The Canadians are coming! Opus Bikes is a Montreal, Canada-based company that has been around since 2001 but now is taking the gravel road into the States.
The brand started with just five road bike models but now has over 100 models ranging from road, cyclocross, city, trail, electric and kid's bikes. We have an up-close look at the newly updated Spark line that brings affordable gravel bikes to the masses. This Spark is targeted towards the gravel, bikepacking, touring and commuting type of rider.
The Opus Bikes Spark features an alloy frame, carbon fork, disc brakes and comes in five different builds. © Cyclocross Magazine
The Spark has an alloy frame, full carbon fork and disc brakes and comes in five different models, topping out, not starting at, just $1749:
- Spark 1 - $1,749 Shimano 105, Shimano RS-505 disc brakes
- Spark 2 - $1,499 Shimano Tiagra, TRP HY/RD disc brakes
- Spark 3 - $1,299 Shimano Sora 9-speed, TRP Spyre disc brakes
- Spark 4 - $1,139 Shimano Claris 8-speed, Promax Decode R disc brakes
- Spark 4 AE - $1,229 Shimano Claris 8-speed, Blackburn rack and full front and rear fenders
To help show the versatility of the Spark, Opus held an "unofficial" event in the company's own backyard that featured employees, friends, family and brand ambassadors having fun racing in an event dubbed "Break the Ice".
https://www.facebook.com/opusbike/photos/pb.137216596338103.-2207520000.1494968349./1388933501166400/?type=3&theater
The Spark models feature thru-axles, disc brakes and plenty of tire clearance (stock tires are 700x32c) as well plenty of rack and fender options for when the long haul is calling. Geometry-wise, the Spark is designed with a low bottom bracket and long-ish stays to provide stability for your off road adventures.
The Spark offers plenty of tire clearance, shown with a Terreno Mix 700x40c tire. © Cyclocross Magazine
The Spark 1 is the top of the line model and comes with a Shimano 105 11-speed groupset and Shimano RS-505 hydraulic disc brakes. The Spark 1, 2 and 3 all come with a wide-range FSA Omega Adventure crankset. Claimed weight for the Spark 1 is a competitive 21.8 lbs. while the least expensive model, the Spark 4 has a claimed weight of 23.2 lbs. On the Spark 4 AE, the Blackburn rack and front and rear fenders add about three pounds to the overall weight.
Some Opus test pilots braved the Land Run 100, putting the Spark to the test, and despite hours of manual mud clearing (that all competitors suffered through), the bike reportedly passed with flying colors, especially red:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRmRQyCBdnF/?taken-by=landrun100
It should be noted that the Spark that we looked at here has a different spec than the Spark AE listed on the brand's website. For reference, we've included the spec of the stock Spark 4 AE. Opus is working on expanding its dealer network and is distributed by Vittoria in the U.S.
Opus Spark 4 AE Specs:
MSRP: $1,229 complete
Frame: Meta 30 6061 Aluminum
Fork: Full Carbon Tapered 1-1/4 to 1-1/8 in
Headset: FSA Orbit Integrated Sealed
Wheels: Alex CXD-6
Hubs: Alex Through Axle 12MM Fr/Rr
Tires: Vittoria Revolution Graphene 700 x 32
Derailleurs: Shimano Claris 8-speed
Shifters: Shimano Claris 2 x 8
Chain: KMC Z7
Cassette: Shimano 11-32
Crankset: Shimano FC-RS200, 50/34T
Bottom Bracket: Shimano Sealed Cartridge
Brakeset: Promax Decode R Flat Mount Twin Piston Disc
Brake Levers: Shimano
Handlebar: Opus Gold Adventure
Stem: Opus Bronze
Bar Tape: Velo VexGel
Seatpost: Opus Bronze 27.2 X 300
Saddle: Opus Endurance
Extras: Blackburn Local Deluxe Rear Rack, KCNC Through Axles
Sizes: XXS-XS-S-M-L-XL
Color: Army Green/Black
Weight (claimed): 26.2 lbs
Warranty: limited lifetime warranty for the original, registered owner on frame and fork
More info: opusbike.com
Opus Spark Photo Gravel Bike Photo Gallery:
Rack and fender mounts offer versatility depending upon the rider’s needs. © Cyclocross Magazine
