Exclusive Review: The New Factor O2 VAM

At a time when disc braking would almost make us forget the pleasure of riding a super light bike, Factor succeeds in combining a featherweight frame with this technology and its constraints. The result with this new O2 VAM: a 640g frame and a complete bike at 6.5kg without exotic equipment. A bike to take flight as soon as the road climbs, which we were able to test exclusively.

By the 3bikes.fr editorial team – Photos: @3bikes.fr

VAM in the cycling or trail world means “Average Ascent Speed”, a metric much more meaningful for those tackling mountains than speed of movement or gradient taken in isolation. VAM is expressed in meters of altitude gained per hour and depends on the athlete’s level or climbing abilities. For Factor, linking this acronym to the O2 model (like Oxygen, already evoking lightness), which is already a climbing bike in itself, almost in opposition to the One model designed to cut through the wind, becomes almost a pleonasm.

What you need to remember is that with this O2 VAM, the brand sought to achieve several objectives: design a very lightweight frame with the most favorable stiffness-to-weight ratio possible, while maintaining the handling qualities necessary for easy and comfortable use. This new high-end frame is available for disc brakes or rim brakes and weighs 640g and 620g respectively. Enough to build a very light bike without overdoing the choice of components.

Extensive experience

It should be remembered: although the Factor brand is quite young, the experience of Rob Gitelis, its main owner, is well established. The Briton, based in Taiwan for 25 years, runs a factory that has manufactured for Scott, Zipp, Enve, Canyon, Argon 18, and Cervélo, before dedicating itself solely to Factor recently. Behind the famous Cervélo R5 California project (an ultra-light 700g frame) in 2010, it was him! It is thanks to this experience and the proximity between the design offices and production that this O2 VAM could be conceived.

Thanks to data collected since the launch of the first O2 three years ago, Factor has pushed the optimization of the frame design far.

Thanks to data collected since the launch of the first O2 three years ago, with which Romain Bardet notably finished third in the Tour de France in 2017, Factor has pushed the optimization of the frame design far.

First, to use as little material as possible without losing stiffness or ride quality; then, by working on the carbon layers and the type of fibers depending on the frame’s surface and shape; finally, by using a molding technology derived from aerospace with even more sophisticated internal mandrels for optimal carbon compaction and a smoother surface, with the elimination of any excess resin, for a composite that is both stronger and lighter.

Family resemblance

Still very classic in its profile (which is what attracts many cyclists encountered on the road), the O2 VAM retains an obvious family resemblance to the first version. But it still evolves in terms of geometry, with dimensions more suited to competition according to Factor, cable routing that simplifies assembly and smooth operation, a junction port that makes it compatible with mechanical and electronic drivetrains, a seat tube and chainstays that allow the mounting of tires up to 30 mm wide, and a headset cup now integrated in carbon, making the junction with the cockpit (here monocoque carbon) cleaner.

Available for disc brakes and rim brakes, this latest version now adopts the Direct Mount standard. On the bottom bracket shell side, the entire area has been redefined in terms of dimensions and shape, with a specific arrangement for each frame size to ensure identical behavior and, above all, maintain the bike’s handling and stability. To optimize weight, this O2 VAM will only be offered with this Carbon Naked-UD finish, which also reveals the different layers of carbon, depending on the viewing angle.

A word on the equipment

For a high-end frame, the equipment is accordingly, even if the importer did not seek to push the envelope too far here. Full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 disc groupset, Factor-branded but Black Inc. monocoque cockpit, Black Inc. Thirty clincher wheels, and Vittoria Corsa 25mm tires. The bike weighs 6.5 kg, but it feels like 6 kg is achievable without too much difficulty, with tubular wheels or a carbon crankset, for example. To all enthusiasts! With this weight, given the thinness of the tubes and the finish, the test on the roads of Vexin makes us salivate in advance.

A winged climber

The first impression is the right one: the Factor O2 VAM is a pure climber’s bike. The first time out of the saddle immediately reminds us of this. The low weight and a certain elasticity of the machine as it is set up immediately give that airy feeling of a bike built for ascents. So we won’t talk about a lack of stiffness, especially since the frame doesn’t lack it, but rather a lively and bouncy side to the bike, and wheels that are a little less constrained than those we usually use. The same goes for the cockpit, which is not the stiffest on the market, although very comfortable otherwise with the grip it allows. Out-of-the-saddle accelerations highlight a rather free and reactive head tube, which promotes very fluid handlebar handling. At the bottom bracket shell, there is a slight spring effect when pedaling hard. The bike goes straight, but we benefit from a slight whip in the rear triangle, which seems to help propel the bike forward on the steepest slopes.

The trend is confirmed after these initial attacks. It’s once seated, and naturally still on climbs, that the effect is most spectacular. The rear triangle also provides a kind of “energy return” effect. A noticeable boost that suggests that the end of rides after big days in the mountains could be less difficult. This bike would be a great ally in climbing the Alpe d’Huez at the end of the Marmotte. We would then appreciate its ultra-forgiving side if our legs started to fail.

This bike would be a great ally in climbing the Alpe d’Huez at the end of the Marmotte. We would then appreciate its ultra-forgiving side if our legs started to fail.

Although very stable and reassuring when gaining speed, the bike seems to lack consistency under the pedal and on the flat when you start to drop gears (perhaps below the 15-tooth). This bike is not for strong flat-terrain riders or pure sprinters, even if the brand specifies that there is no weight limit or equipment limit for using the O2 VAM. Let’s just say there are better options for that, even within Factor with the One.

On descents, trajectories remain sharp and precise. The bike holds its line well even when leaning into turns. No handling problems as sometimes happens with overly light bikes: the steering never seems to float and the bike doesn’t wander. Braking is effective, as expected. On fast descents, with hard braking or tight corners, the feel of the Dura-Ace levers is very reassuring. The fork is precise longitudinally. No floating or shuddering is observed. And you really have to wait for heavy braking to hear the rotors rub against the calipers for a few hundred meters.

On the other hand, even with the 25mm Vittoria Corsa tires, vertical comfort leaves a little to be desired. A very noticeable impression on poor asphalt that detracts from its points for long-distance use. It’s a shame, then, that the rear triangle seems stiffer in this regard than when it comes to benefiting from that famous whip that contributes to propulsion.

Whatever the terrain, it is always possible to beef up the O2’s performance, for example with wheels featuring 50mm rims. However, while the thru-axles of this disc version provide a little extra stiffness, the 35mm Black Inc. wheels are perfectly in their place here and subtly complement the dynamic properties of the frame, at least for the purpose of erasing elevation gain.

Climbing for a long time, weaving through a peloton, or accelerating on short climbs, the O2 VAM can do it all. It is the ideal companion for lively riders or sportive cyclists looking for an airy feel. In this configuration, it’s a typical bike for long, steep rides, but perhaps a little too specific for those whose pleasures lie in fast races on flat terrain. In that case, the Factor One is there for that.

=> SEE ALSO : Factor One Review

-> SEE ALSO: All our Gear articles