As part of the ongoing development of its in-house production project at the Presezzo facility in the province of Bergamo, 3T has updated its range of e-bikes.
Designed to cover everything from fast gravel to the most extreme terrain, the new 3T electric bicycles “stand out for their style and design, and are offered in three different models, plus a versatile model available in both flat-bar and drop-bar versions”.
Today’s riders know that electric bicycles make cycling more accessible to everyone. Thanks to the supplementary electric motor, an e-bike enables you to extend the range of your rides, keep up with fitter riding companions or easily tackle steep gradients and more demanding obstacles.
In addition to these advantages, 3T e-bikes offer the same exclusive carbon frame, design and riding feel found in the Racemax, Extrema and Ultra platforms.
- The frames of the 3T e-bikes are identical to those used for the non-electric versions.
- All electronic components, cables, and batteries are housed inside the frame, eliminating the need for oversized tubing, external motors, or additional external components.
- The Mahle X-20 motor, customised for 3T, is placed in the rear hub. The system adds just 3 to 3.9 kg compared to the non-electric version, it ensures unmatched handling and rideability.
Ebike system in focus
The Mahle electric motor on 3T bicycles has been designed to make it easy to use and control. A “simple, intuitive button with an LED indicator on the top tube allows the rider to select their preferred level of assistance”.
The system offers Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, Garmin device compatibility, three pre-set power modes and a fully customisable fourth mode via the MySmartBike app.
With a “long-lasting” 350 Wh battery, the electric motor delivers “up to 65 Nm of torque”. Cyclists wanting an even greater range can purchase a separate 173 Wh Mahle battery weighing 1.1 kg, which mounts in the seat-tube bottle cage and extends the bike’s range by up to 50%.
With careful power management, “a 75 kg cyclist can easily achieve over 150 km and 2,000 m of elevation gain*. *This is an average for a cyclist weighing under 75 kg on a fast, hilly gravel/asphalt route, considering the EU speed limit of 25 km/h”.
With careful power management, “a 75 kg cyclist can easily achieve over 150 km and 2,000 m of elevation gain*. *This is an average for a cyclist weighing under 75 kg on a fast, hilly gravel/asphalt route, considering the EU speed limit of 25 km/h”.
3T ride feel
Keeping the 3T experience consistent between analog and eBike is not just about aesthetics and design, but also the riding experience.
3T engineers and technicians have worked to bring the unmistakable riding feel of their aero-gravel bikes to the electric range. The chosen system is the Mahle X-20, customised for 3T. It is lightweight, provides smooth and natural assistance and creates no resistance when not in use. In addition, the Mahle motor — being especially light and positioned in the rear hub — offers a progressive, fluid power delivery that keeps the pedalling motion natural and enjoyable.
Three gravel options
3T points out that “gravel bikes are not all the same”. Each of the 3T e-bikes — just like the company’s non-electric range — is designed for a specific combination of uses. Starting from the Racemax, Ultra and Extrema non-electric platforms, the company’s engineers have developed three models that can handle the full range of gravel applications.
The e-Racemax, derived from one of the most high-performance and iconic aero-gravel bikes on the market, is perfect for fast off-road riding and road use. It can transition effortlessly from asphalt to rough cobblestones.
The e-Ultra is designed for more challenging off-road riding and has a geometry that allows for a slightly more upright, more comfortable riding position. With a flat bar, it becomes a versatile machine suitable for urban use as well as hybrid road, off-road and touring applications.
The newest member of the 3T e-bike range is the e-Extrema, an all-terrain gravel bike capable of tackling the most technical single-track terrain. It can accommodate tyres between 47 mm and 57 mm wide