3T Exploro review: The aero gravel bike that can do it all

Cyclingnews Verdict

Ifꦬ we were designing a do-it-all gravel bike, there's little we'd do differently than 3T has done with the Exploro

Pros

+
Lively racy geometry
+
Tyre clearance
+
Can take 650b and 700c wheels

Cons

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650b wheels are slow on the road

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Find out more about how we test.

The 3T Exploro was launched - to some ridicule, I might add - as a fully aero gravel bike, with the tag line 'go slow, faster'. I must admit, I was one of those sniggering in the corner when 3T made its bold c🅰laims about aero savings. It str♓uck me as an unnecessary consideration that was designed for the sake of following market trends, rather than for the sake of actual good bike design.

But why not? While we've not tested the aerodynamic efficiency of 3T's Sqaero tubing, we've no reason to dispute its effectiveness, and why wouldn't you take the aero benefits. Whether you're racing Dirty Kanza or just riding in the local woods, why not take advantage of the technology available to yꦇou and use a bike that's faster.

At €3,200 for a frameset, it won't be a whimsical purchase, but if you're looking to reduce the number of ho﷽rses in the stable, the Exploro could well be the do-it-all, do-it-well bike you've been looking for. I'm often asked if I could only have one bike, what would I choose? Having ridden the 3T Exploro in all manner of conditions this past few months, it would sit near the top of that list.

The Exploro is an unashamed 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:gravel bike that features wide tyre clearances, a dropped drive-side chainstay and the option to run 650b 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:gravel wheels or 700c 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:road wheels. The full carbon frame features aero tubing, a press-fit bottom bracket, internal cable routing, plent🧜iful mounting points, and the option to forego the front derailleur f🌌or a 1X setup.

One of the neater technologies employed by 3T is what it calls the Hang Loose hanger. Should you wish to remove the rear wheel, the derailleur hanger will come away from the frame, allowing your derailleur to hang loose (...hence the name). It allows you to refit the wheel withꦚout worrying about the derailleur. You simply align the disc, slide in the thru-axle and then hang the derailleur back in place with the wheel already secure. You do still need to consider the chain, but it simplifies the process no end.

The second thing of note is the 3T Charlie Exploro seatpost, on which adjusting the tilt of the saddle is convoluted at best, and a process you should probably get right before you head out of the door. Tilt adjustment is achieved by removing and refitting two splined interlocking rings. One of which adjusts by 9.5 degrees, the other by 10 degrees, thus allowing for 0.5-degree incremental adjustment. It requires full removal of the saddle and rail clamps, meaning when at the trailside, you'll need to remember to pocket those spare parts that are easily lost. To check you've got the saddle angle right, you'll need to put the whole assembly back🧜 together and then start the process again if it's not quite right. There is a reward for all this effort, however. Should you ever hit some undulating trail and come down hard onto your saddle, there's no chance of it slipping, so once you've got it right, it should be set for life.

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3T Exploro — These 650b 3T Discus Plus ♉C25 Pro wheels are built to withstand nuclear warfare(Image credit: Josh Croxton)

Throughout our test period, we've stuck it out with the Gravelking SK tyres from Panaracer in all conditions. In dry, dusty conditions, they are great - the rounded profile and grip lead to predictable handling and confidence-inspiring control, which is forgiving enough to get you out of those situations that your poor handling might get you into. They are far from a , though - in stickier conditions, wheelspins become the order of the day as the tyre collects the te🧔rrain over which it travels.

With 650b wheels and 1.9-inch 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:gravel tyres, the on-road performance is u🀅nsurprisingly slow-going, yet with the 40cm wide handlebars and racy geometry (575mm stack with 370mm reach for a large), the position is more akin to a road bike than a , and the handling remains nimble yet predictable. While we're yet to put it to the test, we're confident a pair of 700c wheels with a faster-rolling tyre would transform the Exploro into a bike that could comfort꧋ably hold its own on the road.

The 3T Exploro is an aero optimised gravel bike that is e🎃ntirely capable on-road, yet it comes alive on flowing singletrack and off-road climbs. If we were designing a do-it-all gravel bike, t𝐆here's little we'd do differently than 3T has done with the Exploro. That four-hour Sunday ride is becoming more and more rare, instead, we're opting for a half-the-time, double-the-fun approach on the local trails. A worth inclusion in our gear of the year.

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Frameset: 3T Exploro Team, Large
Front brake: SRAM Force hydraulic
Rear brake: SRAM Force hydraulic
Brake/shift levers: SRAM Force 1 mechanical
Front derailleur: N/A
Rear derailleur: SRAM Force 1
Cassette: SRAM PG-1130, 11-42t
Chain: SRAM 11-speed
Crankset: SRAM Force 1
Chainring: SRAM Force, 42T
Bottom bracket: SRAM BB86EVO
Wheelset: 3T DiscusPlus C25 Pro
Tyres: Panaracer Gravelking SK, 27.5 x 1.9"
Handlebars: 3T Superghiaia flared, 40cm, 48cm at drops
Handlebar tape: 3T
Stem: 3T Apto, 110mm
Pedals: Shimano PD-M540 SPD
Saddle: Selle San Marco Mantra Narrow
Seat post: 3T Charlie Exploro
Bottle cages: 3T

168澳洲5最新开奖结果

3T Exploro review: The aero gravel bike that can do it all

In this 3T Exploro review, we answer the question of whether aero and gravel belong in the same sentence

Cyclingnews Verdict

Pros

Cons

Design and geometry

Components and build

Ride, handling and performance

Verdict

Test Conditions

Specifications: 3T Exploro Team