The LTD badge in 3T's world means ultralight UD carbon is used to create the lightest, yet high performing version. Hence the 3T Exploro LTD Frameset saves you 190 grams over the Exploro Team Flat Mount version.
Innovative, forward thinking is generally applauded in today's fast paced, technology driven world. All new technology must in some way fill a current or future need; a purpose. Not only that, it has be viable, proven, and accessible to the market it serves. Along the way there will be doubters, questions about cost, efficacy, etc. As 3T Bikes is a small, limited frame and bike operation, it can both take chances and innovate, but costs are high. Yet if you are looking for a truly versatile gravel bike that is just as capable at Dirty Kanza with 650b wheels and 50mm tires as it is on the road with a 700c wheel and 28mm road tires, the Exploro may well be the frameset that replaces 2-3 others in your stable.
The Exploro LTD Frameset is deeply informed by both influences yet is no hybrid, but a fully integrated design, and maximized to deliver aero performance, power transfer and versatility. 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. Coming off up to 50mm tires the downtube 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 essential focus of aerodynamic design.
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 does provide a removable front derailleur mount. The FlipTop internal cable/housing routing system (for 1x, 2x, mechanical or electronic, and hydraulic) is clean, and fairly straightforward. 3T even includes a foam sleeve for the downtube routing to prevent any rattling. It features a well designed 12mm thru-axle rear dropout with 3T's Hang Loose derailleur hanger, which makes it much quicker to mount your disc brake equipped rear wheel into position before inserting the derailleur hanger and thru axle. The bottom bracket shell meets the FSA BB386EVO standard.
The seatpost is a frame specific design, the 3T Charlie Sqaero, which is a zero-offset, inline clamp model and is affixed with a toptube flush wedge system. Vroomen has given the seattube a 72.5mm angle, which assists in rear triangle spec and weighting the frameset more naturally. Please consider the geometry carefully when choosing your size. The 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. Vroomen used a dropped driveside chainstay, to keep the Q-factor at a standard road width, and clearance for more gearing options. The flat mount disc Fango LTD fork rake is 50mm, giving the Exploro Team tracking and stability up front on rough surfaces. The geometry feels balanced and sure handling, with impressive acceleration, real speed, road feel and cornering capability.
Ride comfort is subjective, but keep in mind that as either gravel bike with 650b wheels, or a road bike with 28-40mm road, gravel or cross tires, the tire volume and pressure matter most. If you want to run 700x23 or 25mm tires, you can, and though you may sacrifice some cushion, the ride will be similar to most aero road bikes. Ideally we think 28-32mm smooth road tires would be the best option for pure road riding, while delivering better aerodynamics. 3T has tested the Exploro at 20mph and it is faster on gravel than comparable gravel bikes, saving you power output, and at 30mph it is much faster, which to be sure is improbable on gravel; even 20mph is the common upper range, but you can feel the same effects as a road bike set-up- this frame is efficient.
Still not convinced? 3T offers a demonstrated proof of concept for a faster, aerodynamic gravel bike, as well as the capability for the design to to be a wholly viable road bike, and pretty much anything in between. Rated for 54mm (2.1") 650b tires, or 700x40mm road/cross tires, the Exploro can truly replace at least two existing bikes. Yes, the cost is high. As is the quality of the carbon, lay-up, design, engineering, and more. The aerodynamics are real, as is the performance. Actual ride reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Price is the most significant complaint but how many cyclists have invested over $8000 in an event specific aero bike and wheel package for 6-12 TT's a year? How many have paid $7500 for an XTR equipped short travel carbon XC race bike they don't race on?
As with all viable products there is a market for the Exploro design, and by being first, and setting new expectations within the market, 3T's innovation and drive to be "remarkable" will result in other bike companies moving in similar directions. In the high tech world, this is a sign of disruption, acceptance, and a shift in how consumers and companies think and act. If nothing else, 3T is offering you an exciting opportunity to embrace and explore the future of high performance, all road cycling, now.
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