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 1x, 2x, 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, with impressive acceleration, real speed, road feel and cornering capability.

With this Exploro Team Force complete bike, 3T has equipped the frameset with a SRAM Force 1x drivetrain and hydraulic disc brake system and 650b (27.5") wheels with 48mm tires. This is how 3T sees an optimal gravel set-up. A Force 1 crankset rides on a BB386EVO for SRAM PF30/86 bottom bracket, carries a 44T XSync single chainring, and is paired with with a PowerGlide 11-42T cassette, all of which lends itself to cleaner aero profile, features zero overlapping gears, and delivers excellent range for most gravel riding. Even if you installed 700c wheels with cross tires (up to 40mm) you'd feel comfortable with the gearing range. Clearly setting it up for road specific gearing range would require a larger chainring (50T max, flat-type), but in creating this complete bike, 3T assembled the kit with a gravel focus. The hydraulic disc system with it's Force flat mount calipers delivers steady, sure power with effective lever pressure, allowing you to corner and ride more technical terrain with confidence.

The tires are the super popular Panaracer Gravel King SK TLC, in a 27.5 x 1.9" (48mm) size. Fast rolling, smooth riding, small square center knobs, with edge treads that deliver traction in soft material yet actually corner well on pavement and hardpack. Matched with 3T's Discus Plus C25 PRO 650b (24mm 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.

The kit items are mostly 3T, with the gravel/offroad, leverage-oriented, UD carbon, angled drop Superghiaia Team Stealth handlebar, Apto Team Stealth stem, and Corius Team bar tape. A Selle San Marco Mantra Open-Fit Dynamic Carbon Fiber saddle, reinforced with Microfeel covered Biofoam, rests atop the carbon 3T Charlie Sqaero seatpost. The fork is the tapered 1?” - 1¼” 3T Fango Team flat mount design, with it's kinked left leg, internal routing and 12/100 Syntace X-12 thru-axle.

We can truly appreciate the build on this complete 3T Exploro Team Force. With the Force upgrade, Discus 35 wheelset, Superghiaia carbon bar, and spiffy San Marco saddle, there is plenty here to love and distinguish the bike.