From Kaizen to Kakumei
In the 2026 3T range, three bikes share something important. The Primo² WPNT, the Racemax² Italia and now the Ultra² Italia are all second generations, evolutions of platforms that have helped define different ways of riding gravel. But not all evolutions follow the same path.
In Japanese culture, two words are often used to describe different approaches to progress: kaizen and kakumei. Kaizen is about continuous refinement, small and deliberate improvements over time. Kakumei is something else entirely. A transformation. A shift.
The Primo² WPNT is a clear expression of kaizen, the result of a decade of refinement of the original Exploro concept. The Racemax² Italia represents a more substantial evolution, a completely new bike that still remains connected to its roots.
The Ultra² Italia is different. This is kakumei.
A New Ultra, Made in Italy
The first sign of this shift is already in the name. For the first time, Ultra becomes Italia. Unlike the previous generation, the Ultra² Italia is manufactured in our facility in Presezzo, bringing it into the same Made in Italy ecosystem as the Racemax² Italia, the Extrema Italia, the Strada Italia.
This is not just a change in production, but a shift in positioning. The Ultra² Italia now fully belongs to 3T’s in-house manufacturing vision. Like the other Italia models, it is built using our proprietary filament winding and Resin Transfer Moulding technologies, developed and refined over the past five years. Building on this experience, the Ultra² introduces a new hybrid construction process that combines our patented technologies with selected and simplified elements of more traditional carbon manufacturing.
The result is a structure that retains a large part of the benefits of continuous fibre while making them accessible to a broader range of riders. We call it Fusion Carbon, and the Ultra² Italia is the first model built this way.
What “Ultra” Really Means
While the construction evolves, the philosophy remains. Ultra has always been about going further, and with the Ultra² Italia this idea is pushed further than ever along three key directions.
- Comfort comes from the 3Touring geometry, first introduced with the Extrema Italia and taken a step further, with a higher stack combined with the same reach. The result is the most relaxed riding position in the 3T range, designed to remain comfortable over long days in the saddle or across multi-day adventures.
- Control is about making the bike intuitive and confidence-inspiring. Choosing the suspension option prepares you for even the most demanding terrain and the longest rides. A shorter reach and a relatively steep head angle deliver stable and predictable handling, even when the terrain becomes demanding.
- Capability, finally, comes from tire clearance up to 57 mm WAM with the rigid Fango fork, matching the highest capacity in our range and allowing riders to maintain speed and efficiency where rough terrain would otherwise force them to slow down.
A New Versatility, Driven by Efficiency
Taken together, these elements define a new kind of versatility. Not a bike that does everything for everyone, which is no longer a realistic ambition, but a bike that does more, for more riders.
From ultra-distance races like the Atlas Mountain Race or the Tour Divide, to bikepacking trips and everyday riding, the Ultra² Italia responds to a wide spectrum of use cases that increasingly share similar technical needs. Efficiency is what connects them.Forma
Suspension, by Design
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Ultra² Italia is that it has been designed from the ground up to work seamlessly with both rigid and suspension fork configurations.
The suspension fork is not an add-on, but a natural extension of the platform. As a factory upgrade option, we offer the DT Swiss F 132 ONE, with 40 mm of travel, remote lockout and integrated mounting points.
In use, it amplifies the core characteristics of the bike: it increases comfort by absorbing impacts beyond what tyre volume alone can achieve, and improves control and efficiency by keeping the front wheel in contact with the ground over rough terrain, all without altering the fundamental riding position, handling or aerodynamic behaviour, which remain consistent with 3T’s gravel performance DNA.
One platform, two ways to ride
The Ultra² Italia can be configured with either a rigid or a suspension fork, depending on how and where you ride.
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Rigid fork setup (Fango Ultra²) |
Suspension fork setup (DT Swiss F 132 ONE) |
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Two different approaches, built on the same platform, without compromise.
Built for Exploration
The Ultra² Italia is designed for adventure and real-world use. Mounting points across the frame allow for racks, bags and accessories, while integrated downtube storage with Fidlock closure system adds internal capacity.
For riders seeking full autonomy, the Fango fork also supports internal routing for a dynamo hub. Whether it is a multi-day bikepacking trip or a long ride off the grid, the platform is ready.
A Complete 3T System
The Ultra² Italia is conceived as a complete system. The More² stem now supports both 3T’s traditional 1 1/8” steerer tubes and D-shape system, increasing flexibility in cockpit setup and future upgrades.
Builds with carbon wheels are equipped with the new Discus 45|40 wheels, featuring a 45 mm deep rim and a 29 mm internal width. The hookless construction is optimized for high-volume tires, supporting the platform’s focus on comfort, grip and efficiency. Compared to the LTD version, these wheels feature white decals and Scope x 3T Sport Series hubs. Total weight is 1,547 g per pair.
Every component is designed to work together flawlessly as a coherent whole.
A New Entry Point to Made in Italy
Thanks to the efficiency of the Fusion Carbon construction method, the Ultra² Italia represents a new way to access 3T’s Made in Italy production, bringing the core advantages of our in-house manufacturing to a broader audience without compromising performance or design integrity.
The Ultra² Italia is available both as a frameset and as complete bikes, with multiple configurations designed to suit different riding styles and needs.
The frameset comes with the Fango rigid fork, More² stem and Superghiaia Integrale LTD handlebar.
→ Discover the frameset
Complete bikes are available with Shimano GRX 1x12 mechanical or Di2 groupsets, as well as SRAM Rival / GX Eagle AXS options, with a choice between alloy wheels or carbon Discus 45|40, either with rigid and suspension fork.
→ Discover the complete bikes
From Dream to Reality
The Ultra² Italia is not just a new bike, but a new interpretation of what gravel can be. The launch campaign explores this idea through a dreamlike narrative, where imagination and reality merge into new riding scenarios.
Watch the film below and step into the world of the Ultra² Italia.
It starts like a dream. It doesn’t end there.
Ultra² Italia
Beyond gravel as you know it.