Gravity Mountain Bike Brand Propain Goes Gravel with the Terrel CF

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

“Our first bike that is not a gravity mountain bike. The first bike with a drop bar – a big step and somehow, we are supposedly “late to the party.“ When we take such a big step, it has to be spot on. That‘s why we took our time, observed the development of the scene and the industry and are now launching a product on the market that we believe is the perfect modern gravel bike.” – Propain

The Terrel CF

“No other bike is as versatile as a gravel bike today. From daily challenges to long off-road rides, multi-day bikepacking trips or long-distance gravel races – every gravel rider has his or her own personal perception of this discipline. The Terrel CF was developed around this enormous versatility and comes with a massive ace up its sleeve – the PROPAIN online configurator. No matter what Gravel is to you, whether it’s a carbon fork and an aero wheelset to quench your thirst for off road speed, or a suspension fork and a dropper post with integrated suspension for a plush ride and trail shredding capabilities. Whether you’re into the efficiency and versatility of a 2x drivetrain or you want the most extreme range possible and sharp shifting under load with a Transmission derailleur and cassette, you can tailor the Terrel to your needs.”

Highlights

propain terrel cf review
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Overall Concept & Geometry

Developing a platform that can completely change its area of use with different components and that lacks nothing – that‘s a pretty ambitious goal. Now that we are standing in front of the Terrel, we are absolutely certain that we have succeeded.”

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

For the lightweight frame, we redesigned our well-known Blend Carbon layup and adapted it to the requirements of a gravel bike. With a high ratio of a high-modulus fiber at the critical points, we achieved very high stiffness for maximum pedaling efficiency while at the same time providing vibration damping against fatigue on long rides. The positioning of the seatstays and the layup in this area allow a high degree of flex at the seatpost, providing maximum comfort. In addition, the frame meets our standards for durability from the gravity sector, all at a weight of just 1090 grams in size M.”

The geometry of the Terrel has undoubtedly been influenced by our gravity experience, but it is anything but a mini-MTB. Light and natural handling was the goal alongside efficiency and comfort. With a 70.5° slack head angle and 73.5° steep seat angle in size M, longer reach and moderate stack values in combination with overall shorter stem lengths, we achieve just that: A hand position slightly behind the front axle for optimum control, even when it gets a bit more technical, and a sporty but not overly stretched riding position.”

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

Thanks to the high stiffness, the Terrel is also very efficient on asphalt despite the gravity influences in the geometry and can easily take part in a road bike group ride and lets you beat your buddies to the city limits sign.”

The frame geometry is fully “suspension-corrected“, meaning it was developed for use with a 40 mm travel suspension fork. Our rigid carbon fork has a correspondingly adjusted fork height to avoid distorting the geometry. The frame and carbon fork have clearance for tires up to 700x50C for maximum comfort and grip, and of course the appropriate tires can also be selected directly in the configurator.”

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

Mounts for Backs, Racks, & Fenders

To be best prepared for bikepacking and commuting, in addition to the efficiency and comfort of the frame itself, the ability to stow equipment on the bike is extremely important. With mounts for frame bags and top tube bags on and under the top tube, mounts for bags or cages on the fork, and mounts for fenders and racks, as well as three bottle cage mounts, we‘ve pulled out all the stops with the Terrel.”

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

Propain Expandable Frame Bag

Mounts for all equipment allow a very clean look without the hassle of straps. The equipment stays exactly where it should be, without wobbling, rattling, chafing or slipping. The centerpiece of any luggage system is undoubtedly a frame bag. That‘s why we decided to develop our own frame bag that fits perfectly into the front triangle of the Terrel specific to each size. Our slim frame bag is attached tool-free to the mounts and can always remain on the bike, seamlessly integrated into the design. And if you need to carry a bit more, you can easily expand the volume of the bag with the wraparound zipper.”

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

Propain Frame Storage

Our “Wilderness Essential Equipment Depository Box” allows you to stow all essential equipment inside the frame through a large opening in the downtube. With a unique closure system that we developed, it‘s easy to open, also when a bottle is mounted. It‘s sealed against dust, mud and water and has a precise and tight fit. Two included bags, the Tube Bag and Tool Bag, allow you to of course stow the namesake utensils, but also in smaller compartments keys, valuables and anything else you need to stow.”

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

MTB Quality Frame Protection

Just like on our mountain bikes, the Terrel features a chain­ stay protector made of soft TPR rubber, which with raised nubs very efficiently stops chain slap and thus enables a silent ride, even when the Terrel is ridden on trails. The downtube protector shields the Blend Carbon frame from rock strikes and ground contact while also providing the option to mount a third water bottle.”

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

T47 Bottom Bracket & UDH Hanger

The threaded T47 bottom bracket with its large, durable bearings is very low-maintenance. Unlike press-fit bottom brackets, it‘s not prone to developing noises. Once installed, you can ride worry-free. The UDH hanger is easy to replace in case of damage and allows the installation of SRAM Transmission rear derailleurs.”

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

 

Flat Mount 160mm / 180mm

On the Terrel, flat mount brakes with up to 180 mm rotors can be mounted to ensure high braking power for long, steep descents.”

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

Integrated Cable Routing

A visually clean cockpit is an absolute must for a gravel bike. That‘s why our brake lines and shift cables run through or under the handlebar along the stem into the headset and not visible until they reach their destinations. An opening in the downtube under the downtube protector allows easier installation of the lines around the bottom bracket area.”

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

Sixpack Gravel Series

“Sixpack Racing is introducing a gravel component line together with the Terrel – the Sixpack Gravel Series. In addition to two handlebar options in aluminum and carbon, a slim aluminum stem and a carbon seatpost with 0 mm setback will all be available in the PROPAIN configurator.”

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

Size Concept

The Terrel is available in 5 sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL. The sizes of our gravel bike can be interpreted very differently depending on personal preferences and further individualized through different stem lengths. That‘s why we specify a wide body height range for each size. All sizes are designed for shorter stems to harmonize with longer reach values. For example, with a body height of 178 cm (5’8”), you can comfortably ride a Terrel in size M with a 70 mm stem, but an S with an 80 or 90 mm stem would also fit well if you prefer a slightly smaller frame with a shorter wheelbase.”

propain terrel cf review
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GRVL Blend Carbon

For a modern carbon frame that can withstand ambitious riding for years, using one good quality carbon material alone isn’t enough. Instead, it takes a blend of various carbon fibers and fabrics exploiting their unique properties to meet the demands. PROPAIN carbon frames are made from pre-impregnated (prepreg) carbon fiber layers. These ensure an optimal resin content and far higher strength values. Each individual layer has special properties and corresponding duties in certain areas of the frame. Based on the requirements for stiffness, flexibility, impact resistance, weight, strength and stress direction, different fibers and fabrics are used. On our Terrel, we deliberately use an additional high-quality high-modulus fiber which allows us to make the frame extremely stiff against torsion when pedaling, without compromising vibration damping and comfort.”

propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

Colors / Colours

The Terrel is available in two colors, “Terracotta Gloss“ and “Carbon Raw Matt“. Our well-known Raw Carbon gets its unique look through the clear coat, and our special processing of the “Blend Carbon“ becomes visible. “Terracotta Gloss“ is a new color that is available for the first time at PROPAIN.”

propain terrel cf review
Carbon Raw Matt

On the Terrel, small reflective PROPAIN logos and graphic elements are placed under clear coat. Therefore, the customer can configure the Terrel as clean as possible without any additional PROPAIN decals or keep it tonal. Of course, old and new colors for the decals and the badge can also be chosen. So everyone has the freedom to create their favorite color combination. A very robust, plotted vinyl film is used for the decal kit, while the emblem is a relief made of ultra-thin metal.”

propain terrel cf review
Terracotta Gloss

Build Kits & Pricing

When selecting the components, we rely on a large and high-quality variety from which every customer can configure their dream bike precisely for their individual intended use. In addition to the components of the Sixpack Gravel Series, we offer drivetrain options from Shimano and SRAM, wheels from NEWMEN and DT Swiss, tires from Schwalbe and Continental, saddles from Selle Italia and a suspension fork and dropper post from RockShox.”

propain terrel cf review
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propain terrel cf review
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propain terrel cf review
Propain Terrel CF

Learn more at the Propain Website

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