Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How do you build a 9.2kg gravel racing machine that clears 57mm tires? 🛠️🚵♂️
In this narrated dream build, I’m putting together my new 3T Extrema. After visiting the 3T factory in Italy and seeing how these frames are filament-wound by robots, I couldn't wait to get my hands on one. This bike is a bit of a "gravel tank," built to handle the toughest Lake District terrain while remaining incredibly light and agile.
I’ll walk you through my "order of operations" for a professional build, including some recycled parts from the Skylon, a few new twists (like the T-Type rear mech), and why I chose the 1x Ratio/SRAM setup.
Build Specs:
Frame: 3T Extrema Itallia (Filament Wound, Made in Italy)
Groupset: SRAM Force / Ratio 1x / T-Type Rear Mech
Weight: 9.2kg (including pedals and Wahoo)
Tires: 52-622 Vittoria Mezcal (Measuring 56mm+ on wide rims)
Cockpit: 3T Carbon Stem & Flared Bars
Chapters:
00:00 Meet the 3T Extrema: Why this frame?
00:51 The Weigh-In: Frame & Fork specs
01:07 Order of Operations: Where to start?
02:38 Servicing and Swapping Brake Calipers
04:05 Tire Clearance & Fork Mounting
06:11 Running Internal Hydraulic Hoses
08:02 Inside the Frame: Filament Winding Tech
09:35 Installing Olive and Barb (SRAM)
11:04 Headset Assembly & Frame Insulation
15:47 The Carbon Stem Masterpiece
17:42 Handlebar Setup & Cable Routing
18:49 A Word on Professional Bike Mechanics
20:03 SRAM Force Levers: Why they’re best for gravel
22:22 Connecting the Brakes
23:52 How to get a Perfect Brake Bleed
29:26 Bottom Bracket & Crankset Options
31:05 Cleaning Parts: The Bio-Remediation Washer
32:41 Swapping Chainrings (40T Ratio Components)
34:21 The T-Type "Mule": Switching to a Wide Axle
38:43 Crank Installation & Preload
40:48 Wheels & Tires: Why I choose Mezcal
42:28 The Finished Build: Final Weight & Stats
43:35 3T Range Overview: RaceMax, Ultra, and Strada
47:40 Suspension vs. Rigid? What’s next?
#3TExtrema #GravelBike #DreamBuild #BikeMechanic #MapdecCycleWorks #SRAMAXS #GravelRacing
How do you build a 9.2kg gravel racing machine that clears 57mm tires? 🛠️🚵♂️
In this narrated dream build, I’m putting together my new 3T Extrema. After visiting the 3T factory in Italy and seeing how these frames are filament-wound by robots, I couldn't wait to get my hands on one. This bike is a bit of a "gravel tank," built to handle the toughest Lake District terrain while remaining incredibly light and agile.
I’ll walk you through my "order of operations" for a professional build, including some recycled parts from the Skylon, a few new twists (like the T-Type rear mech), and why I chose the 1x Ratio/SRAM setup.
Build Specs:
Frame: 3T Extrema Itallia (Filament Wound, Made in Italy)
Groupset: SRAM Force / Ratio 1x / T-Type Rear Mech
Weight: 9.2kg (including pedals and Wahoo)
Tires: 52-622 Vittoria Mezcal (Measuring 56mm+ on wide rims)
Cockpit: 3T Carbon Stem & Flared Bars
Chapters:
00:00 Meet the 3T Extrema: Why this frame?
00:51 The Weigh-In: Frame & Fork specs
01:07 Order of Operations: Where to start?
02:38 Servicing and Swapping Brake Calipers
04:05 Tire Clearance & Fork Mounting
06:11 Running Internal Hydraulic Hoses
08:02 Inside the Frame: Filament Winding Tech
09:35 Installing Olive and Barb (SRAM)
11:04 Headset Assembly & Frame Insulation
15:47 The Carbon Stem Masterpiece
17:42 Handlebar Setup & Cable Routing
18:49 A Word on Professional Bike Mechanics
20:03 SRAM Force Levers: Why they’re best for gravel
22:22 Connecting the Brakes
23:52 How to get a Perfect Brake Bleed
29:26 Bottom Bracket & Crankset Options
31:05 Cleaning Parts: The Bio-Remediation Washer
32:41 Swapping Chainrings (40T Ratio Components)
34:21 The T-Type "Mule": Switching to a Wide Axle
38:43 Crank Installation & Preload
40:48 Wheels & Tires: Why I choose Mezcal
42:28 The Finished Build: Final Weight & Stats
43:35 3T Range Overview: RaceMax, Ultra, and Strada
47:40 Suspension vs. Rigid? What’s next?
#3TExtrema #GravelBike #DreamBuild #BikeMechanic #MapdecCycleWorks #SRAMAXS #GravelRacing
