL 2025 is ideal for riders looking for a bit of support on their daily trail rides, but who are also happy to put in some effort themselves.
Beginners will quickly feel at home thanks to the intuitive handling and well-balanced riding position. At the same time, experienced riders will appreciate the bike’s geometry and high-performance components, which offer plenty of potential to push things further. With a wide range of battery options, the Propain Sresh SL 2025 can be set up as a lightweight machine for quick post-work rides or as a long-distance trail weapon with the larger main battery and range extender.

Conclusions about the 2025 Propain Sresh SL

The new Propain Sresh SL 2025 combines sharp looks with strong trail performance. This light-assist e-MTB climbs with ease and descends with confidence and an appetite for corners. The spec is well thought-out right down to the details, with plenty of options to suit different preferences and budgets. The suspension and brakes on the Ultimate model are top notch. The discreetly integrated and whisper-quiet TQ HPR60 motor provides natural-feeling support and delivers surprising pulling power—as long as you keep pedalling..

More info at Propain.com.

---

Words: Ben Karger Photos: Peter Walker