MTB news: The carbon specialists from OPEN are staying true to their line with the ONE+ hardtail frame presented at the SeaOtter Classic. Based on the concept of the Eurobike Award-winning gravel/CX bike UP (Unbeaten Path), OPEN promises a frame with the ONE+ that is suitable for building an XC rocket as well as the basis for an adventure bike equally suitable for plus tires.
Since the introduction of the new BOOST standard, the selection of frames, which - depending on the preferred application - can be built in either a 29er or B+ variant, has become increasingly larger. While the focus of bikes of this type has so far been on hardtails made of aluminum or steel, OPEN is taking a completely different direction with the ONE+. The size medium carbon frame, which weighs just 890 grams, should be just as suitable in the 29″ version as the basis for a cross-country race file as it is for a Go Anywhere trail bike if you equip the frame with a B+ wheelset.
The tire clearance of the OPEN ONE+ is extremely generous in both the 29″ and the B+ version: Depending on the tire/rim combination and the resulting actual width, sizes of 29*2.4″ or 27.5*3.00″ are possible. In order to be able to achieve this, OPEN uses a special construction on the ONE+ that allows the chainstay to sink downwards in the area of the bottom bracket. In this way, additional space is created in the area of a bicycle frame that is most critical in terms of freedom from mud and tires and should also ensure high rigidity and little torsion when starting.
With regard to the seatstays, OPEN promises to have found the optimal compromise between stiffness and comfort with the ONE+: They are very flat, but they are designed to be all the wider. In this way, impacts from below should be cushioned without having to accept losses in lateral rigidity, which plays an important role in fast cornering and ensures directional stability.
With the frame size S, OPEN has also reacted to the criticism of the high front that is often voiced with 29er frames in small sizes with the ONE+ and decided to design the ONE+ in the smallest size as a 27.5″ or 26+ bike. This ensures better handiness and smaller riders should feel much more comfortable on the bike, partly because of the lower standover height.
Also interesting is the possibility of optimally matching the stops of the internal cable guide to the desired drive setup by using so-called "MultiStops", thus ensuring ideal function and a tidy appearance.
Like the other OPEN frames, the ONE+ is certainly not a bargain: the frame set including headset, seat clamp and replacement derailleur hanger costs €3200. After all, OPEN relieves its customers of one concern with the ONE+ right from the start: Thanks to the "SafePost" viewing window in the seat tube, you are always in the picture as to whether the minimum insertion depth has been complied with and you are therefore safe from major damage in the area of the seat and top tube.
Further information on OPEN, the ONE+ and the complete model range can be found at:
www.opencycle.com
