Crank length was also 172.5. Even on double-digit gradients the turn of speed was rapid when squeezing out more watts.
We also use materials from [Japanese carbon company] Toray, which we consider the best for many applications in the frame.’The frame production also utilises a completely new ‘carbon compaction’ method during the moulding process, whereby the carbon sheets are pressed into the metal mould.‘We use a Styrofoam preform that is dipped in liquid latex, which then becomes the bladder,’ Gitelis explains.
I'm sure you've heard that before but the difference is you can impose your will on this thing and it handles so well. In terms of components, Dura Ace Di2 covers it and Fizik and Continental are the saddle and tires. First thing you need to know is that the bike I rode is the O2 and it is a size big for me.
My only squabble is the front wheel can get a bit noisy when braking fast. At the same time, Gitelis promises the advanced carbon fibre used in the frame gives greater rigidity and dialled-in comfort despite the lower overall weight.‘We use a large spread-tow fibre from Textreme as the innermost layers, rather than as an outer layer,’ says Gitelis. Our full build in a size 56 came in at 6.6kg. Right out of the saddle out the door it handles the weight I put on it and when weight is shifted, it holds the direction just fine. This was done by slimming down some of the tubing profiles and taking what were already very premium materials and going three steps further.’The VAM is indeed astoundingly light. The bike cuts a very similar silhouette to the O2 Disc, but while the changes are subtle, they are definitely there.‘We’ve expanded the tyre clearance to comfortably fit 30mm,’ says Factor co-founder and chief engineer Rob Gitelis. That's like a Ferrari...ahh, you get it. This is a chessboard-style woven carbon fibre often used on the exterior of a frame for decorative purposes. It’s no wonder Dan Martin took to the bike so well.The one caveat here is the wheelset, which flexed under hard efforts on climbs – so much so that one of my riding partners commented on the rim twisting from side to side during one punchy effort. ‘We use boron through the seat tube to add some extra compliance and prevent any buckling from such a thin wall. Usually more popular with the super masters as the bikes are always more high end.People interested in this bike only want the best. The Rapha Classic cycling shoes go beyond style by providing supreme comfort and performance too Give me an aluminum mechanical machine any day to race in the rain but this bike?
Former head of British Cycling and past president of the UCI suggests Groenewegen wasn't solely Not because the Factor won't perform but rather it's almost too nice, like artwork. Let's get one thing straight. Next you can get the rolling chassis which gets you everything from the chassis but with the wheels. In terms of component options you get a choice of Sram Etap or Di2 but more on that later.
It doesn't use a standard 3 or 4mm allen key but rather a more specific star key. Factor states the O2 VAM frame has been designed to work with standardised kit as well, with the weight-saving benefits coming directly from the frame itself. First you can go for the Chassis which gets you the frame, seat post, saddle and integrated cockpit. I suspect a more rigid aero wheelset would give the bike an even racier character, although it would also add a few grams.While money can be a hot potato when it comes to a superbike like this, the VAM’s pricing is a bit of an oddity. ‘Because the latex bladder can expand so much more than a traditional plastic bladder we can put much higher psi into it, and therefore remove a bit more of the resin content from the material and get better compaction. "Take The Risk or Lose the Chance" is the mantra that Rider Romain Bardet has on his Factor O2 top tube. Am I or most riders good enough to see all this machine has to offer?
It has everything you want on it minus a power meter and nothing you don't. Keep in mine I was running a standard 53X39 with an 11X28 in the bike. If I only dropped ten pounds, I would be setting new PR's up climbs at will.On the descents the bikes wheels are nimble and light. This is a very specific company.