Drawing upon its already impressive Open MIN.D. frameset, Open Cycle is flaunting its latest California-made version that’s aptly called the Open MIN.D. California, boasting a revised carbon fiber composition that results in a gravity defying frame weight of just 775 grams.
To accomplish this, Open Cycle’s principal, Gerard Vroomen, tapped composites expert Don Guichard, the engineer behind the success of Cervélo’s Project California that produced the infamous the R5CA and RCA framsets.
“The R&D facility with a small factory was set up back in the day when I was co-founder/owner of Cervélo. It resulted in both the R5CA and RCA models, two road frames that redefined lightweight bike frame production. The facility’s owner/operator Don Guichard and Gerard have stayed in touch since. So when Don wanted to do a bike project again, we decided to go on a new journey to make something special. While the two frames have a lot in common, the completely new tools and processes used in California result in a frame that is around 75 grams lighter yet stiffer in all directions except in the continuous seattube (where it actually provides even more flex than the original MIN.D. This combination makes the ride something very special,” says Vroomen.
In keeping with the same “design language” as the standard Open MIN.D., the California model features minimalist tube shapes that put it in stark contrast with the ever-burgeoning aero-bike segment, instead relying on more classical, conical-shaped profiles with an integrated seatmast to balance comfort and performance at no cost to stiffness
“The continuous seattube design is extremely small at 25mm diameter (30mm is normally the minimum if you want to fit in a 27.2mm seatpost). This change adds astonishing comfort to the frame. Removing the seatpost/seattube overlap at the toptube also means the seattube compliance continues uninterrupted. Our own minimalist seattube top clamp is nearly invisible yet easily adjustable by 0-15mm and slip-proof. We even have our special MOCT saddle clamp (Measure Once Cut Twice) which is adjustable from 15-35mm. This also makes it much easier to resell your frame later on, although you probably never want to lose your MIN.D.,” explains Open Cycle.
Vroomen and Open Cycle’s other co-founder, Andy Kessler, view the Open MIN.D. California as an exercise in Skunkworks, with sole objective of exciting a small base of clients who can afford the hefty price tag of $7,500 for a frameset, knowing full-well the project might yield diminishing returns for the boutique brand.
Open Cycle
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