Fresh Wheels: Open WI.DE. Turns UP Into Monster Cross

Gerard Vroomen and Andy Kessler are on one. Well, they’re on more than one. With years of proven bike development experience, this tandem is making serious waves. We currently have the Open UPPER in for review (it’s the most fun we’ve had on two wheels, ever) and it is bonkers-versatile, but the new Open WI.DE. takes the UP to another level with double-dropped chain stays and monster tire clearance.

Forget those measly 2.1″ 650b tires, the WI.DE. will accept up to 2.4″ rubber for the most demanding conditions or the ultimate control. Bikepacking or just all-around fun can be had on this versatile(er) machine. The secret is in the double-drop chainstays that allows for more clearance and fully-optimizes the WI.DE. for 1x drivetrains only.

“The WI.DE. drops both chainstays, creating a very efficient box structure for the monostay behind the BB. This increases BB stiffness, reduces weight and squeezes even more tire clearance out of the frame. In addition, the WI.DE. is optimized for 1x drivetrains only, which further helps tire clearance.” — Gerard Vroomen, Open Co-founder

Knowing full-well that SRAM eTap AXS drivetrains were coming, it makes complete sense that the WI.DE. be 1x only. The featured Force eTap AXS builds are what SRAM affectionately calls “mullet builds” with a mixture of MTB and road eTap components.

Key features of Open WI.DE.:

• Double-dropped chainstays for added clearance
• 1x drivetrains only (mechanical or electronic)
• Optimized for 700x35mm to 2.4″x650b tires
• Taller headtube for slightly more upright fit (and for gnarly terrain)
• Toolbox mount under BB
• Smartmount 160 adapterless flat mounts (huzzah)
• Nimble handling
• Weight: 1040 grams (medium frame, stated)
• MSRP: $3200

More Info: Visit Opencycle.com