3T has added another all-new aerodynamic handlebar option with the gravel-specific, flared Aeroghiaia. The new lightweight ergonomic carbon aero gravel bar joins the recent aero road Aeroflux, as 3T reshapes their dropbar line-up into simple choices between ergo vs. aero and road vs. gravel.
3T Aeroghiaia carbon aero gravel handlebar
The all-new Aeroghiaia takes 3T’s own “multi-flare” drop design to new aerodynamic levels as an aero gravel racing dropbar. It mixes the new top of the Aeroflux with the drops of the Superghiaia.
As 3T puts it,” aerodynamics are important if you want to go fast on a gravel bike for two reasons: 1. Gravel rides often involve open areas where speeds can be considerable and with strong winds, your speed relative to the wind can be enormous even if you’re going slowly relative to the ground. 2. Gravel bikes are also used on paved roads a lot, either to loop together gravel sections or for a civilized outing with roadie friends. So you don’t want to give up any speed to them.”
The multi-flare design is unique in that the top half of the drop remains close to vertical – 7° actually, so the position of your hoods isn’t affected and you brake levers don’t flare out at unnecessary angles. Then as the bend of the drops starts to open up, the lower half of the drop angles out more dramatically to 35° for optimal control over rough terrain in the drops.
The new flared aero dropbar comes in three widths – 40, 42 & 44cm measured center-to-center at the hoods, or ~8cm wider at the drops thanks to the multi-flare. The Aeroghiaia has a compact progressive bend, with 78mm reach (note: 76mm is the standard Reach measurement: center of stem clamp to center of the bar in the forward-most position in the drops; 89mm is stem center to front of bar) & 119mm drop. The “ultralight” LTD spec UD carbon bar weighs between 230-236g, depending on width.
The aero gravel bar features full internal routing channels, with either outlets to guide lines close next to the stem or fully internal into the stem body, plus internal Di2 junction compatibility.
3T Aeroflux carbon aero road & fast gravel handlebar
The new aerodynamic wing road bar got an early release last month on 3T co-owner Gerard Vroomen’s personal project road bike. The Aeroflux combines a bit of the ergonomic comfort from the SuperErgo bars with a flat aerodynamic profile for the tops.
The standard 31.8mm clamp bar features an airfoil top, with enough room next to the step for accessory mounts, but is not compatible with clip-on aero bars. It includes internal routing ports, is fully Di2-ready with the option for fully-internal routing through the clamping area into the stem body.
The new aero dropbar comes in four widths – 38, 40, 42 & 44cm measured center-to-center at the hoods, or 2cm wider at the drops thanks to a subtle 7° flare, probably making it suitable not just for road bikes but also fast gravel. The Aeroflux has a compact & ergonomic progressive bend to the drops, with 77mm reach & 119mm drop. The “ultralight” LTD spec UD carbon bar weighs between 227-236g, depending on width.
Aeroghiaia & Aeroflux aero bars, plus Prendo tape – Pricing & availability
Both new aero bars are available now for pre-order, direct from 3T. The Aeroghiaia is for now exclusively available in the top LTD-level carbon spec for 350€ in 40, 42 & 44cm widths. The first Aeroflux is also LTD carbon only, for the same 350€ in 38, 40, 42, or44cm widths. 3T expects to deliver the first batch of the new aero bars by the middle of May, to early June at the latest. There is mention of “limited quantities” of each available right away.
The naming is simple: Aero=aero, Ghiaia=mud, Super=ergo tops. But the people making the labels mixed up the first batch (why we were confused about the name of last month’s bar). But 3T thought it was funny, so the limited first run will get quirky names: the first Aeroflux bars get “Superflux” labels, and the first Aeroghiaia bars get labelled “Superghiaia”. Call it a limited edition of you order now.
No official word if, or when more affordable Team carbon or even Pro alloy versions will also be added in the future.
3T also say they are ready to wrap the new bars in new sticky synthetic Prendo bar tape. Offered as the thicker, more padded Prendo Tough or thinner Prendo Speed, both share similar polyurethane construction with molded patterns for grip & comfort in all riding conditions. The Prendo tape sells for 25€ a roll in black only.
3T Tech Talk Two: But which bar is right for you?
Even though the options are maybe more simple than ever before, you still have to decide. 3T recently launched a series of regular Tech Talks with their outspoken design chief Gerard Vroomen. The first was on tire sizing (and can be viewed here), but the next topic will be “Choosing the right handlebar“. Come back here next Monday, May 4 to watch live via YouTube at 10:00 PDT, 13:00 EDT, 18:00 GMT, 19:00 CET. Or head over to the 3T blog.
