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Nowhere else do measured and perceived characteristics come together as perfectly as on the Exploro. The eye-catching down tube carrier attracts everyone's attention and is probably responsible for the impressive torsional rigidity. This allows the monostay rear triangle to be designed slightly softer, which enables a secure and comfortable fit despite the oval seatpost - even on rough terrain.
3T Exploro Primo: A good balance
The fork blades and handlebars are slightly stiffer, but with an STR+ value of 1.113, the steering axle is in front of the shoulders in the direction of travel. This effectively absorbs impacts from below, as the arms become efficient shock absorbers. They have to be, because after Trek and Marin, the 3T Exploro Primo is the most radical bike in terms of centre of gravity. Thanks to this balance, it effortlessly masters demanding off-road manoeuvres - but even ruts are no problem.
And thanks to the built-in comfort, the narrower tyres are also acceptable. The tread of the tyres has a kind of ridge in the middle, which allows them to roll well on asphalt. However, the Rival groupset lacks slightly larger gears for high-speed riding and a gear reduction for the hills. With a different chainring you could still adjust the alignment, but the rear derailleur can't shift more than the 42 teeth at the back. The handlebars without flare and the lack of threads on the rear triangle indicate a sporty orientation, which also suits the efficient riding position. The 3T is the only bike with which we managed the 19% climb on the test track with the lower handlebars.
If you are reasonably physically fit and have mastered a few basic riding techniques, the Italian is a stylish top all-rounder. The geometry, riding position and balance are exactly what we would expect from a sporty gravel bike.
More gravel bikes from the test
The 3T Exploro Primo in detail
- Note: 2,2 (Gravel special tip: Sports equipment)
- Price: from 2925 Euro >> available here
- Weight of complete wheel: 9.41 kilos
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL (test size greased)
Equipment of the gravel bike
- Brakes: SRAM Rival (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival (1 x 12; 42, 11-42 t.) | Grade: 3.5
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 40-622 (eff.: 40,5 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Impellers: Fulcrum Rapid Red 900
- Impeller weights: 1753 / 2498 grams (front/rear)
Geometry of the 3T Exploro Primo
- Stack/Reach/STR: 587 / 387 millimetres / 1.517
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 641 / 576 millimetres / 1.113
- Seat/top/top tube: 515 / 565 / 151.6 millimetres
- Wheelbase/caster: 1015 / 59 millimetres
Advantages and disadvantages of the all-rounder
- Plus: Balanced geometry, top seating comfort, crash replacement
- Minus: Gear spread too small, few fixed points for luggage
