Propain Terrel CF on test: New options for Propain's gravel bike
A gravel bike from Propain? Some bikers may be surprised. The German brand was previously only known for its downhill mountain bike fullys. Now they are launching a carbon gravel bike with the Terrel CF. And what a bike! The debut model is extremely versatile. And the best thing about it: it doesn't even cost a fortune. We have summarised all the important information about the new Propain Terrel CF in our video presentation.
Update 17.6.2025: New options in the configurator
The Propain Terrel CF gets an update with a new colour selection, extended component options and the "Endurance" build kit. This update is aimed at customising the Terrel more precisely for different areas of use.
Whether for long-distance races, where efficiency and endurance are required, or for bikepacking adventures with versatile comfort - the decision is up to the customer. All new variants are available to order now.
The new components in the configurator
- Impellers
- Zipp 303 XPLR S High Profile - light, aero, gravel-proof
- Tyres
- Schwalbe G-One R 50 (Tannwall)
- Schwalbe G-One RX 45
- Drive/gear shift
- Sram Rival XPLR AXS
- Shimano GRX RX825 Di2
- Sram Force XPLR AXS
The new Endurance Kit - 5439 euros
The Endurance kit is the new top model in the Terrel series and comes with Shimano's electronic GRX Di2. There are two chainrings at the front for long climbs and energy-saving pedalling.
Terrel CF: The first gravel bike from Propain
Gravel biking is all the rage. Propain knows this too. At the Bike Festival in Riva, the German mail order company presented a bike with a drop bar for the first time. With a carbon frame and fork, the Propain Terrel CF is also the lightest bike that the mountain bike specialists have ever built. Our test bike in size XL weighs just over nine kilos. In smaller sizes, even one kilo less should be possible. Thanks to the direct-to-consumer concept, customers can look forward to a fair price tag. It starts at 2599 euros.
The frame of the Terrel CF is made of high-quality high-modulus carbon fibres. It offers space for tyres up to 50 millimetres wide. A special feature is the storage compartment in the down tube, which offers enough space for a puncture repair kit and a windbreaker, for example. More and more mountain bike manufacturers are now using a kind of luggage compartment and it is also an absolutely practical detail on gravel bikes. There are also many attachment points for luggage. For example, bags can be bolted to the carbon fork and the top tube. Propain also offers a matching frame bag that can be installed without tools. As if that wasn't enough, the frameset is also prepared to take mudguards and a pannier rack. All in all, Propain puts a very flexible gravel bike on the tyres.
The new gravel bike from Propain in a fact check
- Model name: Propain Terrel CF
- Area of application: Gravel biking
- Wheel size: 28"
- Prices: 2599 - 4999 Euro
- Weight: 9.09 kg (BIKE measurement, custom test bike size XL) / from 8.1 kg (manufacturer's specification, size M)
- Tyre clearance: 50 mm
- Highlights: Carbon chassis, rigid or suspension fork, down tube storage compartment, luggage mounts, single or double drivetrains, Sixpack Gravel Line attachments, fully customisable thanks to online configurator
Details and first ride impressions of the Propain Terrel CF
Thanks to the online configurator, the equipment of the Propain Terrel CF can be fully customised. One or two chainrings at the front, mechanical or electronic gears, everything is possible! If you also want to take the gravel bike out on trails, you can also configure a telescopic seat post and a suspension fork with 40 millimetres of travel. The decals and frame colour can also be customised. Our favourite is the cool orange metallic look.
The geometry shows that Propain has experience with mountain bikes. We measured an STR ratio of 1.5. This ratio of stack and reach indicates a sporty, stretched riding position, which can also be felt in practice. However, the not too low front effectively prevents the whole thing from tipping over into extremes. At 70.5 degrees, the steering angle is on the flat side. Together with a long wheelbase, the Terrel has an outstandingly smooth ride, making you feel safe on the bike at all times, even on fast rides over rough gravel. Speaking of which: the wide tyres in tubeless setup contribute to a high level of comfort and the powerful hydraulic disc brakes with 180 millimetre discs bring you to a reliable stop - even with luggage.
With such a versatile base, the Propain Terrel CF can be set up as either a fast sports bike, an endurance bikepacking bike or a reliable commuter bike. Our test bike is equipped with a Sram Force AXS drivetrain and carbon wheels. We have already been able to do a few test laps on the new gravel bike from Propain. The bike goes forwards like greased lightning. Nevertheless, thanks to the good-natured riding position, it can also score points on long distances.
The add-on parts, such as a carbon seat post, come from Sixpack. The component brand was also previously only known from mountain bikes. The handlebars offer many usable grip positions. The cables are routed under the stem inside the frame. Mechanics will be delighted with the large, bolted T47 bottom bracket and those who like to tackle steep climbs have the option of installing Sram transmission derailleurs thanks to the UDH derailleur hanger. These can then even shift large mountain bike cassettes. Propain also offers the Terrel CF as a frame kit from 1799 euros.
Conclusion from BIKE test editor Jan Timmermann
Propain has done a lot of things right with its first gravel bike. A unique selling point of the Terrel CF, apart from the down tube storage compartment, is definitely the configurator. This allows you to customise the Propain exactly to your own requirements. It's also nice that the prices for the carbon bike remain absolutely reasonable.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
