Premiere at Propain: MTB manufacturer presents a gravel bike for the first time

The mail-order company from Lake Constance is not the first MTB specialist to include a model with racing handlebars in its range alongside wide-tyred bikes. Conway, Ghost, Marin, Rocky Mountain and YT Industries are other manufacturers who want to participate in the gravel bike success story. With Propain, another brand is now joining the party, somewhat "late to the party" according to their own statements.

Terrel CF: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheel: 8.1 to 10.2 kilogrammes
• Frame weight: 1090 grams (size M)
• Stack/Reach/STR: 583/405 millimetres/1.44 (size M)
• Maximum tyre clearance: 50 millimetres
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Prices: 2599 to 4999 Euro
• Integrated storage compartment in the down tube
• Mounting points for bags, mudguards, pannier rack
• Cable integration
• Equipment variant with suspension fork
• UDH derailleur hanger

The Terrel CF aims to master the different variations of a modern gravel bike: from a fast gravel grinder to a bike packer suitable for travelling to a trail specialist with suspension. The basis is a carbon frame with a sloping geometry reminiscent of a mountain bike. The slack steering angle (70.5 degrees) and long wheelbase (1063 millimetres) indicate great directional stability, while the STR ratio (1.44) indicates a sporty, stretched seating position. The frame is also designed for use with a suspension fork and a suspension travel of 40 millimetres.

According to the manufacturer, the frame is based on high-quality high-modulus carbon fibres and should weigh 1090 grams in size M. There is space for tyres up to 50 millimetres wide; the Terrel CF rolls on slightly narrower tyres as standard. Other features include a compartment integrated into the down tube, in which a puncture repair kit can be stowed in two small bags, as well as numerous mounting options for bags, mudguards and pannier racks. An optional frame bag can be fitted without tools.

The round seat post, the clamped handlebars, the T47 threaded bottom bracket and the UDH derailleur hanger make the Terrel CF easy to maintain and allow a relatively simple adjustment of the riding position. The two-part control centre comes from MTB component specialist Sixpack Racing, with the shift cables and/or brake cables routed under the aluminium stem into the steering head. Huge 180 millimetre brake callipers are designed to slow the Propain down quickly, even when loaded.

Equipment and prices

The Terrel CF is available in four equipment variants: The Base and Competition take their place as all-rounders. The Trail poaches MTB terrain with its suspension fork and telescopic seat post, while the Competition is designed for speed chases on the gravel motorway thanks to its low weight. However, the Propain can also be completely customised in the online configurator. There are five frame sizes and two colour options to choose from.

Terrel CF Base

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX (1x)
• Impellers: DT Swiss G1800 (aluminium)
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Overland
• Fork: Terrel CF (Rigid)
• Seat post: Sixpack Gravel Line CF (Carbon)
• Handlebars: Sixpack Gravel Line AL (aluminium)
• Weight: 9.5 kilogrammes
• Price: 2599 Euro

Terrel CF Adventure

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX (2x)
• Impellers: Newmen G34 Fade (Carbon)
• Tyres: Schwalbe Overland
• Fork: Terrel CF (Rigid)
• Seat post: Sixpack Gravel Line CF (Carbon)
• Handlebars: Sixpack Gravel Line AL (aluminium)
• Weight: 8.8 kilogrammes
• Price: 3199 Euro

Terrel CF Trail

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Apex/GX AXS
• Impellers: DT Swiss G1800 (aluminium)
• Tyres: Continental Terra Trail
• Fork: RockShox Rudy (40 mm)
• Seat post: RockShox Reverb AXS
• Handlebars: Sixpack Gravel Line AL (aluminium)
• Weight: 10.2 kilogrammes
• Price: 4079 Euro

Terrel CF Competition

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force AXS
• Impellers: DT Swiss GRC1400 (Carbon)
• Tyres: Continental Terra Speed
• Fork: Terrel CF (Rigid)
• Seat post: Sixpack Gravel Line CF (Carbon)
• Handlebars: Sixpack Gravel Line CF (Carbon)
• Weight: 8.1 kilogramme
• Price: 4999 Euro