A few days ago, we launched the latest iteration of the longest-running model in our lineup: the Primo² WPNT (formerly Exploro), a bike that still stands on two principles we’ve always believed in, what we call "The Exploro rules":
1. One bike to do everything.
2. It all starts with the tires.
But since 2016, when the first Exploro was released, the second principle has slowly overtaken the first. As gravel evolved from a niche for the few into a global movement, the range of what “gravel” means — and the variety of tires that come with it — expanded enormously.
Designing a bike that could truly “do everything” became increasingly challenging, and this is mainly because the tire volume (and its RAM — Radius as Measured) influences bottom bracket height: too high and the bike becomes unstable, too low and pedals hit the ground.
So while versatility remains in our DNA, we started designing bikes with a more explicit focus, each meant to shine in a particular way of riding. That shift happened for the Racemax in 2022: before that, the same frame was called Exploro Race in 700c builds and Exploro Max in 650b ones. But when the Ultra arrived, the “one bike for everything” became two — each slightly better than the other at something specific.
Today, those two directions are at their best in Racemax Italia, our fast and racing gravel platform, and Extrema Italia, our endurance and tough-gravel machine.
Best, that is, until today… because today we present the Racemax² Italia.
The evolution of fast gravel
The Racemax² Italia is the second generation of our fastest gravel bike.
Born from the platform that defined aero gravel back in 2020, it’s been completely re-engineered from the ground up: not a single centimetre is identical to the previous Racemax Italia.
This new frame keeps the essence of realfast gravel: a geometry that strikes the perfect balance between efficiency and comfort, allowing riders to go faster for longer, whether they’re racing the UCI Gravel World Series, the Gravel Earth Series, or simply chasing a personal best on their local loop.
Compared to the first generation, handling has been refined with a steeper head angle, stability enhanced through an increased bottom bracket, and responsiveness sharpened thanks to shorter 420 mm chainstays.
Wide tires, smarter aero
The market is moving towards wider tires, and so is the Racemax² Italia — now with clearance up to 51 mm WAM (363 mm RAM) for 1x setups, or 48 mm with a front derailleur. To help you choose the perfect match, we’ve published a detailed overview of the best-performing tyres for the Racemax² Italia, including our recommended WAM/RAM combinations.
And even with a larger frontal area due to the bigger tires, its aerodynamics are actually 1.5% more efficient than before according to CFD simulations.. But we’re only getting started: we’re now validating those results with wind tunnel sessions, and we’ll share more about what we’re discovering here soon.
This gain comes from months of refinement and simulation. The head tube area — which now integrates CeramicSpeed SLT bearings — adopts the same aerodynamic “nose” concept as the Strada Italia, reducing drag while maintaining stiffness and precision.
The new fork hides the front brake calliper bolts under a dedicated cover, minimising turbulence in this critical airflow zone and contributing to the improved aero performance of the entire front triangle.
The downtube also plays a key role: its variable-width profile measures 54 mm in the upper section, where it perfectly matches the curvature of the front wheel (with tires between 41 and 51 mm WAM), and expands to 75 mm at the lower section to streamline airflow around the bottles mounted behind it.
Smart design, inside and out
Every element of the Racemax² Italia has been conceived to work in harmony: clean lines, smart details, and practical features that make a difference on every ride.
Inside the downtube lies a new integrated storage compartment, built to carry tools and essentials silently and securely, thanks to a Missgrape-designed neoprene bag and Fidlock mini-hook closure. For those who prefer a cleaner look, the frame is also available without storage upon request.
And because integration should serve function, not the other way around, the seatpost light is built-in but removable: ready for night rides and long adventures at the same time.
Made in Italy, with Jazz Carbon
Like all frames in our Italia line, the Racemax² Italia is designed, built, and painted in Italy, using our proprietary Jazz Carbon technology — a combination of Filament Winding and Resin Transfer Moulding that ensures unmatched precision and repeatability. You can read more about it on the dedicated page.
Each frame is finished with exclusive Lechler paints, applied in Italy in four distinctive colourways: Brezza and Ambra (metallic gloss finishes), Rame and Smeraldo (iridescent shades that shift with the light). Obviously, you can still get it in the naked "Project X" finish, or Ready-to-Paint (RTP).
Builds and availability
Available in four sizes (S–XL), the Racemax² Italia frameset weighs just 990 g (size M, unpainted) — or 1,050 g in the storage version. The fork adds 380 g.
Build options span from the frameset with 3T MORE stem and 3T Aeroghiaia Integrale LTD handlebar to complete bikes tailored for both 1x and 2x riders: Shimano GRX 2×12 paired with 3T Discus 45|40 LTD wheels; SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1×13 with 3T Discus 45|40 LTD wheels (available also with the Torno Wide crank); SRAM Red XPLR AXS 1×13 with ZIPP 303 XPLR SW wheels (also in a Torno Wide crank option); and Campagnolo Super Record 2×13 Gravel with 3T Discus 45|40 wheels. For riders seeking full customization, the 1x setup can accommodate a 52-tooth chainring on the Torno Wide crank.
Riding the high line
The Racemax² Italia is the purest expression of speed in our gravel range — a bike born from our obsession with performance, precision, and Italian craft.
Because for us, evolution isn’t just about numbers or specs: it’s about building bikes that make you want to keep riding the high line.
→ Discover the Racemax² Italia
How to get yours
The Racemax² Italia is now available through selected 3T retailers who joined our launch program (you may have already spotted some of their special Reveal Boxes!). See the list below! Each store received an M and an L frame — so if you’re eager to see one in person, or even take it home, this is where to start looking… provided no one got there first.
ITALY
- Fratelli Scavezzon (Mirano - VE)
- Giangi's Bike (Erbusco - BS)
- Cicli Sport 2000 (Grottaglie - TA)
- Not Only Bike (Rimini)
- Record Bike (Malo - VI)
- Cussigh Bike (Udine e Trieste)
GERMANY
- Radonerd (Regensburg)
- Road&Gravel (Augsburg)
- Sattelfest (Irrel)
AUSTRIA
- Grundtner (Hallein)
- Kirscht Fahrrad (Jena)
SWITZERLAND
- CycleLAB (Münsingen)
THE NETHERLANDS
- Bike Superior (Nijverdal)
- Bicycle Barn (Nijkerkerveen)
- De Tweewieler (Udenhout)
- Handmade (Weesp)
BELGIUM
- GJ Cycling (Boussu)
LUXEMBOURG
- S-Cape
SPAIN
- Velodrom Odeon (Girona)
- Sanferbike (Madrid)
- Art Riders (Matarò)
- Bike Point (Tenerife)
- Reverb Mallorca (Palma)
PORTUGAL
- Tecnocycle (Braga)
ANDORRA
- Jorma
FRANCE
- Mohawk (Frépillon)
POLAND
- Wertykal (Zabierzòw)
FINLAND
- Tony&Tony Cycles (Helsinki)
LITHUANIA
- Velonova (Vilnius)
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- Aberdeen Bike & Fitness (Chelsea)
NEW ZEALAND
- Rush Velo (Auckland)
You can also order it directly on 3t.bike, or from any dealer listed in our Dealer Locator, with a lead time of 6–8 weeks for both framesets and complete builds.