The name 3T, formerly known as TTT, has been making high-end cycling components since 1961. On the year of its 50th birthday, this Italian icon has decided to launch an all new product line – complete wheelsets. Two new clincher wheels, the Mercurio and the Accelero both benefit from clean-sheet whole-system design: key performance measures of aerodynamics, weight, inertia, strength, stiffness, and braking equal or exceed the best available; patented hub provides easy maintenance and cassette interchangeability.
TTT (now 3T) was founded by Mario Dedioniggi in 1961 in Torino. 3T handlebars and stems quickly became popular with Italian racing cyclists, and by 1970 they were in widespread use in the professional peloton. 3T was among the first cycle component manufacturers to switch production from steel to aluminum alloys. The firm worked closely with pro racers to refine handlebar design. 3T ‘bends’ took their name from the champions of the era – Merckx, Saronni, Moser, and Gimondi.
“3T has always been and continues to be at the forefront of innovation, developing products in line with the UCI regulations”, said UCI President Pat McQuaid in his 3T jubilee speech just before the start of the Giro d’Italia. “At the UCI, we are open to new technology and innovations, BUT on certain conditions. We cannot accept any new product or modification that will interfere with or alter the spirit of cycling, its traditional values or the riders’ safety. Our regulations are adapted to embrace technical advancements but also to preserve cycling’s values and avoid unfairness and controversy.”
“The development of cycling is closely linked with its technological progress; both spring from the same roots. It’s no coincidence that 3T founder Mario Dedioniggi was born in Turin, Piedmont, a land of champions with enduring links to the bicycle”, said Renato Di Rocco, President of the Italian Cyclists Federation at the 3T birthday party.
In 2007 3T was bought from Gruppo concern by René Wiertz, a former senior executive of the Dutch multinational Philips. He has brought all his skill as a deal-maker and team-builder to restore the luster of the glorious but faded 3T brand, and transform it into a front-line player in the global business of cycle sport, together with Technical director Richard McAnish an expert structural engineer.
One feature that caught our eyes was the unique rear hub with the 3T patented cassette spline that accepts Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo cassettes with no adaptation. This is really a major benefit if you wish to share wheels between bikes with different transmission setups. Additionally, the hub’s unique spoking means you can easily true the wheel or replace a spoke without removing the tire.
3T is one of the few manufacturers that sells direct to the public on their website. Currently these wheels are not listed on their website, but VeloNews s reporting that when these wheels are released in the fall, they will have a price tag north of $2700.