Alternatives to Open UP?

[UpFromOne]

Sure I like Open's Unbeaten Path frame, but looked around and don't really see any similar (gravel/cross style) frames that can take up to a 27.5 x 2.1 /2.2 tire like the U.P.

Anyone know of the UP's cheaper competitors?

[Stalkan]

Cheaper? Niner RLT is cheaper and should be able to run what you want. The 3T Exploro is the UP's cousin, but isn't less money. Then there is Van Dessel's ADD and WTF. Also, isn't there a new player? Why Cycles....

All that being said I got my UP on serious discount from RACycles on a 4th of July sale, maybe you could look out for something similar?

[UpFromOne]

All good suggestions, but I should add that I'm partial to carbon frames for this job (very chattery dirt roads).
Am I asking too much from the industry?

[LionelB]

Have a look at the new Focus Paralane

[UpFromOne]

The Paralane is totally drool-worthy, but only accepts up to 35mm tires.
It seems the dropped right chainstay of the U.P. and Exploro are the ticket to bigger tires.

[AndreLM]

The Diamondback Haanjo Carbon is not drool-worthy but is definitely cheaper than the Open and 3T and can accept 27.5 x 2.1 tires. The Haanjo Exp Carbon even comes with that wheel / tire combo.

[UpFromOne]

Thanks Andre, that DB carbon series looks OK, but I researched comments and there's some weird geometry going on.
Plus no real info on the BB spec, which will determine crank Q.
So far I keep returning to the U.P.

[LionelB]

A big turn off for me on the up is the slack STA designed around a straight post. Weird for a bike that needs good tire clearance. I recently checked one out at a store and the rear tire was very close to the seat tube. I also hate the look of straight posts.

[amey]

IF you are open to far east options this is quite nice: http://www.carbonda.com/road/gravel/cfr505.html

I've just got one, it will be delivered this week. The factory also sent me a pic with 47c 650b WTB Horizon tyres and mudguards.

[amey]

[Ltyarbro42]

Found this the other day: http://www.ebay.com/itm/232057080733

Sent from my BLU LIFE ONE X using Tapatalk

[UpFromOne]

IF you are open to far east options this is quite nice: http://www.carbonda.com/road/gravel/cfr505.html

I've just got one, it will be delivered this week. The factory also sent me a pic with 47c 650b WTB Horizon tyres and mudguards.

47mm is only a 1.85" section tire, looking for up to 2.2 like the U.P.

[UpFromOne]

Found this the other day: http://www.ebay.com/itm/232057080733

Sent from my BLU LIFE ONE X using Tapatalk

Great, another cheap knock-off product. While that's quite the find, I don't support that kind of commerce.

[Stalkan]

47mm is only a 1.85" section tire, looking for up to 2.2 like the U.P.

I know it is tire and wheel dependent but my up is perilously close on the DS chain stay with 2.1 Schwalbe Thunder Burts on there. I had some rub marks on the chain stay that someone suggested might have been mud build up on the tire and that is likely the case.....any how, point is I don't think I would run anything wider than 2.1" even though I have seen some builds with 2.25".

[DutchMountains]

IF you are open to far east options this is quite nice: http://www.carbonda.com/road/gravel/cfr505.html

I've just got one, it will be delivered this week. The factory also sent me a pic with 47c 650b WTB Horizon tyres and mudguards.

Shame I just got a Bish Bash Bosh frameset as this looks even nicer. I'd love to hear more about it when you get it: weight, cost, how much clearance there is between chain stays etc etc.

Btw, the medium sized Bish Bash Bosh frame weighs 1160 gram, with the (uncut) fork being 500 gram. Definitely not worth the 999 UKP list price (it's not very refined and finishing only so-so) but at 377 UKP it should make a nice winter / fast touring bike. It comes with 12mm/15mm through axles included (heavy at 174 gram combined) and nothing else; you'll need to buy the headset, steerer bung and rear mudguard (fender) mount separately.