3T has revealed three new made-in-Italy electric gravel bikes, promising the brand’s familiar “handling and iconic design”.
The new range is said to provide options for “everything from fast gravel to most extreme terrain” and uses 3T’s non-assisted gravel bikes as its starting point.
3T says its new electric gravel bikes have the same carbon frames, design and ride feel of its Racemax, Extrema and Ultra gravel bikes.
With the addition of a Mahle X20 motor system, these become the e-Racemax, e-Extrema and e-Ultra. The new electric versions of these bikes are said to be identical to the non-electric versions, with all components, cables and batteries housed within the frames.
The bikes are also said to be part of 3T’s ongoing development of its in-house production at its Presezzo facility in the province of Bergamo.
The three bikes
3T’s new e-gravel bikes match the same applications as their non-assisted equivalents.
The e-Racemax is derived from the Racemax, which 3T claims is “one of the most high-performance and iconic aero-gravel bikes on the market”. The Italian brand claims the new electric version can “transition effortlessly” from tarmac to cobblestones.
The e-Ultra is suited to more challenging off-road riding than the e-Racemax. The geometry puts you in a more upright and comfortable position. The gravel bike is available with a drop handlebar or a flat handlebar, which 3T says makes it suitable for urban riding and touring, alongside gravel riding.
With room for gravel tyres up to 57mm wide, the e-Extrema is said to be the most capable gravel bike in 3T’s new range. 3T describes it as an “all-terrain” gravel bike that can take on singletrack mountain bike trails.
Mahle X20 motor
The electric gravel bikes use the Mahle X20 motor, customised for 3T and placed within the rear hub.
The X20 is Mahle’s flagship motor system for electric road and gravel bikes, and 3T says it adds 3–3.9kg to its new bikes compared to the non-assisted models.
3T says the X20 motor system “is lightweight, provides smooth and natural assistance and creates no resistance when not in use.
“In addition, the Mahle motor – being especially light and positioned in the rear hub – offers a progressive, fluid power delivery that keeps the pedalling motion natural and enjoyable.”
The electric motor is operated via a button in the top tube of the new bikes, enabling you to select your preferred level of assistance.
3T says the Mahle X20’s 350Wh battery means a 75kg cyclist can achieve a range of 150km with 2,000m of elevation, with careful power management.
