The new 3T Exploro RaceMax is taking aerodynamics to a whole new level, creating what they claim is the “fastest gravel bike the world has ever seen,” while also making room for 27.5 x 2.4″ tires. Find the details, including 3T’s product launch video and photos, here…

The team at 3T had a simple goal with their new Exploro RaceMax: optimize the aerodynamics of a gravel bike to the same level as a road bike. Although they’ve been hesitant to claim “world’s fastest,” they’re confident the new design just might be the fastest gravel bike available. To accomplish this, 3T honed in on eliminating drag, which meant effectively shielding the tires. This required figuring out exactly how big the tires were—which as you may know, usually isn’t what it says on the sidewall—and resulted in 3T’s new tire measurement concepts: WAM (Width As Measured) and RAM (Radius As Measured). Using more accurate measurements, the engineers prioritized a tight-fitting rear wheel cutout, a downtube optimized to re-direct the airflow coming off the front wheel and onto the water bottle, a narrow headtube with a big steerer inside, and dozens of other small details to eke out every last Watt.

3T Exploro RaceMAX
  • 3T Exploro RaceMAX
  • 3T Exploro RaceMAX
  • 3T Exploro RaceMAX
  • 3T Exploro RaceMAX
  • 3T Exploro RaceMAX

3T also recognized the need for larger tire clearance, and made room for 61mm clearance or 27.5 x 2.4″ tires on the Exploro MAX series, while the Exploro RACE series is specced with 700c x 35-42mm tires for those looking for the best in speed. It’s nice to see a threaded bottom bracket, integrated fender mounts, as well as top tube and under the downtube mounts—not to mention the standard frame tech that 3T is known for. Check out the 3T Exploro RaceMax launch video below.

The 3T Exploro MAX comes in three different complete builds ranging from $4,199 to $5,899 USD, as well as frameset only for $3,199. The base Exploro MAX GRX 1x build is built up around 650b x 57mm Schwalbe G-One Allround tires, a 1×11 Shimano GRX drivetrain, and an assortment of 3T components. Find the full build kit below.

3T Exploro RaceMAX

Exploro MAX GRX 1x Build Kit

  • Frame Unidirectional pre-preg carbon
  • Fork Fango RaceMax w/ compact crown
  • Headset 3T MinMax custom by Cane Creek IS42/28.6 + IS 47/38
  • Handlebar 3T Superergo PRO alloy
  • Stem Apto Stealth
  • Rear Derailleur Shimano GRX – long cage
  • Shift / Brake Levers Shimano GRX
  • Brakes Shimano GRX Flat Mount Hydraulic
  • Rotors Shimano 160mm Centerlock rotor
  • Crankset Shimano GRX, 40T chainring
  • Cassette 11-speed Powerglide, 11-42T
  • Wheels WTB Serra, 650b, tubeless ready
  • Tires Schwalbe G-One Allround TLE, 650b x 57mm
  • Seatpost New 3T Charlie Sqaero Team w/ Ritchey WCS Clamp
  • Saddle WTB SL8

It looks like the Exploro RaceMax frameset is available to purchase now, while the complete builds are scheduled to be ready for August 2020. Head over to 3T.Bike to learn more.

If you haven’t seen it yet, Logan reviewed the original 3T Exploro a few years ago, and by the looks of it, the latest iteration addresses a few of the concerns he had. Read that here.

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