German direct-sales brand Propain has added EXT suspension to the custom-build options in its online configurator. The Propain EXT upgrade is available on selected models: the two eMTB platforms, the Sresh SL and the Ekano, plus the analogue Tyee and Rage.
The idea is simple. Propain sells its bikes as preset builds that can be changed part by part, and the brand says riders can now combine premium suspension with a cheaper drivetrain instead of paying for the most expensive complete package.
What the Propain EXT upgrade costs
In its announcement Propain quotes the EXT Storia shock at $750 more than a RockShox Super Deluxe Base and $250 more than a RockShox Vivid Ultimate. These are the US upgrade figures from the press release; prices in other markets are shown in the configurator for each bike, and availability depends on model and region.
EXT on the Sresh SL
Propain's Sresh SL page already lists an EXT-based recommendation: an EXT Era fork with 170 mm travel paired with an EXT Storia shock, alongside DT Swiss EX 1700 Classic wheels, Shimano XT brakes with 203 mm rotors and SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission.
According to Propain, every EXT shock gets a Propain-specific tune, and each fork and shock is checked on a dynamometer before it ships. The brand highlights two EXT features:
- HBC (Hydraulic Bottom-out Control) – extra, adjustable hydraulic damping in the final 15% of the stroke for big hits.
- AS3 (Air Spring 3) – a fork air spring with two separately filled positive chambers and a self-balancing negative chamber, giving fine control over the spring curve.
The Sresh SL itself is Propain's light eMTB, built around the TQ HPR60 motor (see our TQ HPR motor page) with a removable 360 Wh or 580 Wh battery and an optional 160 Wh range extender. On Propain's EU site the Sresh SL Base build starts at €5,994. The Ekano family – the Ekano AL Trail and Ekano AL Enduro – uses DJI's Avinox drive.
For more on the Italian brand's latest air shock, read our story on the EXT Aria V2 and Aria V2 DH. Browse all forks and shocks in our components catalog.
EXT recommendation on the Propain Sresh SL
- Fork
- EXT Era, 170 mm
- Shock
- EXT Storia (Propain tune)
- Wheels
- DT Swiss EX 1700 Classic DF
- Tyres
- Schwalbe Gravity Pro, Mary / Tacky Chan
- Brakes
- Shimano XT M8220, 203/203 mm
- Drivetrain
- SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission, 1x12
- Motor / battery
- TQ HPR60; 360 or 580 Wh (+160 Wh extender optional)
Recommended build from Propain's Sresh SL page; all parts are configurable.
Frequently asked questions
Which Propain eMTBs can be ordered with EXT suspension?
Propain lists the Sresh SL and the Ekano as eligible eMTBs. The non-electric Tyee and Rage can also be configured with EXT.
How much does the EXT upgrade cost?
Propain quotes the EXT Storia shock at $750 over a RockShox Super Deluxe Base or $250 over a RockShox Vivid Ultimate. Prices for other markets are shown in the configurator.
Which EXT fork does Propain recommend for the Sresh SL?
Its recommended build uses an EXT Era fork with 170 mm travel together with an EXT Storia shock.
Is the EXT suspension tuned for Propain bikes?
Yes. Propain says each EXT shock gets a Propain-specific tune and every fork and shock is tested on a dynamometer before delivery.
What motor does the Propain Sresh SL use?
The Sresh SL uses the TQ HPR60 motor with a removable 360 Wh or 580 Wh battery and an optional 160 Wh range extender.
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