The Open WI.DE 2.0 gravel bike can fit 29x2.6" tires

Josh Weinberg

While a lot of the buzz at Sea Otter Classic has predictably been around 32" wheels, tires, and associated components, there was another big-tired bike that caught my eye. But it wasn't a 32er.

Launched just prior to the event, the new Open WI.DE gravel bike has clearance for up to 29 x 2.6" (700 x 66 mm) tires. Fitting such relatively massive tires surely puts it in the "monster gravel" category and, while perhaps still a unique offering in the gravel bike segment, its evolution makes sense for the brand. And running chunky rubber isn't the only trick it has up its proverbial sleeve.

Representatives from Open mentioned that the original U.P. gravel bike was launched 10 years ago. Designed by industry veterans Gerard Vroomen and Andy Kessler (Vroomen was a founder of Cervélo, and Kessler was the former CEO of BMC), it was marketed as a "quiver killer" to bridge the gap between performance road and gravel categories. Its dropped chainstays and dual wheel size compatibility (700 x 40 mm or 650b x 2.1") were far less common than they are today.

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