Conclusion Adrian Kaether
In terms of arguments, Propain won't have an easy time with an aluminium bike without weight records and with a permanently installed battery, especially in the DJI cosmos. Functionally, however, the Ekano 3 AL looks really good on the first few metres of trail. Uncomplicated, powerful and quiet, and with great suspension, it's a bike that you'll probably enjoy for a long time. A success!
Propain Ekano 3 AL: Two become one plus Avinox
Propain is streamlining its portfolio and combining the previous Ekano AL with Shimano motor and the Ekano CF carbon model with Sram Powertrain into a single model: the Ekano 3 AL. The basis is a completely new aluminium frame designed around the Pro 10 rear suspension system with a virtual pivot point and a permanently integrated battery. As usual with Propain, the bike can be extensively customised to your own preferences using the configurator.
Two motors, two battery sizes
The centrepiece of the new Ekano is the Avinox Drive in two power levels: The Avinox M2S as the performance version delivers 150 Nm of torque at 1,300 watts of peak power and weighs in at 2.6 kilograms. Those who are more budget-conscious can opt for the Avinox M2, which is somewhat more moderate at 125 Nm and 1,100 watts, but remains almost identically light at 2.65 kilograms.
Buyers can choose between 600 Wh (2.87 kg) and 800 Wh (3.74 kg) batteries - both are permanently integrated into the down tube and cannot be easily removed. The system is complemented by different display and charger options (4A or 12A), so that the bike can be customised to suit the range, performance and price level.
All Mountain or Enduro?
Propain offers the Ekano 3 AL in two clearly defined orientations:
As Trail version (160/150 mm): The versatile setup for touring and trail use is available either as a mullet setup (29"/27.5") or completely on 29 inches. Efficient uphill and powerful downhill - the classic all-mountain set-up should ensure a maximum range of use. Exciting: The developers say that the suspension of the All Mountain is also set up slightly differently to that of the Enduro. More comfort, even with a less committed riding style, should make the bike comfortable even on long tours.
The Enduro version (170/160 mm) is only available in the Mullet set-up and is consistently trimmed for downhill performance. More suspension travel, more reserves in rough terrain, maximum smoothness at speed - that's the idea. The suspension tune is slightly stiffer to provide more reserves for jumps and high speeds.
Cable routing: classic or integrated
The Ekano 3 AL has some interesting technical details: The cable routing integrated into the headset or classically leaves the customer the choice of whether a tidy look or uncomplicated bolting has the higher priority. The Avinox touch colour display is integrated directly into the top tube. Tool Mount and Chain Guide are included as standard.
The frame is available in sizes S to XL and fulfils ASTM category 4 (enduro) as a complete bike, while the frame itself has even been tested to category 5 (downhill requirements). So that you can enjoy your bike for a long time, Propain applies a Ride Wrap film ex works to protect the frame from damage in the best possible way.
There are few surprises when it comes to the geometry. Propain has given the Ekano 3 AL chainstays that are not too short (447 or 452 mm) depending on the wheel size. The rear triangle can be adapted from one wheel to the other using a flip chip. The head angle is 64, the seat angle a steep 78.5 degrees - the Enduro is 0.5 degrees slacker. Propain specifies the reach as 479 millimetres in size L.
From 4999: Prices and configurator
With an entry-level price of €4999, the Ekano 3 AL is positioned well below the high-end eMTBs of the competition, albeit with a small battery, M2 motor and without a quick charger. Realistic trail-ready builds without many compromises are likely to be available from 6000 euros upwards.
First check: How the Propain Ekano 3 AL rides
A full power bike that doesn't handle like one? I wonder if Propain's marketing department isn't running its mouth a bit full? Because the facts tend to speak against it. The Ekano 3 AL is neither super compact nor extremely light.
What the bike is really good at is instilling confidence. The character is extremely powerful and balanced. Even those who, like us at the press event in Molini di Triora, plough blindly into unknown trails always feel comfortable and well integrated.
With long chainstays and a very steep seat angle, the Propain climbs very well, even if the front end can get light at up to 1300 watts. The plush and yet not at all undefined suspension is a clear highlight.
The first impression of the bike is therefore extremely positive. Only those who like it really light-footed and playful will be happy with the great Light-E-MTB Propain Sresh SL (here in the test) will be even happier. Nice: Our test bike remained extremely quiet downhill.
Strengths:
- Balanced, safe and powerful
- Super chassis
- Bomb-Proof frame with Ridewrap film
- Endless power
Weaknesses:
- Neither super light nor extremely cheap
- Permanently installed battery
Adrian Kaether
Editor
