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Lightweight road bikes from 6.5 to 6.8 kilosFactor 02 VAM on test

Jens Klötzer

 · 30.10.2023

Factor 02 VAM, 6.5 kilos
Photo: Matthias Borchers
With the advent of disc brakes, the days of six-kilogram racing bikes seemed to be over. But the designers are working feverishly to make the racers lighter again than the UCI allows. We have tested six - unfortunately rather expensive - candidates and they show the current status. The Factor 02 VAM is the lightest complete bike in the test at just over 6.5 kilos. However, it shows weaknesses in terms of stiffness - consequently, there is a weight restriction for riders up to 90 kilos.

The British-Taiwanese brand launched a new brand in the context of this year's Tour de France the new edition of the Factor O2 VAM lightweight model. The bike was developed by none other than multiple Tour winner Chris Froome, who is also one of the brand's investors.

Pure riding fun: Super-light bikes like the Factor inspire with their light-footed acceleration and playful handling.Photo: Markus Greber/SkyshotPure riding fun: Super-light bikes like the Factor inspire with their light-footed acceleration and playful handling.

The elegantly designed frameset is almost 100 grams heavier than its predecessor, but its tube cross-sections are supposed to outshine the competition in terms of aerodynamics, according to the manufacturer. Factor was unable to fulfil this promise in wind tunnel tests, which is only partly due to the relatively flat rims. When measured with higher reference wheels (Zipp 404), the O2 can at least catch up with the fastest competitors from Bianchi, Canyon and Storck.

As is expected of top racers today, the lines at the front are all neatly integrated. The riding position is comparatively uprightPhoto: Matthias BorchersAs is expected of top racers today, the lines at the front are all neatly integrated. The riding position is comparatively upright

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 test, with a weight of 6520 grams even including a power meter. The overall picture is diminished by moderate stiffness values, the restriction to riders weighing a maximum of 90 kilos is consistent. With its comparatively upright riding position and well-sprung seat post, the Factor O2 could also pass as an endurance road bike.

Graceful: The slim seat dome on the Factor O2 VAM saves some weight and provides excellent suspension.Photo: Matthias BorchersGraceful: The slim seat dome on the Factor O2 VAM saves some weight and provides excellent suspension.

Technical data and notes Factor 02 VAM

Manufacturer information

  • Price: 13,922 euros
  • Frame sizes**: 45, 49, 52, 54, 56 (tested size), 58, 61 cm

Weights and geometry

  • Total weight*: 6.5 kilos
  • Weight frame/fork/headset bearing*: 847/412/71 grams
  • Seat/top/head tube: 685/560/171 millimetres
  • Stack/Reach/STR***: 595/379 millimetres/1.57
  • Wheelbase/caster: 990/57 millimetres

Equipment

  • Drivetrain/gear system: 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. 984/1,324 g)

Valuation

  • PLUS: Very comfortable, very small sizes, extremely light wheels
  • MINUS: Low driving stability, maximum permissible rider weight 90 kilograms

TOUR grade: 2.1

Factor 02 VAM ratingPhoto: TOUR-Testabteilung
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*Weighed weights

**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.

***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright riding position.

****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.

Jens Klötzer

Jens Klötzer is a qualified industrial engineer and TOUR's expert for components of all kinds: brakes, gears, wheels and tyres - Jens puts everything through its paces. He collects historic racing bikes and owns both a modern time trial bike and a titanium gravel touring bike. When travelling, he likes to explore unknown roads in Eastern Europe - on wide but fast tyres.

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