I think at this point it’s worth making my excuses - I was carrying some camera gear in order to capture the event as it played out, also being a cycling photographer, whilst fantastic doesn’t afford time to ride as much as I’d like, so fitness is just ok…. Onto the bike.

I took the bike out for a spin on Friday when I arrived, around 14km, just to test the set up and make sure I was comfy. The main adjustment being the seat post (I ride slightly lower than tarmac). To access the seat adjustment you need a long allen key which unlocks on the down frame, slightly awkwardly, but manageable. My first impression was 'woah..... I better take it easy'.... from the moment you first get on the bike it wants to go, it wants input, it wants pushing. I don't mind fast bikes that keep you on your toes, in fact it's often fun and this bike was a hell of a lot of fun. From the acceleration to steering and its responsiveness to the unbelievable braking it was a a feedback sensory overload... in a good way.

My first dab of the brakes found me skidding like a 12 year old on his first mountain bike. it wasn't deliberate but it felt good. Filled with confidence in the Exploro's stopping power meant I could focus on handling and getting the most out of the bike. This bike wants to you to push it, to rider harder, faster, more technical and when you do its rewarding. The bike never feels soft or flexible whereby you feel like our losing anything to the ground.

During the event there where 4 timed sections, Fireroad of fury (2.5km decent)...Lung buster (2.8km climb)....lunch roll (5.5km rolling)....final fling (3.2km singletrack decent).... alongside the 14km of timed stages and the other 66km of route I was able to test the 3T on lots of terrain. Whether going up, down, singletrack, rooty, gravel, tarmac the Exploro really excelled. I found myself on the drops many times cruising at 40+mph easily.

The combination of frame and components made this a really special bike, one I wanted to spend more time with, to see just how far it and me could be pushed. The Exploro LTD would make a fantastic trail bike, gravel grinder, adventure rig, cross bike. If you can test one out do so, but bear in mind you may find yourself disappearing off into the gravelly sunset never to be seen again!

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