VPACE T3ST Review – A True Titanium All-Rounder for Gravel, Commuting & Adventure
Summer’s Over – But Let’s Roll Back to the T3ST Ride
Summer is officially over, and in some corners of the Northern Hemisphere, the first snow is already falling. But before we fully lean into the winter months, let’s rewind to spring and summer – when I had the chance to test the T3ST from VPACE. So, how did I like it? And who is this unique bike actually made for? Let’s take a closer look.
Tech Specs
Frame price: €1799
Fork options: Carbon (€349) or full titanium (€799) – the latter was kindly loaned to me
Weight: Frame (M): ~1.8 kg | Carbon fork: ~550 g | Titanium fork: 860 g
Frame material: Titanium
Fork material: Carbon or full titanium (including steerer)
Max tire clearance: 700x45c officially, front fits slightly larger
Seatpost: 27.2 mm
Drivetrain: 1x and 2x compatible
Brake mounts: Flat-mount front and rear – 140 or 160 mm (rear), 160 mm/180 mm with adapter (titanium fork)
How I Got Here
I first came across VPACE during my research for a self-built gravel bike – back then, I took a closer look at their TMX adventure rig. In that review, I also mentioned the T2ST, a true jack-of-all-trades. So when VPACE announced the T3ST in fall 2023 – their latest “do-it-all” machine – I was eager to get my hands on it. By spring, the test was underway, and I had plenty of time to get a real feel for what this bike is capable of.
If you're curious to learn more about VPACE as a brand, I recommend checking out the intro section of my TMX review. For now, let’s dive into what’s changed from the T2ST to the T3ST.
What’s New Compared to the T2ST?
Bottom bracket standard: VPACE has switched from BSA to T47. As I noted in my Eurobike 2023 recap, T47 is likely becoming the new norm. It allows for greater stiffness in the BB area and enables full internal cable routing from the downtube to the derailleur/brake – which wasn’t possible with the T2ST.
Chainstay length: Now 5 mm longer than before, which improves stability and allows clearance for 700x45c tires.
These are evolutionary, not revolutionary updates – but that’s often the smarter path when refining an already strong platform.
One thing I missed here is the move to SRAM’s UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger). The T3ST was designed just before UDH became the new industry standard, but I’ve heard future batches will include it. I’ll save my full UDH rant for another post, but to keep it short: I think every new disc frame should come with it.
Geometry – The Secret Blueprint
Geometry
Size Top Tube Head Tube Seat Tube Chainstay Reach Stack BB-Drop
XS 515 130 mm @ 70,5° 480 @ 73,5° 435 350 558 72mm
S 552 150 mm @ 71° 540 @ 73° 435 360 578 72mm
M 583 175 mm @ 71,5° 560 @ 73° 435 380 604 72mm
L 601 190 mm @ 72° 580 @ 73° 435 395 620 72mm
XL 601 210 mm @ 72,5° 600 @ 73° 435 405 641 72mm
Think of designing a bike like building a house – you don’t start with the windows, you start with the foundation. In bike terms, that’s the geometry. And while it might sound overly technical, geometry is really just the silent architect behind how your bike feels. Whether it’s a relaxed upright cruise or a forward-leaning, aggressive ride – geometry makes it happen.
Compared to many bikes I’ve reviewed – which lean more toward MTB-style long wheelbases and slack angles – the T3ST aims for true versatility. It’s supposed to be the Swiss army knife of bikes: ideal for commuting, group rides, weekend tours, and gravel adventures across alpine passes.
Interestingly, the geometry is almost identical to my own allroad bike (not yet introduced on the blog), which means I already had plenty of reference points. During testing, the T3ST proved well-balanced in every scenario. The head and seat angles are neutral and never felt out of place. On smooth asphalt or high-end gravel, the bike shone brightest. When things got really chunky, I occasionally missed the extra tire volume – and maybe a touch of off-road skill on my end, too.
In short: a specialist will always outperform a generalist in its niche – but the T3ST excels by doing a lot really well, rather than just one thing perfectly.
Build Kit & Setup
Just like with the TMX, VPACE lets you build your T3ST exactly the way you want – either as a complete bike or a frame-only option. This is done via direct communication with their team, which I appreciate. It means you don’t end up swapping half the parts right after buying the bike.
My test build came with the full Shimano 810 GRX 2x11 setup (48/31 up front, 11-34 cassette). A great match for this bike. It offers a wide range, letting you spin up steep climbs while still going fast on descents. Personally, I’d recommend upgrading to a 11-40 XT cassette if you plan to tour or ride heavily loaded.
The rest of the setup? Solid. Ritchey seatpost and bars – no complaints there. The Mavic wheels paired with Schwalbe G-One RS tires worked great, though I’d recommend the G-One Overland for those who ride a lot. The RS is quick, but wears faster.
Titanium Fork – Worth It?
The first time I saw the titanium fork in person, it stopped me in my tracks. There’s something striking about it – a full Ti fork, from dropouts to steerer, is a rare sight in a world dominated by black carbon. And not just because it looks unique (though it absolutely does), but because it feels like a design decision made by someone who rides – not just someone optimizing spreadsheets.
Sure, the price difference between the carbon and titanium fork is significant. At €799, it’s not just an upgrade – it’s a statement. But let me explain why it’s more than just a cosmetic choice.
Functionally, the fork surprised me. I had expected it to be overly stiff or even harsh – titanium forks have that reputation. But this one felt composed. Subtle. It didn’t demand attention, and I mean that in the best way. It simply worked. No rattling, no nervous front end, no sketchy steering. Just a calm, confident feel across pavement, gravel, and light trails.
Weight? Yes, it's about 300 grams heavier than the carbon version. But let’s be honest: if you’re choosing a titanium frame, you’re probably not counting grams like a roadie lining up for a hill climb. You’re after longevity, reliability, a certain character – and the fork fits that philosophy perfectly.
A titanium fork adds to that sense of ruggedness and long-haul dependability. If you’re traveling by train with a frame bag, loading the bike for multi-day gravel tours, or even boxing it for a flight, there’s comfort in knowing your fork isn’t a fragile carbon blade. It’s not just about how it rides – it’s about what it allows you to do. It gives the whole bike a more integrated, cohesive look and feel. One material. One tone. One message: this bike is built to last.
Would I pay for the titanium fork out of pocket? Honestly, yes. Not because it’s “better” in a numbers game, but because it’s the right match for the kind of riding I do and the kind of bike the T3ST wants to be.
So, Who’s the T3ST For?
This is where the T3ST shines. It’s not a bike built to win a single category – it’s built to be enough bike in many categories. If you’re someone who wants:
A dependable commuter with rack and fender mounts for year-round use,
A weekend cruiser for road rides or Sunday loops with your fast friends,
A gravel tourer that won’t flinch at alpine passes, forest roads, or even light singletrack,
Or a bikepacking platform that doesn’t scream "race" but just quietly gets the job done –
then this might just be your next (or last) bike.
It’s not designed to dominate road races or enduro trails – and that’s fine. Not every rider wants to chase marginal gains. For people like me, who value flexibility, comfort, and a platform that works every day of the year, the T3ST delivers.
What I also appreciate is that the bike doesn’t pretend to be more than it is. The geometry is balanced – not aggressive, not sluggish. The frame is rugged – not light for the sake of lightness. The mounts are there – not hidden behind trendy “clean looks.” The T3ST feels like a bike designed by and for lifers – people who ride in all conditions, for all kinds of reasons.
Who It’s Not For
On the flip side, the T3ST probably isn’t the right bike for:
Road racers looking for maximum responsiveness and watt-to-speed translation.
Trail riders who regularly tackle technical, rooty, or high-speed descents.
Minimalists who want a stripped-down carbon whip with nothing extra.
Weight obsessives who feel a carbon bottle cage is too heavy.
And if your primary goal is to rip through chunky terrain, the VPACE TMX – with its even more MTB-inspired DNA – might be a better pick.
Verdict – A Bike That Grows on You, Ride After Ride
If I had to sum up the VPACE T3ST in one word, it would be: balanced. This isn’t a bike that tries to wow you with flashy aero claims or marketing buzzwords. It doesn’t shout – it just works. And the more I rode it, the more I appreciated the quiet confidence it radiates.
The updates over its predecessor are subtle but meaningful: the move to T47 bottom brackets, longer chainstays for better clearance and stability, and modern internal routing options. Nothing feels forced. Everything feels refined.
Its geometry strikes a rare sweet spot – comfortable enough for all-day epics, responsive enough for spirited road rides, and composed enough for unpaved adventures. The titanium frame delivers the ride quality you’d hope for: smooth, forgiving, yet not vague. And if you go all-in with the titanium fork, the bike gains a distinctive identity few others can match – both in aesthetics and character.
Sure, no bike is perfect. I would have loved to see 50 mm tire clearance at the rear, especially since the fork allows it. And yes, the titanium fork does add cost – but if you're already considering a titanium all-rounder, you're likely not hunting for budget options anyway.
Ultimately, the T3ST is one of those rare bikes that can grow with you. Whether you’re commuting through rain, riding tarmac loops with friends, or disappearing into the mountains for a few days – it never feels out of place. It’s a bike for riders who want fewer excuses and more possibilities. And for me? If I had to pick again, I’d take the T3ST – titanium fork and all.
