Keywords: 27.5,bike of the month,flat mount bike,open,superlight bike

BOTM: CENTO U.P.P.E.R. - part 2

Andy Kessler - 16-Mar-2018

In the introduction video of part 1of the CENTO U.P.P.E.R Bike of the month I mentioned that I built this bike for myself. Ok, I really built it but I sold it as every bike that I have build for myself so far. This one actually quicker than ever before. Why?

People that know me well and have ridden with me could probably answer the question. I hate to clean bikes. I have not a lot of time with a young business and a young family. And when I have time to ride I rather ride than clean... And then I just felt sorry for this incredible CENTO hand painted bike. This is a bike that has to be clean, it is a piece of art and can not be covered under a thick layer of mud and dirt. For a while I thought I keep it just standing behind my desk instead of a nice picture. But then I thought it is a shame as we only make 10 (and as mentioned we sold them all) and its not fair to have that piece of art only for myself in my little room. So it is now in the hands of somebody that will treat it very well and I am really happy about that.

Here comes the long awaited gallery.

Meet-ups in March - MORE DATES

BOTM: CENTO U.P.P.E.R. - Part 3

BOTM: CENTO U.P.P.E.R. - Part 1

Crazy people: part 2

BOTM: A piece of Art - Part 3

BOTM: A piece of Art - Part 2

The new EVERYTHING

Why I changed my mind

Comments & Questions

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hi there - thinking of replacing my two road bikes and one gravel with and Open and two sets of wheels. However, i am having a tough time accessing information on how it would act and perform as a pure road bike.

i'd love to learn more.

Jesper Wahlberg

Post #1 of 20. Posted by jepser wahlberg on 16-Mar-2018 12:57:03 GMT in reply to blog [0<--10593]

That was my goal as well. But i'm thinking differently completely now. The OPEN is fantastic with the right tires (g-one speed in 40mm) to do both at the same time.
The road to the forest, the road through the forest. It can do both fast at speeds you wouldn't believe, I hit a speed record on a test downhill due to the great cornering Unless your roads are perfect flat and straight your speeds will great. I will test with the ENVE 4.5 AR and 30mm fast tires. But i'm pretty sure the bike is fast in real life and handles descents great.

Unless you want to do triathlon this is the fastest bike I have been on since I am putting out more watts due to pure fun

Post #3 of 20. Posted by youpmelone on 16-Mar-2018 18:05:23 GMT in reply to post #1 [10593<--10595]

Hi Jesper, I am obviously not the most neutral person but we have a couple of customer that build it with a 28-30mm road tire and use it as a pure road bike. our geometry is compared to many other competitors very close to a road geometry which makes it fun to ride. And yes of course if you do not ride in fast group rides you can use also only one set of tires. Favourites for 700C G-ONE speed or all-round...

Post #5 of 20. Posted by Andy Kessler on 19-Mar-2018 09:54:35 GMT in reply to post #1 [10593<--10605]

This may be too late to matter but I have been riding an UP as both road and gravel for 2 years now. It's been the most fun I've had as both a road bike and gravel. My favorite 2 setups so far are Compass 700x35mm Bon Jon tires for the road and Panaracer Gravel King 650x48mm tires. I feel these 2 setups really get the most out of the bike for road riding and for gravel to single track. The fit turned out to be my ideal road fit and with the right bars (salsa cowbell) I've got a bike that is comfortable and aggressive enough on all surfaces. 1x is the way to go, just pick your gears for what you want to ride, so many options to combine nowadays!

Post #10 of 20. Posted by austin trautman on 27-Mar-2018 18:51:08 GMT in reply to post #5 [10605<--10618]

I second the Compass Bon Jon tires. I use them all year round for everything up to and including rocky single track.Where I live (bay area of CA) is steep and rocky with rooty. As long as you know how to manage your traction (weight back on steep climbs, easy on brakes, brake first then turn...) these are amazing. I have a killer road bike I use and am still amazed by it, so for all road I use that, but by now, most of my rides are on the Open, and most of them involve some dirt. As a reference, I was riding Clement MSO 33s and really liked them, but Compass tires just roll forever and I can make them grip off road.

I just got some 650b tires with the 650x48 compass tires and I'm still a getting used to the dramatically different steering (the wheels want to turn in, or understeer on tighter turns), so not sure if I'd recommend that over the 700x35 tires from Compass. We'll see which I prefer as I continue to get miles on the 650x48s.

Post #12 of 20. Posted by Ryan on 03-Apr-2018 18:01:08 GMT in reply to post #10 [10618<--10633]

Hi Andy,
when you sell your next bike and it‘s an U.P. in L in a „moderate built“ for a moderate price-tag then we should talk... ;-)
Cheers
Stefan

Post #2 of 20. Posted by Stefan on 16-Mar-2018 13:33:37 GMT in reply to blog [0<--10594]

Hi Stefan, send me your contact details by mail and I will think about you :-)

Post #6 of 20. Posted by Andy Kessler on 19-Mar-2018 09:55:18 GMT in reply to post #2 [10594<--10606]

Hi Andy,
thanks. :-)
Sent you my contact data by your contact form on the web page.
Stefan

Post #8 of 20. Posted by Stefan on 19-Mar-2018 11:51:37 GMT in reply to post #6 [10606<--10609]

what size is that e13 cassette trs+ ?

Post #4 of 20. Posted by donald lewis on 17-Mar-2018 23:33:35 GMT in reply to blog [0<--10598]

Hi Donald, its a 9-46

Post #7 of 20. Posted by Andy Kessler on 19-Mar-2018 09:55:38 GMT in reply to post #4 [10598<--10607]

Is it possible to post a parts list and weight for this build? Wanting to convert my Open UP classic to a 1x and I am really loving this build. P.S. Hope to see you at Metier here in Seattle!

Post #9 of 20. Posted by Chris on 19-Mar-2018 12:48:14 GMT in reply to blog [0<--10610]

Hello and Happy Easter,

I have an Open U.P. set up 2x with Shimano DA E. I am having significant problems with chain suck, every ride. The issue has been ongoing, had bike repainted et, and I’ve had very good mechanics adjust my E shifting et. Problem continues. Ive come down to one of 2 things, the BB is the wrong with? What’s your recommendation on BB set up for Shimano DA E 2x? I should be able to run 2x on this bike? I’m a big fan, owned many of your bikes over the past 15 years. Regards

Post #11 of 20. Posted by Jack on 01-Apr-2018 23:23:32 GMT in reply to blog [0<--10630]

Hi Jack, sorry to hear about your problems. What rear derailleur are you using ? The problem is that most 2x group sets have been designed with road riding in mind not off-road and they do not offer the spring tension of a 1x system. So we always recommend to have a chain catcher with 2x systems. It would help if you switch to a XTR DI2 rear derailleur as this one has better spring tension.

Post #13 of 20. Posted by Andy Kessler on 04-Apr-2018 05:23:01 GMT in reply to post #11 [10630<--10638]

Andy, does a front derailleur reduce tire clearance (I imagine it does and some more than others). Which FD has the best clearance (eg XTR or DA) and what is the max 700C tire width that can be run with it?

Post #14 of 20. Posted by Anees Munshi on 09-Jul-2018 01:19:23 GMT in reply to post #13 [10638<--13879]

Hi Anees, the only one that really reduces clearance is SRAM ETAP. All others should be fine. Max tire clearance depends a lot also on the width of your rim. In general we say all 36mm tires fit and most of the 40mm but not all

Post #17 of 20. Posted by Andy Kessler on 11-Jul-2018 06:08:02 GMT in reply to post #14 [13879<--13892]

Hi Guys. Just got 2 UPPER frames (for me and my wife). Going to build them 1X SRAM eTap which means no shifter cables. If I’m not mistaken the shifter cables hold the little carbon cable router on the bottom of the frame (since it slips on and off easily). What would you suggest about making sure it stays in and still be able to take it off when necessary.
BTW. Big fan of your work and can’t stop staring at bare frames. They are works of art.
Cheers,

Post #15 of 20. Posted by CoachAhmadi on 09-Jul-2018 22:03:54 GMT in reply to blog [0<--13884]

Hi Sean, so good to have you on that frame. Best is to secure them from the inside with a rubber o-ring. I send you a pic by mail

Post #16 of 20. Posted by Andy Kessler on 11-Jul-2018 05:53:06 GMT in reply to post #15 [13884<--13888]

Thanks Andy. I imagine I can get these from local hardware store if not where would you suggest.
Cheers,

Post #18 of 20. Posted by CoachAhmadi on 11-Jul-2018 09:37:23 GMT in reply to post #16 [13888<--13894]

yes correct

Post #20 of 20. Posted by Andy Kessler on 12-Jul-2018 03:55:43 GMT in reply to post #18 [13894<--13900]