The Italian Wheel manufacturer 3T has launched the second generation of its aerodynamic Gravel bikes presented. The new Racemax² Italia has been completely redeveloped and represents a further development of the Racemax concept introduced in 2020. While the predecessor was initially produced in Asia, the new model is manufactured exclusively in Italy using the in-house carbon technology based on filament winding and resin transfer moulding, which is now referred to as "Jazz Carbon". The manufacturer emphasises that not a single centimetre of the frame is identical to the previous model. The Racemax² Italia is positioned as the most race-oriented gravel bike in the 3T range and, according to the manufacturer, is optimised for fast, smooth surfaces - from the UCI Gravel World Series and Gravel Earth Series to the Lifetime Grand Prix.
3T Racemax² Italia geometry
The geometry of the Racemax² Italia continues to follow 3T's "Realfast Gravel" concept, which strives for a balance between performance and comfort. Compared to its predecessor, however, some adjustments have been made: The head tube angle has been made steeper, the bottom bracket positioned lower and the fork offset revised. These changes are intended to refine the handling and increase stability. At the same time, the chainstays have been shortened to 420 millimetres, which should improve the responsiveness of the bike. The bike is available in four frame sizes: S, M, L and XL.
Racemax² Italia with more tyre clearance
One of the most important innovations of the Racemax² Italia is the increased tyre clearance. With the trend towards wider tyres, the new model now offers space for tyres with a WAM (Width As Measured) of up to 51 millimetres for 1x drivetrains and 48 millimetres for configurations with a front derailleur. The frame has been aerodynamically optimised specifically for tyres with a WAM of between 41 and 51 millimetres. Despite the wider tyre mount, the aerodynamic properties are said not to have been impaired. According to simulations, efficiency has even improved by around 1.5 per cent compared to the previous generation. Various detailed improvements contribute to this: The head tube area, which integrates CeramicSpeed SLT bearings, has been reduced in size and given the same aerodynamic "nose" design that characterises the Strada Italia. The completely redesigned fork also conceals the mounting bolts of the front brake calliper under a special cover to minimise turbulence in this critical area.
Design and integrated features
The down tube of the Racemax² Italia has the typical 3T design with variable width: 54 millimetres in the upper section (neck), which also has a wheel cut-out for perfect tyre alignment, and 75 millimetres in the lower section. This design is intended to optimise the air flow not only around the water bottles, but also around the tools stored in the integrated storage compartment. The storage compartment itself is one of the bike's most striking features. The wide opening makes it easily accessible and spacious without compromising frame rigidity, according to the manufacturer. A neoprene bag is designed to ensure silent and stable transport of the load. Another feature is the integrated rear light in the seat post, which offers five modes and a brightness of up to 25 lumens. The light can be removed when a bikepacking bag is mounted on the rear. For maximum flexibility, the frame can also be ordered without a storage compartment.
3T Racemax² Italia from 990 g
The Racemax² Italia frame weighs 990 grams in size M (unpainted, without hardware and small parts) and 1,050 grams in the version with storage compartments. The fork weighs 380 grams. The bike is available in four colour variants: two shiny metallic finishes (Brezza and Ambra) and two iridescent paint finishes that change depending on the light and viewing angle - Rame (red dominant with green nuances) and Smeraldo (green base with red reflections). All lacquer finishes are applied in Italy.
Equipment variants and prices
The equipment options of the Racemax² Italia are diverse and cover both 1x and 2x setups. SRAM Force XPLR or RED XPLR (with standard or Torno Wide cranks) are available for 1x drivetrains, while Shimano GRX Di2 or Campagnolo Super Record are offered for 2x setups. For full customisation, the 1x drivetrain can be equipped with a 52-tooth chainring on a Torno Wide crank.
The price for the frameset including More stem and Aeroghiaia Integrale LTD handlebars is 4917 euros in the EU. The complete bikes start at 8114 euros for the version with Shimano GRX 2x12 and 3T Discus 45|40 LTD wheels. The most expensive version with Campagnolo Super Record 2x13 Gravel and 3T Discus 45|40 wheels costs 10,736 euros.
Technical specifications 3T Racemax²
- Frame material: Carbon (Jazz Carbon technology)
- Frame weight: 990 g (size M, unpainted, without storage compartment)
- Fork weight: 380 g
- Tyre clearance: up to 51 mm WAM (1x setup), 48 mm (2x setup)
- Available sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Shifting options: SRAM Force XPLR, SRAM RED XPLR, Shimano GRX Di2, Campagnolo Super Record
- Integrated storage compartment in the down tube (optional)
- Integrated rear light in the seat post
- Chainstays: 420 mm
- Price frameset: from 4,917 euros
- Complete wheel price: 8,114 euros to 10,736 euros
Kristian Bauer
Editor
