3T Exploro Team Force Carbon Gravel Bike

3T Gravel Bikes

3T is a brand synonymous with lightweight road cycling components, such as stems, bars and seatposts. Founded in 1961, 3T (Tecnologia del Tubo Torino - or Turin Tube Technology) was initially named 3TTT, and is situated near Milano in a city called Bergamo, in Northern Italy. As the name suggests, initially their products were made with metal - steel to be precise - as the founder Mario Dedioniggi specialised in working with this material. By 1970, steel was replaced by the increasingly popular alloy, in order to save weight without sacrificing performance. 5 years later the famous Superleggera handlebar was born, weighing just 250g, which at the time was believed to be the lightest handlebar on the market. It was constructed from 7075 aluminium alloy, which was usually reserved for aerospace industries.

Over the years 3T has provided components for victorious Tour de France, Olympic, World Championships and successful World Hour Record attempts. In 1984 Moser pushed past the 50km barrier in his hour attempt using a 3T bar, eventually setting a new record of 51.151km. In recent years Ryder Hesjedal won the 2013 Giro d'Italia on a 3T equipped bike. In the MTB world, Nicolas Vouilloz won his 3rd Downhill World Championships whilst riding with a 3T bar. Nowadays 3T produce components in carbon fibre, as well as having cheaper lightweight alloy ranges for those on a budget. For more information on 3T's products, please visit their website, or view their history page. Alternatively you can find more information on the Italian company on their Wikipedia entry.