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.