Discovering and falling in love with the beauty of traveling by bicycle is a life-changing experience. It can become a true escape from the stress of daily work routines, offering time to recharge while cycling in complete serenity and in touch with nature. This desire seems to have become increasingly important for people, especially in recent years, thanks to the versatility of gravel frames like the 3T EXPLORO, which cater to both the relaxed needs of cycle tourism (or bicycle touring) and the more adventurous demands of bikepacking. But what are the differences between these two forms of gravel biking? Essentially, it's the bike setup.
Photo Credit: Pedro Sarmento Costa
From triathlon to gravel bike
Assuming that every cyclist has their own preferences regarding equipment, the purest form of bikepacking involves a minimal setup (without a rack) with bags directly attached to the bike for greater maneuverability, speed, and smoothness. In this regard, the 3T EXPLORO frame is extremely lightweight and offers unmatched comfort. It's no coincidence that the design of this small gem from 3T involved the Dutch engineer Gerard Vroomen, one of the founders of Cervélo, one of the world's leading producers of triathlon bikes. In endurance sports like IRONMAN, where cycling requires maximum comfort and rideability to stay in the saddle for several hours, Vroomen’s expertise has been invaluable.
For longer bike trips, however, you can opt for a more “cycling holidays” approach, using racks and panniers to carry all the necessary gear. Even in this case, the 3T EXPLORO bike frame meets the needs of the cyclotourist because it is designed to accommodate heavy road tires, cyclocross tires (700c), and 27.5 MTB wheels.
Cycle tourism or Bikepacking? Bikeroom’s Tips for Beginners!
When deciding to embark on multi-day bike trips, the choice of destination and equipment, as well as physical preparation, become essential to fully enjoy the experience. Bikepacking means immersing yourself in every pedal stroke, discovering new and unexplored places. Practicing cycle tourism, on the other hand, requires a more relaxed approach and can be the gateway to bikepacking. Just a few simple tips are enough. So, here are the things to consider (and do) before starting your bike travels:
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analyze the distance, period, and duration of the trip, as well as the technical difficulties. If you're a beginner, it's better to limit yourself to trips of three to four days at most, with destinations not too far away and preferably on familiar routes. This way, if you encounter a problem you can't solve on your own, you can reach the nearest train station and return home safely. These initial experiences are valuable for building physical and mental endurance, helping you get used to the bike and learn a new riding style;
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once you have chosen your destination, it is necessary to plan the route. There are various apps, including free ones, that allow you to map out a safe itinerary based on your fitness level and the type of bike you want to use. For beginners, it's advisable to limit yourself to 60-70 km per day if you are fit and 25-35 km if you are not entirely ready physically but still want to give it a try. Additionally, in both cases, it's better to choose secondary roads with smooth surfaces and little elevation gain. Route planning apps offer the possibility to select pre-tested routes or segments with compact surfaces like gravel bike paths. It is also important to consider the weight of your equipment, as it will affect your average speed. Therefore, it is better not to overload the bike, even though a frame like the 3T EXPLORO can handle it;
Photo Credit: Pedro Sarmento Costa
- for short bike trips, three bags are sufficient: a saddle bag (for clothing), a handlebar bag (repair kit, smartphone charger, power bank, and wallet), and a top tube bag (sports supplements, windbreaker, spare socks, and a long-sleeve jersey in case of sudden weather changes);
- choose technical clothing suitable for the climatic conditions of the period in which you are traveling, preferring quick-drying and highly breathable garments for maximum comfort.
Things you must not forget when traveling by bike:
- USB rechargeable LED rear lights (there are several models available, all valid and at affordable prices);
- front lights with a minimum of 1000 lumens;
- GPS bike computer to load the tracks previously created on the App.
Whether you are aspiring cyclotourists or seasoned bikepackers, the 3T EXPLORO is a gravel bike that, with its features, can meet all the parameters of cycle tourism as well as the more technical aspects of bikepacking, offering a unique riding experience to explore the world on two wheels and give you the best bike trip you could desire.
