{"id":63272,"date":"2024-05-02T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-02T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/28de8489-23bc-4b3a-a9d9-1789de13b48d"},"modified":"2024-05-02T15:59:45","modified_gmt":"2024-05-02T13:59:45","slug":"the-terrel-cf-is-propains-first-gravel-bike-and-its-not-just-a-drop-bar-mtb","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/the-terrel-cf-is-propains-first-gravel-bike-and-its-not-just-a-drop-bar-mtb\/","title":{"rendered":"The Terrel CF is Propain’s first gravel bike \u2013 and it’s not just a drop-bar MTB"},"content":{"rendered":"

German downhill mountain bike brand says the Terrel CF is the “perfect modern gravel bike” <\/p>

By Jack Evans\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 02 May 2024 at 13:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Propain has launched the Terrel CF as its first gravel bike, nodding to the brand’s downhill mountain biking roots while remaining an all-rounder. <\/p>

While the Terrel CF is compatible with dropper posts<\/a> and gravel suspension forks<\/a>, Propain says the Terrel CF’s frame stiffness and geometry also suit faster riding.\u00a0<\/p>

The entry-level Propain Terrel CF costs \u00a32,599 \/ $2,599 \/ \u20ac2,599 and the range-topping model is priced at \u00a34,999\/ $4,999 \/\u20ac4,999.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cThe perfect modern gravel bike\u201d<\/h2>
The Terrel CF has clearance for 50mm tyres. – Propain<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Propain admits it is \u201clate to the [gravel] party\u201d. But it says it wanted to see how the market developed and take its time to make, what it calls, the \u201cperfect modern gravel bike\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>

With this in mind, Propain has tried to maximise the Terrel CF\u2019s versatility.\u00a0<\/p>

For adventure riding, the frame is peppered with mounts to fit gravel mudguards<\/a>, bottles and bikepacking bags<\/a>. You can also run a mullet drivetrain<\/a> to make your gearing easier.<\/p>

Propain claims the gravel bike can fit a 50mm tyre to enable it to handle rough terrain.\u00a0<\/p>

But the brand says it hasn\u2019t neglected speed: the ability to run single and double chainrings will appeal to those looking for a wider gear range to hit higher speed on and off-road.\u00a0<\/p>

Propain Terrel CF frame\u00a0<\/h2>
\"Propain
The frame is said to be stiff where required for pedalling efficiency. – Propain<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Propain says a size-medium frame weighs 1,090g. While that\u2019s heavier than most gravel race bikes<\/a>, it\u2019s still light for an all-round gravel bike<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

The Blend Carbon material is more compliant around the seatstays to improve seated comfort, according to Propain.\u00a0<\/p>

Greater stiffness elsewhere is claimed to optimise pedalling efficiency \u2013 Propain says the Terrel CF can keep up on road group rides.\u00a0<\/p>

\"Front-on
Cables run under the stem of the two-piece cockpit. – Propain<\/figcaption><\/figure>

From the semi-integrated cockpit, where cables pass under the stem into the headset, the Terrel CF\u2019s cables are routed internally.\u00a0<\/p>

In addition to frame mounts, the Terrel CF has a down tube storage compartment for spares and a tubeless repair kit<\/a>, for example.\u00a0<\/p>

\"Propain
There’s a storage compartment in the down tube. – Propain<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The Terrel CF comes with MTB-style frame protection, such as a chainstay guard and down tube protector.\u00a0<\/p>

Propain has chosen a T47 bottom bracket for its durability and ease of maintenance.\u00a0<\/p>

\"Propain
You can use a mullet drivetrain to make climbing easier while bikepacking. – Propain<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The Terrel CF uses the SRAM UDH<\/a> to make it easier to replace the hanger and to ensure compatibility with SRAM Transmission<\/a> rear derailleurs.\u00a0<\/p>

You can fit flat-mount disc brakes up to 180mm in size to provide sufficient stopping power on long, fast descents, according to Propain.\u00a0<\/p>

Propain Terrel CF geometry\u00a0<\/h2>
\"Male
Propain says the Terrel CF’s balanced geometry helps you handle technical trails. – Propain<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Propain says the Terrel CF\u2019s geometry is gravity-inspired but not MTB-lite.<\/p>

The Terrel CF combines a fairly long reach, short stem, moderate stack, slack head angle and steep seat tube angle.<\/p>

Propain claims this delivers light and natural handling, and a comfortable and efficient riding position.<\/p>

\"Propain
You can fit a dropper post and suspension fork. – Propain<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The Terrel CF comes with a rigid fork. However, Propain says the \u201csuspension-corrected\u201d geometry was conceived for a 40mm-travel suspension fork.\u00a0<\/p>

It claims to have adjusted the height of the rigid fork to take account of this.\u00a0<\/p>

The Terrel is available in five sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL.<\/p>

<\/colgroup>
\ufeffFrame size <\/th> XS<\/th> S<\/th> M<\/th> L<\/th> XL<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Standover height (mm)<\/b><\/td>470<\/td>510<\/td>525<\/td>545<\/td>570<\/td> <\/tr>
Fork offset <\/b> (mm)<\/td>45<\/td>45<\/td>45<\/td>45<\/td>45<\/td> <\/tr>
Fork length <\/b>(mm)<\/td>425<\/td>425<\/td>425<\/td>425<\/td>425<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube length <\/b> (mm)<\/td>98<\/td>116<\/td>130<\/td>154<\/td>177<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach <\/b>(mm)<\/td>382<\/td>396<\/td>405<\/td>412<\/td>430<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack <\/b> (mm)<\/td>554<\/td>568<\/td>583<\/td>608<\/td>632<\/td> <\/tr>
Head angle <\/b>(degrees)<\/td>69.5<\/td>70.0<\/td>70.5<\/td>71.0<\/td>71.5<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat angle <\/b> (degrees)<\/td>74.3<\/td>73.5<\/td>73.5<\/td>73.5<\/td>73.5<\/td> <\/tr>
Top tube length <\/b> (mm)<\/td>538<\/td>564<\/td>578<\/td>592<\/td>617<\/td> <\/tr>
BB Drop <\/b> (mm)<\/td>77<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td> <\/tr>
Chainstay length (mm)<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase (mm)<\/td>1,037<\/td>1,053<\/td>1,063<\/td>1,073<\/td>1,094<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table>