NeBD: Propain Ekano 2 AL

New (e)Bike Day! The previous Propain Ekano was one of our favourite e-bikes of recent times so we’re very excited to hear about a new and improved ve …

By ben_haworth

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NeBD: Propain Ekano 2 AL

Cable tourism just after releasing an alu bike that doesn’t suffer from it, and a charging port that’s going to get absolutely covered in shit. Full pass

This is the kind of e-bike I should love and it’s the type I’ll end up buying eventually but it’s covered in details that make me want to pass. It looks like a PITA to live with for someone who does all their own repairs and maintenance.

Shimano also need to prove their reliability and stop treating their own product like landfill before I ever buy a bike with their hardware.

Some very odd choices. Cable tourism is not good at all, Shimano motor that with all that means, low capacity battery esp for Shimano motor that is not the most efficient, rear break tucked in between the stays making the calliper a big PITA to adjust and secure. Reach seems very short (at least on the XL).

Plus side – chain stays are prob about right for ‘fun’, and the seat angle is good plus pretty close between effective/actual.

Not great overall though, sheesh

 

Shimano hardware seems really reliable from my experience and their warranty is exceptional.

Well, there’s always one exception to the rule.

Shimano hardware seems really reliable from my experience and their warranty is exceptional.

Shimano have been asleep at the wheel for years in terms of performance and quality.

Also their warranty solution is to give you a whole new thing to replace your broken thing which then goes straight in the bin. I’d rather have spare parts availability and the option to repair expensive components.

This is annoying for brakes and drivetrains but now they’re applying the same logic to e-bike components which are vastly more expensive and packed with non renewable, rare minerals and heavy metals.

I won’t consider an e-bike until owners have the right to repair.