3T launches Exploro RaceMax Boost e-gravel bike
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3T has launched the latest addition to its Exploro gravel bike family, the Exploro RaceMax Boost e-gravel bike, which comes in three versions: Dropbar, Flatbar and Ultralight.
When the Italian brand introduced the Exploro RaceMax last year, adding more versatility and more aerodynamics to the Exploro gravel bike range, it's fair to say Cyclist loved it and it scored a huge five stars.
Read Cyclist's five-star review of the 3T Exploro RaceMax here
So when it came to developing an electric version, 3T understandably wanted to retain the winning formula as much as possible, bringing across the RaceMax's geometry and aerodynamic tubes to try to create something that feels primarily like a gravel bike rather than an e-bike.
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With that in mind, the RaceMax Boost is supposedly designed for three purposes: allowing for longer adventures, keeping up with a group that's faster than you and – with the flatbar version – commuting.
Dishing the dirt
Carrying over many of the features from the standard RaceMax means the electric version looks remarkably similar (you can see them side by side below), but the main talking point with the RaceMax Boost is of course the electrics.
Buy the 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost now
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All three bikes are fitted with a Mahle ebikemotion X35 motor and battery that will give you support up to 250W, though you wouldn't necessarily notice without the futuristic button on the top tube. Depending on your ride and your legs it has Eco, Medio and Turbo modes that don't take much explaining.
Also new with the Boost is the addition of 3T's own Discus 45 wheels, with the standard model supported by either WTB or Fulcrum wheelsets.
Buy the 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost now
There are no front derailleurs to be found on the new bikes as they're all 1x systems, with the Dropbar and Flatbar models, which are virtually identical, hosting 11-speed Shimano GRX mechanical gearing and the Ultralight model boasting (mostly*) a 12-speed Sram wireless Red eTap AXS groupset.
They also all come with hydraulic disc brakes for maximum stopping power whether off-road or in bad conditions on it. 3T claims the Ultralight's savings make it the world's lightest e-gravel bike at an astounding 9.8kg.
*It actually has a 3T Torno Team chainset with 'the world's thinnest crank arms' and ultra-narrow Q factor.
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The cold, hard facts
Unsurprisngly these bad boys aren't cheap. The Dropbar and Flatbar both come in at £7,299 while the Ultralight will set you back £10,299, and even if that doesn't put you off, there's further bad news: the Flatbar and Ultralight won't be shipping until September.
The colour choices are tasteful if not expansive, consisting of grey-on-grey or white and green, and you only get the choice on the Dropbar.
Buy a 3T Exploro Racemax Boost now
Where the bikes differ
| Dropbar | Flatbar | Ultralight | |
| Handlebar | Superego Pro | 3T Carbon Flatbar LTD | 3T Superergo LTD carbon |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano GRX mechanical | Shimano GRX mechanical | Sram Red AXS 36t Max |
| Brakes | Shimano GRX Flat Mount hydraulic disc w/ Shimano 160mm 6-bolt rotor | Shimano GRX Flat Mount hydraulic disc w/ Shimano 160mm 6-bolt rotor | Sram Red AXS hydraulic disc w/ carbon-ti x-rotor steel-carbon 160mm rotors |
| Brake levers | Shimano GRX | Shimano BL-RS600 | Sram Red eTap AXS |
| Crankset | Shimano GRX, 40T chainring | Shimano GRX, 40T chainring | 3T Torno Team, 40T chainring, ultra-narrow q-factor |
| Cassette | 11-speed Powerglide, 11-42t | 11-speed Powerglide, 11-42t | 12-speed |
| Tyres | Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M, 700c, 37mm WAM, tubeless-ready or Panaracer GravelKing TLC, 700c, 41mm WAM, tubeless-ready | Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M, 700c, 37mm WAM, tubeless-ready or Panaracer GravelKing TLC, 700c, 41mm WAM, tubeless-ready | Panaracer GravelKing TLC 700x38, tubeless |
| Saddle | Selle Italia Novus Evo Boost Superflow or WTB SL8 | Selle Italia Novus Evo Boost Superflow or WTB SL8 | Fizik Arione Adaptive 00 |
