Have you heard of Terra Bikes? It’s okay, they are likely a rare sight at your local trailhead. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one in the States. The boutique Italian bike brand has some incredibly unique offerings, and their latest bike is no exception.
Terra introduces the Nera, a bike that features a hand-built steel frame, full 29 or mullet option, a patent-pending high-pivot suspension system, and a choice between two gearbox options.
For those looking for something unique, what more could you want?
Terra Nera
Terra describes the Nera as a bike that can easily crossover from World Cup race tape to the freeride scene. They use high-strength chromoly steel to deliver their desired flex and ride characteristics. Terra also claims excellent vibration damping, and, well, steel is pretty strong, too.
Paried with the steel frame is Terra’s I-Track Suspension Platform, delivering 200-210mm of travel. This patent-pending design boils down to “a floating idler pulley moving along a defined track, actively managing chain growth and the interaction between pedaling forces and suspension kinematics.”
Looking at pictures, the “floating” idler appears to be mounted to the rocker link, rather than the frame itself. According to Terra, I-Track allows them to tune their desired anti-squat independently of the axle path. It also eliminates pedal kickback.
DH Geometry?
Terra also claims that the suspension remains fully active regardless of the gear the Nera is in. This boast is followed by mentions of “efficient pedaling.” Interesting, for a DH bike.
Aside from a few numbers, the geometry of the Nera looks rather enduro. Terra has three “standard” sizes of the Nera sizes, featuring a 64° head tube angle paired with a 78° seat tube. Reaches are fairly moderate, sitting at 460, 480, and 500mm. The stack is 640 across the three sizes.
Those wanting 29” wheels front and rear have a fixed chainstay at 456mm. If an MX-wheel setup tickles your fancy, Terra has quite a few chainstay length options: 435, 445, 450, and 465mm.
There is also a custom dropout option. In fact, there are quite a few “custom” options regarding this or any Terra frames. The beauty of boutique, artisan framebuilders like Terra is that they will work with their customer to tailor the bike to their preferences–geometry and terrain.
Nera Details
Terra provides the option of using a Pinion or Effigear gearbox. Their reason to use a gearbox rather than a traditional drivetrain is fairly standard. A gearbox’s weight is centralized at the bottom bracket, with unsprung weight removed from the rear wheel. Gearboxes are entirely closed and sealed, protected from gunk and debris.
They also require significantly less regular maintenance.
Again, Terra provides customers with quite a few options. Frames are built to order.
- Fork compatibility: 200mm dual-crown / 180-190mm single-crown
- Shock size: 225 x 75 trunnion
- Wheel size: 29” or Mullet
- Rear axle: Boost spacing, 148 x 12
- Frame without gearbox: €3,400 (~$3,951.99)
- Frame with Pinion Mechanical 9-speed: €4,400 (~$5,114.34)
- Frame with Pinion Smartshift 9-speed: €5,000 (~$5,811.75)
- Frame with Effigear Mimic Evo 9: €4,600 (~$5,346.81)
Each gearbox includes cranks, a chainring, a chain, and shifter controls. Terra asks for a 12-week lead time when placing orders.
