Gravel is unpredictable. Fast-rolling roads suddenly dissolve into loose rock, ruts, and roots. That’s why the 3T Extrema Italia, with its generous tyre clearance (57mm), was engineered to give riders a crucial advantage: the ability to run wider, MTB-style tyres without compromise.
The Protection You Need
In the chaos of gravel racing, pinch flats can end your day in seconds. Wider tyres simply put more air and volume between your rim and the ground, absorbing sharp hits that would punish a narrower setup. The result? Greater resilience, fewer mechanicals, and more confidence when you can’t see every obstacle.
Faster in the Real World
It’s a myth that skinny tyres are always quicker. Independent real-world testing shows that high-volume tyres often roll just as fast—sometimes faster—on gravel surfaces. By smoothing out micro-impacts, wider tyres waste less energy and maintain speed more efficiently.
Comfort Meets Control
Bigger volume isn’t just about speed. Wider tyres act like natural suspension, soaking up chatter and rough edges that wear down body and mind. Add improved traction in loose corners, and you’ve got a setup that inspires control and keeps you fresher for longer rides.
Designed for the Wide Advantage
Many gravel bikes can’t handle tyres beyond 40–45mm. The 3T Extrema Italia was designed differently. With clearance for 29” x 2.25” MTB rubber, it fully embraces the performance edge of bigger tyres while retaining the aggressive speed and handling 3T is known for.
The Takeaway
The combination of advanced aerodynamics, lightweight carbon engineering, and the ability to fit true MTB-style tyres makes the 3T Extrema Italia one of the most versatile and race-ready gravel bikes available. Wider tyres aren’t just an option—they’re the competitive edge this bike was built to deliver.
Source: BikeRadar – The big advantage of MTB tyres on gravel bikes