3T presents a new gravel bike aimed at long-distance riders, bikepackers and comfort-orientated riders. 3T manufactures the Ultra² Italia in its own factory in Presezzo and is expanding its domestic production with a further model: the frames of the Racemax² Italia, Extrema Italia and Strada Italia are already produced at the site in Italy. The frame weighs 1199 grams in size M without paint and small parts. Complete bikes start at 4098 euros (excluding VAT). This positions the Ultra² Italia as the most affordable entry-level model in the world of 3T.
3T Ultra² Italia geometry
The Ultra² Italia emphasises comfort and thus sets itself apart from the brand's race-oriented bikes. The geometry offers a higher stack and shorter reach than the Racemax platform, which means you sit more upright and relaxed on the bike. Compared to the Extrema Italia, the handlebars are ten millimetres higher. The steering angle varies between 69 degrees in size S and 72 degrees in size XL. According to the manufacturer, this gradation is intended to provide stable and predictable steering behaviour and thus also differs from the race-oriented 3T frames. The bike is designed for longer rides and multi-day bikepacking tours.
Fork options and suspension
The Ultra² Italia works with either the rigid Fango Ultra² fork or the DT Swiss F 132 ONE suspension fork. The rigid version weighs 450 grams, the suspension fork 1,350 grams without remote and accessories. The suspension fork offers 40 millimetres of travel, a handlebar remote for the lockout function and integrated mounting points with a load capacity of up to three kilograms per side. The weight difference between the two options is almost one kilogramme.
With the rigid Fango Ultra² fork, the frame accepts tyres up to 57 millimetres (actual width of the tyre).
Equipment for long journeys
The frame has several attachment points for pannier racks and mudguards. In the down tube, 3T integrates a storage compartment with a magnetic Fidlock fastener, which is also used by the Racemax² Italia and Extrema Italia. The platform works with mechanical and electronic groupsets, which enables more robust configurations for remote regions. The rigid Fango Ultra² fork supports internal cable routing for dynamo cables. The equipment features prepare the Ultra² Italia for multi-day tours.
3T Ultra² Italia components and wheels
The new More² stem works with 3T's traditional 1 1/8 inch steerer tubes as well as with the D-Shape system. This flexibility facilitates cockpit adjustments and later upgrades. Setups with carbon wheels get the new Discus 45|40 wheels with 45 millimetre rim height and 29 millimetre inner width. The hookless design works with voluminous tyres and supports the focus on comfort and traction.
The Discus 45|40 wheels have white decals and Scope x 3T Sport Series hubs. The weight of the pair is 1,547 grams. The internal rim width of 29 millimetres matches the large tyre clearance of the frame and allows the use of wide gravel tyres.
3T Ultra² Italia shifting options
3T offers the Ultra² Italia with Shimano GRX in mechanical and electronic versions as well as with SRAM Rival or GX Eagle. The platform works with 1x and 2x drivetrains. Four sizes are available: S, M, L and XL. The colour options include Avorio, Bamboo, Glicine and Lavico.
The combination of various shifting options and compatibility with different gear ratios extends the configuration options. 3T states its prices without VAT. We have added the German VAT rate in the table below:
| GRX 1x12 mech., aluminium wheels | 4876 Euro |
| GRX 1x12 Di2, aluminium wheels | 5753 Euro |
| SRAM Rival/GX Eagle AXS, Discus 45│40 Carbon | 5753 Euro |
| GRX 1x12 Di2, Discus 45│40 Carbon | 6827 Euro |
| SRAM Rival/GX Eagle AXS, Discus 45│40 Carbon | 6827 Euro |
Technical specifications:
- Frame: Carbon, Fusion Carbon construction, 1,199 g (size M, unpainted, without small parts, +/-5%)
- Fork: Fango Ultra² (450 g) or DT Swiss F 132 ONE (1,350 g without remote)
- Suspension travel with DT Swiss F 132 One option: 40 mm
- Tyre clearance: 57 mm (rigid fork)
- Steering angle: 69° (S) to 72° (XL)
- Seatpost: 27.2 mm diameter
- Wheels: Discus 45|40 (45 mm rim height, 29 mm inner width, 1,547 g/pair)
- Stem: More² (1 1/8" and D-Shape compatible)
- Shifting: Shimano GRX (mechanical/electronic), SRAM Rival/GX Eagle
- Drive: 1x and 2x compatible
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Colours: Avorio, Bamboo, Glicine, Lavico
- Price: from 4876 euros (incl. VAT)
Kristian Bauer
Editor
