Hello friends,
After a teaser in my last post here on Gravel Cyclist, it is finally time to show off my new bike! I have a very good relationship with 3T and the Exploro has been my bike of choice for the past two years. But now more than ever, I’m excited to be riding the latest model, the Exploro Max!
The primary visual difference between the two frames is their colour. My “old” bike kept it simple in black, while the new bike a little more radical with a combination of sand/olive. Such a beauty! Even my girlfriend was convinced.
The geometry of the new bike has changed. Both chainstays on the Exploro Max have been lowered, which provides more space for wider tyres and more torsional stiffness in that area. The down tube has made more aerodynamic, optimized for bigger tyres, and is partly wider. The front face also features a flatter profile.
For me, the reintegrated rear derailleur hanger is a big step forward. Now the rear derailleur remains firmly attached to the frame when removing the rear wheel. With the “old” one, the derailleur hanger was fixed by the thru-axle and detached from the frame. Check out Gravel Cyclist’s detailed review of the original 3T Exploro here.
In 2021 I am in the fortunate situation of once again being supported by several companies, after 2020 was almost a complete writeoff. One of these companies is the German component manufacturer, Acros. Acros learned of me after last year’s German Championships and a mutually beneficial cooperation quickly developed. Not only am I now riding the Acros Allroad Disc Carbon 700C wheels, but we also developed a stem cap in the matching “Lena’s Coffee Brand” design. So, not only aerodynamically advantageous, but from a design point of view, this partnership fits perfectly. Their handlebar tape also provides an ideal grip on my handlebars.
Continuing into 2021, I’ll once again be using Schwalbe tyres on the Exploro Max in 2021. My preferred tyres are the Schwalbe Pro One with 30mm wide, tubeless without question. I’m thankful they have wider options available as well.
Another important point of contact on the bike is the saddle, especially for the long rides during the Transcontinental Race. I will be riding a Selle San Marco saddle, namely the GND Supercomfort Racing.
Because the 3T Max is a bike designed for aerodynamics, I thought it wise to optimize all areas of the bike. What could be better than bearings and oversize pulleys from the Danish component tuner, Ceramic Speed? I just love these small details.
For the Transcontinental Race, I will continue to use bags from the Italian company Miss Grape. Waterproof and with good attachment points, I can stow everything I need for the long-distance race. That will mainly be food. Without food, things could go awry!
Liquid food in my water bottles will be carried by the new 19-gram carbon bottle cages from SKS-Germany. I should be well supplied for dinner in the woods.
Finally, I hope to have my bike testing of these components and more completed by the end of May. I’ll report on how everything went in the next blog entry here on Gravel Cyclist. Just as important, I hope the weather will be a bit better.
Ride more and worry less,
Sebastian – Please visit my Instagram profile (@Seb_Breuer).