Introducing new SRAM eTap models

Our launch of new Red eTap AXS models in February was a big success – many of them are already sold out for the season while for some sizes we were able to produce small additional shipments. But although being a launch partner for SRAM with this groupset was great, even better for us was to team up with them for the launch of their new Force eTap AXS drivetrain.

In the previous generation, eTap electronic wireless shifting was only available at the Red level. This meant the technology was out of reach for a lot of people. With this second generation, SRAM is offering eTap also at the Force level.

While still a premium product at a premium price, the costs of complete bikes with these groups have come down significantly. So now the wireless 12-speed shifting revolution is complete.

We offer two models with Force eTap AXS:

The first is the Strada, 3T’s breakthrough aero frame with unparalleled comfort. Still the only aero frame optimized around larger tires (depending on the tire and rim combo even 32mm effective width tires fit, but always check the fit of your tire/rim combo).

The Force eTap drivetrain comes with a 10-33 cassette and a 44t chainring, giving you the equivalent of a compact crank with lots of climbing gears. In “regular numbers”, the biggest gear is like a 48×11 (or 53×12), the smallest gear is like a 36×27. So you have every gear you need and with 12 cogs in the back, you’ll have nice small steps through the whole range with single-tooth jumps for the first 6 cogs!

The frame gets a small cosmetic make-over alongside the new groupset. You see, before we launched the Strada, the first paint sample came out a soft red, different from what we had aimed for. But people liked it so much we kept it. For the Force eTap AXS bike, we’re returning to the real 3T red, which is deeper and brighter.

Add our revamped Discus C35 wheels, carbon SuperErgo cockpit and Pirelli & Fizik finishing kit and we’re sure this bike will be a winner. You can see the full specifications on the Strada page and more details in this gallery:

Do you like the sound of the unparalleled comfort in an aero bike that the Strada offers but do you still prefer a front derailleur? Then the Strada Due Force eTap AXS is the bike for you.

The Strada Due gets a similar finishing kit to the Strada, but of course with a front derailleur and 2×12 gears. I’ve had the pleasure of testing these drivetrains extensively in the lead-up to this launch, and I have to say, I really like them a lot.

Maybe SRAM won’t like me saying this, but it’s hard to notice a difference between the Force eTap AXS and the Red eTap AXS drivetrains. Of course the Red is slightly lighter, but in functionality, quality and finesse, they are both fantastic. Of course a big difference is the price, and I think that at this level, the Force eTap is tough to beat.

Full specifications for the bike are on the Strada Due page, and below is a gallery with some more photos:

But wait, there’s more. While we do not offer an Exploro with Force eTap AXS, that doesn’t mean it’s not a very good option too. In fact, it’s such a great combo that SRAM uses the Exploro for its demo fleet. So if your interests lie off-road, then you might consider having your 3T Retailer build up an Exploro frameset with the new Force eTap group. Here’s a photo from SRAM’s Victor Lucas showing what that could look like:

Come see it in the flesh!

The following retailers already have some of our new bikes in stock or will have shortly and some of them will also host a launch event: a real “3Tour de Force“.

Work in progress at Record Bike: Federico and Katia are breaking ground on a new area of their store. The Strada Force eTAP is the one who’s got all the floor.

ITALY

(bikes in-store now)

Work in progress at Record Bike: Federico and Katia are breaking ground on a new area of their store. The Strada Force eTAP is the one who’s got all the floor.

⇒ April 4, 6:30 PM @ Bike adventure: you’ll be able to hear the adventurer and ultra-cyclist Nico Valsesia presenting our bike together with our Product Manager Alex Locatelli and ask them anything pops up in your mind.

GERMANY

(bikes in-store now)

At Bo Bikes they have both Strada and Strada Due Force eTAP: there you can kill two birds with one stone.

⇒ April 8, 6 PM @ Rad Salon you can join the presentation by Nadja.

FINLAND

(bikes in-store now)

CANADA

(bikes in-store by April 5)

USA

(bikes in-store by April 15)

As those who were present for his 2018 Tour can attest, Gerard’s unscripted talk full of anecdotes of 25 years in the bike industry and pro cycling is not to be missed.

JAPAN

(Rene’s personal bike in-store)

⇒ April 6, 8.30 AM @ Rapha Cycling Club Osaka: join the Flanders Club Ride together with President & CEO René Wiertz and ask him about the new Strada Force eTAP.

TAIWAN