Do lightweight racing bikes still have a right to exist? Or do the specialists, which are around the weight limit set by the UCI, have no chance against faster all-rounders? We investigated this question in TOUR 12/2023 and tested six super-lightweight racers. The Factor was characterised by the lowest weight. Both in the test field and over the course of the year.
Grazile frame set of the Factor O2 VAM
The O2 VAM, which was unveiled at the Tour de France 2023, weighed in at 6520 grams. Just behind it in the weight ranking in the period from January to December were the Giant TCR Advanced SL (6540 grams), Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8 (6550 grams) and Storck Aernario.3 Platinum (6560 grams).
The development of the Factor was inspired by none other than multiple Tour winner Chris Froome, who is also one of the investors in the British-Taiwanese brand. The gracefully designed frameset is almost 100 grams heavier than its predecessor, but according to the manufacturer, its tube cross-sections are aerodynamically superior to its class rivals.
Faster competition in the wind tunnel
However, Factor cannot fulfil this promise in the wind tunnel test, which is only partly due to the relatively flat rims. When measured with higher reference wheels (Zipp 404), the O2 VAM can still be categorised as one of the fastest lightweight models from Bianchi (Specialissima RC), Canyon (Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero) and Storck (Aernario.3 Platinum) catch up.
Thanks to the carbon spokes, the extremely light wheels from our own brand Black Inc. help the O2 to the title of the lightest complete bike in the 2023 test year. Weighing in at 6520 grams, it even comes with a power meter. The overall picture is diminished by moderate stiffness values, and the restriction to riders weighing a maximum of 90 kilograms is consistent. With its comparatively upright riding position and well-sprung seat post, the Factor could also pass as an endurance road bike.
Factor O2 VAM at a glance
- TOUR grade: 2,1
- Price: 13922 Euro
- Weight: 6.5 kilogrammes
Weights & geometry
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight: 847/412/71 grammes
- Frame sizes: 45, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 (test size bolded)
- Seat/top/head tube: 685/560/171 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 595/379 millimetres/1.57
- Wheelbase/caster: 990/57 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red eTap AXS (48/35, 10-32 t.)
- Brakes: SRAM Red HRD (160/160 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights): Black Inc. 28|33/Goodyear Eagle F1 28 mm (f./h. 984/1324 g)
Measured values & individual scores
- Weight of complete wheel: 6.5 kilograms | Grade: 1.3
- Steering head stiffness: 75 Nm/° | Note: 3.3
- Lateral stiffness fork: 43 N/mm | Grade: 2.7
- Bottom bracket stiffness: 52 N/mm | Grade: 2.3
- Seatpost spring stiffness: 90 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
- Aerodynamics: 228 watts | Grade: 3.7
Best of Test 2023: The best road bikes of the year by individual category
Julian Schultz
Editor
