Foldable Bikes Party: 3T Exploro LTD review (first ride)

Wednesday, 15 June 2016

3T Exploro LTD review (first ride)

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I don’t really understand the 3T Exploro, but I think I like it.

The Italian brand launched its first ever bike a few days ago in Tuscany, Italy, inviting me along for the ride. Billed as the world’s first aero gravel bike, the Exploro is the brainchild of ex-Cervelo designer Gerard Vroomen, a man who’s always been keen to push the boundaries of bicycle engineering. It’s a disc brake-equipped, fat-tubed thing, the bastard offspring of a road bike and an XC racer. I don’t really know what to call it, but 3T favours “GravelPlus” or (ugh) “Gravel 2.0”. If anything, I think the ‘monstercrosser’ moniker of a few years ago might be more appropriate.

Frameset: huge clearances, quirky geometry and aero tweaks

The Exploro: not your typical aero bike

If you ignore the immense amount of room between the stays and the fork legs, and a few other details, the Exporo’s frameset carries all the hallmarks of a modern road bike. Its carbon tubes are thin-walled, sculpted for both aero and comfort, and with all cables and hoses routed internally, it’s a clean piece of design.

The down tube and bottom bracket are gargantuan, and along with the seat tube and seatpost, the former has a truncated aerofoil profile – what 3T calls 'Sqaero' (square and aero).

The dropped chainstay is essential for tyre and crank clearance

The approach to front-end geometry is somewhat unusual, focusing on quick, low-effort steering at the expense of stability

Build: the Force awakens

SRAM's Force 1 proved a good match for the Exploro

Ride and handling: an all-road enigma

We started out on the road, but we didn't stay there long

Even as I was hopping over drainage channels and kicking up clouds of dust, I was conscious that I was essentially riding a road bike with massive tyres

Final thoughts: it's mad, but I like it

Dusty Strade Bianche roads are a natural fit for the Exploro

Specification

Weight: 8.2kg (unverified)
Frame: 3T Exploro LTD (M) full carbon, BB386EVO bottom bracket
Fork: 3T Luteus II LTD, 15mm thru-axle
Seatpost: 3T Charlie Sqaero
Handlebar: 3T Ergonova Team Stealth
Stem: 3T Arx Team II
Levers: SRAM Force HRD
Rear derailleur: SRAM Force 1
Brakes: SRAM Force HRD, 160mm rotors
Cranks: THM Clavicula SE, Wolftooth Components 38t chainring
Cassette: SRAM 11-36t
Chain: SRAM PC-1170
Wheels: 3T Discus Plus C25 Pro, 142x12 rear
Tyres: WTB Horizon 47mm 650b
Saddle: WTB

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