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3T

'Challenging Convention'

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HISTORY and EVOLUTION

3T (Tecnologia del Tubo Torino), founded in 1961 as TTT in Turin, Italy, has evolved from a renowned component manufacturer to a cycling technology innovator. Their initial success came through the manufacture of premium aluminium bicycle components, most notably the Superleggero series, which dominated professional cycling components in the 1970s and 1980s.

A turbulent period in the early 2000s saw the industry shift from aluminium to carbon fibre components and for 3T, a change of ownership. In 2007 René Wiertz acquired the company, rebranding from "TTT" to "3T" and shifting focus toward innovation-driven technology in a crucial turning point for the company. René was joined in 2015 by Cervelo founder, Gérard Vroomen

3T quickly re-established itself as a power house in after-market components, but more than that - began to dramatically challenge the recognised tenets of bicycle design as they entered the bicycle frame market. Most notable of these were the proving of aerodynamic benefits at lower speeds (15mph vs traditional 20mph+) with their groundbreaking EXPLORO; by designing for wider tyres and single chainrings before they became industry standard; through the development of the STRADA; as well as developing frames adaptable for multiple riding styles - all without compromising on ride characteristics.

INNOVATION and ADAPTABILITY

Today, 3T continue to disrupt with their hybrid manufacturing model that combines Italian engineering and construction with Asian production efficiency, in order to serve a broad spectrum of riders.

As a technical and materials driven company, 3T's Sqaero tube shapes for enhanced aerodynamics are married to innovative, in-house Filament-Winding, RTM and nano-material resin technologies to deliver stronger, lighter, more comfortable and more durable frames. This, partnered with their Accelero position optimisation and ultrasonic testing for quality control, ensures that as a rider, you experience a simultaneously stiffer and more comfortable ride than conventional designs, while often being lighter. Indeed, 3T frames feel alive - responsive when you want to go fast, but not punishing on longer rides

3T's approach to challenging conventional wisdom has influenced industry standards, particularly in areas like single-chainring drivetrains and aerodynamics for varied riding conditions; and whilst Post-Covid and Brexit conditions served to reduced 3T's visibility in the UK market, they have continued to innovate in materials science and bicycle design.

700 are very pleased to welcome them back to the stable.

THE RANGE

The range is gravel and all-road focused with road represented by the Strada and Strada Italia, but versatility remains at the core of the brand. When choosing gravel consider the following:

The RaceMax, Ultra and Extrema all have gravel-specific geometry. The RaceMax has been developed to be the best on fast gravel, where speeds are highest. The Extrema excels on fast adventures and gravel's roughest races, while the Ultra combines tyre clearance with aerodynamics optimised to handle the toughest terrain.

The Primo frame is an all-rounder that features road inspired geometry, while still allowing for excellent wheel and tyre versatility. Ride your faster days with 700c then swap to 650b when adventure calls.

Strada
RaceMax
Extrema
Ultra
Primo
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An icon refreshed, the PRIMO is the original 3T all-round bike. Originally introduced as the Exploro, it established a new category in cycling: the aerodynamically optimised all-road bike.

Since its initial release, the PRIMO platform has undergone strategic development, evolving from a versatile all-road platform into more specialised variants. Despite this, Primo maintains its position as a highly versatile frameset, suitable for diverse riding conditions.

The PRIMO incorporates large tyre clearance, with scope for 700c or 650b set-ups while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. This combination allows for optimal performance across varied terrain.

The PRIMO is currently available in three distinct configurations:

Standard models that feature aluminium wheels and mechanical 1x12 speed groupsets are available exclusively in black.

The WPNT (We Paint) program represents 3T's in-house painted and assembled offering, featuring upgraded components, with carbon wheels and a choice of hand-painted finishes, executed in Italy.

A PRIMO frame-only option is also available through the WPNT program, allowing for custom builds.

The PRIMO maintains its relevance through forward-thinking design principles and adaptable technology and continues to serve as a benchmark in the all-road category, proving that aerodynamic principles can be effectively applied to versatile, multi-terrain bicycles.

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Ultimately, the new 3T RaceMax is all about speed.

Whether riding road or gravel, everything on the RaceMax frame is engineered to go fast. As with all rigs in the 3T stable, each is aerodynamically optimised around particular wheel and tyre set ups geared towards a particular style of riding.

The RaceMax follows the same core design principles as all the bikes in the range. Everything starts from the tyres. From here, it becomes about REALFAST aerodynamics - the key element of which is validity at normal speeds, realistic tyre widths and even with mud factored in!

The result is a fast gravel bike that has the look and ride of a road bike, but one that rips through gravel effortlessly.

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The Ultra is the flip side of the RaceMax coin. Built with similar geometries but with a very specific remit, it is the perfect example of the focused development of the original Exploro concept, optimised for riders seeking out tougher, more technical gravel - the adventure fuelled.

While the RaceMax is built around 700c tyres, the ULTRA is engineered for 650b and very wide tyres - at the same time, and courtesy of aero optimisations to counter those wide tyres - it remains fast on the tarmac so you can transition at pace.

The Ultra is built with maintenance in mind and its use of a 27.2mm round seatpost opens up options for a multitude of aftermarket and Dropper posts to enhance your ride.

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The Extrema Italia is designed exactly as it sounds: for the toughest race courses and fast adventures.

Compared to the RaceMax, it delivers more traction and control and has a higher stack and shorter reach, making it the ideal choice for adventure racing and bikepacking adventures.

Extrema Italia delivers the same Bottom Bracket and Headtube stiffness values 3T engineered for RaceMax Italia and that they recommend as optimal for a fast gravel platform.

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Next level aerodynamics, comfort & performance.

At its launch in 2017 the Strada was a bold proposal for the road world, inspired by a contemporary road concept.

Today the new Strada and Strada Italia build on what was then a contentious idea. With more validity than ever thanks to the move towards 1x drivetrains and the increase in gearing count.

Moreover, the Strada is a bike designed not just for the freshly laid asphalt of the World Tours, but for real surfaces - from cycle paths to white roads. All to be ridden at high speed, maintaining the unparalleled comfort, performance and aerodynamic capabilities required by professional riders.

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