Please note that the product photo does not exactly represent our Contender-exclusive OPEN U.P.P.E.R. SRAM Force eTap AXS 1x build.

The OPEN U.P.P.E.R. SRAM Force eTap AXS 1x bike build is the dream build is the final word for anyone looking for a 1x drivetrain. Paired to the veritable OPEN U.P gravel bike frameset, we are proud to offer the OPEN U.P.P.E.R. Force 1 Bike as one of our go-to choices in the gravel bike world.

The OPEN U.P.P.E.R. Force 1 bike build starts life with the ultralight OPEN U.P.P.E.R. frameset, with the option to build it in whatever way necessary. Compared to the standard U.P. frameset, the U.P.P.E.R. lives up to it’s heightened name; its OPEN U-Turn fork is the lightest gravel bike fork in class (370 g), while flat mount disc brake mounts combine with a higher modulus carbon fiber layup to save 180 g compared to the U.P.

Like the original frameset, it shares the same geometry, and importantly tire clearance; it fits up to 27.5 x 2.1” mountain bike tires, 700 x 42c gravel tires, or anything in between. It achieves this while using stack and reach numbers that are closer to an endurance road bike than a plodding touring bike; a slacker than average headtube angle, stubby 420mm chainstays, and a just-right wheelbase length. Other features include three water bottle mounts, a top tube bento box mount, and pencil-thin seat stays for improved compliance over rough roads.

OPEN's U.P.P.E.R. frame allows riders to start with one of the most technologically-advanced frames on the market as a base. A SRAM Force eTap AXS 1x drivetrain is at the forefront of shifting technology and paired to a SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS rear derailleur and SRAM XG-1275 10-50t cassette, the group has enough gearing to take you through the steepest climbs and the Monday night road group ride. We also spec our two preferred wheelsets, the Stan’s Grail S1 wheelset for 700c or the Stan’s Arch S1 wheelset for 27.5”, to provide an excellent combination of reliability, stiffness, and low weight. 700c wheels save weight and roll better on smoother surfaces, while the 27.5” mountain bike wheelset offers additional durability for rougher trails, and their extra width gives knobbies better bite and a plusher ride.

Whether you’re heading to Salt Lake City, or prefer we ship your OPEN U.P.P.E.R. SRAM Force eTap AXS 1x bike to you, we’ll do a full, professional bike build, dialing in shifting and braking, truing wheels, etc. If you’re unsure about sizing, give us a call or email us at info@contenderbicycles.com to talk through geometry and fit. And although this is a “stock bike,” we are more than happy to discuss options of this build.