The 1x pioneering 3T Strada aero road bike returns to its single chainring roots, now fueled by the latest SRAM Red Xplr groupset, ostensibly developed for gravel racing, not the road. But now, with 1x drivetrains much more mainstream – fueled both by gravel racing and time trialing – 3T has put together another killer single-ring road racer…
3T Strada Italia Red Xplr 1x 13-speed aero road bike
3T’s Strada aero road bike made big waves 7.5 years ago when it hit the scene as the first real 1x production road bike, touting the streamlined aerodynamic benefits, plus some of the first 30mm wide road racing tires. Even with their own unique cassettes and a bit of Aqua Blue pro road racing on the 1x setup, it was soon evident that roadies just weren’t ready for 1x. And a year later 3T acquiesced with a 2x compatible version of their road bike. The 1x was still there, but it was clear that the market wasn’t quite ready.
Then, earlier this summer, 3T rolled out an all-new lighter Strada made in Italy. It aerodynamics ratcheted performance up a notch, with deeper & wider tubes, fully integrated cable routing, and mega 35mm tire clearance. But it still had a 2x drivetrain, although with a bolt-on front derailleur tab that hinted a 1x build would be coming.
What’s new?
Matching up the new aero road bike’s even bigger tires on wide & deep aero wheels and its even deeper aerodynamic tube shapes, this new Strada Italia features a 1×13-speed Red Xplr groupset with tighter gearing steps but a wide 460% (10-46T) spread that rivals modern 2x setups.
3T Strada Italia 1x – Pricing, options & availability
The new 1x 3T Strada Italia essentially comes in just one premium, ultra-expensive build since its key component is SRAM’s top-tier wireless gravel group and 3T’s handmade Italian carbon Torno crankset or a Red powermeter. But you do have at least the option for a couple different wheelsets depending on the depth of your pockets.
Or you can always buy a new Strada Italia frameset on its own for 5950€, and build it with a more affordable electronic 1x gravel groupset yourself.
The new 3T Strada Italia 1×13 Red AXS XPLR build starts at about $12,000 / 11,705€ with 3T’s own 25mm hooked internal x 32mm external x 45mm deep x 1640g Discus 45|32 LTD wheelset.
Or for a whopping $13,400 /13,167€ you get a 3T Strada Italia 1×13 Red AXS XPLR with 25mm hookless internal x 45mm biomimicry variable depth x 1308g Zipp 353 NSW wheels.
Either one you pick, 3T builds them to order with a claimed 8-12 week lead time… plenty of time for your check to clear, I hope.
