3T Exploro Team Mullet Build Review

In the summer of 2016, I swung a leg over the first version of the 3T Exploro. I was blown away by how versatile it was while still remaining true to its road bike heritage. Fast-forward to 2020 and I’m again riding a 3T Exploro and it’s once again showing me just how fun a gravel bike can be on any type of road or trail.

3T Exploro Team SRAM AXS 1×12 Build Features:

• Utilizes Squaero tube shapes for real-world aerodynamics
• Clears up to 54mm tires
• Go 700c or 650b
• Accommodates a front derailleur for 2x, if desired
• 3T zero-setback seatpost with unique splined mechanism
• FlipTop cable guide for internal routing of all drivetrain types
• Flexible water bottle mounting points and top tube bag mount
• 142×12 rear (w/HangLoose Hanger) and 100×12 front axles
• Flat mount brakes
• Team carbon high-modulus/strength performance blend layup
• SRAM Red eTap AXS and XX1 mullet groupset
• Integrated Quarq DZero power meter
• Zipp 303 Firecrest 650b wheelset
• Zipp Service Course SL-70 XPLR bars
• Weight: 18.1 lbs (as spec’d without cages and pedals)
• MSRP: $3200 (team frame)

Mullets are cool again

While the 3T Exploro has a front derailleur mount, this time around I’m going full mullet. We’re talking shaved lines above the ears and a curly perm in the back. Outfitted with a SRAM Red and XX1 eTap AXS 1×12 “mullet” drivetrain, Zipp 303 Firecrest 650b wheels and a whole lotta chutzpah, this Exploro is ready to party. The shiny black and red frame is quite the looker as well.

As an aero gravel bike, the Exploro is built to be on the racy side. But, don’t think you need to be riding 30mph to take advantage of it’s aerodynamic prowess. No, it’s been completely designed around gravel speeds ridden by normal riders, not professionals. Max aerodynamics are achieved on this beauty with 40c knobby tires (yup, gravel speed indeed).

Looking over the geometry and comparing it to the ultra-capable Open UPPER, it’s a touch more aggressive on paper and in the wild. It’s got 415mm chainstays and a little more aggressive stack/reach figures to maximize overall efficiency. The downside of all that is you need to be a little more on top of it and you’ll experience a bit of toe overlap (more on both of those below).

Exploro it all

Some may disagree, but the 3T Exploro is the bike that ushered in the aggressive side of gravel bikes. This beauty isn’t meant for a casual RAGBRAI ride, no, it’s meant to be pushed hard at threshold on the most grueling gravel courses imaginable. And, after that, the Exploro can line up at any group ride and deliver a smashing blow to anyone riding a Specialized Venge Pro. So, the Exploro can hang — no doubt about it. But, like any gravel plus bike, I say you just outfit it for adventure and go wherever the wind takes you.

When introduced, the 3T Exploro broke new ground because it was aero-optimized at 20 mph (more representative of the speeds we all ride) and with a mud-caked downtube. The combination of slow speed aerodynamics and muddy tubes hadn’t really been tested before. To achieve it, the Exploro does have sleek lines, but the magic sauce lies in that huge, truncated Squaero downtube. That thing is massive and serves as the primary leading-edge, directing the wind around the water bottles. Squaero shapes are also used on the head tube, seat tube seat stays and seatpost.

Charts aside, I truly appreciated the Exploro’s aerodynamics while riding the windswept plains of central Oklahoma. Out there, the wind blows strong and the gravel can be demanding. It’s hard to put a thumb on aero gains here, but the Exploro remained zippy under all conditions. And, back on the road, it simply rides like a fine road bike should.

When on the road, the Exploro does feel racier than other gravel bikes. You can’t sit back be passive, instead, the Exploro does require a steady, confident handler. No way would I call it twitchy, but it does have faster handling than the Open UPPER or Niner RLT 9, that’s for sure. Where that shines is on pitchy road climbs where the Exploro simply dances uphill. I have no doubt, that huge downtube plays a part in all that efficient power transfer. But, with those short chainstays, when the terrain gets particularly-steep and technical, you’ll notice that the front wheel has a tendency to wheelie and wander. This is only on the steepest terrain at slow speeds.

With the Exploro’s geometry, it can comfortably tackle even the most technical cyclocross courses, if you really want a bike that can ride road, cyclocross and gravel. On technical singletrack, the Exploro is a blast. Some of that was aided by the WTB Sendero 47 tires running at 35 psi, but the overall capability of this bike can’t be overstated — it’s tons of fun.

With 415mm chainstays and a touch more aggressive reach/stack, the Exploro is built for speed. And, the various bottle mounts allow for optimal 1 or 2-bottle mounts. Honestly, the FlipTop cable guide system is a little odd and makes for awkward cable placement. But, on the good side, cables are never in the way on steep climbs. The dual concentric-circle seatpost design allows for was fine tuning, but my saddle wiggled up/down just a touch — even when tightened properly. That little wiggle wasn’t noticeable in the saddle, however.

The Good

• The original go-fast gravel, road, dirt racer is still tops
• Squaero tube shapes for real-world speed
• Massive tire clearance
• Unique frame that stands out in the crowd
• Follows all the current standards
• Includes accommodations for all drivetrains
• Includes sleek covers for unused mounts

The Bad

• FlipTop routing is a little awkward-looking
• A little movement in the seatpost head (not noticeable in the saddle)
• Watch that toe overlap
• Tends to wheelie on ultra-steep climbs

The Bottom Line: 3T Exploro Team Mullet Build

Without question, the Exploro is one fine do-it-all machine. Those aerodynamic shapes all add up for real-world speed. And, with massive tire clearance, you can go as wide as possible for the utmost utility. As tested, the Exploro was capable and functional as an all-road bike. From the plains of Oklahoma to the mountains of Utah, this one is wicked-fun.

Buy Now: Available at 3T.bike