exploro gravel bike 3T Exploro RaceMax EKAR 700c Bike

The 3T Exploro RaceMax EKAR 700c Bike starts from a premise that most gravel bikes quietly ignore: aerodynamics matter off-road. Wind doesn't stop being a factor when the tarmac ends. 3T built the Exploro RaceMax around that conviction, producing a gravel bike with tube shaping, frame geometry, and component selection that treat speed as a legitimate priority — not something to be traded away for a more relaxed ride feel.

The frame uses 3T's "Squaro" aero tube profile, a squared cross-section rather than the narrow teardrop shapes common on pure road aero bikes. That distinction is deliberate. A square profile manages crosswinds more consistently across a range of yaw angles — the kind of shifting, unpredictable angles you encounter when you're moving through open farmland, exposed ridgelines, or rolling into a headwind on a gravel road. The shaping also works with the frame structure to position bottle cages tightly against the down tube, reducing drag and keeping your setup compact. Cables run internally throughout, protecting the system from mud and grit while keeping the silhouette clean.

Paired with Campagnolo's EKAR groupset and configured for 700c wheels, the RaceMax sits at the fast end of the gravel spectrum. EKAR was designed specifically for gravel — its 13-speed cassette gives you a wide gear range without the weight penalty of a traditional double chainring setup, and the ergonomics translate well to long days in mixed terrain. The 700c wheel configuration leans into efficiency over obstacle absorption, making this a bike built for riders who prioritize pace on gravel roads, mixed-surface sportives, and fast group rides where you don't want to be the one getting dropped when the road smooths out.

Design Benefits

1. Squaro Aero Tube Shaping: The squared tube profile is engineered to reduce drag across a wide range of wind angles — not just when the air is hitting you straight on. On exposed gravel routes where wind direction shifts constantly, consistent aerodynamic performance makes a measurable difference over the course of a long ride. The shaping also stiffens the frame laterally, keeping it responsive under hard pedaling efforts.
2. Campagnolo EKAR 1x13-Speed Drivetrain: EKAR was purpose-built for gravel, and its 13-speed cassette is designed to deliver a road-like cadence feel at both high and low ends of the range. Running a single chainring simplifies the cockpit, removes mechanical complexity, and reduces chain drop risk when the trail surface gets rough. The system handles the kind of gear transitions you need when a fast gravel descent leads straight into a punchy climb.
3. Full Internal Cable Routing: On a bike that's regularly exposed to grit, mud, and wet conditions, internal routing isn't just an aesthetic choice. It shields brake and shift cables from debris ingestion, reduces maintenance frequency, and keeps housing wear to a minimum over a full season of mixed-surface riding. The clean exterior also removes small aerodynamic interruptions across the frame and fork.
4. 700c Wheel Configuration: The 700c setup prioritizes rolling efficiency and speed retention on hardpack gravel and mixed-surface terrain. Combined with the aero frame, it makes the RaceMax notably quick on the kinds of gravel roads where you're spending most of your time — packed dirt, chip seal, loose but fast terrain — rather than optimizing for slower, more technical riding.
5. Aero-Integrated Bottle Cage Mounts: The down tube mounts are positioned and angled to hold bottles close to the frame, keeping them inside the aerodynamic shadow of the tube rather than protruding into the airflow. On a long day in the saddle where you need hydration close at hand, the system keeps your setup functional without creating drag.

Final Take

The 3T Exploro RaceMax EKAR 700c is a gravel bike built for riders who want to move fast and mean it — not as an afterthought, but as the entire point. It suits the rider who races mixed-surface events, hammers gravel sportives, or simply refuses to accept that leaving the road means leaving their pace behind. Quiet, purposeful, and thoroughly thought through.