The New Chapter2 AO (Sea Otter Classic 2019)

We’re live at the Sea Otter Classic bike festival this weekend. Here’s the first of many posts to come. New Zealand-based bike company CHAPTER2 just released the AO, a carbon gravel/all-road bike with a few interesting features. We spent some time talking to the company and taking photos. Here are the details…

After competing at a high level in BMX, downhill, XC, and road cycling for almost four decades, New Zealander Michael Pryde decided to start a bike company. CHAPTER2 was originally launched with just three road bike frames and a unique carbon handlebar. However, here at Sea Otter Classic, CHAPTER2 launched a new frameset intended for gravel and more off the beaten path cycling, the AO—Maori for “Earth.” Here are a handful of shots from the festival, along with some details…

CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike

The CHAPTER2 AO features a BSA threaded bottom bracket shell with clearance for 650B x 47mm tires, or, using different axle inserts, 700C x 42mm. Those are claimed clearances, and it appears it has a little more wiggle room for 50mm tires in both sizes. The moveable axle plate is pretty cool, as it keeps the bike’s chainstay length pretty short when in 650B mode and can be adjusted to three different placements (+7.5mm/0mm/-7.5mm).

CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike

The “Not All Who Wander Are Lost” tagline printed on the top tube caught my eye. In addition, the CHAPTER2 AO on display featured a color-matched ORNOT handlebar bag and tool roll, as well as grenade-themed water bottles. Also, note that the AO is equipped with two bottle cage mounts in the frame triangle, a third on the underside of the downtube, and a pair on the top tube for a bolt-on bag. Unfortunately, CHAPTER2 left off mounts on the fork.

CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike

However, it does get rack and fender mounts, including this removable fender clip that attaches to the seat stays.

  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike
  • CHAPTER2 AO, carbon gravel bike

Like CHAPTER2’s other bikes, the AO is sold as a frameset only and is available in sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL, in a limited edition BRG+Orange color scheme, Matt, or Gloss Black. The company claims the size medium frame weighs 950g (+/- 3%), with the fork hitting the scales at 425g (+/- 3%). The expected MSRP is $2,639 USD (3,299 AUD) and it will be available in August/September. Learn more about CHAPTER2 over at Chapter2Bikes.com.

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Bikepacking Bikes

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