Comfort, aerodynamics, limited, sleek, European
There’s a certain breed of rider out there who craves simplicity and performance, but not in the flashy, show-off kind of way. It's about stripping things down to their essence, letting only what truly matters stand out. That’s where this new U.P.PER. CONCE.PT from OPEN comes in. It’s not about being different for the sake of it—it's about being better. When a bike company decides to only make 250 of something, it isn’t because they’re playing hard to get. They’re making a statement.
What they've done here is a balancing act between aerodynamics and comfort, leaning hard into what matters most in real-world gravel riding. You know the drill: it doesn’t matter how aero a frame is if you’re miserable on it. OPEN knows this too, which is why they’re obsessed with compliance—this idea that a bike should work with you, not punish you. So even as they tweak the downtube, making it more aerodynamic with this efficient airfoil design, they’re careful not to sacrifice the comfort that makes these bikes so rideable over rough terrain.
Then there’s the headtube, which gets a redesign in the CONCE.PT. A narrow, deeper shape that cuts through the wind but stays compliant, thanks to the precise carbon layup. It’s a delicate dance—making things faster without turning them into torture devices. That’s the beauty of what they’re doing here, preserving the DNA that makes an OPEN an OPEN while still pushing things forward. This bike isn’t just built for the show, it’s for those long, lonely hours on gravel, where you really get to feel the difference.
Now, the aesthetics? It’s all pared down. The straight chainstays, no front derailleur mounts, no fender mounts—this thing is sleek, minimalist, and not trying to be everything for everyone. It’s unapologetically focused. You get what you need, nothing you don’t, and that’s part of the appeal. The U.P.PER. CONCE.PT is produced by CarbonTeam in Portugal, which is no small detail. This shift to European production doesn’t just make a statement about quality, but it’s a nod to their ethos—doing things the right way, even when it costs more. They’re doubling down on local craftsmanship, taking pride in every frame that rolls out, even if it costs twice as much as making them in Asia.
You can’t ignore the price tag though. At $4600 for the frame, plus another grand for that one-piece cockpit, it's not pocket change. But if you're the type of rider who sees a bike as more than just a tool—as a partner for your miles of escape—then you get why it’s worth it. Each of these frames is a rarity, 125 of each size, and once they’re gone, they're gone for good. No going back to the mold, no more production runs. That’s not exclusivity for the sake of it—it’s about keeping the focus tight, creating something special and then moving on.
This isn’t a bike for the masses, and it’s not trying to be. But if you’re the kind of rider who values comfort, performance, and a design that’s not overthought, you’ll find a lot to love in this machine. It’s a glimpse of what’s to come, a whisper of future innovation from a company that’s always been more about doing things right than doing them fast. And when you're out on those endless, brutal stretches of gravel, that approach starts to make a lot of sense.
Pros:
- Comfort-Focused Design: The U.P.PER. CONCE.PT prioritizes comfort, which is crucial for long-distance gravel riding. The compliance-focused frame helps riders maintain their position over rough terrain, leading to less fatigue.
- Improved Aerodynamics: While maintaining comfort, the bike incorporates subtle aerodynamic improvements, especially in the downtube and headtube, which can improve speed without compromising ride quality.
- Minimalist and Sleek: The stripped-down design eliminates unnecessary features, resulting in a clean, no-frills bike that focuses on performance. It's built for riders who value simplicity.
- European Craftsmanship: Made by CarbonTeam in Portugal, the frames boast high-quality, localized production that may appeal to those who value European craftsmanship over mass production in Asia.
- Limited Edition Appeal: With only 250 frames produced, this bike holds an exclusivity factor, making it a highly desirable item for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate rarity.
- Durable and High-Performance Carbon Construction: The bike is constructed using advanced carbon technology, ensuring a strong, lightweight, and responsive frame.
Cons:
- Limited Size Availability: The bike is only available in two sizes (Medium and Large), which excludes a segment of riders who may not fit these dimensions.
- High Price Point: At USD/EUR/CHF 4,600 for the frameset, plus USD/EUR/CHF 1,000 for the one-piece carbon cockpit, the U.P.PER. CONCE.PT is expensive, putting it out of reach for many cyclists.
- Lack of Versatility: The minimalist design removes useful features like fender mounts and a front derailleur mount, limiting its functionality for riders who might need more versatility in different conditions or bikepacking setups.
- Exclusivity Can Be a Drawback: While the limited production makes the bike unique, it also means that once it’s gone, there will be no more available, potentially frustrating those who miss out.
- Unknown Tire Clearance and Bottom Bracket Details: Some technical specs, such as tire clearance and bottom bracket design, are still unclear, which could be a concern for riders who need precise information for their riding style or terrain.