Aqua Blue Sport's 3T Strada bike has a 1X set-up; one front chainring rather than two. The riders have been giving their verdict on its suitability for racing so far (Photo by Karen M Edwards)
Mixed verdict on Aqua Blue Sport 1x 3T Strada
Irish ProContinental team Aqua Blue Sport is riding the 1X 3T Strada road bike this year.
It is built with its wide tyres as the starting point. Everything else has followed that feature.
It boasts a 1X set-up, meaning there’s only one front chainring. That design element is included so the width of the bottom bracket can be reduced to make the bike more aero.
The team uses 28mm tyres, for comfort and aerodynamics. Disc brakes are standard. The width of the tubing is designed to offer a sleek aero effect.
There is obviously no front derailleur. It means the bottom bracket area is unusually slimmed down.
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With only one chainring gearing ratios are really crucial. Sprinter Adam Blythe, for example, said he'd been using a 44 chainring. And on the back his selection is from 9 to 32.
In recent weeks some of the riders have been talking about their 1X 3T Strada bikes, especially the impact of the 1X set-up.
They've been refreshingly honest; without question the best way to get their sponsor publicity.
Vuelta stage winner Stefan Denifl
“Nowadays you need, not only a light bike, a stiff bike; it also has to be an aero bike. And this bike is definitely up there. It’s even a step forward on the rest.
“The bike looks great. Gerard Vroomen; he knows how to make fast bikes. I found out myself when I rode for Cervelo seven years ago.
“I hope we can take from the aero (design) a small advantage for ourselves this year.”
US road champion Larry Warbasse
“One of the biggest things about this bike is the 1x,” said Warbasse of the single, rather than double, chainring set-up.
“You know, we’re trying to change cycling here. If I was an amateur I don’t think I’d be scared to adopt it at all.
“We still have the same range; you’ll be able to get up whatever climb you want. You’re going to have the same hardest gear. It’s not going to be a problem.
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“I wouldn’t be worried at all if I was an amateur; I’d ride that bike in a heartbeat,” added Warbasse.
“And as a pro I’m sure there are certain races that, without a doubt, it be better for.
“Flat races; there are tonnes of races where you don’t even go in the little ring. There are certain other races where I guess we’re going to have to see. It is new technology.
“We’re going to be the first team to ride this on a road bike in road races at the highest level.
“It’s going to be interesting, I hope it’s going to work. I’m pretty confident that 3T will do whatever it takes to make it work for us.”
Breakaway specialist Conor Dunne
He agreed with Warbasse, that amateur or recreational riders should jump at the 1X.
“I’m really liking it actually, it’s something new so I was apprehensive to begin with but in training I’ve found it good.
“For these stages I’ve been riding a 54-9 and I’ve not noticed the jumps between the gears to be honest.
“I ride in Nice so there is a lot of mountains and fast bits, the nine gives you the speed you need on the downhills. I didn’t need to change cassettes once.
“If you’re racing you have to think about it a bit more and change cassettes and rings a bit but we’d be doing that anyway,” he said. “You just have to learn the language of the ratios.”
Former Team Sky man Andy Fenn
The British rider praised the bike but adopted a wait and see outlook for the bike’s performance in the mountains. As a result, his view will be especially interesting over the longer term.
He told Cycling Weekly the bike was perfect for his breakaway ride at Dubai Tour.
“Training on it is one thing racing is another…. It’s more the races where we’d be using the little ring that’ll be the test. The jury is out on how it’ll feel in the mountains.”
He added simply having one chainring rather than two took some getting used to in itself.
“It kind of seems weird and annoying to change the front mech now. I was out with a few guys training in Spain and they were dropping their chains and I was like ‘OK.’”
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