An Aero Gravel Bike for All: New 3T Exploros at Contender Bicycles
The 3T Exploro has been around for a few years - about as long as the OPEN UP - but it's already into its third iteration according to designer Gerard Vroomen. With many changes along the way, the Exploro still manages to be the only full-aero gravel bike on the market. It manages to take just about every type of riding in stride and asks for more. It's nimble, fun, and very quick - and now comes in multiple builds to suit just about any rider.
New to the line is the Exploro Pro frame. This shares the same geometry, features, and build quality of the other Exploro models just with a slight increase in weight. That means it'll fit the same 700 x 40c tire with room to spare, a 27.5 x 2.1" MTB tire should your rides dictate that tire. Reach and stack measurements mean the bike can be set up as aggressively as you'd like, and the frame's aero design sets it apart in an ever-diversifying field. They're all the bike you would need and then some. 
There are two versions of the 3T Exploro Pro gravel bike, aptly named the Exploro Pro Rival and Exploro Pro GRX. Both builds The Exploro Pro Rival build receives a SRAM Rival 1x11 drivetrain, Fulcrum Racing 7 DB that are tubeless-ready, and finishing kit from 3T, WTB, and Schwalbe. The Exploro Pro GRX receives a 1x11 Shimano GRX drivetrain (first look HERE), a Praxis Alba M30 crankset, and finishing kit from 3T and WTB. Claimed weight is 1,190 g for a medium frame, with an additional 20 g weight for the fork. Complete Exploro Pro bikes manage to still be pretty light, at 19.6 lbs in a size medium. 
But if you're like us and are into technology, then you'll dig the new Exploro Team Force eTap model. This bike receives the Team-grade frame weighing in at 1,090g for a size medium frame as well as a beautiful brown-orange metallic color. A SRAM Force eTap AXS drivetrain receives an XX1 rear derailleur and a 650b wheelset really bring this bike together as something that works well. Weight is at 19.2 lbs, not bad with chunky WTB Venture 650b tires. 
The magic of the 3T Exploro is its ability to shapeshift depending on the needs of the rider, and so the frame can be easily built for full-time road duties. 3T has taken the approach with the Exploro Speed Team Force. 28c tires, lightweight Discus C35 TEAM Stealth Carbon wheels ready for the next Mount Evans Hill Climb, and a tight-ratio 1x11 drivetrain make the bike feel well-suited for the road. And at 16.5 lbs in a size medium, the Exploro Speed fits right in with other premium road bikes in weight too.
These new Exploro gravel bikes join the wide range of Exploro framesets available, as well as custom-painted Exploro bikes on offer. And starting at just $3690 for the Exploro Pro Rival, the original (and only) aero-tuned gravel bike is for everyone.
Have any questions? Give us a call during business hours, or send us an email any time to info@contenderbicycles.com to discuss potential builds. 