3T RaceMaxvsUltra

Both bikes are the brainchildren of Gerard Vroomen, yet they target opposite ends of the gravel spectrum. The RaceMax is unapologetically about speed, featuring a narrower 46mm 'neck' on the downtube and an aero-specific seatpost to cheat the wind during solo efforts or fast group rides. It is designed around the concept of 'WAM' (Width As Measured), prioritizing aerodynamics for tires in the 35-42mm range. It refuses to walk, provided the path remains relatively civilized. The Ultra widens that downtube neck to 60mm and stretches the chainstays to 419mm to accommodate tires that would choke most road-derived frames. While 3T claims the Ultra maintains aero efficiency even with mountain bike rubber, the real-world shift is toward versatility and endurance. By ditching the proprietary aero post for a standard 27.2mm round tube, the Ultra invites dropper posts and vibration-damping options that the RaceMax simply cannot accept. Price positioning reflects this mission creep, with the Ultra often acting as the burlier, more expensive adventure sibling to the speed-focused RaceMax.

Riding the RaceMax on 35mm tires feels remarkably like being on a high-end aero road bike that happened to wander onto a dirt path. It is a firm, reactive chassis that transmits a significant amount of feedback through the front end, demanding an active hand on technical descents. With a low 77mm bottom bracket drop on the size 54, it stays hunkered down and stable at high speeds, though some riders find it 'oddly twitchy' immediately off-center. It excels at maintaining momentum over rolling terrain, rewarding out-of-the-saddle efforts with immediate power transfer. The Ultra is a 'girder' of a frame, exhibiting massive stiffness that prevents any discernible bottom bracket flex even under heavy climbing loads. Because the frame is so rigid, it relies entirely on tire volume for its 'natural suspension.' Dropping the pressure to 15-16 psi on 2.1-inch tires transforms it into a monster truck, allowing you to steamroll through sections of roots and chunky gravel that would overwhelm the RaceMax. However, its handling remains biased toward a road feel; it lacks the progressive long-front-center of more modern adventure bikes, meaning you are pitched further forward over the wheel on steep drop-offs than you might expect for a bike with this much clearance. On smoother surfaces, the RaceMax feels noticeably more eager to surge. The Ultra, while not a 'lumbering beast,' does exhibit more drag and noise when equipped with its maximum knobby rubber. The RaceMax's short 415mm chainstays keep the rear end tight and responsive for quick directional changes, whereas the Ultra's slightly longer wheelbase adds a welcome dose of straight-line confidence when the ground gets rowdy. Comfort on the Ultra is significantly enhanced by the move to a round seatpost, which finally allows riders to swap in a more compliant carbon post to offset the frame's inherent woodenness.