The new Strada Italia completes the 3T made-in-Italy range, a new aero road bike that’s comfortable enough for everyday riding.

The original 3T Strada made a splash with its single-ring drivetrain and unusual frame shape. The final model, the 3T Strada ICR, is arguably a more traditional design, with a double-ring drivetrain and 30mm tires, and a move to a fully integrated cable routing layout.

The 3T Strada Italia shares a lot with its predecessor, continuing to strike a balance between comfort and performance. But its geometry has been tweaked and optimized for tires up to 35mm wide. It also features SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) system.

The 3T Strada Italia is made in the same Bergamo factory as 3T’s Racemax Italia and Extrema Italia gravel bikes.

3T says the new aero road bike is made using filament winding and resin transfer molding (RTM) techniques, which has allowed 3T to bring much of the production back to Italy".

According to the brand, RTM technology gives 3T's engineers "full control over the carbon layup process".

3T claims this enhances your riding experience in three areas: responsiveness, handling and comfort.

In terms of responsiveness, 3T says its in-house engineering means the bike's frame "gives you the energy return you need when you want to go faster". 3T also says the short 408mm chainstays provide a racing feel.

The torsional stiffness and compliance of the Strada Italia's head tube is said to help maximize the bike's precision when cornering, which 3T says helps boost confidence, especially on challenging descents.

Despite the responsiveness and handling, 3T says the seat tube layup has been modified for comfort. This bike is meant for serious racers but also comfortable enough for everyday riding.

3T claims the biggest change to improve comfort is in the shape of the curved aero cutout seat tube, which gives the bike "vertical compliance without compromising energy transfer".

Like the Strada ICR before it, 3T claims the Strada Italia is unique in its comfort and aerodynamic efficiency.

3T says its carbon fiber technology helps balance the bike's aerodynamics and comfort. But 3T also says the bike's geometry ensures you find the best aero position while maximizing performance.

Comparing the geometry of the 3T Strada ICR and the Strada Italia, you can see that for a 56cm frame, the new bike has a 5mm reduction in reach and a 9mm increase in stack height. This should put the user in a more upright and comfortable position. At the same time, the head tube angle has also been slightly slackened, which may result in a more stable ride.

While a more relaxed position may seem to contradict aerodynamics, 3T says "an aero bike is useless if the rider can't maintain an aerodynamic position".

As a result, 3T The bike is equipped with a handlebar and stem for increased agility, while the hydraulic hoses are hidden and the one-piece cockpit is avoided.

Elsewhere, 3T took full advantage of the UCI-mandated adjustments, with a deep, narrow head tube to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. The downtube also hides a water bottle.

Two other design decisions for the new 3T Strada Italia are future-proof.

The bike is optimized for tires up to 35mm wide. Wide tires are an increasingly popular trend in road bike design, and some of the best aero road bikes can accommodate tires nearly as wide as the 3T Strada Italia. The Cervélo S5 and Soloist, for example, can accommodate tires up to 34mm wide.

With the bike adopting SRAM UDH, 3T is arguably betting on where road bike technology is headed. While SRAM UDH is common on mountain bikes and some gravel bikes, it's not common on road bikes.

3T says its Italian-made bikes are "a window into our souls." Or in other words, a small transparent panel in the 3T logo on the down tube shows off the carbon weave. 3T also has the Strada Italia Project X frameset. The full carbon weave is visible.

3T Strada Italia specs and pricing

The 3T Strada Italia is available as a frameset or complete bike. You can buy the standard frameset or the Project X frameset, which can be painted straight out of the box or in the Project X "naked" finish. All framesets come with a 3T Aeroflux LTD handlebar and 3T More Integrale stem.

Complete bikes are available with SRAM Rival AXS, Force AXS or Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 groupsets. Both the standard and Project X versions use the same handlebar, stem, saddle and Continental GP500 S TR 700x32c tires. Available in red, white and green.