The Exploro Team Frameset is deeply informed by aero road and pure gravel influences but is no hybrid, it's a truly and fully integrated design, and maximized to deliver aero performance, power transfer and versatility- all keys to the Speed Team bike concept. The fork and frame were optimized for the aerodynamic realities of larger volume tires, so you have a square-aero (Sqaero) shape down tube with a 50mm cross section, with an arc-shape leading edge and the now common flat-back design. Air carrying off the wheel to the downtube, which manages the airflow as efficiently as possible, guiding it as easily as possible around water bottles and the seattube. The seattube has similar shape, but with a 25mm width, as it needs to do less to move the air back after it has been directed by downtube. The fork blades have slim aero shape, and the remaining tubes and junctions use Sqaero forms as well, but the management of the airflow off the leading edge is the crucial element.

A single ring (1x) drivetrain decreases the turbulent airflow through what is normally the front derailleur zone, and clearly 3T would prefer you move in that direction, but unlike with the 3T Strada Road frame, the Exploro provides a removable front derailleur mount. The FlipTop internal cable/housing routing system (for mechanical or electronic, and hydraulic) is clean, and fairly straightforward. Every detail has been carefully considered and addressed. 3T even includes a foam sleeve for the downtube routing to prevent any rattling. The frameset maintains smooth profiles throughout. It features a well designed 12/142mm thru-axle system, with a Syntace model included. The bottom bracket shell is for the FSA BB386EVO system.

The shaped 3T Charlie Sqaero seatpost is Exploro specific, and has a zero-offset clamp set-up. Vroomen has given the seattube a 72.5mm angle, which assists in rear triangle spec. Overall riding geometry is much more like an endurance road bike with a relatively short headtube and a more compact chainstay length (rear center) at 415mm than most gravel bikes. A dropped driveside chainstay keeps the Q-factor at a standard road width, and clearance for more gearing options. The fork rake is 50mm, giving the Exploro Team tracking and stability up front on rough surfaces. The geometry feels balanced and sure handling on every surface, with impressive acceleration, real speed, road feel and cornering capability.

With this Exploro SpeedTeam Force complete bike, 3T has equipped the frameset with a SRAM Force 1x 11 drivetrain, Flat Mount hydraulic disc brake system and 700c wheels on 28mm tires. This is how 3T sees an a true Exploro road set-up. A SRAM Quarq Carbon power meter ready crankset rides on a BB386EVO for SRAM PF30/86 bottom bracket, carries a 50T X-Sync single chainring, and is paired with with an 11-speedPowerGlide 11-36T cassette, all of which lends itself to cleaner aero profile, features zero overlapping gears, and delivers excellent range for road and hardpack riding.

Roll call for tires are the venerale Schwalbe G-ONE 700x35c gravel race tires. Matched with 3T's Discus Plus C35 Team (19mm internal width) 100x12mm Front, 142x12mm Rear wheelset, the combo is ideal for a broader terrain spectrum than you'd think at first glance. The wheels feature the Center Lock disc interface and Shimano/SRAM 11-speed freehub.

As you would inagine, the kit items are mostly 3T, with the Aeronova Team Stealth Carbon bar, ARX II Team Stealth stem and Fizik Vento Tacky tape tape. A carbon reinforced Antares Arione R3 saddle from Fizik rests atop the carbon 3T Charlie Sqaero seatpost. The fork is the tapered 1⅛” - 1½” 3T Fango Team flat mount design, with it's kinked left leg, internal routing and 12/100 Syntace X-12 thru-axle.