The 3T Strada is a new frameset that has all of the benefits of an aero road bike with promises of not only redefining what an aero road bike is capable of, but what the future of road bike technology can do for everyone. One of the most obvious differences in the Strada is the 1x drivetrain. Not only is weight saved by doing away with the front derailleur and a chainring, but clutter around the bottom bracket is lowered, leading to a much more aerodynamic profile. Further, a 1x drivetrain eliminates gearing redundancy in a standard drivetrain (3T quote that nearly ⅓ of a 2 x 11 drivetrain is redundant), not to mention the obvious weight reduction that comes with a drivetrain diet. The other most obvious difference in the Strada is the disc brakes. Disc brakes, while less aerodynamic than a nicely-integrated caliper brake, provide more consistent and reliable stopping power under all conditions. To combat this, 3T have designed the frame and fork specifically to optimize airflow around the disc brake calipers and rotors. For those who prefer the familiarity of a 2x drivetrain, 3T offers the Strada Due Team frameset.
3T use their already-familiar ‘Sqaero’ tube shaping introduced on the adventurous Exploro frameset for the seatpost and seattube, as well as the razor-thin seatstays dropped low for improved ride comfort and aerodynamics. The new addition is their ‘Arcfoil’ down tube, which is designed to lower wind resistance that naturally comes from a wider tire. The down tube is shaped according to airflow off of the front wheel, which according to 3T flows upward before flowing horizontally as wind passes over the top of the down tube. It includes two different mounting points to mount the bottle as low as possible for aerodynamics. The seat tube, emancipated from the confines of a front derailleur, is free to be tapered specifically around the rear wheel for dynamics really only seen on the best time trial bikes. The rear wheel can then be tucked closer, while liberating space to swallow a 28 mm tire with ease. Finally, the Strada fork again saved from the confines of a caliper brake, is minimalist as can be. It is a short as possible to bring the wheel closer to the downtube, while still freeing space for that fantastically wide tire.
The Strada isn’t about the lack of a front derailleur, nor is it about how it can fit up to a 30c wide road tire. It’s about how it combines these technologies together for a new take on aerodynamics and tube shaping to form a new-age road bike that puts the rider first. The Strada is an unique road bike that can be ridden all day, in the mountains, or on the flattest rides. It has a tight wheelbase for exceptional agility, but it still corners confidently through turns. It is as stiff out of the saddle as the best road bikes out there, while still being smooth and impressively compliant over rutted roads. Ride it where you want, and the Strada excels in a way no other frameset on the market can.
We are proud to offer the Strada Team frameset, Strada Due Team frameset, as well as the 3T Strada Team complete bike as well as the 3T Strada Pro complete bike.