3T Exploro RaceMax Review

[@JamesTsividis]

This is my favourite review of this bike because it goes more into what this bike can do. Thanks.

[@lilithstrange]

i would love to see the race max compared with the diverge.

[@BLACKNOY0979]

My next bike for sure

[@wernervdc]

Great review and it looks like it would be tough choosing between this bike and an Open U.P. or WI.DE. I've got one question about the Exploro as it's sold as a package with the standard (aero) handlebars. Stupid but would be a deal breaker for me to go with the package over a frameset build: where and how can you affix a Garmin Edge 1030 (is there a provision for an out front mount?) and as I do a lot of my riding at night -don't ask- , how about mounting a light on those bars?

[@Cyclistmagvideo]

wernervdc thanks! I’d recommend a direct stem mount, for instance this one: www.wiggle.co.uk/prime-direct-stem-computer-mount You can often mount a light on the underside too. That said, you can always speak to 3T, or your dealer about using a non-aero standard bar and I’d expect they’d be quite receptive 👍

[@caet49]

@@Cyclistmagvideo isn’t the stem bolts backwards so u can use the direct mount? I Bought the mount directly from 3T

[@tomdavies3127]

The clearance between the rear tyre and the scoop in the seat tube seems VERY tight, did you experience any mud / gravel causing damage to the frame in that area?

[@Cyclistmagvideo]

During my time riding I experienced no issues. I rode through some fairly thick mud on very damp days. The mud tended to shed quickly, and didn't clog around the BB where often it will with conventional chainstay design and clearance. Here was a pic after a ride: twitter.com/PeterStuart3/status/1274794760289599489 That said in very thick and sticky mud I'm sure there would be a little extra friction on account of the cut-out, but on the other hand it could mean more mud collects above the seatstay rather than behind the BB, and the latter can much harder to clear. I hope that helps! Peter | Cyclist

[@kennethkhoo4394]

Thanks for the great review. Found some of your answers on the comments very helpful as well. Appreciate that. What size bike did have on show btw?

[@EhButU]

It needs an aero - bell so you can ring it to warn hikers and dog walkers to get the hell off the country trail as a speed freak is about to race past at break-neck speed

[@Cyclistmagvideo]

😂

[@maxgonzalez214]

Add front suspension and a flat bar and we are back in the 90s.

[@datdudeinred]

What about the bb? Is it threaded or pressfit? Seriously it doesn't make sense to go with pressfit for gravel especially if bike can fit 2.4" tires. And also how about that non round seatpost? Is it comfy? As you can't change it for something like canecreek suspension post?

[@mindgraphy_]

I agree the non-standard seatpost can be a deal breaker for many; however, the non round shape does not mean its less comfortable. In fact, many bike manufacturers prefer to use D-shaped seatposts for increased compliance because they flex better (depends also how the carbon is laid and what type of carbon is used).

[@danflanagan9536]

what's the ride quality like...compliant...stiff?

[@snwbrd550]

i would love to hear more of your impressions of the ride quality, and handling. the old exploro seemed to be too stiff and uncomfortable for most peoples tastes off road. is the new one any better?

[@Cyclistmagvideo]

Personally, I really preferred it. I think the extra clearance opens up a lot of versatility when it comes to dialling in that comfort. No doubt these bikes are all much stiffer than you might expect, but that's offset by how much compliance can come in a set of 61mm tyres. For me, even on 700c, riding 40mm tyres at around 30psi I found a real abundance of comfort, and often ended up topping up the psi to get a little more feedback from the road. Hope that helps! Peter | Cyclist

[@snwbrd550]

@@Cyclistmagvideo good to hear! looks like it would be a blast to ride. I appreciate your perspective on it!

[@andrewallen9918]

Peter, it would be great to hear your thoughts on the Kanzo Fast and whether you’re going to test that particular bike.

[@Cyclistmagvideo]

Andrew Allen thanks Andrew! We’ll be eager to test the Ridley Kanzo soon - Ridley has always made great road bikes so eager to see how this translated to gravel. The two-speed hub arrangement is really intriguing too. Watch this space!

[@andrewallen9918]

Cyclist Peter, yes, I think the Classified system is a potential game changer; let’s hope the price comes down and it’s made available to other manufacturers. I have tried the Schlumpf drive in a velomobile before and this system looks more efficient. The key difference I see between the two bikes is that the Kanzo Fast loses the top tube mounts as well as having max 46mm in 650b. Look forward to seeing your review 👍

[@1pedu]

Geile Karre😁

[@GRVLTATE]

I have a (NIB)54cm sand olive for sale.

[@Malcom2345]

Those messy cable brake runs are a deal breaker for me. I understand due to head tube room on this model but such a pity to ruin the aero look and an otherwise pretty cool bike.

[@williammorris4419]

it helps if you are flying with your bike..... bars taken off the stem and in a bike bag such as an Evoke bag.