3T Strada Due — first look

The bike you thought 3T wouldn't make is here

Josh Evans/Immediate Media

Published: September 12, 2018 at 3:00 pm

Just over a year after 3T's disc-only, 1X-only bike was launched, the forward-thinking company headed up by Cervélo founder Gerard Vroomen announced they would be producing a 2X version of the bike back in July.

UK-distributor of the brand Saddleback has one of the first full builds of the bike on display at their in-house show this week.

A look at the 3T Strada Due - Josh Evans/Immediate Media

Painted in an attractive campovolo grey, the frameset is paired with a full Shimano Dura-Ace R9170 groupset and finishing components also from 3T.

Full Specification

  • Frame: 3T Strada Due
  • Fork: 3T Fundi aero
  • Front brake: Shimano Dura-Ace R9120, 160mm rotor
  • Rear brake: Shimano Dura-Ace R9120, 160mm rotor
  • Brake/shift levers: Shimano Dura-Ace R9170
  • Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150
  • Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100
  • Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100
  • Crankset: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100
  • Wheelset: 3T Discus C60
  • Tyres: Pirelli P-Zero Velo
  • Handlebars: 3T Superergo
  • Stem: 3T Apto
  • Seat post: 3T Strada
  • Bottle cages: 3T

The 3T Strada made headlines when launched, with critics arguing a 1X drivetrain isn't suitable for road riding and a disc brake-only bike is limiting consumer choice. Since the launch of the bike, however, new aero bikes from Specialized, BMC and Cannondale have all been released as disc-only and with the 3T Strada Due now offering the use of a front derailleur, the bike is now not as unusual as it was on its debut.

This particular build is equipped with a full Shimano Dura-Ace R9170 Di2 groupset - Josh Evans/Immediate Media

3T say the Strada is the first wide-tyre optimised and aero-specific frameset on the market and the frameset accommodates around 28mm worth of tyre depending on rim size.

In the twelve months since the original bike's launch, the 3T Strada has had its share of controversy. Irish-registered Pro Continental team Aqua Blue Sport openly attacked the bike at a number of races, with some of the now-folded team stating issues with the bike contributed to the lack of results and downfall of the team.

I wonder whether Aqua Blue Sport may have wanted this particular component a few months ago? - Josh Evans/Immediate Media

The 3T Strada Due frameset in the photographed gloss grey/black design is available five sizes from XS to XL and priced at £3,700 / €3,800 / $3,800 for the frameset.

Tell us, how do you like your Strada