A Fresh Look At The 3T Primo AKA The Exploro

In the ever-evolving world of gravel bikes, few models have stood the test of time like the 3T Exploro Primo, a bike true enthusiasts simply refer to as ‘the Exploro‘.

Introduced almost a decade ago as the world’s first aero gravel bike, the Exploro remains a benchmark for versatility and performance. Whether on smooth tarmac, rugged gravel trails, or high-speed bunch rides, the bike continues to exceed expectations.

The name ‘Primo’ started being used a couple of years ago, soon after the launch of younger sibling the Exploro Racemax – a bike that’s now simply known simply as the ‘Racemax’. And although the Italian word Primo translates to ‘first’, Ride On strongly suspect the first Exploro will always be known by fans as … you guessed it, the Exploro. 

The Legendary Bikes Origins

The bike was the brainchild of Gerard Vroomen, the co-founder of Cervélo, and René Wiertz, formerly of 3T. Their goal was ambitious: to design a radical-looking bike that broke the mould and could excel on multiple surfaces without compromise. Fast-forward nearly ten years, and the Exploro still holds its own, with subtle refinements and a loyal following that swears by its aerodynamic edge and off-road capability.

Aero Gravel – A Gimmick or Game-Changer?

Skepticism has long surrounded the idea of an aerodynamic gravel bike, but, over time, the Exploro has proven its merits. The frame’s 50mm “Sqaero” downtube is engineered to reduce drag, even when fitted with large tires and water bottles. Independent tests have shown that an Exploro with 40mm knobby tires can outperform traditional round-tube road bikes equipped with 28mm slicks at speeds of 32 kph.

Make no mistake, this is a fast, versatile and incredibly addictive bike to ride. It can be set up as a pure technical gravel bike with 40 or more millimetre tyres. Or swap out the wheelset for high-quality and lightweight carbon hoops with 28 or 30mm tyres, and hey presto, you’re riding a performance road bike. Want to go a bit faster? Swap out the chainring to a 50 or so tooth, and pedal hard all day.

From the Bunch to the Bush

On a crisp Sunday morning, the Exploro joined a group of dedicated road cyclists, many riding high-end carbon race machines. Rolling on Zipp 650b wheels and 2.1-inch Maxxis knobby tires, it ceertainly stood out from the pack. The reaction? A mix of curiosity, skepticism, and admiration.

Despite its burly setup, the Exploro held pace comfortably at 34kph. The smaller-diameter wheels required a bit more effort to accelerate, but once rolling, they hummed like an electric train on smooth silver rails. Fellow riders commented on how easy it was to draft behind the Exploro, a testament to its aero efficiency.

When speeds hit 40kph, the bike remained stable and responsive, handling city streets as effortlessly as dedicated road bikes. But where the Exploro truly shines is when the pavement ends and adventure begins.

Taking It Off-Road

A trip to a nearby national park showcased the Exploro’s ability to transition seamlessly between road and dirt. Tackling 15% climbs, rapid 40kph descents, and technical singletrack, the bike felt stable, secure, and confidence-inspiring. The SRAM Rival 1x drivetrain with a 42T chainring and 11-42T cassette provided ample range for both steep ascents and fast descents, while the hydraulic disc brakes delivered reliable stopping power on loose terrain.

Build Quality and Wheel / Tyre Performance

From the impeccable carbon layup to the thoughtfully integrated cable routing, 3T’s attention to detail and Italian heritage is evident. The Exploro’s 1x-specific frame maximizes tyre clearance and keeps the design clean and aerodynamic. Though originally developed as a “Gravel Plus” bike, meaning it could handle both 700c and 650b wheels, it’s the 650b setup that truly unlocks its potential for mixed-terrain adventures.

We eventually swapped out those 650b’s for more commonly available 700c carbon wheels. With various Exploro’s and numerous wheel / tyre combos, the frameset seems happiest, and you can get the most out of the bike, with wide carbon wheels (like the 26mm internals from Hunt) mated with 38 to 40mm fast gravel tyres. Options abound, but 40mm gravel Thundero tyres from Tufo and Schwalbe’s G-One RS, also in 40mm, absolutely excel.

Is It Worth the Money?

With prices starting around $6,500 and climbing to $10,000, the Exploro represents a significant investment. But for riders seeking a bike that can comfortably replace both a road and gravel bike, its versatility justifies the premium. It’s not just about owning a high-performance machine – it’s about owning one bike that does it all.

The Second Hand Market

These days it’s quite rare to come across a 2025 model bike with the identical frameset and geometry as one of its predecessors. Though the Exploro / Primo paintwork and finishing options have evolved over the years, the frame remains the same. Second-hand Exploro’s come up for sale on the second-hand market from time to time, most remaining in good condition after being loved and looked after by their passionate owners. 

What To Look Out For

Buying secondhand? There are a couple of minor issues we’d recommend checking. One is for small cracks or hailine fractures around the seat post. Early Exploro’s did have some seat pole slip issues and the first generation clamps tended to be overtightened. The second is post mount brakes – again, earlier bikes had frames optimised for now-defunct post mount disc brakes. Flat mount has fortunately replaced this older style. It also pays to closely check the rear brake cable where it enters the top tube. The design retains aero innovation, but it can lead to premature cable wear and more regular replacement.

The Ride On Verdict

A decade after its launch, the 3T Exploro Primo remains one of the most innovative and versatile gravel bikes on the market. Whether you’re chasing road segments, on Strava exploring remote trails, or mixing both into one ride, the platform delivers. It’s proof that aero gravel is more than just a marketing trend – over the years, it has proven to be a legitimate performance advantage and is still a sought-after bike.

If you’re after a bike that blurs the lines between road, gravel, and adventure, the former Exploro / now Primo remains a top contender. Nine and a bit years on the bike remains a highly capable, real-world fast adventure machine and continues to set the standard.

Keen to see the new 3T bike lineup? Read more on the company website here.