The Ultimate Gravel Bike Build - OPEN U.P.P.E.R. + Hunt, SRAM, KS, Easton, WTB, Fabric, ethirteen

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We took our engineering passion and used it to create the world’s "best" gravel bike.
A true dream bike build, ready for any adventure or bikepacking trip; to go anywhere, do anything, and leave us smiling ear to ear. More on it here... https://www.tailfin.cc/blogs/stories/ultimate-gravel-bike-build

FRAME
The dream build is centred around the stunning OPEN U.P.P.E.R frame and OPEN U-Turn Fork. Its combination of low weight, fast but comfortable road riding position, and clearance for MTB bike tires, has helped this frameset achieve the status of greatness. Big thanks to Gran Fondo for making our lives easier with their incredibly comprehensive gravel test… https://granfondo-cycling.com/best-gravel-bike/

COCKPIT
After contemplating a carbon cockpit, we opted for the reliability and durability of aluminium. At the same time, we were looking for a subtly flared bar to offer improved comfort for riding in more rugged terrain. We opted for Easton’s EA70 AX 16 degree alloy drop bar and stem.

DRIVETRAIN
We wanted a 1x system for reliability and simplicity so opted for the SRAM Force 1 groupset. However, knowing that we were planning on using this bike for bikepacking we wanted more range than the off the shelf 10-42 tooth SRAM cassette. We therefore later swapped it out for the e*thirteen TRS Race cassette which offers a massive 9-46 tooth, 511% range. Combined with a 38T chainring, we knew this would give us enough gears at the top and bottom of the range for almost every scenario. Check out the blog for the e*thirteen cassette...

A contentious debate here, but we opted for Flat pedals for various reasons. We went with the magnificent OneUp Aluminium pedals.

SEAT & SEATPOST
Knowing that we wanted a very aggressive gravel bike, we absolutely wanted to install a dropper post. This was actually one of the main reasons we opted for a 1x system. By installing a Force 22 front Yaw shifter, it's possible to remove the ratchet and convert the front shifter to a dropper remote (pretty sure this voids the SRAM warranty) This modification has arguably been the most successful aspect of the build.
Big thanks to the guys who made this video for showing us how… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngvd0F8JxnE
We went for the 27.2mm 100mm KS ETEN-I After testing - it works like genuine magic.

On top of our post, we are running a Fabric scoop pro radius saddle 142mm. A personal favourite due it’s low weight and comfort - carbon rails but a flexible Nylon base makes hours in the saddle less tiresome.

WHEELS
Wide, light and strong; we have opted for the widely praised HUNT 30 carbon gravel disc wheelset. With exceptional build quality, weight, durability and price, it's hard to look past them. These are mounted with WTB Senduro 650bx47 road plus tyres that we have set up tubeless with Stans race sealant. These chunky tyres will be ideal for big off-road days, especially in winter, plus they look insanely good. For more road-focused trips we will be putting on a pair of WTB Byways.

BIKEPACKING GEAR
Finally - our Tailfin AeroPack - Zero sway, top-loading, attaches in seconds and offers class-leading ride quality - this bike bag will save you time and irksome faff when packing and unpacking during stops. https://www.tailfin.cc/products/the-aeropack

FULL LIST OF PARTS:
Frame: OPEN U.P.P.E.R. - 880 grams - https://opencycle.com/UP

Fork: OPEN U-Turn Carbon - 370 grams

Wheels: Hunt 30 carbon gravel discs wheelset. 650b - 1479 grams - https://www.huntbikewheels.com/products/hunt-30carbon-gravel-disc-road-wheelset-1469g-30deep-27wide-999

Discs: Ashima Airotor 160mm. - 85 grams each

Tyres: WTB Sendero 650bx47 Road Plus TCS - 530 grams each - https://www.wtb.com/products/sendero

Brakes and shifters: Sram Force HRD Shift-Brake control double tap - 471g left 431g right

Handle Bar: Easton EA70 AX 44cm - 290 grams

Stem: Easton EA90 130mm - 145 grams

Cranks: Sram Force 1 Carbon 175mm - 679 grams

Cassette: Ethirteen TRS Race 11 Speed Cassette 9 x 46 - 303 grams - https://eu.bythehive.com/collections/drivetrain/products/trs-race-cassette

Rear Derailleur: Sram Force 1 11 speed - 261 grams

Chain: Sram PC 1170 11 speed. 114 links - 256g grams

Pedals: One Up Components Aluminium Pedals - 355 grams - https://int.oneupcomponents.com/products/aluminum-pedal

Seatpost: KS Eten i 27.2” 100mm - 590 grams - https://www.kssuspension.com/product/eten-i/

Seat: Fabric Scoop Pro Radius - 162 grams - https://fabric.cc/products/saddles/scoop-pro-radius-142mm-saddle/

Bottle Cages: Vel Carbon i-Cage - 2x 28 grams

Bikepacking Gear: Tailfin AeroPack - 640 grams - https://www.tailfin.cc/products/the-aeropack

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Film shot & edited by Sam Taylor: http://www.samtaylorphoto.co.uk/

Big thanks to Bike Fit James - https://www.instagram.com/bikefitjames/ - for the use of his magnificent shop in Richmond, London - https://www.bicyclerichmond.co.uk/ - and his talented wrench John

Видео The Ultimate Gravel Bike Build - OPEN U.P.P.E.R. + Hunt, SRAM, KS, Easton, WTB, Fabric, ethirteen канала Tailfin Cycling