3T Exploro Speed is a Stable Replacer that Goes Slow Faster
A lot has changed in the two-and-a-half years since the unveiling of the 3T Exploro aero gravel bike. Gravel racing has exploded, all-road bikes are all the rage and everyone’s searching for the perfect stable replacer. But stable replacers and gravel bikes are seldom aero, and we are living in the era of #AeroIsEverything, so the second generation Exploro comes with an all-new aero all-road build – the Exploro Speed.
Why do you need an aero bike for grinding gravel at 15 mph? The common belief is that aero doesn’t matter until you reach higher speeds, and there is some truth to the idea, as aerodynamic force is related to the square of velocity. But when it comes to cycling, especially long days in the saddle, you also have to consider the time component. So sure you’ll save more watts with an aero bike on a smooth flat road, but don’t ignore even moderate savings when you’re grinding 200 miles of gravel in one sitting. Plus, if you have a headwind the benefits add up quickly. The real argument, though, is why not. If you don’t have to give anything up, why not be more aero?
3T’s rationale for the aero gravel bike is compelling. You get some benefits on gravel and an all-around very capable bike for everything else. Throw on some fat 650B tires and hit the rough stuff or swap on some slick 700c road tires and you’ve got a fast road bike.
Exploro Speed Specs & Pricing
The new 3T Exploro Speed bikes are available in two flavors, the Team edition carbon comes in at $5,200 for a complete bike, or you can upgrade to the slightly lighter LTD hi-mod carbon frameset for $6,400 complete. Both builds are available in four size range (S-XL).
Exploro Speed LTD Build ($6,400)
| Frame | Exploro LTD |
| Frame sizes | S-M-L-XL |
| Frame colors | Stealth Black |
| Fork | 3T FANGO LTD flatmount disk brake w/12mm thru axle |
| Stem | Arx II Team Stealth |
| Handlebar | Aeronova Team Stealth |
| Headset | 2 x 10mm & 2 x 5mm PC headset spacers |
| Shifters | SRAM Force 1 Hydraulic DoubleTap |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Force 1 Type 2.1 Medium Cage |
| Crankset | SRAM Quarq Prime Power Ready BB386 w/ 30mm 7050 AL spindle (optional upgrade to 3T Torno LTD) |
| Chainring | SRAM Force XSYNC, 46T (3T Torno crank ships with custom 44T chainring) |
| Bottom Bracket | Aluminum / Nylon Press fit cups for BB386EVO with 30mm i.d. sealed cartridge bearings |
| Chain | SRAM 11-speed XX1 Powerchain ® II with PowerLock ® connecting linkSRAM 11-speed XX1 Powerchain ® II with PowerLock ® connecting link |
| Freewheel / Cassette | SRAM 11-speed PowerGlide „¢ 11-36T |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Force CX1 Hydraulic DoubleTap |
| Brakes | SRAM Force Flat Mount Hydraulic Disc w/ SRAM CenterlineX 160mm Centerlock rotor |
| Saddle | Fizik Antares Versus |
| Wheelset | Discus C35 TEAM Stealth (700c) |
| Tires | Continental Grand Prix 4000 II S 700x28c |
Exploro Speed Team Build ($5,200)
| Frame | Exploro TEAM |
| Frame sizes | S-M-L-XL |
| Frame colors | Black/Red |
| Fork | 3T FANGO TEAM flatmount disk brake w/12mm thru axle |
| Stem | Arx II Team Stealth |
| Handlebar | Aeronova Team Stealth |
| Headset | 2 x 10mm & 2 x 5mm PC headset spacers |
| Shifters | SRAM Force 1 Hydraulic DoubleTap |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Force 1 Type 2.1 Medium Cage |
| Crankset | SRAM Quarq Prime Power Ready BB386 w/ 30mm 7050 AL spindle (optional upgrade to 3T Torno TEAM) |
| Chainring | SRAM Force XSYNC, 46T (3T Torno crank ships with custom 44T chainring) |
| Bottom Bracket | Aluminum / Nylon Press fit cups for BB386EVO with 30mm i.d. sealed cartridge bearings |
| Chain | SRAM 11-speed XX1 Powerchain ® II with PowerLock ® connecting linkSRAM 11-speed XX1 Powerchain ® II with PowerLock ® connecting link |
| Freewheel / Cassette | SRAM 11-speed PowerGlide „¢ 11-36T |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Force CX1 Hydraulic DoubleTap |
| Brakes | SRAM Force Flat Mount Hydraulic Disc w/ SRAM CenterlineX 160mm Centerlock rotor |
| Saddle | Fizik Antares Versus |
| Wheelset | Discus C35 TEAM Stealth (700c) |
| Tires | Continental Grand Prix 4000 II S 700x28c |
The standard Exploro Speed bikes come with a Quarq Prime carbon crankset with a 46T ring. You can easily add a power meter to the bikes with a Quarq DZero spider, for about $680. The bikes are also available with aero 3T Torno LTD cranksets with 44T single Wolftooth rings for a $600 premium. Both come with 11-36T cassettes.
