Verdict on the Propain Terrel CF Individual test
The Propain is a real eye-catcher! And it’s a bike that makes you feel right at home straight away. It’s very comfortable – it makes you want to set off towards the horizon straight away. The unusual handlebars take some getting used to, but once you do, you’ll love them
Data and facts about the Propain Terrel CF Individual
| Weight | 9.33 kg |
| Drivetrain | SRAM Rival XPLR AXS |
| Front brake | SRAM Rival |
| Wheelset | DT-Swiss G 1800 |
| Front tire | Schwalbe G-One R Pro Addix Race 700x50c |
Measurements
You can find all measurements here
Configurable down to the last detail
Spot on. We wanted to test gravel bikes costing up to 3,000 euros – and Propain fits the bill perfectly. Customers can use the configurator to customise the bikes from this Lake Constance-based mail-order company to their own specifications, so prices are flexible. A side effect of this is that it gives the manufacturer some leeway when it comes to making the case for their bikes in complete bike tests. Are the tyres too wide? Then simply choose narrower ones. Prefer carbon handlebars? Just a mouse click away! Propain made the most of the price range right down to the last euro and fitted the Terrel with an electronic gear system that impressed us with its precision and smooth shifting.
Carbon frames with a distinctive look
Prices for the Terrel CF start at 2,799 euros and go up to over 7,000 euros for the top-of-the-range model. Propain sent us the bike for testing in bright white with black decals. Very smart! But here too, buyers can choose between four frame colours and a huge range of decal options. The design of the carbon frame, with its low-set seat stays and angular tubes, looks classy. What we like even more, however, is the spec: it’s consistently high-quality throughout and impressed us thoroughly during the test.
Staying true to his roots!
As we all know, Propain has deep roots in MTB racing. So it’s hardly surprising that the Terrel – at least in this configuration – stands out as the mountain bike in the test line-up. Extra-wide handlebars, chunky 50-series tyres combined with the flattest head angle (70.5) and a generous wheelbase: these features make the Terrel particularly well-suited to off-road riding. You’ll happily veer off onto a rough, root-strewn trail or confidently choose your line through a field of boulders.
Wide tyres, plenty of off-road safety
The Terrel offers the best riding stability and the highest level of comfort among the bikes tested. Propain has really gone the extra mile with the handlebar width: the 440-millimetre-wide handlebars make you feel as though you’re taking the bull by the horns! The thick handlebar tape feels comfortable and reinforces this impression – so you glide calmly along gravel tracks and forest trails. The wide tyres are better suited to cruising than to sprints. However, they dampen annoying vibrations and keep the bike very stable when leaning into bends. Weighing just over nine kilos, the Terrel still accelerates well.
Course: Adventure
On the Terrel, you sit in a slightly more upright position, but it’s still comfortable. This makes the bike ideal for overnight tours and long-distance rides – without your hands going numb or your wrists aching. Nature lovers will appreciate the quiet freewheel – you can glide through the countryside almost silently, without disturbing the peace unnecessarily. Our tip for anyone who can afford it: although the Newmen carbon wheels cost an extra 550 euros in the Propain configurator, they give the Terrel an extra dose of responsiveness. This makes a positive difference on long rides just as much as it does on a quick spin after work.
| Price in the test setup | 3,000 euros |
| Entry-level price | from 2,799 euros |
| Price for top-of-the-range specification | over 7,000 euros |
| Weight | 9.3 kg |
| Frame material | Carbon |
| Circuit | Electronic circuit |
| Tyre width | 50 mm |
| Handlebar width | 440 mm |
| Steering angle | 70.5 degrees |
| Training wheels | Standard wheelsets; Newmen carbon wheelsets available as an option |
| Surcharge for carbon wheelsets | 550 euros |
| Colour options | Four frame colours, various sticker designs |
| Character | Comfort-oriented, off-road capable, suitable for touring |
Conclusion by Laurin Lehner, BIKE test editor
The Propain is a real eye-catcher! And it’s a bike that makes you feel right at home straight away. It’s very comfortable – it makes you want to ride off towards the horizon straight away. The unusual handlebars take a bit of getting used to, but once you do, you’ll love them.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
