WPNT = WE PAINT!
"WPNT" stands for "We Paint": a statement that, with the opening of 3T's new paint shop in Montello (Bergamo province), a few kilometers from its headquarters, perfectly complements the brand's slogan: "We Dream, We Build, We Ride." This strategic investment in paint, 3T's latest step in fully controlling the production process, from carbon fiber to the finished, ready-to-ride bike, brings multiple benefits:
- A wider range of color options, thanks to the flexibility to produce smaller quantities in specific colors than the standards imposed by Asian production.
- Greater responsiveness to customer requests, as specific preferences can now be fulfilled within 6-8 weeks.
- Greater control over this critical stage of production, where quality controls are essential to delivering aesthetically flawless products.
- Reduced environmental impact, with obvious savings in transport needs.
THE RACEMAX IN BRIEF
Whether road or gravel, we love speed. So everything about the RaceMax frame is designed for it. The end result is a fast gravel bike that:
It looks like a road bike
It handles like a road bike
Tackle gravel to the max
Best of all, the same RaceMax frame can be built for pure speed with 35-46mm 700c WAM tires, or it can be transformed into an unstoppable machine with extra-wide 650b tires up to 61mm WAM. Perfect for that epic race or your next trip abroad. And with two wheelset options, you can easily swap between them. That's RaceMax.
3T AERO CABLE INTEGRATION
Routing cables internally may be a good idea and potentially reduce aerodynamic drag, but what’s the point if you end up with a very wide and bulky head tube with oversized bearings to accommodate the cables?
Our goal was to hide the cables while keeping the head tube narrow. It was quite a challenge, but the result is stunning.
Finally, the cables are hidden inside the 3T Apto Integrale, utilizing the original Apto's minimalist shape but with cable routing. Beauty meets functionality, as this gives you full adjustability of the carbon bar (or even the option to swap it for another 3T carbon bar) to find the perfect fit. Because aerodynamics are meaningless if you can't comfortably maintain your aerodynamic position.
RaceMax (Integral) is compatible with SRAM and Shimano electronic drivetrains, both 2x and 1x.
IT ALL STARTS WITH THE TIRES
To build the fastest gravel bike possible, you need to start with the tires. Tire choice determines comfort and grip. But it also determines how to shape the frame to redirect airflow.
To aerodynamically design the frame around the tires, you need to know their REAL size. Not what's on the label, but how they actually fit. This is REALFAST aerodynamics. But it's not easy, since tire size depends on the rim you use, the pressure, and obviously how accurate the manufacturer's stated dimensions are.
We then took hundreds of measurements to find out the actual widths of the tires (which we call WAM - Measured width And RAM - Measured radius ) and we used them to design the frame.
Please note that using a front derailleur (especially the electronic version) will limit the width of tires you can fit.
REALFAST AERODYNAMICS
Starting with our favorite tires, we designed a perfectly snug rear wheel cutout (with mud clearance, of course) and a very narrow downtube to capture the airflow from the front tire. We added a super-narrow headtube (but with a large steerer tube inside), a multi-shaped fork, and aerodynamic details from the seatstay to the seatpost and from the shielded water bottle to the direct-mount brake mounts.
Most importantly, we designed it for realistic riding speeds, wind speeds, tire widths, tank positions, and even mud. We don't care if it's theoretically fast in the wind tunnel with fancy specs. We care if it's as fast as you ride it in real conditions.
Racemax vs. Racemax Italy, Ultra and First
The RaceMax and RaceMax Italia share the same geometry, angles, shapes, and tire clearance, but their manufacturing techniques are different. Consequently, the ride feel is different between the RaceMax and RaceMax Italia. The RaceMax is produced using pre-preg carbon technology, resulting in the perfect gravel racing machine. RaceMax Italia takes performance to the next level, offering even more responsiveness and rider safety thanks to 3T's proprietary filament winding and RTM technology (delivered directly from our Italian factory).
RaceMax / RaceMax Italia compared with Ultra Similar geometry and fit, different soul. The RaceMax frame is fastest with 35-46mm WAM tires. With this setup, its top speed rivals the best road bikes out there (with a little help from the fully integrated cables) while still being compatible with the ability to run 650b WAM tires up to 61mm. The Ultra is the opposite. It's aerodynamically optimized for 55-61mm WAM 650b tires thanks to its wider downtube near the front tire. If you prefer a smaller tire, you can run a 700c tire up to a 46mm WAM. The RaceMax is more focused on pure speed with a dedicated aero seatpost and fully hidden cables. The Ultra combines its aero seat tube with a standard 27.2mm round seatpost, and the cables are partially externally routed, making it easier for travel and adventure.
The frame First It features a more road-inspired geometry, partially external cables, while still allowing for excellent wheel and tire versatility. Ride your fastest days with 700c tires, then swap to 650b when adventure calls. The perfect bike for everyone.
Technical specifications:
Racemax Integrale UDH carbon frame
Sram Rival XPLR 1X13 Groupset
Sram Rival XPLR Wide 40t crankset
Sram Rival XPLR 10-46T Cassette
3T Discus 40/30 carbon wheels
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H 700x40 Tires
3T Superergo full carbon handlebar
3T Apto Stealth Integral Stem
Sella San Marco Shortfit
