Gravel Match-Up: 3T Racemax2 Italia vs. Pinarello New Grevil F
Gravel Match-Up: 3T Racemax2 Italia vs. Pinarello New Grevil F
Italian speed, two visions on gravel racing
In the high-end gravel segment, it’s no longer just about adventure and comfort. Speed and aerodynamics are playing an increasingly important role. The 3T Racemax2 Italia and the Pinarello New Grevil F are perfect examples of this shift: two Italian gravel racers with a clear focus on performance, yet with very different characters and approaches.
At first glance, they may seem closely matched. But spend a little more time with them and it becomes clear that these bikes are built around very different philosophies. Time to put them side by side. 
Frame & philosophy
The 3T Racemax2 Italia approaches gravel from an aerodynamic perspective. 3T was one of the first brands to seriously explore the combination of wide tires and aero tube shapes. The Racemax2 is the latest and most refined evolution of that concept: lighter, stiffer and more streamlined than its predecessor. The design is clearly focused on efficiency and speed, with smooth tube profiles and a fully integrated cockpit. Being entirely manufactured in Italy further elevates its exclusivity and premium positioning, which is reflected in both finish and price level.
The Pinarello New Grevil F is built around a broader idea. While Pinarello is best known for its pure race bikes, the Grevil F is surprisingly versatile. The frame is designed to do more than just race: with fork mounts and mounting points for fenders and racks, it lends itself to long days in the saddle, adventurous gravel rides and even light bikepacking. This makes the Grevil F more versatile than you might expect from a Pinarello, without losing its sporty character and race-inspired feel.
Tire clearance & versatility: speed with margin
Both bikes follow the modern gravel trend: wider is fine, as long as it still delivers speed.
The 3T Racemax2 Italia offers tire clearance up to 50 mm. That makes it far more versatile than many riders expect. Wider tires provide added comfort and grip, while the frame remains designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind. This makes the Racemax2 surprisingly adaptable, from fast gravel races to long rides across mixed terrain.
The Pinarello New Grevil F operates in a similar range and is equally comfortable with wide tires. The difference lies in how that clearance is used: where 3T continues to prioritize speed and efficiency, Pinarello leverages the extra volume mainly to enhance stability and control on rougher terrain.
Geometry & ride feel: sharp and direct vs. stable and composed
The real differences become apparent as soon as you start riding.
The Racemax2 Italia features a distinctly race-oriented position. You sit low, compact and directly over the bike. Acceleration feels sharp and immediate, and the bike constantly encourages you to push the pace. On fast gravel sections and asphalt, it almost feels like an aero road bike fitted with gravel tires.
The New Grevil F has a slightly longer and calmer geometry. This translates into greater stability, especially when the terrain gets rougher or speeds increase on descents. The bike remains predictable and confidence-inspiring, without losing its sporty edge.
It’s not about better or worse, but about preference: the 3T feels sharper and more active, while the Pinarello is more stable and composed. 
Design & finish: modern minimalism vs. iconic lines
Both bikes are unmistakably Italian, but they speak a very different design language.
The 3T Racemax2 Italia is clean and modern, with subtle graphics and a clear high-performance aesthetic. The frame looks functional, yet is packed with refined details and smart solutions, such as an integrated downtube storage compartment and an integrated rear light. Practical features that suit long rides, without compromising the bike’s clean appearance.
The Pinarello New Grevil F shows more emotion. Its signature Pinarello lines, asymmetry and more expressive color options make it instantly recognizable. Functionality is also well integrated here: the Grevil F features its own integrated storage box, neatly hidden within the frame. This allows Pinarello to combine distinctive design with practical solutions for tools, nutrition or a spare tube. 
Build options & custom possibilities
Both frames feature a UDH, making them fully compatible with the latest generation of gravel drivetrains. The 3T stands out with its highly integrated cockpit system, resulting in an exceptionally clean and aerodynamic setup. The Pinarello offers slightly more freedom in cockpit choice, which is appealing for riders who want to fine-tune their fit or prefer a specific handlebar or stem configuration. 
And where does the Pinarello Dogma GR fit into this comparison?
The Pinarello Dogma GR sits above the others, but with a very specific and specialized purpose. It is the most pure gravel race bike in Pinarello’s lineup: a frame that feels closest to a true road race bike, adapted for gravel.
Its tire clearance highlights that focus. The Dogma GR accommodates tires up to 45 mm at the front and 42 mm at the rear. This makes it less suitable for extremely rough terrain or maximum versatility. It is not an all-rounder, but a bike that excels on fast, hard-packed gravel courses and in competitive environments.
It’s important to properly frame that positioning. Compared to the Grevil F and the Racemax2 Italia, the Dogma GR deliberately sacrifices tire clearance and practical versatility. In return, it delivers a lighter, stiffer and more direct ride feel than both. The Dogma GR is therefore not inherently “better,” but clearly more specific, built for riders who approach gravel racing the same way they approach road racing, where speed and efficiency outweigh comfort or adaptability. 
