Why I Chose the 3T Extrema

Speed, tire volume and confidence

Sometimes you quickly know what you are not looking for. When I started searching for a new gravel bike, one thing was clear: I didn’t want to compromise between speed and tire volume. I was looking for a bike that is fast, but still allows for truly wide tires. Not an extremely aggressive race position, but a bike I can ride hard, use for long days, and still feel confident when the terrain gets rough.

My previous gravel bike was an OPEN U.P. 1.0. Still one of the finest gravel bikes I’ve ever ridden. Light, playful and surprisingly fast. But as my riding evolved and events like the Dutch Masters and the Traka 360 came onto the calendar, I started to miss something: the ability to run truly wide tires, without giving up stability and comfort.

From all-round gravel to off-road focus

Most of my gravel kilometres are ridden close to home, on the gravel around Overijssel. A lot of sand, a lot of variation, and often combined with sections of MTB trails. That demands a bike that is not only comfortable, but also remains stable when the pace increases and the surface becomes more unpredictable.

Because of that, my search gradually shifted towards the more off-road-oriented end of the gravel spectrum. Not because I wanted to ride slower, but because I noticed that extra tire volume and a calmer ride actually made me more efficient in practice. Less correcting, more confidence, and a steadier power output.

Why the 3T Extrema was the right choice for me

The Extrema is not a gravel bike that tries to do a bit of everything. It has a very clear focus: rough terrain, wide tires and maximum control, without letting go of speed. You feel that immediately in the geometry. The bike feels calm on the trail and very stable.

The ability to run truly wide tires was decisive for me. At the moment I’m riding 2.1 Schwalbe Thunderburts. That tire volume offers an enormous amount of comfort and grip, especially on long rides and loose sand. With the Traka 360 on the schedule this year, I’m confident this is the right setup.

What positively surprised me is that, despite the tire volume, the Extrema never feels sluggish. It remains efficient and encourages you to keep the pace high, but in a calm and controlled way.

Less playful, more confidence and that’s a conscious choice

To be completely honest: the Extrema feels different from my previous OPEN U.P. The OPEN had a light and playful character, a bike that invited you to play with speed and line choice. That playfulness is less present on the Extrema.

What you get in return, however, has become more important for my style of riding. The Extrema offers more calmness, more comfort, and above all more confidence when the terrain gets rough or the ride gets longer. It feels more forgiving and less nervous, especially when combined with wide tires.

For me, that’s not a downside, but a conscious trade-off. Especially on long days and during races, I notice that I can ride more consistently and lose less energy. The bike requires fewer corrections and allows me to focus on pace and rhythm, rather than on what’s happening underneath me.


Does this mean I would never choose a more playful gravel bike again?
I certainly wouldn’t rule that out. I think I’m someone who can ride a light, direct gravel bike very well and get a lot of enjoyment from it.

But with my current riding, I notice that the Extrema simply gives me more efficiency on longer days. Less correcting, more calmness in the ride feel and a steadier pace mean I still have energy left when it really matters. Especially over long distances, rough terrain and endurance-focused races, that outweighs pure playfulness for me.

It’s not a matter of right or wrong, but of what best fits how and where you ride at that moment.

My setup: tuned to my riding

My build has been chosen very deliberately. I’m running a 110 mm Apto stem, because it puts you just slightly lower compared to the MORE stem, without becoming extreme. Combined with a 38 cm Aeroghiaia handlebar, the position feels sporty yet relaxed enough for long days in the saddle.

The drivetrain consists of SRAM Force XPLR 1x13 with a 48T Wolftooth chainring: simple, reliable and perfectly suited to the terrain I ride. The Reform Seymour saddle ensures I stay comfortable even after long rides. I’m also riding 9th Wave Sandstone wheels with Schwalbe Thunderburt 2.1 tires.

This setup is not a blueprint for everyone, but it does show how important it is to truly tailor a bike to your riding style, your body and your ambitions.

No limits Gloss

I deliberately chose the No Limits Gloss finish. This finish originates from the factory in Bergamo, where high-gloss frames coming straight out of the paint shop served as the inspiration for this execution.

No Limits Gloss is not a traditional paint layer, but a high-gloss primer combined with subtle matte logos. This keeps the carbon structure visible and allows the lines of the frame to stand out beautifully, without becoming overly flashy.

No Limits Gloss is a factory finish available exclusively at BikeSuperior.

Using it hard, without neglecting it

Even though I use my bike intensively and ride it in bad weather, I still take good care of it. That’s why I chose to protect my bike with BikeProtector.

The bike is treated with a coating and PPF on the critical areas. Thanks to the coating, the bike is much easier to clean, while the almost invisible PPF protects against scratches and stone chips. For me, it’s a logical choice: I use my bike for what it’s meant for, but I still want it to look good. In my view, it’s a real recommendation if you want to keep your bike looking great, even with intensive use.

Why the Extrema could also be the right choice for you

The 3T Extrema is not for everyone and that is exactly its strength. This bike suits you if you want to run wide tires without sacrificing speed, if you ride a lot of rough gravel or sand, and if comfort and confidence matter more to you than an extremely playful ride feel.

The most important things to focus on are fit and component choice. The Extrema really comes into its own when it is tuned to your way of riding.

At BikeSuperior, we therefore never start with the frame, but with the question: how do you ride? My own choice for the Extrema is a good example of that. Not because it is “the best gravel bike”, but because it is the right one for my riding style.

Curious whether a 3T Extrema could also be the right bike for you? Or doubting between different types of gravel bikes? We’re happy to help you test, compare and build a bike that truly fits you, down to details like tires, cockpit and position.

Sometimes, the right choice isn’t about riding harder, but about riding smarter.


Stijn