We all love an underdog and OPEN has been quietly making some of the most rider-focused gravel bikes on the market with a cult-like following. That following is certainly not misguided as every OPEN I’ve ridden has left an indelible impression on me. For 2025, the second-generation OPEN UPPER is available and takes everything that the original offered to a whole new level of versatility, ingenuity and integration.
OPEN UPPER 2.0 Features:
- All-new aero shaping where it matters most
- Signature OPEN rear seat stays for optimized comfort
- U-Turn Aero fork
- T47 threaded bottom bracket
- 27.2mm standard round seat post
- Wolf Tooth mini chain guide included
- Only compatible with OPEN B.A.R.
- Fully-internal cable routing
- UDH-compatible for the latest direct-mount SRAM groupsets
- Frame produced by Carbonteam in Portugal
- Weight: 17.33 lbs (size L, complete minus cages and pedals) – 955 grams for frame only
- MSRP: $5300
The UPPER DOS build
Nearly every top road and gravel bike on the market today features integrated cable routing, one-piece cockpits, aero tube shapes and downtube storage. The UPPER 2.0 has all that except built-in storage. For that, you’ll have to add bags or stuff those pockets because the UPPER 2.0 remains planted on the stealthy, lightweight and zippy side of gravel. No bag mounts here. Just a light and fast chassis built to hit all roads with speed.
In 2019, I rode the heck out of the original OPEN UPPER — riding 1000+ miles on that all-road machine, including my first SBT GRVL race. I then put thousands of miles aboard the OPEN WIDE and the added capability of that bike had me at hello. On paper, the all-new OPEN UPPER 2.0 could be a blend of the two bikes. However, as I found out, slightly larger tire clearance can’t take the road bike DNA out of the UPPER 2.0.
Geometry comparisons between the old and new UPPER reveals a taller stack and longer reach, slightly longer wheelbase, reduced standover height and shorter seat tube length (among various other minor geo differences). The new UPPER 2.0 also has a steeper seat tube angle (73.5°), but maintains the same 72.5° head tube angle. Those angles do place it on par with a many modern endurance/all-road bikes and set riders up in a solid position for fast-paced roads (of all sorts).
Of course, cable routing is completely internal, thanks to the all-new OPEN BAR system (the only one compatible with the bike). Getting that dialed in was intimidating at first, but intuitive after a few minutes of tinkering. My primary mechanic, Adrian at Peak State Fit, confidently built it up and he was immediately impressed with the B.A.R. system. I initially opted for the widest 430A bar with 90-105mm stem adjustments because I prefer a wider bar to open up my chest and add more confident handling. If you’re into the latest narrow bar trend, there are plenty of options for you.
The rest of the build features all the top-shelf bits that SRAM has to offer, including SRAM RED XPLR 13-speed and a Zipp 303 XPLR SW wheelset with the 45mm Goodyear XPLR Inter tires (which measure out to 44mm). I’m not gonna lie… I really wish the frame had 50mm tire clearance. Alas, it doesn’t, but don’t let that deter you. My total build, as shown is 18.12 lbs (size large). Without pedals and cages it’s just over 17 lbs.
Initial miles and thoughts
I’m lucky enough to have a myriad of mixed road options just from my garage. The initial road approach felt just like every OPEN I’ve ridden — efficient, smooth and comfortable. Rolling into gravel sectors is where the UPPER 2.0 starts to come to life. It’s like the whole bike relaxes and settles into a rhythm. Initial miles were done with the stem at full 105mm length. And, while that felt nice on the road, it was a little aggressive on the dirt. I then set it at 95mm length for a less aggressive reach.
I kept it at 95mm until actually swapping out to a 420A B.A.R., at the start of 2026. That was the right move for comfort and control as it gave me a little more upright position. What I can say is the OPEN B.A.R. system is stupendous. My initial hesitation, due to the proprietary bits, has gone by the wayside because the shape and feel of the bar/stem is my favorite gravel shape ever. That shallow drop and ergo shaping puts these bars over the top and allows me to get into just the right position for climbs, rolling terrain, snaky singletrack and tricky descents.
Honestly, the B.A.R. shape reminds me of the Trek Aero RSL bar/stem found on the Gen 8 Trek Madone (a great thing). With the backsweep of the tops and the short reach and drop, it’s easy to get into a dialed-in position. And, the adjustable stem length eases real-world concerns that we all have with the current crop of internally-routed stems. Changing stem length only requires a few minutes and a torque wrench. Speaking of torque wrenches — this bike requires extra special care with every bolt, so read that manual with intention.
It’s an UPPER to the core
The original UPPER still holds plenty of PR’s on my local road routes, which speaks to its road chops. It was light, fast and comfortable. I have yet to turn the UPPER 2.0 into a road bike, but will do so throughout the spring and summer and updates. However, it absolutely maintains those same road chops on all terrain.
Tops on the road manners is the UPPER 2.0’s ability to dive into and out of corners. It does love speed, so it’s easy to overrun the contact patch, but when in the drops, snaking through sinuous singletrack, this bike just sings. Lateral stiffness is superb and the entire chassis immediately responds to rider input from the pedals, hips or hands. It really is a blast when ridden at its limits.
Turning uphill, I initially had a 44t chainring, which did make for faster times on most of my routes, but swapping to a 42t gave me a little more low-end for added ease. It climbs nice and straight and only has minimal wander on the steepest pitches. That can always be minimized with a little more speed, and the Zipp 303 XPLR SW wheels are the perfect partner. Standing climbs are excellent and more rewarding once the proper weight distribution is found to maximize traction. You’re not going to put huge knobbies on the UPPER 2.0 and the fast-rolling Goodyear XPLR Inter 45 tires are great for all-around performance. They measure out to 44mm, so there’s plenty of clearance. I’ll try out a few other tires this year and post updates on how they change the ride.
Where things get a little too roadie are on chunky descents. I mean, any gravel bike is going to get tossed round on mountain bike terrain, but the UPPER 2.0 shows its road manners for sure. If I pick my lines carefully and allow the bike to do its thing, I can make it through all the chunkies, but I do miss the way the OPEN WIDE handled more technical terrain. I’m sure OPEN has an updated WIDE in their sights.
On rolling terrain, the UPPER 2.0 just nails it. I can get into a rhythm and pound out the miles with speed and confidence. That’s where the overall platform efficiency comes into play. A more streamlined front-end and more responsive design puts you into a power position. In fact, I’ve set several top 10 times on routes I’ve ridden 200+ times during the course of my testing. I’m not getting any younger or fitter, but on a good day, I can get a lot more than expected out of this new bike.
The feeling I get from this bike is that it’s balanced. I don’t notice any major discrepancies between the front and rear of the bike, compliance or response-wise. Sometimes I feel like I’m riding on the bike, but the UPPER 2.0 has me feeling like I’m in the bike.
What’s next? I’m just over 500 miles into this bike and as I continue putting miles on the UPPER 2.0 throughout 2026 and beyond, I’ll turn it into a “road” bike with 38-40mm slicks. I’ll also swap out the wheels to get a better sense of how it performs with different hoops. Look for updates to this review as I round it out.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs., riding the size Large (same as the original UPPER, with about the same stem spacers).
Buy Now: Visit OPENCycle.com
The Bottom Line
UPPER-er
The OPEN UPPER 2.0 takes the brand’s already-quick all-road platform and refines it into an even faster, more integrated gravel race machine. With updated aero shaping, fully internal routing, UDH compatibility and the superb proprietary OPEN B.A.R. cockpit, it delivers a road-bike feel on gravel. It’s sharp in corners, laterally stiff and incredibly responsive under power. It thrives on smooth to moderately rough terrain where speed and efficiency matter most, though it gives up some composure on chunky descents and lacks the tire clearance of more adventure-focused rigs. For riders who want a lightweight, minimalist, all-road specialist that feels balanced, nimble and undeniably quick, the UPPER 2.0 stays true to the UPPER’s roots and delivers a boatload of fun on all types of gravel.
The Good:
- Remains a responsive, fun gravel rig
- Updated with UDH the latest SRAM kits
- OPEN B.A.R. cockpit is BONKERS
- Rides quiet and smooth
- Loves to snake through smooth singletrack
- This bike isn’t holding anyone back from their best performance
- Made in Portugal — love this!
- Balanced handling that’s adept at low and high speeds
The Bad:
- Ran into some minor carbon debris when routing cables
- I’d love 50mm tire clearance
- Technical terrain ups the pucker factor for sure
- B.A.R. is awesome, but proprietary bits limit choice
- I could do without the green/yellow block atop the dowtube (I like all black)
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Comfort
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Handling
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Descending (gravel)
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Climbing
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Pedaling Efficiency
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Versatility
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Value
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Road Manners