The 3T Italia Founder's Edition - Frame Production In Italy

It isn’t often that we see production bicycles made in Italy, but 3T’s dream of bringing frame production to Italy has finally come true. The result of this is the 3T Exploro Racemax Italia Founder’s Edition, a one of 100 frame that marks the start of 3T frame production in Italy. Contact us today to reserve yours before they're gone.

3T has made a big deal of bringing frame production back to Italy, and for good reason. Making the decision is easy, but proper execution is much more difficult. After years of figuring out production logistics (3T has a very thorough explanation), 3T was able to make what is a lighter, stronger, and decidedly top-of-the-range Exploro Racemax. The 3T Exploro Founder’s Edition is the result.

The production of the 3T Exploro Founder’s Edition is quite interesting and has some similarities to the TIME RTM process we’ve come to love and appreciate. Most bikes use pre-impregnated carbon (shipped sheets of carbon that are cut to size) that is great for economies of scale and can produce truly excellent bits of kit, but it loses that ultimate control of layup that leads to less control of ride quality and carbon strength. Rather, what 3T does is use exactly the carbon fiber yarn they need to, woven with greater specificity than a premade sheet of carbon. Outside of it being more labor-intensive, it is also lighter and has a much better surface finish. A better surface finish makes for a stronger, more beautiful carbon fiber.

3T likens it to wrapping a piece of fabric around a stick compared to wrapping a string around a stick. The latter choice is much harder, but you can be more precise about where you want material.

What does the 3T Exploro Racemax Italia Founder’s Edition get you besides a mouthful of a name? Well, you get a lighter frame, fork, and seatpost - by about 10 percent - without compromising stiffness. You also get a few additional features including:

• An engraved limited-edition plaque with your frame number out of 99.
• Two carbon finish options
• Custom iridescent clear paint options to best admire the carbon finish.
• Your name under the clearcoat by the seatpost cluster.
• Ability to specify 1x or 2x frame design.

Besides that, it is the same 3T Exploro Racemax that we’ve ridden and really come to appreciate. Same geometry, same massive tire clearances, same aero optimization, same fun handling. We like the bike quite a bit, and the Italia Founder’s Edition makes the recipe all the more intriguing.

The first Founder’s Edition frame goes to the 3T Museum, but the other 99 are to be ridden hard. Want one for yourself? Contact us. We have a few slots remaining for size 54cm and 56cm frames, and we can work side by side with you to ensure you have your dream build.