This special model, created in collaboration with British fashion designer Paul Smith, is a real eye-catcher. Factor Bikes has given the Ostro VAM a new look: The frame of the racing bike is painted in blocks in colours that have inspired Smith in his career. These include colours in which his former racing bikes are painted. The exclusive special model of the Ostro VAM is called the Paul Smith Edition Factor.
The secret behind the colour scheme
However, the typical Paul Smith colours are by no means randomly applied to the frame. For the design, the British fashion icon and the bicycle manufacturer have come up with something special that combines the ideals of both: The arrangement of the colour blocks on the frame reflects the way in which the carbon fibres of the racing bike frame are laid. Designer and namesake Paul Smith decided to emphasise the positioning of these different carbon fibres and draw a parallel to the patterning and cut of garments in the fashion world.
The design features of Paul Smith are integrated into the entire frameset. A gold-foiled logo is located in the centre of the handlebars. The multi-coloured stripes painted along the seat post are also typical of Paul Smith. In addition, abstract, enlarged logos are attached to the fork and down tube - in keeping with the tradition of the large logos of the professional peloton.
Smith's passion for cycling
"I was a cyclist as a young man and have remained loyal to the world of cycling," says Paul Smith. "Factor is a company whose technological approach to making bikes is really impressive, so it's a great pleasure for me to personalise one of their new bikes. I hope you like it," says the fashion designer. Factor and Paul Smith share a passion for cycling and a love of detail.
Keyword detail: even the handlebar tape is customised. Paul Smith and Black Inc, Factor's components and accessories brand, worked closely together on an exclusive handlebar tape design with embossed Paul Smith logos on the tape and the handlebar plugs.
Rob Gitelis, CEO of Factor Bikes, says: "Paul Smith's passion for cycling and racing heritage is no surprise, but working closely with him and his team to develop this limited edition has shown how deep that passion goes into the detail and DNA of performance. It was particularly fitting that the special edition made its race debut at the Le Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium, followed by the Le Tour de France Saitama Criterium in Japan at the weekend - ridden by one of the greatest cyclists of this era, seven-time Grand Tour winner and Factor investor, Chris Froome."
Availability
The Paul Smith Edition Factor Ostro VAM is available exclusively from Factor dealers and selected Paul Smith stores worldwide. However, direct shipping is currently not available to Europe. It is available as a frameset, wheelset or complete bike in sizes 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 61.
Paul Smith Edition Factor: equipment variants and technical data
Equipment variants and prices
The price is currently only available in US dollars. We are endeavouring to obtain specific information on dealer prices in Germany.
- Premium Package - Frameset (6049 $)
- Premium Package - incl. wheels (8049 $)
- Paul Smith Edition Factor - with Shimano Ultegra (9149 $)
- Paul Smith Edition Factor - with Sram Force + power meter (9349 $)
- Paul Smith Edition Factor - with Sram Red (11.049 $)
- Paul Smith Edition Factor - with Shimano Dura Ace (11.049 $)
- Paul Smith Edition Factor - with Sram Red + power meter (11.449 $)
Technical data - manufacturer's specifications
- Weight of complete wheel: less than 6.8 kilograms possible
- Frame weight: 830 grams (painted, size 54)
- Fork: Ostro Wide Stance Fork
- Stem: CeramicSpeed SLT 1-1/8″
- Reach/Drop: 80 mm/120 mm
- Crank handle: 170-175 mm
- Frame sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61
- Prices: 6049 to $11,449
Maik Schröder
Editor
