3T Exploro LTD Review - with SRAM Red AXS eTap - "The World's Only Full-Aero Gravel Bike"

[@rasmuswi]

I've had mine for two years now (actually three but I had the frame for almost a year before I built the bike) and I love it! It flies on the road with deep section wheels and 25mm tires, and with 650b wheels and 47mm tires it's better on bumpy, rooty singletrack than I am. :) I run mine with Shimano Ultegra DI2 (11-36 and a compact chainset means I have a decent low gear) so the derailleur doesn't hit the dirt when I remove the wheel, unless the di2 connector detaches, of course. It's still a bit fiddly to route the chain around the cassette, but it's not a big deal. I rode mine (with deep section wheels and 28mm tires) from Stockholm to Amsterdam, about 1000 miles, this summer, in an almost constant head wind!

[@garethhelliwell9736]

That is my ultimate dream bike. I just need the lotto numbers to come good and I'm there. A great in depth review of a awesome bike.

[@shaunehuysamen5902]

Great bikes, I have owned mine over a year and put it through the ringer. Thanks for the review, it’s spot on.

[@GravelCyclist]

Onya mate!

[@HikeBikePhoto]

Now this is absolutely bliss! Finally a normal review 😍

[@GravelCyclist]

Thanks mate, no paid/shill reviews around here.

[@HikeBikePhoto]

@@GravelCyclist love your channel and your accent!!

[@JogBird]

The cable entry through the top tube seems like an afterthought, it should go through the steerer tube

[@KoenMiseur]

It maybe was the only aero gravel bike when it came out but there are many more now, for example: Rondo HVRT Aero, Factor Vista and Ribble GCR SL.

[@GravelCyclist]

Very true. I took the quote directly from 3T's website.

[@texdubbo]

Spot on review Jom! I love my Exploro but that hang loose derailleur is a 🤬

[@GravelCyclist]

Indeed... it still drives me nuts haha. The first time the derailleur fell away, my thoughts were... WTF?!

[@mosei]

David Kelly I managed to bend it by having it not perfectly aligned when screwing it in which cost me a race

[@404nobrakes]

Michael Osei-Ampadu makes you wonder if anybody actually used this bike before producing it

[@mosei]

Saurabh Kulkarni Yup... They definitely ended their thinking about Di2 at the top tube cap - because that’s the only thing that is actually designed for DI2. The rest is a nightmare.

[@bolonissay8953]

Sweet looking bike.

[@linhadireta1]

Great review! You almost convinced me into buying one, but that hang loose derailleur I just can't live with. I'd be interested in how does the 3T Exploro compares to the new Cervelo Aspero in your opinion. Thanks again!

[@GravelCyclist]

Sorry, I don't like to do comparisons between bikes, that is way too subjective in my opinion. Take a look at my Cervelo review, hopefully, that helps!

[@dpastore22]

Great review and sharp-looking t-shirt!!!

[@maxmxl]

I have this bike since 2 years, I agree with all that you said, except I got used to the hanger and actually I miss it on my mtb.

[@GravelCyclist]

Haha I have gotten used to the hanger but it is still super annoying!

[@garypostell5268]

One sharp looking machine!

[@martinuteng]

Where is the frame made?

[@ilintner003]

Did you find the front battery interfering with the rear tire clearance at all? I have this issue with my Allied Allroad with 1st gen etap, and would go with this group if the battery were no longer the limiting factor on tire size. Thanks!

[@houckstar]

JOM - I've been trying to figure out sizing for the Exploro and the newer Exploro Max as I'm considering a purchase. What height and inseam are you that you decided on a medium Exporo frame? I'm 5-10 with a 32" inseam and ride a 56cm road bike and a size medium Fuji Jari gravel bike (which feels a little tight sometimes). Any thoughts are welcome!

[@sw6493]

Any trouble with the rear tire contacting the front derailleur?

[@mikenaus]

What would you say is the largest front 2x chainring you could run on this frame? Considering an exploro as a "1 bike to rule them all" but that would mean I'd need something a little bigger on front for road riding. Thanks!

[@jaysonf356]

great video! what mount were you using for the garmin varia? I tried using the flat one the other day and it kept moving the light around where it was pointing close to 45 degrees

[@3bsure]

Any thoughts on how the Exploro compares with the Parlee Chebacco for long, tough gravel rides like Dirty Kanza? I’m trying to decide whether or not to turn my Chebacco into my full time road bike and get a dedicated gravel bike like the 3T. Or maybe make the Chebacco my dedicated gravel bike and get a dedicated road bike. So many choices!

[@GravelCyclist]

Sorry, I don't do direct comparisons of bikes, that's for you viewers to figure out. For me, the 3T Exploro is good for 100 miles and that's it. Others may disagree... you have a lot of first world problems happening there! For the record, the Parlee Chebacco was my first ever bike review (not my best work), and my bike for the 2016 DK200... 'twas a good bike for long miles.

[@shaunehuysamen5902]

I owned both and have ridden both for over a year. Both great bikes but drastically different. The Exploro is more of a “aggressive” gravel bike with shorter headtube and what felt like a lot more aggressive position. It does however offer the 650b option which is what I recommend riding on this bike. The Chebacco is an all around great bike but more traditional. It doesn’t feel as fast but is no slouch either. The only downfall of this bike is that you can only run 700c wheels but has more pro’s than cons overall. Tough decision since they are so different yet so dang good.

[@micky7447]

@@shaunehuysamen5902 3t with 700x40 is wrong for you ?

[@shaunehuysamen5902]

I prefer 650 wheels for gravel. It just rolls faster.

[@AlexandreLegerCatt]

Great review! How does it compare to the Cervelo Aspero ?

[@covali69]

Both helpful and insightful review, thank you! As additional feedback I can only say I'd be happy if you review more bikes in the price range of "normal mortals". In my case I'd put an upper limit of €3500 (for me quite expensive). Otherwise really happy with the degree of detail you went in.

[@GravelCyclist]

Julian, I review whatever is sent my way, this bike being one of the more pricier bikes to date.

[@covali69]

@@GravelCyclist thanks :) Maybe one more question. You mentioned you like a more aggressive geometry on a Gravel Bike. Are there currently any other gravel bikes you'd say are similar to the 3T?

[@GravelCyclist]

Cervelo Aspero...

[@dustinbenn11]

what size would you recommend for me Im 5'10

[@cliph6068]

JOM, What's the FD clearance like with 650b wheels? I'm considering switching the 1x mullet AXS setup on my Open to a 2x with the 46/33 and hoping it will fit about 50mm since that's what the tires I like to use measure on my rims.

[@GravelCyclist]

Sorry, I don't have the bike with me any longer so I cannot tell you :(

[@cliph6068]

@@GravelCyclist No worries. I ended up swapping. Clearance is fine with a 50mm 650b. Probably don't want anything super muddy but it'll be okay for most of the gravel I ride. Thanks for the reply.

[@Thomas-fy9yc]

I’ve got an Exploro, I’ve stuck on up to 55mm 650b tires on it for sloppy winter riding. My favorite are the 650b x 50 soma cazaderos tho.

[@AdamKietLy]

Is the LTD Exploro frame lighter than the other Exploro models like the Pro or Team?

[@GravelCyclist]

At the time, I believe it was the same frame albeit with with a special finish, high zoot groupset, wheels, etc.

[@richardpureza4221]

very nice. WHat is the total weight of the bike with pedals on? Thanks

[@GravelCyclist]

I don't recall, it may be mentioned somewhere in the video.

[@wkochi]

Thx for the review. A quick question on frame size. I notice on most of your bikes, you ride a size small or anywhere from a 52cm to 53.5cm frame. In the 3T case, you are riding a Medium which is a Bit larger than your normal including putting on a 110mm stem. Care to comment on that? I am 5’8” in height with a 30” inseam. I’m wondering if that’s close to what you are. Thx.

[@GravelCyclist]

Top tube length is what I care about - the shortest top tube I've ridden is a 53.5 - I am pretty flexible with my sizing. I'm not going to provide sizing advice as it is very personal. Inseam length is almost irrelevant to me as you can always raise and lower a seatpost, except of course, standover height, which is never an issue for me. 32" inseam here, 5'11". I prefer a shorter top tube for sure, around 54cm is pretty nice.

[@martinwdesign]

Hi William, wondering if you infact ended up getting an Explore as similar height and also having problems figuring out best frame size...thanks

[@Jac833]

Any good websites to save money in my next bike

[@compkiler]

Hi, how would you compare this bike to the Cervelo Aspero?

[@GravelCyclist]

Very similar, both performance oriented, both ride harsher than most gravel bikes. I like both bikes, but > 100 miles on either one is a harsh ride.

[@compkiler]

I take it you've ridden the Canyon Grail then. How woukd this compare in the speed stakes as it's bound to be a lot comfier...

[@GravelCyclist]

@@compkiler No I have not and I am done answering your comparison questions. I review the bikes, I generally don't compare them, that is up to you to figure out.

[@globeRM]

Hey there! How tall are you ? I find myself in between sizes for the Exploro. The Small one feels like the right lenght, but so damn low at the front. Medium is much better, but a bit longer than I'd want. ( I'm 173 cm. - 5ft 8 ?). Thanks!

[@GravelCyclist]

5'11 - remember, sizing is a personal thing. What works for me, may not work for you. You could always flip the stem on a size small.

[@bartf9959]

I'm 5'6 and I have S. Yes, it's quite low on the front. In drops it feels aero... But I like it

[@GravelCyclist]

@@bartf9959 Sounds like you are on the perfect size.

[@targetpace2680]

I’m 167 cm with a size S and went for a longer stem (100 mm). Be prepared for a sporty fit on a size S.

[@rasmuswi]

@@targetpace2680 I've realized that the Exploro size S might be the first bike that's not actually too large for me. I'm 171 and I've always basically chosen my bikes so I'd get enough reach, which means I've had to push the saddle as far down as possible.With the Exploro I actually have a bit of drop from saddle to bar, and a 130mm stem to keep my knees from hitting my elbows. :)

[@nicholasgarbis3184]

Excellent informative review!! -n.gerasimos Gravel News Network

[@garypostell5268]

Sweet

[@jaydeister9305]

Is this a $20 Grand bike?

[@misanthropickat6167]

That thumbnail is x rated

[@azwalt]

Not only, nor the first... Check Rondo HVRT

[@tmayberry7559]

Jom putting that rd back on look to be a pain

[@GravelCyclist]

I had a process figured out, but yes, less than optimal. It was originally designed to work with a mechanical clutch rear derailleur... wireless eTap or Di2 derailleurs have no chance with this hanger :(

[@tmayberry7559]

@@GravelCyclist keep the gravel side up mate

[@billmaidment5623]

That RD hanger is a complete turn-off. That needs to change.

[@SurpriseMeJT]

I wonder where they manufacture these frames? More than 2k for a frameset that has a misaligned derailleur hanger. No thanks.

[@shaunehuysamen5902]

Jay Tee misaligned? It’s designed to attach to the rear thru axle and not the frame, so it’s impossible to be misaligned. These are great bikes/frames with the pro’s far outweighing the cons.

[@SurpriseMeJT]

@@shaunehuysamen5902 I'm referring to the video where his frameset had a crooked derailleur hanger. Anything material can be misaligned or crooked.

[@grammaticus2800]

Jay Tee If, as you say, anything material can be misaligned, then why does it matter where the frame is made?

[@stephenmacdonald6751]

I'm sorry but the gearing on this is wrong for a gravel bike imo unless you like grinding up climbs

[@GravelCyclist]

1 to 1 aka 33 x 33 is OK until about 12%... then, not so much. The bigger tyres also negate the gear ratio. Watch this space next week for some drivetrain news...

[@Matsek2]

Sram makes 11-36 casette.

[@wja19]

I don’t believe one that will work with the AXS system and flattop chain. Does anyone know if this is the case or any word on if/when SRAM will expand cassette options for AXS?

[@bikebudha01]

because aero is everything off road..

[@GravelCyclist]

Placebo factor is strong.

[@rasmuswi]

@@GravelCyclist Vroomen still has a point. An important reason why road bikes are faster than MTB:s on tarmac is that you're usually more upright on the MTB.

[@GravelCyclist]

@@rasmuswi Not disagreeing with much of what Gerard has to say... well, I don't agree with his thoughts on 1x, but overall, he's a genius.