Propain Terrel CF 2024 Review: A Gravel Bike With MTB DNA To Explore New Trails?

Propain enter the gravel game with the Terrel CF – and stay true to their roots. A hardtail with a drop bar? Almost! With its unmistakable MTB DNA, serious off-road potential, and a setup that can be customised from race-ready to trail-proof, it’s designed to win over both mountain bikers and die-hard drop-bar fans alike. But did it hit the mark with our GRAN FONDO test crew?

Propain and gravel bikes? Now things are getting interesting! With the Terrel CF, the German direct-to-consumer brand is launching its first-ever gravel bike. Drop bars instead of flat bars, rigid frame instead of full-suspension – and yet packed with off-road DNA.

True to their “Make it yours” philosophy, Propain enable full customisation with the Terrel: from a race-ready setup to a trail-focused build, with or without a suspension fork, aero wheels or a dropper post. The Terrel CF isn’t just another gravel bike. Whether you’re a bikepacking adventurer, a trail rider or an Unbound racer, Propain’s comprehensive, versatile configurator lets you tailor the bike to your style.

There are four base models to choose from – Base, Trail, Adventure, and Competition – and endless customisation options. Our test bike is based on the sporty Competition platform, and tips the scales at just 8.84 kg, retailing at €3,804 –and ready to push beyond the comfort zone. But does Propain’s gravel debut have what it takes to win over drop-bar purists, or is it just a mountain biker’s take on gravel? We put it to the test to find out.

The Propain Terrel CF in Detail

At just 1,090 g, the carbon frame is sure to turn heads– especially amongst mountain bikers. The integrated, sealed storage compartment for tools and the robust downtube protector highlight the bike’s MTB roots and showcase Propain’s year-long experience in this field. Add to that multiple mounting points for bikepacking bags and mudguards on the fork, downtube, and frame, plus tire clearance of up to 50 mm, and the Terrel CF shapes up to be the perfect companion for long adventures. Riders looking for even more trail capability can configure the bike with a suspension fork and dropper post. The result is a modern, versatile package that seamlessly transitions between race and trail–and with a UDH derailleur hanger, it’s future-proof too!

The Spec of the Propain Terrel CF

When it comes to components, Propain offer plenty of customisation options. Through their online configurator, you can tailor key specs like the wheels and drivetrain to suit your needs and preferences –whether you’re after a race bike, a trail shredder, or a bikepacking companion. With this approach, Propain aim to appeal not just to gravel riders but also to mountain bikers looking to dip their toes into the drop-bar world.

For our test, we rode the Competition build, though instead of the stock DT Swiss GRC 1400 carbon wheels, our bike came fitted with the more affordable DT Swiss G 1800 SPLINE aluminium wheels – keeping the price below the €4,999 mark of the higher-end variant.

The electronic, 12-speed SRAM Force XPLR AXS drivetrain delivers crisp, precise gear shifts. Riders looking for more range can opt for a 2x setup or go all-in with a mullet build, pairing a wide-range MTB cassette with a road shifter for tackling steep climbs.

To strike the ideal balance between rolling resistance and traction, Propain combine a DT Swiss G 1800 SPLINE wheelset and Continental Terra Speed tires. However, the real eye-catcher is the cockpit. The two-piece handlebar is an impressive 46 cm wide and has 11 mm rise, giving off more of a mountain bike feel than a gravel race vibe. This provides extra control on the trails but can take some getting used to on long gravel roads, especially when battling headwinds.

If none of the pre-configured builds suit your needs, the configurator lets you customise the handlebar type and width. You can go for a flatter option or a narrower, more aggressive 400 mm version for a sportier feel.

The Geometry of the Propain Terrel CF

The geometry of the Terrel CF clearly reflects Propain’s mountain bike expertise, yet it doesn’t feel like a disguised hardtail. Their gravity heritage shines through in a well-balanced blend of control, stability, and sporty agility.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Frame Height	470 mm	510 mm	525 mm	545 mm	570 mm
Fork Offset	45 mm	45 mm	45 mm	45 mm	45 mm
Fork Length	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm
Head Tube Length	98 mm	116 mm	130 mm	154 mm	177 mm
Reach	382 mm	396 mm	405 mm	412 mm	430 mm
Stack	554 mm	568 mm	583 mm	608 mm	632 mm
Head Angle	69.5°	70°	70.5°	71°	71.5°
Seat Angle	74.3°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°
Top Tube Length	538 mm	564 mm	578 mm	592 mm	617 mm
Bottom Bracket Drop	77 mm	72 mm	72 mm	72 mm	72 mm
Bottom Bracket Height	287 mm	292 mm	292 mm	292 mm	292 mm
Chainstay Length	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm
Wheelbase	1,037 mm	1,053 mm	1,062 mm	1,073 mm	1,094 mm
Standover Height	787 mm	803 mm	820 mm	843 mm	862 mm

The slack 70.5° head angle (size M) ensures stability on fast descents, while the steep 73.5° seat angle enables efficient power transfer on climbs. With a generous 405 mm reach and a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.44, the riding position is sporty yet well-suited for long gravel stretches.

The long wheelbase and 435 mm chainstays contribute to a stable, composed ride, even on rough terrain. At the same time, the Terrel is agile enough to handle tight trails with confidence – as we experienced on all our test rides. Overall, the Terrel CF strikes a fine balance between MTB capability and gravel speed, delivering a mix of control, comfort, and adventure-ready performance.

The 2024 Propain Terrel CF on Review

We put the Propain Terrel CF through its paces on everything the gravel world has to offer– from smooth tarmac to lose, slippery trails. The result? A bike that’s fun, full of surprises, but also a little polarising due to its MTB heritage.

Acceleration is solid but not explosive, meaning that the Terrel CF isn’t a purebred race bike. However, as an adventure-focused machine, it feels lively and eager across a variety of terrains. The stiff, sturdy frame transfers power efficiently to the rear wheel with minimal flex, making it perfectly capable of the occasional town-sign sprint.

But the real fun begins on the trail. The high front end and slight handlebar rise inspire confidence, while the direct, agile steering turns the bike into a playful companion. The Continental Terra Speed tires are clearly aimed at gravel racers, rolling fast and gripping well on dry gravel. However, they struggle in wet conditions, where something like a MAXXIS Rambler would generate noticeably better traction.

On tarmac, the Terrel CF picks up speed well but never loses its adventurous character. The wide cockpit with a noticeable rise leans more towards comfort and control than a minimalist racing setup. When climbing, it lacks the urgency of a dedicated gravel race bike– the long wheelbase, slightly higher weight, and tall front end take away some of the punch.

If you’re after an all-out racing machine, this isn’t it. But for spirited rides beyond the tarmac, the Terrel CF is more than up for the challenge. Want a racier feel? Narrower handlebars could be the answer– and thankfully, that’s an easy swap in Propain’s configurator.

The SRAM Force XPLR 1×12 drivetrain offers a respectable 440% gear range, which is fine for sporty riding. However, on steep climbs, a mullet setup with an MTB cassette would be the better choice– and also available in the configurator. Speaking of climbs, the Terrel CF has a handy trick up its sleeve: an integrated, rattle-free storage compartment in the downtube, complete with internal pouches for energy bars and trail essentials– practical!

During this test, the Propain Terrel CF proved to be a capable adventure companion with solid off-road credentials that can be fine-tuned to match your riding style. With the right setup, it’s a gravel bike that perfectly aligns with your ambitions– just as long as those ambitions don’t involve standing on the podium at the UCI Gravel World Championships 😉.

Tuning tip: Swap to narrower handlebars for a racier feel and fit grippier tires for wet trails.

Who Is the Propain Terrel CF For?

The Propain Terrel CF is an excellent choice for riders looking for a versatile, customisable gravel bike that can handle everything from bikepacking adventures to off-road trail sessions. Thanks to its MTB-inspired design and multiple mounting points, it’s the ideal companion for those who want a gravel bike with real off-road capability. Mountain bikers who want to take a walk on the drop side will feel particularly at home, as the Terrel CF blends trail confidence with gravel efficiency– perfect for tackling familiar singletracks from a fresh perspective.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a dedicated gravel race bike, the Terrel CF might not be the best choice. Even in the Competition build, it leans more towards adventure and versatility than all-out speed. But for riders who want to explore beyond smooth gravel and customise their setup to suit their riding style, it’s a compelling and highly adaptable option.

Conclusions about the Propain Terrel CF

The Propain Terrel CF is a remarkably versatile gravel bike with strong off-road DNA. It offers great value for money, a wide range of build options, and a configurator that leaves little to be desired. It’s a perfect match for trail enthusiasts who don’t want to give up features like a suspension fork or a dropper post on their gravel bike. The Terrel truly shines off-road, but with its wide handlebars and long reach, the Competition build sacrifices some of that pure race feel. However, for those willing to embrace its unique character, the Terrel CF delivers a highly customisable gravel bike that redefines the boundaries between trail and gravel.

For more information, visit propain-bikes.com.

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Words: Jan Fock Photos: Jan Richter