Performance and personalization. Those are the pillars that define what we do, and there's nothing more exciting than guiding our riders through the process of their own project builds. Case in point, this fully customized Open UPPER. Each piece thoroughly considered to shine in its own right while complementing the project as a whole. It's light, striking, and damn is it fast. Let's take a look at the details of this spectacular pink, blue, and silver build.
The Vélocolour Treatment
We've always found ride quality and handling of the Open UPPER to be unparalleled in its own right, but personalized paint really does make them all the more special. A couple years back we worked with Vélocolour to come up with this exclusive AC graphic system for the Open platform and we've loved seeing how our clients make them their own their their personal color choices. This one starts with a beautiful deep blue base, paired with pearl white and silver paneled, ultimately highlighted by vibrant pink pinstripes.
Enve Control Center
the cockpit is Enve front to back. Holding down the front end, an carbon road stem clamps down to an aero bar. Fast looks and a ideal shape for many gravel/all-road riders. An Enve carbon seatpost supports an Throne RS saddle. All the Enve bits perfectly incorporated into the build with matching custom paint.
The Red Mullet
The Sram AXS mullet kit is a hard one to beat. The massive range provided by the 10-52t cassette has made new levels of riding possible. The shifts are precise and quick, the XX1 keeps the the chain perfectly in place, and the braking is smooth and responsive. It doesn't hurt that the rainbow finish pick up the blue, pink, and silver hues in the paintjob.
Hand Laced is Best
A bike with this level of customization deserves a fully custom wheelset. From the core, a set of pink Industry Nine torch hubs set off the frame's pink pinstripes. The G23 rims have been our undisputed top pick for dedicated gravel riding and were a no brainer here. Of course only silver spoked would be fitting to complete the build. For traction, René Herse Steilacoom 700x38c tires take care of business.
The Final Touches
Rounding out the build are a couple of signature AC build touches. A silver Chris King headset and spacers perfectly suit the bikes silver front end. The Enve bottle cages are yet another place to showcase the masterful paintwork by Vélocolour. Finally the full drivetrain spins on a set of Ceramicspeed coated bearings in the bottom bracket and derailleur pulleys.
Stunning, yes. But just because it's pretty doesn't mean its not ready to get dirty. We built this bike to be ridden. Destined to a life split between the coastal hills of the Bay Area and the high mountains of the Sierras, we can't wait to see this bike coated it a mix of shoreline and alpine dust.
If you're ready to get the wheels turning on a project Open of your own, get in touch. We're here to help!
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