The Italian bike manufacturer 3T has renewed its entire range of electric gravel bikes. According to 3T, the e-bikes manufactured in Italy are developed at the Presezzo site in the province of Bergamo. The new range comprises three different models: e-Racemax, e-Ultra and e-Extrema, each designed for different areas of use, from fast hunting on gravel motorways to excursions into more extreme terrain. The e-Ultra model is also available with both straight handlebars and racing handlebars, which emphasises the versatility of the range.
3T frame base of the non-electric models
3T emphasises that the frames of the electric models are identical to those of the non-electric versions. All electronic components, cables and batteries are integrated into the frame, avoiding oversized tubes, external motors or additional components. The Mahle X-20 motor customised for 3T is integrated into the rear wheel hub. The electrical equipment increases the weight of the bikes to between 3 and 3.9 kilograms.
Three specialised models
3T E-Racemax
The e-Racemax emphasises its genes as an aerodynamically optimised racing machine and continues its story as an electrically assisted gravel bike for fast tours on gravel tracks, forest highways and, of course, on asphalt, which can also be rough.
3T E-Ultra
The e-Ultra is designed for more demanding terrain and has a geometry that enables a slightly more upright, comfortable riding position. The bike is also available in a version with straight handlebars. The manufacturer 3T sees this as a versatile bike that is suitable for city rides, commuting and touring on varying terrain.
3T E-Extrema
The latest member of the 3T e-bike family is the e-Extrema, an all-terrain gravel bike which, according to the manufacturer, should also be able to master technically demanding single trails. It offers space for tyres between 47 and 57 millimetres wide.
Drive system and battery technology
For the drive system, the engineers opted for the Mahle X-20 motor, which has been specially adapted for 3T. This lightweight motor in the rear hub is designed to provide smooth and natural support and generate no resistance when not in use. The electric motor is controlled via a simple, intuitive button with LED display on the top tube, which allows riders to select their preferred level of assistance. The system offers Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, compatibility with Garmin devices, three preset power modes and a fourth, fully customisable mode via the MySmartBike app.
The 350 watt-hour battery delivers a torque of up to 65 Newton metres. For a longer range, a separate 173 watt-hour battery can be purchased; it weighs 1.1 kilograms, fits into the bottle cage on the seat tube and can increase the range by up to 50 per cent.
Range and mileage
According to 3T, those who control the e-assist accordingly should be able to cover over 150 kilometres and 2,000 metres in altitude without any problems, based on a rider weight of 75 kilograms on a fast, hilly route on varying surfaces including asphalt.
Technical specifications of the 3T bikes at a glance
- Frame: Carbon, identical to the non-electric versions
- Motor: Mahle X-20 hub motor
- Battery: 350 watt hours, optionally expandable with 173 watt hours additional battery
- Torque: up to 65 Newton metres
- Additional weight compared to non-electric version: 3 to 3.9 kilograms
- Tyre width e-Extrema: 47 to 57 millimetres
- Range: up to 150 kilometres and 2,000 metres in altitude (with a rider weight of 75 kilograms)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Garmin compatible
- Operation: Button with LED display on the top tube
- Support modes: three preset modes plus one customisable mode
- Model variants: e-Racemax, e-Ultra, e-Extrema
Thomas Musch
Publisher
