CM|IN
Semi-Custom Open U.P.P.E.R
The Semi-Custom Open U.P.P.E.R
Builds starting from $6700
A versatile weapon capable of tackling nearly any terrain, the UPPER is arguably the premier bike for racing - and winning - gravel and mixed-terrain events. Read more
Above and Beyond
Since 2006, we've been creating the world's finest dream bikes with our signature approach to custom builds and customer service.
Our Custom Program
AC Everywhere
You can find us just over Golden Gate Bridge in California's Marin County. Can’t come to us? We can bring the bike to you. We craft custom bikes for clients all across the U.S. and the world.
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Premier Partner
Questions about your build? Take advantage of our deep knowledge and unbeatable experience as a premier Open partner.
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Description
According to Dictionary.com, the suffix "-er" is "used in forming nouns designating persons from the object of their occupation or labor, or from their place of origin or abode, or designating either persons or things from some special characteristic or circumstance (six-footer; three-master; teetotaler; fiver; tenner)." We're mostly concerned with that last usage when it comes to the Open Cycle U.P.P.E.R, the ever-capable U.P's "special edition" sibling.
The U.P.P.E.R inherits the U.P's original geometry, sizing, and mold, but gets four new notable features. One, it drops a whopping 220g from the original frame weight, taking it into sub-900g territory, an area typically only inhabited by WorldTour climbing machines. Two, it gets a new, slimmer (and lighter) fork with a road-standard 12mm Thru-Axle that Open is calling "U-Turn". And finally, it gets new brake mounts, the stiffer flat mount. And finally, it receives a new finish in any color you like, as long as it's flat black. Everything else? Just about the same. It's the same road-racer-turned-dirt-hooligan geometry. It uses the same dropped-chainstay design to clear huge (42mm x 700 or 2.1" x 27.5") tires without making the back end of the bike longer than a stretch limo. It still offers as much freedom as we want to chow down on, but with complete bike weights testing the UCI-mandated 6.8kg/15lb weight limit.
The U.P.P.E.R uses a slack seattube angle designed around a zero-offset post for proper setback, and we've had best luck setting up the bike with a 1x11 drivetrain setup. Unfortunately, we can't recommend building the U.P.P.E.R with SRAM eTap, as the front derailleur will interfere with most larger (34mm+) tires. Like the U.P, the U.P.P.E.R is compatible with dropper seatposts, and includes Carbon-Ti thru-axles.
Features
Ordering Process
- 180g lighter than the U.P - same geometry, durability, stiffness and tire clearance
- Accepts mountain bike tires up to 2.1”, 47mm RoadPlus tires in 650b, 700c gravel, cross and road tires from 28-40mm wide
- Strapless bag mount
- Vertically thin chainstays and seatstays
- Flat-out downtube
- Zero-setback seattube
- Internal routing
- Thru-thread dropouts
- Dropped chainstay
Whether you’re already set on a certain make and model of frame, or still have some questions about how to go about your build, drop us a line and we can talk through your options. From the first detail to the final finish, we'll help you dial in the perfect set up for your next dream bike.
AC Advice
Light, fun snd versatile - I am not the greatest bike handler but the comfort and control I feel out on the trails and fire roads with the U.P.P.E.R gives me confidence. Getting out in the trails of Northern CA is always an adventure - even if it’s a loop I’ve done dozens of times.
Mike Wilson - Sales at Above Category
