Updated: 3T Exploro Aero Gravel Bike Launched

We’ve added some videos and pics with a few updates about the Exploro from a press packet received from 3T. Look for a more in-depth article on drag numbers for the Exploro, and more info on the Discus Gravel Plus 650 wheels.

We all know 3T makes some great handlebars, stems, seat posts, and wheels, so why not frames? With Cervélo co-founder Gerard Vroomen joining 3T back in February of 2015, it seemed inevitable that frames would be in their future. Their first jump into frame building is dubbed the Exploro, a gravel bike with aero shapes that they say are aerodynamic at real-world speeds. The bike is packed full of proven design features we have seen from Vroomen in the past, while also adding some new, trick features. Check out more of the details below.

The Exploro is a Vrooman design using what 3T calls Sqareo® shaping of certain tubes and RealFast™ design concept. The Sqaero tube shapes are a squared-off aero shape that blends aerodynamics with a stiff, efficient structure. The downtube is a 50mm Sqaero shape, which is optimized for larger tires, even wide 650b mountain tires. The seat tube is only 25mm wide to hide behind water bottles. The head tube, seat stays, and custom Charlie Sqaero seat post also use the Sqaero shape.

The idea behind the RealFast design approach is to make the bike fast in real-world conditions. This means testing at real-world speeds (20 mph) at the San Diego Low Speed Wind Tunnel with two water bottles, sometimes with mud and muck. In 3T’s testing, they found the Exploro’s Sqaero tube shapes to save 7 watts over a bike with round tubes and the same geometry. They claim you can run 40mm wide gravel/cyclocross tires, with two bottles, and be as efficient as a round tubed bike with 28mm slick tires and no bottles.

 

 

To further improve aerodynamics, cable routing is internal for everything, but the front brake. The front brake has a guide built into the Luteus II fork to hide the hydraulic line or mechanical brake cable down to the front brake. All other cables/hoses enter the frame just behind the steer tube using the FlipTop cable guides. Multiple versions are available to cater to mechanical, electronic, or hydraulic drivetrains in 1x and 2x setups, along with mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes. For mechanical brakes and shifting, the Exploro uses full-length cables to keep dirt and grime out.

The Exploro uses 3T’s GravelPlus concept which will let you run road and cross tires at 700c, or mountain bike tires on a 650b wheel. Since it is disc brake only, you don’t have to worry about different wheel sizes working with the brakes.  Conveniently, the Italian brand has the full carbon Discus wheelset for 700C and a new DiscusPlus in 650b. We currently have a pair of the Discus 60 Team Stealth wheels we are reviewing, and absolutely love them. They are fast, stiff, and have almost a Chris King like angry bee freehub sound. They have been great on the road and gravel paired with the new Vittoria Corsa tires, and we are looking forward to getting them off-road soon with a pair of Vittoria XN cyclocross tires.

Visually, after you get past the Sqaero tube shapes, you’ll notice the short seat and chainstays. They measure up at 415mm, giving it snappy acceleration and sure-footed handling on loose dirt and the road. Thru-axles front and rear should add to the stiffness of the frame. The BB386 bottom bracket is housed in a stout tube junction to keep things stiff at the pedals. The bottom bracket is kept higher than a traditional road bike to provide clearance off-road.

Something a little more subtle is the Hang Loose Hanger™. When you remove the rear wheel, the rear derailleur hanger can also be removed from the bike, making wheel changes easier. After the wheel is reinstalled, you just slide the Hang Loose Hanger back in and reinstall the thru-axle.

Here is a quick rundown on all of the tech in the new Exploro.

Sizes are offered in small, medium, large, and extra-large. The Team version weighs in at 1150 grams, with the LTD tipping the scales at 950 grams. Extra water bottle bosses and a top tube back boss make the bike even more capable for long-distance adventure riding.

With 3T’s acquisition of German component maker THM Carbones GmbH, there could be an incredible build in the future, along with possible integration of potentially new 3T components. As it stands, you could outfit the bike with a THM crank, and 3T bars, stem, and wheels.

3T Exploro Team – $3,000

3T Exploro LTD – $4,200

Included is the frame, fork, seat post, seat post internal clamp, headset, front thru-axle, one front and two rear derailleur hangers, front derailleur cable liner, noise-canceling foam sleeve for rear derailleur housing and brake hose.

www.3Tcycling.com