Beautiful Bicycle - A Timeless, California Sage OPEN UP
The OPEN UP, for those in the know, is more than meets the eye. A simple-looking frame with largely straight lines, simple tube shaping, and unassuming graphics belies an all-road or gravel bike that has managed to stay ahead of the curve after all these years. This limited-run OPEN UP in California Sage gives us a great reason to show you why.
OPEN could not have chosen a more 2021 paint color than this, and they pulled it from the 1960s Aston Martin DB5. Called California Sage, OPEN chose this color because it kept them "dreaming about beaches, flowers, and the smell of the ocean." We couldn't agree more, but we find that this sage color makes us want to get out and ride, regardless of whether or not we can smell the ocean. And the California Sage color might be en vogue today, but it is a color that has and will continue to stand the test of time.
It is amazing how much a single color can change how we see a bike. The UP is well-known for its raw carbon option that allows riders to pursue custom paint, as we have these past few years. It allows the UP to shape shift according to what people want or need, from a capable endurance bike, to a gravel bike swallowing mountain bike tires with ease, to everything in between.
There is a lot of grace in the frame's restrained lines and uncomplicated design. The bike is unburdened by gimmicks, pushing its sublime handling that strikes a near-ideal balance between road reactivity and off-road stability to center stage.
Components Spec
| Frameset | OPEN UP - Size L - California Sage |
| Groupset | SRAM RED eTap AXS shifters, SRAM Force AXS, SRAM XX1 AXS derailleur, SRAM XG1270 cassette. |
| Gearing | 172.7mm/40t chainring. 10-50t cassette. |
| Wheelset | Stan's Grail MK3 700c |
| Tires |
Maxxis Rambler 700c x 38mm
|
|
Handlebar
|
Easton EC70 SL - 44cm |
| Stem | Easton EA70 - 100mm |
| Seatpost | Easton EA70 - 0mm setback |
| Handlebar Tape | Ciclovation Advanced Leather Touch |
| Saddle | PRO Griffon Offroad - 152mm |
| Accessories | SRAM Centerline X Rotors - 160mm, |
Have any questions about OPEN Cycle, or want to build a custom OPEN UP for yourself? Contact us during business hours or any time to info@contenderbicycles.com.
Kelvin,
It is a frameset only, but I think we are better equipped than most at doing custom builds and getting them out in a timely manner. We are happy to discuss turnaround times on builds; I’ve sent an email your way with greater detail.
Alvin - Contender Bicycles on
Dennis,
the widest tire that will fit the UP with a 2x drivetrain officially is 700c x 40mm, 650b x 54mm, or 27.5 × 2.1.″ To note, we’ve fit slightly larger tires than recommended, but that depends on the tire and rim combination. If you’re willing to forego 2x drivetrains the OPEN WIDE will fit far bigger tires.
Alvin - Contender Bicycles on
Beautiful Bike! Being a frameset only and component supply shortages what are the chances of actually getting one?
Kelvin on
Open UP California Sage
A beauty indeed. How much is the bike as configured here.
Thank you.
Louis on
What is the widest tire that will fit on the OPEN UP which runs a 2X?
Dennis Tukua on