In the somewhat confusing portfolio of the Italian bike manufacturer, the Extrema takes its place between the fast Racemax and the adventure-ready Ultra. The highlight is the carbon frame and its innovative production at the main factory in Presezzo. In contrast to Asian manufacturers, 3T uses the so-called RTM process (Resin Transfer Moulding). During a factory visit to 3T, TOUR was able to take a closer look at the "Italian cuisine".
3T Extrema: Made in Italy
The Racemax is also manufactured in northern Italy. In contrast to the prototypical race gravel bike, however, the Extrema focusses on riding comfort. This is evidenced above all by a slightly more upright riding position, although 3T did not provide any details on the frame geometry, and the huge tyre clearance. With 29-inch tyres, up to 57 millimetre wide rollers are possible, while the three equipment variants of the Extrema roll on 50 millimetre wide MTB tyres from Continental ex works.
The Italians also advertise the fact that the carbon frame accommodates a standard-sized seat post (27.2 millimetres) and therefore has space for a telescopic or suspension post. Two complete bike versions are fitted with a dropper post from SRAM as standard. Attachment points for two pannier racks on the fork and a small top tube bag round off the comfort-orientated bikepacking concept.
For aero optimisation, the Extrema adopts the two-piece handlebar/stem combination of the Racemax, while the brake lines are routed under the stem into the inside of the frame. The flat head tube and the curved seat tube, which wraps around the rear tyre, are also strongly reminiscent of the Italian bike manufacturer's race gravel bike - there is a real risk of confusion here!
3T Extrema: Equipment and prices
The Extrema is designed exclusively for electronic drivetrains. The three equipment variants with Mullet drivetrains from SRAM combine cranksets from Force or Rival with MTB rear derailleur from XX SL Eagle or GX Eagle and come with a huge cassette. The top and mid-range models will receive an aero-optimised full carbon crank from 3T, which is also manufactured in Presezzo and can be exchanged for the SRAM version free of charge at a dealer from summer 2024.
At the presentation, the Italian bike manufacturer only announced euro prices for the Italian market with higher VAT (22 per cent). The "cheapest" model will cost 7299 euros south of the main Alpine ridge, while the top version in a chic carbon look will be available for 10499 euros in the self-proclaimed motherland of cycling. "In Germany, the prices will be slightly lower due to the lower VAT," said 3T in response to an enquiry about specific prices in this country. The frame sets including handlebar-stem combination cost between 4999 and 5499 euros in Italy, depending on the finish.
Extrema Italia SRAM Force/XX SL Eagle Rockshox
- Drive/gear shift: 3T Torno/SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission (1x12; 40, 10-52 t.)
- Impellers: 3T Discus 40|45 LTD
- Tyres: Continental Race King Shield Wall (50 mm, 29 inch)
- Seat post: Rockshox Reverb
- Price: 10499 Euro*
Extrema Italia SRAM Rival/GX Eagle Rockshox
- Drive/gear shift: 3T Torno/SRAM GX Eagle Transmission (1x12; 40, 10-52 t.)
- Impellers: Zipp 303S
- Tyres: Continental Race King Shield Wall (50 mm, 29 inch)
- Seat post: Rockshox Reverb
- Price: 8299 Euro*
Extrema Italia SRAM Rival/GX Eagle
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival/XX SL Eagle (1x12; 40, 10-52 t.)
- Impellers: Zipp 303S
- Tyres: Continental Race King Shield Wall (50 mm, 29 inch)
- Seat post: 3T Carbon
- Price: 7299 Euro*
*The prices refer to the Italian market with 22 per cent VAT. According to 3T, the equipment variants should be slightly cheaper in Germany.
Julian Schultz
Editor
