Made at 3T’s Italian carbon factory, the ultra-capable Extrema frame sits next to the Racemax Italia in its brand-new line-up. In contrast to the Racemax’s focus on fast courses and tarmac/gravel mixed riding, the Extrema is designed exactly as it sounds: for the toughest race courses and fast adventures.
The Extrema and the Racemax share the same 100% Italian carbon production technology based on filament winding and RTM. Additionally, both deliver the same bottom bracket and headtube stiffness values we engineered for optimal gravel performance. However, the Extrema sets itself apart from the well known racing- oriented aero gravel Racemax by incorporating a number of adventure and endurance cycling minded features for an even more comfortable and capable ride without compromising speed and performance. When you push the limits of what adventure means, fast means nothing without comfort and practicality.
Go to any gravel event and any performance discussion will inevitably turn to tires at some point, with riders constantly experimenting with different types of tires, with a strong trend toward wider rubber. This is exactly where the Extrema aims to be a new point of reference in the market.
Want to be first to the checkpoint? If so, you’ll have to be ready to be first on the technological front as well. To this end, the Extrema can comfortably fit 700c/29” wheels with a WAM (Width-as-Measured) of 57 mm. That means that 29er tires in size 2.1-2.2” can fit, giving the Extrema the same grip as top of the line cross-country mountain bikes but with a much faster rider position.
In addition to the pack-leading tire clearance, the Extrema offers further highlights for fast racing and adventures.
Its new “3Touring geometry” plays a very important role. The handling geometry is quite extreme, to ensure that the bike inspires confidence on rough terrain but still feels light and nimble on fast sections despite the massive tires. A slightly slacker headtube angle and extreme fork offset (61-73mm depending on frame size) gives you a very familiar handling even on very unfamiliar terrain. Moreover, the 3Touring geometry guarantees increased all-day comfort relative to the Racemax, making it a fantastic option for an all-road long distance event where a more relaxed and comfortable position is essential to performance hour after hour, and often day after day.
The balance between stiffness and compliance has been tuned for added vertical compliance thanks to the updated layup and thinner seat tube so riders stay comfortable for longer even on the toughest days. The bikepacking abilities of the Extrema are boosted further with triple mounts on the fork legs for an anything cage. This feature allows for stable mounting of more gear on the front of the bike, thus extending the range of possible adventures and destinations.
When you’re out on those all road adventures venturing further into the unknown, you have to be able to tackle the unexpected. The Extrema’s round seat tube allows for a wireless dropper or suspension seatpost, making it the perfect bike to have fun on more technical (MTB) trails and descents when the journey gets a bit rough. As the rest of the frame tubes are aero, you’re sure not to lose any time along the way.
To further boost its aero credentials, the Extrema borrows the Integrale internal cable routing and the MORE carbon stem. This gives you internal cables from start to finish while allowing quick stem adjustments and changes. And by using an integrated yet 2-piece carbon stem & bar, you can pick the handlebar size and shape of your choice independent of the stem. Last but not least, aerodynamics and stability is further improved when Extrema is paired with 3T super-wide 45|40 LTD wheels.
The Extrema can be your adventure bike capable of going fast and having fun to the point of having to remember to stop every now and then to enjoy the journey, or it can be your racing bike that performs better as the miles tick by. It’s up to each rider to decide based on personal expectations and riding style.
Of course, it can just be one bike to rule both worlds. The Extrema is a frame capable of adapting to both approaches, responding well even on the most technical terrain, and often allowing you to stay on the bike where you otherwise would have had to climb off for the dreaded hike-a-bike. In case this is not enough, the frame is also 2x compatible, UDH compatible (compatible with all electronic standard rear mechs as well as the new SRAM T-type Eagle Transmission). Internally, we have coined the term “hike-a-bike killer” for the Extrema and we can’t wait for you to find out why.
In the end, the choice is yours. How will you shape your next adventure?
Prices and Availability
The Extrema Italia Integrale is available starting today on the 3T website and at select dealers in the following versions and prices:
FRAMESETS
- Extrema Integrale Mercurio or Terra with 3T More Integrale Stem and 3T Aeroghiaia handlebar – info and price here
- Extrema Integrale Ready to Paint (only Project X prep) with 3T More Integrale Stem and 3T Aeroghiaia handlebar – info and price here
- Extrema Italia Integrale Project X with 3T More Integrale Stem and 3T Aeroghiaia handlebar – info and price here
COMPLETE BIKES
- Extrema Italia Integrale Mercurio or Terra with SRAM Rival/GX Eagle Transmission, Zipp 303S and 3T Aeroghiaia handlebar – info and price here
- Extrema Italia Integrale Mercurio or Terra with SRAM Rival/GX Eagle Transmission, 3T Torno Wide crank, Rockshox Reverb dropper post, Zipp 303S and 3T Aeroghiaia – info and price here
- Extrema Italia Integrale Project X with SRAM Force/XX SL Eagle Transmission, 3T Torno Wide crank, Rockshox Reverb dropper post, Discus 45|40 superwide, 3T Aerghiaia – info and price here
