There’s an exciting update to our Made in italy lineup. Our iconic RaceMax is now UDH-compatible. Starting with the RaceMax Italia EVO, our platform for the fastest gravel races and rides will now be compatible with SRAM full-mount drivetrains.
So, what does the EVO moniker mean?
EVO = Evolution? Not Exactly!
Spoiler alert: this isn’t entirely correct, and we’ll explain why. However, to avoid confusion, know that “EVO” is the name of the new Racemax Italia colourway. It complements the existing tricolour and Projext X options you know and love.
When seen in the sunlight, this new shade of green reveals tones and reflections reminiscent of extra-virgin olive oil—one of many Italian delicacies we wanted to honour by naming the colour after the acronym used on restaurant menus worldwide.
But colour isn’t the whole story. This paint scheme features a slightly different graphic design than the tricolour bikes, with a “window” on the top tube. Through it, you can appreciate the carbon weave with every pedal stroke. This negative space also features geographic coordinates—those of Bergamo, home to the factory where 3T’s made-in-Italy frames are crafted.
EVO = Evolution? Kind of…
As mentioned, this isn’t the main reason we chose the name. However, eagle-eyed viewers may have already noticed a small yet significant technical update in the frame pictured: the rear triangle has been modified to make it compatible with the UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) standard.
The first advantage of this improvement is straightforward: Racemax Italia UDH-ready frames can be equipped with SRAM full-mount (=hangerless) transmissions, which eliminate the derailleur hanger, such as the Eagle Transmission and the new RED XPLR AXS 1×13. Both solutions offer superior strength and exceptional reliability for shifting under load. With its 460% gear range, the RED XPLR AXS cassette offers 13 speeds with evenly spaced steps. It is an excellent solution for fast gravel and long, challenging rides where gradients and technical difficulties aren’t extreme. On the other hand, the Eagle Transmission’s 12-speed mullet configurations provide a 520% gear range, enabling riders to tackle the steepest climbs and challenging terrain while maintaining cadence at very low speeds.
Compatibility with full-mount systems does not remove the option to run a more traditional drivetrain that uses a derailleur hanger. But you get an added benefit, by adopting the universal UDH derailleur hanger, replacement becomes more manageable in the unfortunate event of damage, such as from a bike falling on the drivetrain side.
Is My Racemax UDH-Ready?
The answer for the new EVO colourway is simple: yes! All Racemax Italia EVO models are UDH-ready.
Moreover, the existing colourways (Green, White, Red, and Project X) have also been updated to UDH compatibility. If you recently purchased one, it might already be UDH-ready without you realising it. To confirm, check the serial number! All frames with serial numbers higher than the following are UDH-ready.
- Size 51: from FR6-51 0158 onwards
- Size 54: from FR6-54 0280 onwards
- Size 56: from FR6-56 0255 onwards
- Size 56: from FR6-58 0106 onwards
It’s also easy to identify UDH-ready frames even with a drivetrain installed: they will either feature an SRAM Full Mount transmission or a traditional drivetrain with a UDH-marked bolt on the derailleur hanger.
A trained eye can even distinguish a UDH-ready frame from a non-UDH-compatible frame by looking at the rear triangle.
While there is no change in the 142mm hub width compatibility, it’s easy to spot the different shapes of the drive-side rear dropouts of the UDH and non-UDH-compatible frames when there is no rear derailleur nor derailleur hanger installed.
Where to See and Purchase the New Racemax Italia UDH-Ready Models
The Racemax Italia in the new EVO colourway is available starting today on the 3T.bike online store and for pre-order through our dealers:
- As a frame-kit, see here!
- As a complete bike with SRAM RED XPLR AXS 1×13 drivetrain and Zipp 303 XPLR SW wheels, see here!
Note: This build is available also with the “Project X” finish and weighs just a few grams more than 7.5 kg in size 54 tubeless setup!
Additionally, visitors to the Velofollies tradeshow in Belgium can get a first look at the Racemax Italia EVO. The bike will be on display at the Addict booth, number 408A on the exhibitor plan, from Friday, January 17, to Sunday, January 19.
All other Racemax Italia versions listed on the dedicated page of our website are UDH-ready unless otherwise stated.
