Larry Warbasse’s 3T Strada in custom colours for US national champion — gallery

Stars and stripes design on 1x drivetrain, disc brake frameset

June 20, 2018 at 5:00 pm

This article first appeared on Cyclingnews.

Larry Warbasse took Aqua Blue Sport‘s first team victory at last year’s Tour de Suisse before following it up a week later at the US national road race championships.

Switching from Ridley bikes to the unusual 3T Strada for the 2018 season, UK-based custom paint specialists Fat Creations unveiled Warbasse’s frameset, which commemorates his national title, back in January.

The 3T Strada is only available with a 1x drivetrain system and disc brakes, with Aqua Blue Sport the only team in the top two rungs of cycling (WorldTour or Pro Continental) that has adopted the technology exclusively.

The decision was met with some criticism when announced, and while complications are associated with the drivetrain components, team riders have suggested the technology has been costing the team results.

The team uses SRAM Force 1 mechanical rear derailleurs, with a clutch system to prevent chain slack

Josh Evans/Immediate Media

As the frame can only take 1x drivetrain components, options are limited. At last week’s Tour de Suisse — where Warbasse’s bike was photographed — Mark Christian, who also rides for Aqua Blue Sport, complained that a mechanical cost the British rider the best result of his career after a suspected rear derailleur failure.

The frameset is paired with a mechanical SRAM Force groupset, and SRAM also provides the hydraulic disc brakes and levers. A SRAM Force 1 rear derailleur includes a clutch system to reduce chain slack.

3T also provides the team with cockpit components and wheels, which are paired with Pirelli tyres.

Click or swipe through the gallery above for a closer look at Larry Warbasse’s custom 3T Strada.