Skip to main content
Brian Szumski crouches behind his new orange 3T Primo Exploro gravel bike

Employee Bike Checks: Brian Szumki's 3T Primo Exploro

January 26th, 2024 - Article by Matt Peterson, Photos by Nate Cannon

A few years ago before UCI regulations and big budget races, a word like aerodynamics seemed to go against everything the “Spirit of Gravel” stood for. Gravel is about handlebar bags, IPA’s, and handlebar mustaches right? Aerodynamics sounded stuffy and pretentious. Enter 3T - an Italian designed bike brand also known for their high quality components. For them, aero just means well built and fun to ride. A sleek bike that can keep up with your roadie friends and run 54cm tires? That's anything but pretentious.

Our long time employee Brian recently picked up their Exploro Primo and outfitted it with a custom build kit. He’s currently preparing for Rock Cobbler and uses the bike to shred single track as well as do road training rides. We thought we'd sit down with him and ask him his thoughts about it:

Ass Saver's new modular fenders are amazingly stylish and useful.


How long have you worked at Velo Pro?

I have been working at the Pro for a good 8 years now!


What made you decide to get this bike?

Honestly it was something new and different! 3T bikes have always caught my eye and when the opportunity arose I jumped on it after doing some research on the geo and specs, so I'm more than happy!

Close up of the rear brake cable as it is routed from the handlebars and into the top tube

Internal routing goes through the top of the frame, a unique feature.

Have you made any changes to the stock build?

It was a full frame up build with a few new parts and parts that I already had laying around in my treasure chest of random bike goods! 


Is there anything you’d like to upgrade or change about this in the future?

The only upgrade at this point I can think of would be some nice carbon wheels, other than that it’s perfect, maybe add a few more purple pieces!

Would you recommend this bike to others?

Absolutely, especially if someone is looking for a bike that is aero and responsive, it’s very fun and fast, I am looking forward to racing this machine! Put 650b wheels on this baby and you’ll have a good ol’ time!

It’s easy to see why this bike appeals to a broad range of riders. Grab a second wheelset and you’re set for group rides or long gravel days. Brian’s choice of SRAM AXS also gives you the option of switching out a AXS Reverb dropper post. On that note, we’ve been very impressed with the quality of SRAM’s Apex drivetrain. It’s a little heavier, but just as reliable as its more expensive options.

Close up of the drivetrain on the 3T Primo Exploro

Brian's running a "Mullet" drivetrain: SRAM Apex shifters and crankset with a GX AXS derailleur and cassette. It's super reliable and has all the range you need. Although you can get front derailleur mount from 3T and run road gearing!

3T Bicycles are available for order and custom builds. They also just released their new Extrema which boasts improved internal routing, additional cage mounts, improved geo and stiffness, and is UDH compatible (for that sweet, sweet Transmission!) We're looking forward to seeing more of this brand, and are stoked to bring their bikes to the central coast.

Close up on the head tube of the 3T Primo Exploro
Portrait of Brian Szumski behind some leaves with his new 3T Primo Exploro