Direct mount brakes and a claimed 28mm tyre clearance for new aero model
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The new Factor ONE frameset (Image credit: Factor Bikes)
A look at the head cluster of the frameset(Image credit: Factor Bikes)
Along with the frameset, Factor has launched an integrated stem and handlebar system that allows internal cable routing (Image credit: Factor Bikes)
The split down tube and Wide Stance designs allow air to flow through the frame rather than just around it (Image credit: Factor Bikes)
The ONE comes with a frame-specific seatpost(Image credit: Factor Bikes)
Direct mount brakes also feature at the rear of the bike, which was previously located under the bottom bracket on earlier versions of the frame (Image credit: Factor Bikes)
Direct mount brakes allow for larger tyre clearances(Image credit: Factor Bikes)
The external steerer fork allows for internal cable routing and unlimited headset stack adjustability(Image credit: Factor Bikes)
The frameset also features a unique split down tube design, again claiming to improve aerodynamics(Image credit: Factor Bikes)
Wide Stance forks and seatstays are designed to improve aerodynamics and stiffness(Image credit: Factor Bikes)
Black Inc provides finishing kit and components for Factor(Image credit: Factor Bikes)
Factor has updated its aero frameset model for the 2018 season and see changes that focus on aerodynamic performance and stiffness.
The new Factor ONE features the same unique split down tube design seen on the previous frame design, also called the ONE, as well as direct mount brakes and common aero-frame features including aero-truncated tubing, internal cable routing and lowered seatstays.
Dubbed the 'Twin Vane Evo' down tube by Factor, the split down tube design channels air through the frame to improve aerodynamic performance, while retaining stiffness at the bottom bracket with a continuous structure from the down tube through to the chainstays.
At the front end of the bike, the ONE Total Integration System (OTIS) includes Wide Stance forks and a new steerer design, as well as an integrated aero handlebar and stem combination. The Wide Stance forks are constructed from bladed forks which aim to encourage air to flow, reduce aerodynamic resistance and increase stiffness.
The frameset also features a unique split down tube design, again claiming to improve aerodynamics
More interestingly, the OTIS steerer is an external hinge rather than a traditional fork steerer, which runs inside the head tube. Factor claims this improves stiffness while sprinting and offers more precise handling, but a key benefit is handlebar stack adjustment and internal cable routing.
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There's no steerer tube to cut — or overcut — so setup is easier and long-term adjustability possible.
The split down tube and Wide Stance designs allow air to flow through the frame rather than just around it
At the rear end of the frame, the lowered seatstays feature a similar Wide Stance design as the forks, which again allow air to flow through the bike and clearances for wider tyres.
The Factor ONE also comes with a proprietary, frame-specific seatpost that is available with 0mm or 25mm setback.
Wide Stance forks and seatstays are designed to improve aerodynamics and stiffness
The frame is also available in a disc brake version, the ONE Disc, which comes with internal routing for the brake hoses — perhaps as you'd expect on a high-end aero frame.
Factor ONE frames are only compatible with electronic drivetrains and will be available in seven sizes from 46 through to 61. Colour options include Crimson Red, Team Black – which features the light blue of sponsored team AG2R La Mondiale — and Sterling Silver.
The ONE comes with a frame-specific seatpost
As bike sponsor for WorldTour team AG2R La Mondiale, the Factor ONE is likely to be the choice of several riders for the upcoming spring Classics. Larger tyre clearances — a claimed 28mm — can be valuable in often wet and muddy races, and perhaps, unsurprisingly, the frameset is available in both direct mount rim or disc brake variants.
Belgian national road champion Oliver Naesen has already been spotted racing on the new bike at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.
Black Inc provides finishing kit and components for Factor
The bike is available to purchase from dealers today, although pricing is not yet available.
