Factor Bikes - A Very Brief History
Factor Bikes has one of the most unique origin stories in cycling. The company traces its roots back to 2007 in Norfolk, England, where it began as an offshoot of BF1 Systems—a company that specialized in creating advanced carbon fiber components for Formula 1 teams, including Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, and Maserati. When you're engineering steering wheels for F1 cars and components for aerospace applications, building the world's most advanced bicycle becomes an intriguing showcase of your capabilities.
That motorsport and aerospace DNA runs through every Factor frame to this day. In 2015, Rob Gitelis, a veteran of the carbon bike industry with decades of experience, acquired Factor with a singular vision: to build the best bikes in the world. Under his leadership, Factor established their own manufacturing facility, giving them complete control over design, development, and production—a rarity in the cycling industry.
TLDR: Skip to the Bike Details
- Factor Road Bikes
- Factor Gravel Bikes
- Factor Triathlon & Time Trial Bikes
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Factor Mountain Bikes
*Photo credit: Factor Bikes
Today, Factor's North American headquarters sits right in our backyard in Boulder, Colorado, placing them at the heart of one of the country's most passionate cycling communities.
The brand has earned World Tour credentials sponsoring teams who've competed at the highest level, including Le Tour de France. Their bikes have also been ridden to victories at races from Paris-Roubaix to Unbound Gravel.
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Factor Bikes - Understanding the Lineup
Unlike many brands that use numeric hierarchies, Factor takes a more nuanced approach to naming. Each model name reflects its character or purpose rather than a simple performance tier. Here's what you need to know:
The "VAM" Designation: When you see "VAM" attached to a model name (like OSTRO VAM or O2 VAM), this indicates Factor's highest-performance carbon layup. These frames utilize premium materials and advanced manufacturing techniques for maximum stiffness-to-weight ratios. Think of VAM models as the top-tier offering within that particular bike's category.
Model Philosophy: Factor doesn't believe in "entry-level" bikes. Every frame that leaves their facility represents their commitment to performance and quality. The differences between models are about specialization and application rather than better or worse. Whether you're on an O2 or an OSTRO VAM, you're riding a bike developed with WorldTour-level engineering and manufacturing.
Factor Bikes - The Lineup by Category
Factor Road Bikes
ONE, OSTRO VAM, O2 VAM, O2, Monza
Factor ONE:
Category: Road // Subcategory: Aero Road // Race
There's no mistaking the intent behind the latest race machine to roll out of the Factor R&D lab. The latest generation of the Factor ONE blows the doors off conventional engineering in what could be described as the result of a marriage between an aero road bike and an F1 fighter jet. The obscenely massive bayonet fork, the revolutionary handlebar design and fit system, and the unique geometry designed to provide better control for the modern day position of road racers - every inch of this bike designed with the goal of delivering the fastest and most confident race bike on the road.
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Often compared with: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8, Trek Madone SLR, Canyon Aeroad CFR, BMC Teammachine R 01, Cannondale SystemSix, Cervelo S5, Scott Foil RC
2026 Factor ONE Geometry Size 47 52 54 56 58 A Stack 503 523 542 565 587 B Reach 390 396 404 412 421 C Head Tube Angle 72.5° 73.3° 73.3° 73.3° 73.3° D BB Drop 77 77 75 75 75 E Trail 57.4 58 58 58 58 F Fork Rake/Offset 48 43 43 43 43 G Chainstay Length 405 405 405 405 408 H Wheelbase 974 974 988 1003 1022 I Seat Tube Angle (STA) 76.5° 76° 76° 75.5° 75.5° Factor OSTRO VAM:
Category: Road // Subcategory: All-Road Performance
The OSTRO VAM is Factor's "everything bike," and it lives up to that billing. This is the frame that refuses to make compromises, blending the aerodynamics of a dedicated aero bike, the weight of a pure climbing machine, and the compliance of an endurance frame into one package. It's light enough to dance up mountain passes, aero enough to hold speed on the flats, and comfortable enough for all-day epics. With clearance for 32mm tires, it's ready for rough roads and cobbled classics alike. Team Israel-Premier Tech races these across every terrain imaginable, which tells you everything about its versatility. If you're the type of rider who wants one bike to rule them all, this is it.
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Often compared with: Specialized Tarmac SL8, Older Specialized Venge, Trek Madone SLR, Canyon Aeroad CFR, Pinarello Dogma F, Colnago V4Rs, BMC Teammachine
2025 Factor Ostro VAM Geometry Size 45 49 52 54 56 58 61 Stack 502 503 523 542 565 587 611 Reach 360 370 376 384 392 401 409 Head Tube Angle 71.1° 71.1° 72.5° 72.5° 73.3° 73.3° 73.3° BB Drop 72 72 72 70 70 70 70 Trail 58 58 58 58 58.6 58.6 58.6 Fork Rake/Offset 57 53 48 48 43 43 43 Chainstay Length 405 405 405 405 405 408 410 Wheelbase 970 969 971 985 987 1006 1022 Bike Standover Height 726 737 762 781 804 817 840 Seat Tube Length 432 454 483 502 524 531 554 Seat Tube Angle 75.5° 74.5° 74° 74° 73.5° 73.5° 73.5° Factor Monza:
Category: Road // Subcategory: Aero Road
The Factor Monza is designed to bring performance to the demands of the everyday rider. If for various reasons you can't have a garage full of road bikes the Monza was created to check the box's for a crit racing, canyon climbing, aerodynamic, century-tackling jack-of-all-trades of a road bike.
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Often compared with: Specialized Venge (older generation), Cannondale SystemSix, Trek Madone, Giant Propel, Pinarello Bolide TR
2026 Factor Monza Geometry Size 45 49 52 54 56 58 61 Stack 502 514 535 552 574 597 611 Reach 360 367 373 381 389 401 410 Head Tube Angle 71.1° 71.7° 72.5° 72.5° 73.3° 73.3° 73.3° BB Drop 72 72 72 70 70 70 70 Trail 58 58 58 58 58.6 58.6 58.6 Fork Rake/Offset 57 53 48 48 43 43 43 Chainstay Length 405 405 405 405 405 408 410 Wheelbase 970 969 971 985 987 1006 1022 Bike Standover Height 726 742 765 786 803 830 842 Seat Tube Length 428 450 474 498 519 541 553 Seat Tube Angle 75.5° 74.5° 74° 74° 73.5° 73.5° 73.5° Factor O2 VAM:
Category: Road // Subcategory: Aero Climbing
The O2 VAM represents Factor's answer to the eternal climbing bike question: what if we made it aero too? This is an aero climbing bike where nothing this light is this fast, and nothing this fast is this light. The frame combines low weight with aerodynamic tube shaping and Factor's signature attention to stiffness and handling. It's the bike you want when the road points up, but it's sophisticated enough to perform beautifully on flats and descents too. The smooth ride quality and efficient power transfer make it ideal for big mountain days, whether you're tackling an Étape or exploring alpine passes. If your favorite rides involve significant elevation gain and you refuse to sacrifice speed, the O2 VAM deserves serious consideration.
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Often compared with: Specialized Tarmac SL8, Canyon Ultimate CFR, Scott Addict RC, Wilier Filante SLR, Pinarello Dogma F
2025 Factor O2 VAM Geometry Size 45 49 52 54 56 58 61 Stack 502 514 535 552 574 597 611 Reach 360 367 373 381 389 401 410 Head Tube Angle 71.1° 71.7° 72.5° 72.5° 73.3° 73.3° 73.3° BB Drop 72 72 72 70 70 70 70 Trail 58 58 58 58 58.6 58.6 58.6 Fork Rake/Offset 57 53 48 48 43 43 43 Chainstay Length 405 405 405 405 405 408 410 Wheelbase 970 969 971 985 987 1006 1022 Bike Stand Over Height 713 728 759 784 809 830 848 Seat Tube Length 560 580 620 650 680 700 720 Seat Tube Angle 75.5° 74.5° 74° 74° 73.5° 73.5° 73.5° Saddle rail height (min-max) w/STD mast: 0 offset (110mm) 560-630 580-650 620-690 650-720 680-750 700-770 720-790 w/ STD mast: 25 offset (120mm) 570-640 590-660 630-700 660-730 690-760 710-780 730-800 w/ SHORT mast: 0 offset (60mm) 510-580 530-600 570-640 600-670 630-700 650-720 670-740 w/ SHORT mast: 25 offset (70mm) 520-590 540-610 580-650 610-680 680-710 660-730 680-750 w/ LONG mast: 0 offset (150mm) 600-670 620-690 660-730 690-760 720-790 740-810 760-830 w/ LONG mast: 25 offset (160mm) 610-680 630-700 670-740 700-770 730-800 750-820 770-840 Factor O2:
Category: Road // Subcategory: All-Road
The O2 shares geometry and design language with the O2 VAM but uses a different carbon layup that prioritizes compliance and value. This is Factor's versatile all-rounder, a bike that earned podiums at both the Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix in its first generation—a testament to its incredible range. With 30mm tire clearance, it's ideal for UK-style rough roads and year-round training. The O2 delivers light weight, comfortable ride quality, and sharp handling at a more accessible price point. If you're looking for a high-performance road bike that can handle everything from centuries to crits without breaking the bank, the O2 is hard to beat.
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Often compared with: Trek Emonda, Specialized Tarmac (non-SL8), Canyon Ultimate CF, Giant TCR Advanced, Cannondale SuperSix EVO
2025 Factor O2 Geometry Size 49 52 54 56 58 Stack 503 523 542 565 587 Reach 370 376 384 392 401 Head Tube Angle 71.3° 71.6° 73.1° 73.3° 73.3° BB Drop 75 70 70 70 70 Trail 60 58 59 58 58 Fork Rake/Offset 53 53 43 43 43 Chainstay Length 406 406 406 406 410 Wheelbase 970 982 972 985 1005 Bike Standover Height 727 750 772 794 820 Seat Tube Length 455 480 503 526 548 Seat Tube Angle 74° 73° 73° 73° 73° Factor Gravel Bikes
Aluto, OSTRO Gravel, LS
Factor OSTRO Gravel:
Category: Gravel // Subcategory: Gravel Race
The OSTRO Gravel takes the "win everywhere" mentality of its road racing sibling and translates it to mixed surfaces. This is Factor's gravel race bike, engineered with the same obsessive attention to aerodynamics, stiffness, and weight as their WorldTour machines. With 45mm tire clearance, it's ready for proper gravel, but throw on a set of 32s and it transforms into an excellent road bike. The frame has been making serious waves in the American gravel scene at events like Unbound and the Lifetime Grand Prix series. If you want a gravel bike that rides like a race bike and can pull double-duty on the road, this is your machine. It's fast, focused, and ready to attack.
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Often compared with: Specialized Crux, 3T Exploro RaceMax, Cervélo Aspero, Canyon Grail CF SLX, Open WI.DE., Allied Able
2025 Factor OSTRO Gravel Geometry Size 49 52 54 56 58 61 Stack 515 535 555 580 605 625 Reach 377 385 394 402 412 422 Head Tube Angle 71.2° 71.3° 72.2° 72.3° 72.3° 72.3° BB drop 76 76 74 74 74 74 Trail 62 62 61 61 61 61 Fork Rake/Offset 56 56 50 50 50 50 Chainstay Length 420 420 420 423 425 425 Wheelbase 999 1013 1014 1029 1047 1069 Bike Standover Height 750 767 786 802 820 847 Seat Tube Length 450 468 483 500 523 545 Seat Tube Angle 74.5° 74° 74° 73.5° 73.5° 73.5° Factor LS:
Category: Gravel // Subcategory: Gravel Race
The LS is a no-compromise gravel race bike. Factor makes this clear: if you want to carry a tent and stove, look elsewhere. This bike is for riders coming from road racing who want that same aggressive geometry, sharp power transfer, and responsive handling on gravel roads and trails. With 43mm tire clearance, three bottle mounts, and top tube storage, it's equipped for long gravel epics without sacrificing race-ready performance. The LS is compatible with both 1x and 2x drivetrains, electronic and mechanical, giving you flexibility to set it up exactly how you want. If you approach gravel riding with a racer's mentality and don't need gimmicks, the LS delivers pure performance.
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Often compared with: Specialized Crux, Cervélo Aspero, Trek Checkpoint SLR, Santa Cruz Stigmata, Open U.P.
2025 Factor LS Geometry Size 49 52 54 56 58 Stack 530 547 566 585 605 Reach 372 378 383 392 401 Head Tube Angle 71.5° 71.9° 72.3° 72.3° 72.3° BB Drop 76 76 76 76 76 Trail 60-61 60-61 59-60 59-60 59-60 Fork Rake/Offset 50 50 50 50 50 Chainstay Length 420 420 420 420 420 Wheelbase 990 998 1005 1020 1035 Bike Standover Height 748 772 789 809 831 Seat Tube Length 455 481 507 527 552 Seat Tube Angle 74.5° 74° 73.5° 73.5° 73.5° Factor Aluto:
Category: Gravel // Subcategory: Race Gravel
The latest edition to the Factor gravel line-up is the Aluto. With a steep head-tube and short wheelbase, the Aluto enters Factor into the gravel super-bike arena. Gravel is one of the fastest evolving disciplines of cycling currently. Similar to road and mountain, gravel riders have split into various sub-categories: those passionate for pushing terrain limits of what a drop bar bike is capable of and exploring the unknown and those craving the taste of iron, red-lining, and chasing segment crowns. The Aluto caters to the latter.
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Often compared with: Trek Checkmate, Specialized Crux, Canyon Grail CFR, Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE
2026 Factor Aluto Geometry Size 49 52 54 56 58 61 Stack 530 547 565 585 605 625 Reach 377 385 393 402 412 422 Head Tube Angle 71.5° 71.9° 72° 72° 72° 73° BB Drop 80 80 78 78 78 78 Trail 64.4 61.8 61.2 61.2 61.2 61.2 Fork Rake/Offset 50 50 50 50 50 50 Chainstay Length 420 420 420 423 425 425 Wheelbase 992.6 1002.5 1016.5 1035 1053 1070 Bike Standover Height 749.5 770 793 812 833 850.5 Seat Tube Length 455 480 505 525 549 565 Seat Tube Angle 74.5° 74° 74° 73.5° 73.5° 73.5° Factor Triathlon & Time Trial Bikes
HANZŌ, SLiCK
Factor HANZŌ:
Category: Time Trial / Triathlon // Subcategory: Pure Speed
The HANZŌ represents Factor's latest evolution in the pursuit of speed against the clock. Factor's engineering team was among the first to capitalize on revised UCI design regulations, resulting in an ultra-narrow frontal area and extended airfoil profiles that slice through air like a scalpel. The wide-stance fork and seatstays are specifically designed to manage airflow around the spinning wheels—one of the biggest drag sources on any bike. The elegant mono-riser cockpit isn't just beautiful; it's measurably more aerodynamic, stiffer, easier to adjust, and compatible with leading aftermarket extensions. Despite the aero focus, the frame remains stiff, responsive, and confidence-inspiring. This is the bike for time trialists chasing podiums and PBs.
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Often compared with: Cervélo P5, Specialized Shiv, Trek Speed Concept, Canyon Speedmax CFR, BMC Timemachine
2025 Factor Hanzo Geometry S M L XL Stack 501 516 541 566 Reach 390 405 419 440 Head Tube Angle 72° 72.5° 72.5° 72.5° BB Drop 72 72 72 72 Trail 64 60 60 60 Fork Rake/Offset 45 45 45 45 Chainstay Length 405 405 405 405 Wheelbase 975 991 1012 1041 Bike Standover Height n/a n/a n/a n/a Seat Tube Length 491 510 535 560 Seat Tube Angle 78° 78° 78° 78° Min Pad Stack 554 572 597 622 Min Pad Reach at Min Pad Stack 387 398 412 433 Max Pad Reach at Min Pad Stack 585 596 611 632 Max Pad Stack 652 671 695 719 Min Pad Reach at Max Pad Stack 356 366 381 402 Max Pad Reach at Max Pad Stack 556 567 582 604 Factor SLiCK:
Category: Triathlon // Subcategory: Triathlon Specific
The SLiCK is designed for the unique demands of triathlon, where performance between T1 and T2 matters, but so does having enough left for the run. The frame offers an enormous range of adjustment to help you dial in that sweet spot between power, comfort, and aerodynamics. Integrated storage solutions—including a seat-tube mounted Carbon Stora-Pak, direct-mount top tube bag, and between-the-arms bottle mount—let you carry what you need without adding drag. The stiff, precise frame delivers confident handling that lets you stay in the extensions longer, while Factor's signature Twin Vane EVO downtube and Widestance seatstays provide world-class aerodynamics. If you're a triathlete who wants a bike that understands the specific demands of the sport, the SLiCK delivers.
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Often compared with: Cervélo P-Series, Specialized Shiv, Trek Speed Concept, Canyon Speedmax CF, Felt IA, Quintana Roo PRSix
2025 Factor Slick Geometry Size 48 52 54 56 58 Stack 470 495 520 545 570 Reach 385 400 415 430 445 Head Tube Angle 71.5° 72.5° 72.5° 72.5° 72.5° BB Drop 78 78 76 76 76 Trail 61 62 62 62 62 Fork Rake/Offset 51 43 43 43 43 Chainstay Length 405 405 405 405 405 Wheelbase 968 975 998 1021 1044 Bike Standover Height 725 750 777 802 882 Seat Tube Length 478 504 530 556 582 Seat Tube Angle 76° 76° 76 76° 76° Factor Mountain Bikes
LANDO XC, LANDO HT
Factor LANDO XC:
Category: Mountain // Subcategory: Cross-Country Full Suspension
The LANDO XC is Factor's lightweight full-suspension race machine, built with modern XC geometry and suspension that works in harmony for maximum efficiency and speed. This is the bike for riders coming from road or gravel who want to apply that same fast, fitness-focused riding style to off-road terrain. Whether you're racing XC marathons or chasing fastest known times on your local trails, the LANDO XC delivers the stiffness, responsiveness, and low weight that roadies expect, adapted for dirt.
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Often compared with: Specialized Epic, Trek Top Fuel, Canyon Lux, Santa Cruz Blur, BMC Fourstroke
2025 Factor Lando XC Geometry 120mm travel S M L XL Stack 594.5 599 608 619 Reach 410 430 460 490 Head Tube Angle 67° 67° 67° 67° BB Drop 40 40 40 40 Trail 95.5 95.5 95.5 95.5 Fork Rake/Offset 51 51 51 51 Chainstay Length 435 435 435 435 Wheelbase 1128 1150 1184 1218 Bike Standover Height 725 770 781 812 Seat Tube Length n/a n/a n/a n/a Seat Tube Angle 75.5° 75.5° 75.5° 75.2° Min Saddle 612 652 692 732 Max Saddle 712 756 800 844 Factor LANDO HT:
Category: Mountain // Subcategory: Cross-Country Hardtail
The LANDO HT takes the minimalist approach, delivering a lightweight hardtail that prioritizes stiffness-to-weight in a clean, purposeful package. For XC racers or gravel riders who want to go even faster off-road, the hardtail setup provides maximum efficiency. It's the purist's choice—less to maintain, more direct power transfer, and the kind of simplicity that lets you focus entirely on going fast.
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Often compared with: Specialized Epic Hardtail, Trek Procaliber, Santa Cruz Highball, Canyon Exceed, Cannondale Scalpel HT
2025 Factor Lando HT Geometry 110 MM travel XS S M L Stack 609 613.5 618.5 633 Reach 394 415 445 476 Head Tube Angle 68.5° 68.5° 68.5° 68.5° BB Drop 56.5 56.5 54.5 54.5 Trail n/a n/a n/a n/a Fork Rake/Offset 51 51 51 51 Chainstay Length 430 430 430 430 Wheelbase 1092 1115 1147 1184 Bike Standover Height n/a n/a n/a n/a Seat Tube Length 430 446 462 478 Seat Tube Angle 74.5° 74° 73.5° 73.5°
About Factor Bikes
Factor Bikes brings Formula 1 engineering and aerospace manufacturing expertise to cycling, with their North American headquarters located in Boulder, Colorado. Every Factor frame is designed, developed, and manufactured in their own facility, ensuring complete quality control and allowing them to push the boundaries of what's possible with carbon fiber. From WorldTour podiums with Team Israel-Premier Tech to gravel victories at Unbound, Factor bikes are engineered to win—and to deliver that same performance to riders who demand the very best.
