The Factor 02 VAM is a sub-700g disc frame

The Factor 02 VAM is a sub-700g disc frame

New chassis is up there with the lightest of the light

The Factor O2 VAM Disc is reported to be among the lightest production road disc frames on the market at sub-700g

Factor Bikes

Mildred Locke

Published: June 7, 2019 at 11:06 am

Factor Bikes has launched a new disc road bike frame that reportedly weighs under 700g (for an unspecified frame size), making it one of the lightest production frames of its kind.

The new O2 VAM — an abbreviation of ‘velocità ascensionale media’ (‘average ascent speed’) — is a disc road frame whose name hints at its potential climbing capabilities, thanks to what Factor is calling a manufacturing breakthrough.

How is the Factor O2 VAM so light?

Using a new method of carbon compression moulding, Factor claims it has removed a significant amount of weight from the carbon layup of the frame. It says its method of applying incredibly high levels of pressure to remove excess resin resulted in carbon layers that retained their strength while being seriously compacted.

On top of this, the brand has incorporated other stiffening materials into the layup, including TeXtreme, Nippon Graphite pitch fibre and boron fibre. The new O2 VAM frame is claimed to be both lighter and stronger than the O2, while retaining the compliance of the Vista.

Factor O2 VAM price, spec and availability

Factor Bikes O2 VAM disc front angle
There are options for rim or disc brakes, and electronic or mechanical shifting - Factor Bikes

In addition to the new carbon layup, the successor to the O2 also features increased tyre clearance — reportedly taking up to 30mm in width — as well as improved cable routing and integration. The geometry, which was originally developed in conjunction with WorldTour athletes, remains unchanged.

Weight-weenies will no doubt enjoy the challenge of building the lightest possible setup they can, and of course the O2 VAM comes with a Naked-UD Carbon finish.

But you don’t have to have access to ultralight components in order to benefit from the weight savings. 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.

  • Brakes: rim and disc brake options
  • Drivetrain: mechanical and electronic compatible
  • Sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 61cm
  • Price: starts at $5,499.99 for the chassis (includes the frame, fork, seatpost, stem, CeramicsSpeed bottom bracket and headset)

Mildred Locke

Contributor

Mildred’s a utilitarian cyclist at heart, determined to do everything on two wheels, whether it’s shopping, commuting or moving house. She’s spent the past three years volunteering as a mechanic and workshop coordinator at the Bristol Bike Project, and now sits on its board of directors. Her expertise in bikes — and what people want out of them — comes from working in real-world bike shops and learning the ins and outs of the industry. At home on slicks and knobblies alike, Mildred’s ideal ride covers long distances through remote countryside, on mixed terrain that offers a bit of crunch. She’s easily won over by steel frames coupled with a 650B/plus-tyre combo, and is currently riding a Surly Bridge Club.
This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
© Our Media 2024