Propain Ekano eBike First Ride Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- The Propain Ekano is a 165/170mm travel alloy-frame electric MTB... and it kicks ass!
The good:
-Super quiet - no rattles, chain-slap or other weird eBike noises.
-Very nimble - especially for a long-travel bike, this thing wants to party immediately (possibly due to the short reach?) Whatever the cause, it usually takes me 2 or 3 rides on an eBike to feel at home with the new weight, and this one I felt at home on right away.
-Adjustable geometry - This bike can run 27.5, 29, or mixed wheels, and has a high and low geo setting. (The test was done in 29/29, high-setting)
-Shimano's EP8 motor has great power, some good tuneability, and a really intuitive trail feel (it doesn't try to throw you off on tech climbs).
The bad: (there isn't much)
-While I loved the short reach at 475mm, that is pretty short for a 'modern' geo bike. (I'm 6'3" and it made me giggle the whole time, so maybe there's something to be said for short top tubes?)
-The grips aren't very comfy. (I know, boo-hoo.)
-The saddle is a brick.
-The Schwalbe Eddy Current tires don't have as much braking traction as the Continental Kryptotals that I'm used to.
Upgrades:
-The suspension is 2022 Rockshox stuff, meaning that to get the Charger 3 damper and buttercups (or Hydraulic Bottom-Out on the shock) you need to upgrade the damper, air shaft and shock body). I've been running the new RS suspension and it's a pretty noticeable difference, especially in the fork. Buttercups at the very least will be going on.
-DMR Deathgrips and a Spank Spike Vibrocore bar will be going on.
-Probably switch back to Kryptotal tires (or maybe Argotal, since it's going to rain soon).
-Also Tannus inserts because I plan to be very hard on this bike.
-The seat makes baby jesus cry. I'll switch to Ergon something.
That's it! Thanks for watching, and let me know in the comments if you have any thoughts or questions.
Oh, also, here's a link to the bike if you're inspired: www.propain-bi...
I picked up a SRAM (CF) and Shimano (AL) Ekano from Vancouver last weekend; both are great bikes! The SRAM motor is even quieter and more powerful than the Shimano, at least for a lower cadence pedaler like me
Great review!
Awesome vid. I want to take this bike from the outlet now, and I am 191cm (6'3" I think :D - same as you). Is short top tube a problem when pedaling up or longer time around the trails. My Ransom has 500mm reach, and maybe its bit to much for me. You think shorter is not that bad?
I think shorter reach on eBikes is a good thing overall. I definitely had to raise the seat post height and bar height though, so there are trade-offs, but I prefer the nimbleness of a shorter bike to counteract the weight.
Are you riding ‘Magic’? I’m heading up tomorrow to build a hip landing off the infamous step down. Maybe as you out there. Nice review. I’ve been seeing more of the Propain Posse’ at MBO and the Dallas trails. Quiet e-bike? Nice!👍😉
It's right by Magic, yeah. I'll be working out there tomorrow, too, might see ya!
Propain definitely making its mark 'round here in Vancouver. Looks rippin! What trails you riding here?
I think that i need of one It bike. I'm Go down the mountain sometimes
You mentioned you have a XL frame, how tall are you? My is just comming (hopefully) next weeks.. Iam a bit concerned, because i ordered L frame and iam 1.86M, which should be right in the middle from Propain Side... But i like it palyful
I'm 6'3" (about the same height) and the XL was much shorter than I'm used to running with a 475 reach. I'd imagine that the L will be VERY short for you.
Still recommend it?
Absolutely. This bike totally rips. I've been trying it with a Boxxer and Superdeluxe Coil recently, and it's pretty cool (but not way better).
I have a tyee I love how playful it is how does the suspension layout feel on the ekano?
Haven't had enough time on a Tyee to compare, but the suspension feels remarkably playful for the weight/ counter-rotating link design on the Ekano. I'm used to Horst bikes, and this feels just as nimble.
@@dsanfdsa1 alright thanks very much
What are your thoughts on the battery? How far can you ride?
It's good! I finally drained it on a 2-day ride out at the coast. (Forgot to charge it in between). For my regular rides it's definitely enough.
Thanks!! I want to be able to ride 25+ miles and not worry about how often I can use boost mode. I'm hoping this bike has a larger battery on next year's model. A lot of companies are offering at least 720 WH now on ebikes. I do love being able to personalize this bike!! This turq color is so sick!! 🤩