Factor Bikes has unveiled the next generation of its OSTRO VAM aero road bike, with the bike firm’s engineers seeking to find balance across weight, stiffness and aerodynamics.
According to Factor, the newest iteration of the bike has been… ‘Designed and developed for all-round speed. The new model has been shaped around precisely managed aerodynamic gains while offering riders an uncompromised and highly responsive racing bike.’
The new OSTRO VAM has already been proven to perform in the pro peloton by Israel – Premier Tech rider Stevie Williams, general classification winner of the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under.
‘Front-to-back’ design approach
Beginning with the aero-critical leading edge of the bike – primarily the fork and head tube – the Factor engineering team captured and systematically reassessed aerodynamic gains as the design moved rearward.
Each of Factor’s design concepts were CFD modelled and assessed in three ways to ensure these performance gains are passed on to the rider: independently, as a complete bike, and dynamically with rider input.
‘Designed, tested and manufactured in-house by Factor, each design idea underwent hundreds of simulation runs throughout the development cycle before wind tunnel verification and real-world testing. Key areas of optimisation compared to the previous OSTRO VAM frame include the forks, head tube, top tube, and seat post.
‘Factor’s rapid design iteration, analysis and optimisation process has resulted in a 70g reduction in drag (a seven-watt saving) compared to the previous OSTRO VAM frame, with aerodynamic benefits becoming more pronounced at five- to ten-degree yaw angles that most represent real-world riding conditions.’
Developed alongside the new OSTRO VAM, Factor’s new Black Inc 48/58 wheelset is optimised for 28mm tyres with a 23mm internal rim width, promoting aerodynamic performance at larger yaw angles and aiming to give the rider a greater feeling of control in gusts and crosswinds.
At 1,270g a pair, the wheelset’s high-flange carbon spoke hub has been engineered to maximise ride feel through an increased bracing angle and wheel lateral stiffness, with an offset spoke bed achieving a balanced tension across the carbon spokes.
Rob Gitelis, Founder of Factor Bikes and Black Inc, said “With the launch of the new OSTRO VAM, we are pushing the boundaries of carbon bicycle design and production to improve on what was already a proven winner.
“Overall victory in the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under was a dream debut for the OSTRO VAM, and we look forward to seeing pro riders and consumers alike reach new heights with this bike.”
The new Factor OSTRO VAM is available exclusively from factorbikes.com and authorised Factor dealers worldwide. It can be purchased as a frameset, frameset with Black Inc 48/58 disc brake carbon wheelset, or as a complete bike in sizes 45, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 61.
www.factorbikes.com/ostro-vam
