The 3T bike story has now been widely told, argued about, and delivered it's share of true fans and copycats. In the gravel world, the prescient design and development of the Exploro frameset has deeply influenced the industry. The wide tire clearance, 700c or 650b wheel capability, and an emphasis on speed and 1x/2x drivetrain options are now common. However, 3T has pushed further, driving better aerodynamics and efficiency, as well as massive tire clearance, now found in the Exploro RaceMax. This is a frameset that can offer impressive speed and all around capability for cyclists to whom that is crucial, whether racing or just tearing up gravel to avoid pavement and cars. At the same time, the adventure or long distance gravel rider who prefers to tackle all terrain with a goal of not walking, can build out the same frameset with tires that push 61mm (2.4"), yet still have a road like feel and geometry. If the Exploro set a new direction, the Exploro Racemax creates a whole new world of cycling opportunity whether a racer, a maximizer, or anyone in between.

To understand the development of the Exploro RaceMax from 3T's perspective, you have to embrace two concepts: Width as measured, and Radius as measured, or WAM and RAM. The goal was to max a true aero frame and fork that integrated clearance and aero coverage. By understanding that WAM and RAM vary with internal rim width, desired tire pressure and actual tire specifications (not listed). As the internal width grows, the tire shape and volume changes- same with pressure. As such the listed tire spec becomes irrelevant and only actual measurements provide the true distance and clearances needed. Instead of guessing and over building distances, the frame and fork can be designed for real measurements. The same principles apply to another aero concern- water bottles. As bottles are fairly standard, acronyms aren't really required, and suffice to say the size-specific downtube was shaped and gradually widened to allow for cleaner airflow through to the rear triangle.

With the seattube cutout and seatstay bridge you can see the combination of upper clearance and optimal aero shielding, even with adequate mud clearance. Instead of the now customary dropped driveside lower stay, both stays have been dropped, delivering even greater clearance and increased lateral stiffness. Cyclists choosing 700c wheel options can opt for 1x or 2x drivetrains with no problem. The knowledge of the real working RAM of 347-353mm allows you make the optimal tire and rim choice for speed, volume and efficiency. You can see the same thought process with the fork design, which has a minimal height crown that is both exceptionally strong and wide. The axle to crown is 370mm, the same as the average road bike, keeping the tire closer to the downtube- again more aero. The second aspect is that the front end is lower, improving handling and road-bike feel.

The Fango RaceMax fork has a tapered 1 1/2" to 1 1/8" steerer- no surprise there. You may wonder how it fits into the slim headtube- yet another aero feature- so 3T had Cane Creek create a custom, narrow headset, the MinMax, which can handle the same loads as a standard version. The fork and the frame have flat mount disc caliper mounts designed for direct use- no adapters- for 160mm disc rotors. The rear triangle and fork also feature fender mounts. The top tube has the now standard bag mount bosses.

There are many less crucial features which add to the unique capabilities of the Exploro RaceMax, but the true essence has been covered. The result is a frameset that is truly capable of efficiency that only the best aero road bikes can match, with borderline ridiculous tire clearance, a powerful ride, with compliance. 3T has upgraded their hidden seatpost wedge that delivers more friction and hold with less torque. The new Charlie Sqaero carbon seatpost features the excellent and easy Ritchey WCS 1-bolt clamp system. A thread together bottom bracket is included. Mechanical or electronic? Yes. Integrated routing? Of course. Syntace bolt-on thru axles for 12/142mm rear and 12/100 front are deemed to be the stiffest interface available. Fit is improved, with six sizes available versus the four of the Exploro.

3T learned much in the process of designing and selling the Exploro. The company has also seen the fast evolution of the gravel scene. The Exploro RaceMax is likely the actual bike Gerard Vroomen wanted to design but it's possible his experience, the market, and wheel and tire options just weren't there yet. The combination of speed and efficiency, with remarkable versatility over roads and terrain, just pushes the envelope further and forces more innovation and adaptation, but for now the 3T Exploro RaceMax stands alone.