Among all the aerodynamic bikes for the route or triathlon offered on the market today, the Factor One stands out for the originality of its design. As we were able to see at the end of our test, This is not the least of its qualities.
By Guillaume Peephole – Photos: Sylvain Pigeau @3bikes.fr
If we are to believe the reactions to the route from the cyclists we met or who accompanied us on our outings with the Factor One, here it is a bike that arouses curiosity and desire (without this being pejorative) and sympathy. An expensive bike – probably too expensive – but which reveals a side innovative and original, which can be explained by the very history of the Factor brand and its current owners. Because beyond the totally subjective impressions that a well-conducted marketing campaign and a very attractive general presentation can leave, it is necessary to reconborn that Factor One is the image of the brand, holder of a strong identity.
| Factor, international brand Factor is an English brand originally, launched by engineers from the automotive world, and which distinguished itself in 2012 by creating a totally innovative bike by breaking free from UCI rules, but extremely expensive (nearly €30) and probably too far ahead of its time to be successful. The One-000 was then supplanted by the Vis Vires, a bit more consensual and above all a bit more affordable. However, this bike retained some of the original characteristics established by the creators of the brand, in terms of aerodynamic qualities and handling. Then came two versions of the One, including the model we testhere, before exploring other terrains with the O2 for the montagne (with which Romain Bardet finished third in the 2017 Tour de France), the Slick purely for time trials, and more recently the Vista for Gravel. It was at the time of the Vis Vires that Factor was looking for a specialist carbon manufacturer, and found one in the person of Rob Gitelis, a Briton who had been living in Taiwan for 25 years and owned a factory that employed 1000 people to manufacture for Cervélo, Scott, Canyon, Argon 18, Zipp and Enve. Tired of the profitability demands of some of his customers, he seized the opportunity to take control of Factor, teamed up with former pro Baden Cooke, chose David Millar as an ambassador, and became the owner. Although he now only has around a hundred employees, all of them are now dedicated to the Factor brand, between the R & D and the actual manufacturing. Between the design offices and production there is only one step, both in terms of decision-making and geographical proximity, from the launch of prototypes to tests on the ground, or even feedback of information as to the evolution of manufacturing. This direct relationship is extremely rare in the bicycle industry, even at the top of the range. |
A two-piece down tube
Among the two striking original features of the One and directly derived from the brand's first models is this famous diagonal tube Twin Vane Evo, separated into two parts.
Initially designed to gain rigidity without sacrificing weight, it actually proved to be very efficient aerodynamically. Which is easy to imagine without even going through the study of fluids that was necessary to validate the concept: the air flow is thus diffused around the double tube, and the opening offers less resistance. This same flow of external air to the Twin Vane Evo, coming from the slightly arched fork legs, is then directed towards the seat stays, which are also slightly spaced from the frame axis.
The “central” flow, which passes inside the tube, goes around the profiled seat tube. Ultimately, the air is channeled to provide less resistance, and therefore more performance.. The fact remains that this particular architecture exposes you in case of rain, with splashes that risk coming directly from the front wheel, which could theoretically therefore soil the cans. Note however that we did not have the opportunity to testand these conditions.
A complete system at the front
The other originality of the Factor One is its entire front part named OTIS, with an external pivot fork, a pilot stationtage monocoque, and a fixing system independent of the headset adjustment. Thus, cables, wires or hoses for the transmission or brakes pass inside the socket to enter directly into the tubes.
Here we have a One equipped with rim brakes and an old-generation Shimano Dura-Ace transmission, but with a Di2 hydraulic disc group, no cables would be visible. To adjust the height of the rider positiontage, a system of shims allows the rise without having to dismantle the cables or wires, these running inside the handlebar if necessary, then in the socket passing through the inside of the stem.
This external steerer fork, in addition to its tapered shape on the front of the frame's head tube, brings rigidity and stability to the rider's position.tagand to the whole bike.
This external steerer fork, in addition to its tapered shape on the front of the frame's head tube, brings rigidity and stability to the rider's position.tagand to the whole bike.
The only inconvenience in use comes from the lack of possibility of steering: it is not annoying when riding, but complicates the storage of the bike in the trunk of a car or a cover for transport. Note the presence of small buffers to prevent the external socket from damaging the steering socket by turning the handlebars fully. A precaution that reminds the high technicality of the carbon fibers used, light and very rigid, but which can also be brittle in the event of an impact.
Tubes with elaborate shapes
Factor also specifies that it has reworked the resin that binds the carbon layers to reduce the risk of breakage in the event of a fall, for example. As with all high-end frames, it would also be reductive to speak of a single type of carbon fiber for the construction of the One., taking into account the different demands to which a frame is subjected.
Tube shapes, diameters and composition are designed to manage airflow as well as lateral rigidity or vibration absorption. The result here is a BB Right format bottom bracket, wide and slightly asymmetrical, chainstays directly in line with the down tube and bottom bracket, a concave top tube, or a hollow in the seat tube to accept a tire up to 28 mm in section and a seat post clamp hidden in a triangle connecting the seat and top tubes. A complex but effective achievement on the route.
Speed and stability
Sold first as a frame kit (with the pilot stationtage) at €5590, the Factor One tested here is fitted with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9050 groupset, which is an older generation, but supported by the latest Black Inc. Fifty clincher wheels, with their 45 mm deep rims and their original Ceramic Speed bearings.
Moreover, The One also comes with Ceramic Speed bottom bracket bearings, while for the occasion the group's derailleur is also upgraded with pebbles of the same brand.
Apart from the cables and the Di2 connection box visible in front of the pilot stationtage, it should be noted that there is nothing to say in terms of precision, fluidity and efficiency of the transmission. In terms of braking too, since the calipers in Direct Mount are very efficient with Black Inc rims. Although fixed in essence, the pilot's posttagThe monobloc is particularly comfortable regardless of the position of the hands adopted.. It is in any case very rigid, as is the entire front part of the bike.
While the initial sensation of dancing at low speed is surprising due to the offset of the fork steerer in front of the bushing, the bike seems to come to life as the speed increases.
The bike seems to come to life as the speed of travel increases
On descents and at high speeds, it's a treat. It is stable, precise and reassuring, and encourages you to take an angle in the bends.. It is helped by the feeling of comfort it gives off, which is particularly surprising for a bike of this type. The irregularities of the bitumen are very correctly absorbed, whether at the level of the saddle or the pilot position.tage. And the bike never seems to want to bounce on the routeIt is laterally rigid enough to effectively support big starts, without being as lively and nervous as some of its competitors.
On the other hand, while the central part of the bike doesn't seem completely locked around the bottom bracket, it forgives a few gearing errors. The bike is therefore quite versatile, and can take you close to some high percentages.tages. Only its weight, a little above average for a bike of this price, prevents it from being truly airy. But there is the O2 for that in the Factor range. The One is a bike designed for riding fast on the flat with minimal energy loss, or for cruiser on a hilly course with a very good average. All with class and distinction while preserving comfort and a feeling of security. With the latest generation One, Factor does not distort the Grand Tourisme spirit dear to the creators of the brand, who come from the world of luxury automobiles.
| FACTOR ONE |
| NOTE: ***** THE +: stability, comfort, braking, tube work, Grand Tourisme spirit, technical solutions, colors THE - : weight, price FRAME : RGi Carbon
PRICE : 5590 € frame kit and pilot stationtage (approximately €11 complete) |
| CONTACT: www.factorbikes.fr et www.dagg.fr |
-> SEE AS WELL : All our tests Equipment
