mountainbike crosswind 1.7 3T RaceMax WPNT Rival AXS XPLR Bike

The 3T RaceMax WPNT Rival AXS XPLR Bike is built around a single engineering obsession: aerodynamic efficiency on a gravel bike. Every design decision in the RaceMax WPNT traces back to that objective — the tight-fitting rear wheel cutout dimensioned precisely to minimize turbulence around the tire, the downtube shaped to redirect airflow coming off the front wheel toward the water bottle, the narrow exterior headtube paired with a full-strength steerer inside, and the Integrale cable routing system that eliminates every external housing from fork crown to rear dropout. At $6,499, it pairs that aerodynamic frame with SRAM Rival AXS XPLR 13-speed wireless shifting, 3T Discus 40 carbon aero wheels, and a fully integrated carbon cockpit — components that match the frame's intent rather than working against it.

The frame is built from unidirectional pre-preg carbon using a high-modulus/high-strength performance blend layup — construction tuned for stiffness under power and enough compliance to take the edge off gravel vibration over long distances. The aerodynamic work in the RaceMax required 3T to precisely characterize hundreds of tire sizes before finalizing the frame geometry, which led to their WAM (Width-as-Measured) tire standard — a more accurate way to spec tire clearance than relying on labeled dimensions. The result is maximum tire clearance of 46mm WAM, accommodating a 700x42mm setup as the standard configuration or a 650x47mm build for more volume on rougher terrain. The 3T Integrale routing system runs through every touchpoint: the 3T Fango RaceMax Integrale fork routes brake lines internally from lever to caliper; the 3T Apto Integrale Stealth stem and 3T Aeroghiaia Integrale LTD handlebar continue the system through the cockpit with no external cable housing visible from any angle.

The drivetrain is SRAM Rival AXS XPLR — wireless, gravel-specific, and built around a 13-speed cassette designed for the demands of sustained mixed-surface riding. The Rival AXS XPLR E1 rear derailleur and Rival AXS E1 levers communicate entirely wirelessly, removing housing from the lever-to-derailleur path. The SRAM Rival XPLR E1 Wide crankset runs a single 40T chainring matched to a SRAM XG-1351 13-speed 10-46 cassette. The 13-speed architecture distributes the 10-46 range across tighter steps than a 12-speed equivalent, which keeps cadence more consistent on variable gradient terrain. Wireless shifting removes cable tension and housing maintenance from the equation entirely — a meaningful simplification for a bike that will see wet, gritty conditions. The Rival E1 hydraulic disc brakes run 160mm rotors front and rear.

The 3T Discus 40/30 wheels are 40mm-deep carbon clinchers with 30mm internal width — a depth that offers measurable aerodynamic advantage on fast gravel and open tarmac connectors without becoming difficult in crosswind conditions. The 30mm internal width pairs correctly with the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H 700x40 tires included on the build. The Cinturato Gravel H (H for hard pack) is tuned for rolling efficiency on packed surfaces — the right tire for a bike whose primary purpose is speed. The 3T Aeroghiaia Integrale LTD is an aero-shaped drop bar built specifically for the Integrale routing system; it completes the clean front end and contributes to the cockpit's aerodynamic profile. A 3T nylon front-load bottle cage is included, positioned on the downtube within the frame's airflow management zone. The saddle is a San Marco Shortfit or Shortfit 2.0 Off Road, subject to availability.

The RaceMax WPNT comes in six sizes — XS through XXL — with geometry that varies meaningfully between frames. Head tube angle runs from 68.7° on the XS to 72.2° on the XL and XXL, reflecting 3T's approach of fitting each size with appropriate geometry rather than holding angles constant across the range. Chainstay length holds at 418mm throughout, and seat tube angle runs 74° at every size. Four Italian-named colorways are available: Aliseo, Zefiro, Bronzo, and Turchese. Pedals are not included.