Factor Launches New O2 VAM

The new O2 VAM is a climbing bike that remains aero. According to Factor, no other bike as light is as fast, and no other bike as fast is as light. This new frame is complemented by the all-new Black Inc wheels, weighing 1146 g with their carbon spokes. The complete bike starts at 6.2 kg (size 54 with Shimano Dura-Ace).

“We started by asking the Israel-Premier Tech team riders what terrain they get their results on, and how we could help them improve,” begins engineer Graham Shrive. “They wanted a bike that would weigh less than 7 kg in race condition, with pedals, transponder, and race number plate. Then we asked them why they weren’t riding the previous O2 VAM. They talked about aero and stiffness. So, we created the new O2 VAM, as stiff as the Ostro VAM, which is 35% more, and 12W faster than the old O2 VAM in the wind tunnel, which is about half the difference with the OSTRO VAM, and at 0-5 ̊ angles, it’s only 5 W behind. Ultimately, the new O2 VAM complies with UCI weight rules in race situations and remains faster than any other bike as light.”

The bike’s comfort has been increased thanks to the external seatpost and the ultra-thin top tube. The position has also evolved, with a 10 mm increase in stack across all sizes, in response to collected fit data.
The bike’s handling is identical to that of the Ostro VAM, which has already proven itself. It has been widely praised by Factor pros and customers.

Who is it for?

The new O2 VAM is for anyone looking for an improvement in their rides, a faster experience in the mountains and on hilly terrain, faster climbing and more confident descending, more speed on the flats, and more comfort. It’s for gran fondo riders and those for whom a week in the mountains will be the highlight of their year.

If speed isn’t your priority, efficiency will allow you to save energy to go further. The new O2 VAM is specifically designed for professionals, in the toughest Grand Tour stages and classics.

Israel-Premier Tech rider Daryl Impey sums it up: “We all want a fast, light bike. All pros want a bike at the weight limit without falling behind. This new bike is all of that, and it’s very exciting.”

Chris Froome’s involvement

“For the new O2 VAM, it started with a conversation with Rob [Gitelis, CEO of Factor Bikes] over a year ago, talking about what the new model would be,” says Chris Froome, four-time Tour de France winner. “I put forward a lot of suggestions at that projection stage, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. It’s one thing to make a bike under 7 kg, but it has to be competitive in terms of aerodynamics and stiffness, and that’s what Factor has done with the new O2 VAM. It’s going to be a very special bike.” The British rider continues: “This is the first time in my career that I’ve had the opportunity to have so much impact and conversation with the people making the equipment I race on. It’s something I really appreciate because you give your feedback knowing it will be heard, and a few weeks or months later, you’ll see the result, and it will be what you talked about.”

New Black Inc. 28//33 wheelset

The new Black Inc 28//33 wheelset was designed to pair with the new O2 VAM, and represents a remarkable advance in terms of lightness and aerodynamics. The 28//33 wheels weigh a featherlight 1146 g with the tubeless system and are optimized for 28mm tires.

They feature differentiated front and rear rim depths of 28 and 33 mm, measure 23 mm internal width and 28 mm external width, and use exceptionally light and strong carbon spokes. Beyond the weight savings, they also reduce air drag by 10 g compared to the Thirty wheels and increase stiffness, thus improving responsiveness and acceleration.

The 28//33 wheelset is available separately from all Factor and Black Inc dealers, at a price of €3,299.

The new Factor O2 VAM in brief…

• Complete bike starting at 6.2kg
• Frame weight 730 g, size 54
• 12W faster than the previous model, average +15/-15o, 48 km/h
• 35% stiffer on average across all sizes
• External seatpost
• Aero optimized by D-shape tubes
• Optimized for 28mm tires
• Up to 32mm
• 10mm higher stack in response to customer fit data
• 7 sizes, 3 colors
• Custom Prisma Studio paint available
• New Black Inc 28//33 wheelset, 1146 g, carbon spokes

For the launch, the new O2 VAM will be available in:

• Storm Grey
• Red Velvet
• Chrome/Raw Carbon
• Prisma Studio custom paint

Prices:

Frameset: €5800 (€6490 with cockpit)
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 / Black Inc. 28//33 wheels: €13535
Shimano Ultegra Di2 / Black Inc. Thirty wheels: €11410
Sram Force AXS / Sonic wheels: €10670

Contact: factorbikes.fr and dagg.fr

Source: Press Release

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