{"id":63322,"date":"2024-05-09T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-09T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/049deadf-80ae-4745-9a5d-3bff98b93477"},"modified":"2024-05-09T17:59:41","modified_gmt":"2024-05-09T15:59:41","slug":"3ts-new-strada-italia-blends-comfort-and-aerodynamics-while-adopting-sram-udh","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/3ts-new-strada-italia-blends-comfort-and-aerodynamics-while-adopting-sram-udh\/","title":{"rendered":"3T\u2019s new Strada Italia blends comfort and aerodynamics while adopting SRAM UDH"},"content":{"rendered":"

New made-in-Italy road bike completes 3T\u2019s Italia collection and fits 35mm tyres <\/p>

By Stan Portus\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 09 May 2024 at 15:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

The new Strada Italia completes 3T\u2019s made-in-Italy collection and is claimed to be an aero road bike comfortable enough for everyday riding.\u00a0<\/p>

The original 3T Strada caused a stir with its 1x drivetrain and unusual frame shape. The last 3T Strada ICR was arguably a more conventional design, embracing 2x drivetrains and 30mm tyres, and moving to fully integrated cable routing.<\/p>

The 3T Strada Italia shares much in common with the previous version, continuing to balance comfort and performance. But its geometry has been tweaked and it’s optimised for tyres up to 35mm wide. It has also adopted SRAM\u2019s Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) system.<\/p>

Made in Italy for reactivity, handling and comfort<\/h2>
The bike is manufactured in 3T’s Bergamo factory. – 3T<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The 3T Strada Italia is manufactured in the same Bergamo factory as 3T\u2019s Racemax Italia and Extrema Italia gravel bikes<\/a>.<\/p>

3T says the new aero road bike<\/a> \u201cshares the same filament winding and Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) technology\u201d as the other bikes, \u201cwhich has allowed 3T to bring much of its production back to Italy\u201d.<\/p>

The RTM technologies enable 3T\u2019s engineers to have \u201ccomplete control over the carbon layup process”, according to the brand.<\/p>

3T claims this enhances your riding experience in three ways: reactivity, handling and comfort.<\/p>

\"3T
3T says the Strada Italia’s head tube compliance helps maximise cornering precision. – 3T<\/figcaption><\/figure>

In terms of reactivity, 3T says its in-house engineering means the bike\u2019s frame \u201cgives you the energy return you look for whenever you want to up the pace\u201d. 3T also says the short 408mm chainstays offer the feel of a race bike.<\/p>

The torsional stiffness-to-compliance at the Strada Italia\u2019s head tube is said to help maximise the bike\u2019s precision when cornering, which 3T says aids confidence, especially on challenging descents.<\/p>

\"3T
The cut-out seat tube is one of the Strada’s most distinctive features. – 3T<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Despite the reactivity and handling, 3T says the layup of the seat tube has been refined for comfort. This presumably contributes to the brand\u2019s claim that the bike is suitable for professional racers and comfortable enough for everyday riders.<\/p>

3T says the most significant change to increase comfort is in the shape of the curved aero cut-out seat tube, which is said to give the bike \u201cvertical compliance without compromising energy transfer\u201d.<\/p>

Updated geometry and aerodynamics for \u201creal riders\u201d<\/h2>
\"3T
The Italia’s head angle is slacker than the Strada ICR. – 3T<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Like the previous Strada ICR, 3T claims the Strada Italia is unique thanks to its comfort and aerodynamic efficiency.<\/p>

3T says its carbon technology contributes to the bike\u2019s aero and comfort balancing act. But it also says the bike\u2019s geometry ensures you can find your optimal aerodynamic position while maximising performance.<\/p>

\"3T
3T specs the bike with a two-piece cockpit. – 3T<\/figcaption><\/figure>

3T hasn\u2019t gone into great detail here. But comparing the 3T Strada ICR<\/a> and Strada Italia\u2019s geometry charts shows the new bike\u2019s reach has decreased by 5mm and its stack has increased by 9mm for a size-56cm frame. This should put you in a slightly less stretched-out and more upright position.<\/p>

Meanwhile, the head tube angle is slightly slacker, which could translate to a more stable ride.<\/p>

While a more relaxed position may seem at odds with aerodynamics, 3T says an \u201caerodynamic bike is useless if the rider cannot stay in an aerodynamic position\u201d.<\/p>

\"3T
The broad down tube shields water bottles. – 3T<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Because of this, 3T says cockpit choice and adjustability play an important role. To that end, the brand specs its complete bikes with its bar and stem for flexibility, while concealing hydraulic hoses and eschewing one-piece cockpits<\/a>.<\/p>

Elsewhere, 3T has capitalised on the adjustments to UCI regulations, with a deep-yet-narrow head tube said to maximise aerodynamic efficiency. The down tube shields water bottles<\/a> as well.<\/p>

3T Strada Italia geometry<\/h3>
<\/colgroup>
\ufeff<\/th>51cm<\/th>54cm<\/th>56cm<\/th>58cm<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Seat angle<\/b> (degrees)<\/td>72.5<\/td>72.5<\/td>72.5<\/td>72.5<\/td> <\/tr>
Head angle<\/b> (degrees)<\/td>71<\/td>72.7<\/td>72.7<\/td>72.7<\/td> <\/tr>
Rear centre<\/b> (mm)<\/td>408<\/td>408<\/td>408<\/td>407<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube<\/b> (mm)<\/td>496<\/td>520<\/td>537<\/td>555<\/td> <\/tr>
Top tube<\/b> (mm)<\/td>537<\/td>555<\/td>569<\/td>583<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube<\/b> (mm)<\/td>143<\/td>159<\/td>179<\/td>203<\/td> <\/tr>
Bottom bracket drop<\/b> (mm)<\/td>75<\/td>72.5<\/td>72.5<\/td>70<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack<\/b> (mm)<\/td>532<\/td>554<\/td>574<\/td>594<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach<\/b> (mm)<\/td>369<\/td>380<\/td>388<\/td>396<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase<\/b> (mm)<\/td>991<\/td>983<\/td>997<\/td>1,013<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table>