- 3T has just completely revamped the top of their aero gravel race bike line-up with the all-new Exploro RaceMax, taking “go fast, slower” to new levels with improved wide tire aerodynamics – or even “go slow, faster” if that is more your style. But the original, gravel-proven OG Exploro isn’t going anywhere soon. So, let’s break down the frameset, 4 Race & 3 Max complete builds available with the new 3T Exploro RaceMax…
2020 3T Exploro RaceMax aero gravel bike – models & specs
Starting off easy, the new Exploro RaceMax is available on its own as a frameset with just a single high modulus, high strength carbon fiber layup. 3T claims a frame weight of 1050g, which although not super light, seems reasonable considering the massive 75mm wide downtube.
The frameset including frame, fork, proprietary headset & proprietary aero seatpost sells for $3200 / 3200€, and is available in a wide six size range. The frameset is available in three color schemes: gray/orange, sand/olive & red/white. The first two are available now in the middle 54-58cm sizes, while the rest of the size range and red & white bikes won’t arrive until September 2020. Ready to Paint (RTP) frames will be available from September for the same price, and 3T will offer simple custom RTP paint options starting from an additional 350€.
Complete bikes then break down into two categories: Race with 700c wheels and Max with 650b wheels.
2020 3T Exploro Race models
For the all-road riders & absolute gravel racers who are looking for an aero road position, the fastest rolling tires & to maximize speed above everything – the 700c Race builds are the place to go with the new Exploro RaceMax. Four builds are offered with 700c wheels and Schwalbe G-One Allround tires.
The Exploro Race GRX 1x is the most affordable at $4200 / 4200€ with a complete Shimano GRX 1×11 mechanical groupset 40T chainring, 11-42T cassette. Standard wheels are WTB Serra alloy, with a WTB SL8 saddle, 3T Apto Stealth stem & 3T Superergo Pro carbon bar (available from August 2020).
The Exploro Race GRX 2x brings the price just up to $4400 / 4400€ with a complete Shimano GRX 2×11 mechanical group with 46/30T rings & 11-36T cassette, with the same WTB & 3T finishing kit (available August 2020).
Exploro Race Force AXS 2x upgrades to wireless, wide-range electronic shifting for $5900 / 5900€ with a complete SRAM AXS 2×12 groupset with a 46/33T chainset & 10-36T cassette. The AXS bike also moves up to a Fulcrum Racing 7 alloy wheelset, a Fizik Argo Tempo R5 saddle and 3T Aeroflux LTD carbon handlebar on the Apto Stealth stem (available June 2020).
The Exploro Race Force AXS 1x Torno becomes the new top of the line at $6400 /6400€ with a tightly-spaced SRAM AXS 1×12-speed groupset featuring a 36T chainring on 3T’s lightweight carbon Torno Team crankset & a 10-36T cassette. It gets the same Fulcrum Racing 7 alloy wheels, Fizik saddle and 3T Aeroflux LTD bar & stem (available September 2020).
For an additional $1400 / 1400€, all of the new 700c Exploro Race completes will be able to be upgraded to a new carbon 3T Discus 45|40 LTD wheelset that hasn’t yet been officially announced, but should be 45mm deep, 40mm wide external, with a wide 29mm internal for optimized gravel tire aerodynamics.
2020 3T Exploro Max models
On the other extreme, 3T calls the adventure gravel & bikepacking riders Maximizers for their urge to take gravel bikes to the extremes. Exploring technical terrain, gearing down & fitting monster tires to ride up crazy climbs while loaded down with gear, the new Exploro RaceMax’s aero gains are still a welcome addition. This is the go slow, faster crowd – who will look for the Max builds of the new bike with 650b wheels & Schwalbe G-One Allround tires 2.25″ tires.
Like on the Race, an Exploro Max GRX 1x is the most affordable at $4200 / 4200€ with the same Shimano GRX 1×11 mechanical group, 40T chainring & 11-42T cassette. Standard wheels are Fulcrum Racing 7 650b with 2.25″ tires, WTB SL8 saddle, 3T Apto stem & Superergo Pro carbon bar (available June 2020).
Just like the Race, a Exploro Max GRX 2x brings the price just up to $4400 / 4400€ with Shimano GRX 2×11 mechanical, 46/30T rings & 11-36T cassette, with the same WTB & 3T finishing kit (available August 2020).
And lastly, an Exploro Max Eagle AXS 1x is the top of the 650b bikes at $5900 /5900€ with a wide SRAM AXS Force + Eagle XX 1×12 groupset featuring a 42T chainring & a wide (but not mega 500%) 11-50T cassette. It has the same Fulcrum Racing 7 650 alloy wheels, the Fizik Argo Tempo R5 saddle, but swaps to the new 3T SuperGhiaia LTD flared carbon handlebar & Apto stem (available now).
For an additional $1400 / 1400€, all of the new 700c Exploro Race completes will be able to be upgraded to a new carbon 3T Discus 45|40 LTD wheelset that hasn’t yet been officially announce, but should be 45mm deep, 40mm wide external, with a wide 29mm internal for optimized gravel tire aerodynamics.
Legacy Exploro Pro/Team/LTD
If all that is too rich for you blood, there are still six more affordable complete bikes in the original gangsta Exploro family starting from $3000 / 3000€ complete for Pro+Rival & plus a more affordable Force+Eagle AXS build (that might drop $800€ very soon, based on pricing we’ve seen?) Or the $2500 / 2500€ Pro or lighter $3500 / 3500€ LTD framesets.
