“I should really do the review once I know more about the bike” Yeah, that’s why we’re waiting for Chanel’s review before drawing too many conclusions.
As a father of two boys with Severe Hemophilia and a cycling enthusiast, do you ever think how ironic it is that you are riding on Factor? You are a great inspiration to me and my boys. I have told them that if Alex can be a World Tour superstar then there’s nothing stopping them from reaching their dreams. Have a great season. We are cheering for you from NYC.
Good to see a rider giving an honest opinion about discs. The norm is a grimace followed by a pr sound bite. Alex's sincerity & no BS approach is why I'm a subscriber. Looking forward to sharing the highs & "not so highs" of your 2020 season.
Great videos, an enjoyable series. On the topic of disc brakes - the rotors are not going to generate any heat while you're riding along in the peloton, not braking regularly. The only time you're going to see high temps is on long technical descents where it is very likely you're riding in a very small group or solo.
You should get your mechanics to fit you some sprinter shifters far easier to change gear when in the drops. You can also program the ‘hidden’ button on the top of the brake hoods as well so many more options on di2.
Good work Alex. I’m a big fan of yours. I find your videos entertaining, and your commentary insightful. I especially appreciate you measured level of self deprecation despite your enormous talent. I’m glad you deferred to Chanel’s upcoming review. I agree that it will be more entertaining.
Good to see a bike that's proudly made in China in the pro peloton, and good to see you being so honest. You seem genuinely happy with all of it. Apart from the saddle... "I keep playing around with it." seems to be pro-code for "It's wank but I'm sponsored so, hey ho."
Really cool to see how much of an interest you take in tweaking and fiddling your own bike/setup. You get the impression from some vids (gcn) that some guys couldn’t care less and just go with what’s given to them. Stunning looking bike 👍
Have to agree on the downsides/upsides of disc brakes. One extra upside to add: discs brakes requires/forces manufacturers to make stronger/stiffer wheels. Due to the fact that the spokes have to transfer the full braking force to the rim. As a heavy rider/sprinter I find I have a lot more (affordable) wheels to choose from that are really strong and stiff.
Really awesome video! Thanks Alex! Loved watching it! Gonna also switch to Speedplay, probably as a first step prior switching to Factor! Shall wait for the Factor One review! Looking forward to it!
Hey Alex, the VAM looks stunning. Couple things: 1) with freedom of group sets, you think you might go oval chain rings? 2) looking forward to Chanel's review as you forgot to mention the bike's brain or the metal mountain. 🤣
I wonder if Chanel has found the speed play pedals yet? She certainly couldn’t find it on the Instagram post. But in her defence, the speed plays would’ve been hard to see against the crankset as they’re a similar colour.
Could you do a video talking about your bike fit and what measures you make to adopt an aero position? Also, what you have done off the bike to be able to get into and hold that position? I know the general public won't be able to do what you do, but I would find it insightful to see what you've done and what I can work towards.
I just tweeted about this the other day, but I requested your better half as she goes far more in depth with technical details, metal mountains... 😂 Plus points for using Orange Seal, by far the best out of the 15 or so sealants I've tried.
don't understand why they use ceramic speed OSPW, it only saves around 0.2 watts, it probably loses that much in extra aero drag. (it's quite hilarious how they've put ceramic speed headset bearings, they make literally no difference and the bearings won't go through a single rotation ever)
Shouldn't affect aero that much as they're probably dirty from the feet and whatever happens in front anyway, but they apparently use ceramic balls and not ceramic races, so having two interfaces with different hardness value, a pretty big no-no as far as I know...... And most bearing drag is from the grease and seals anyway, so unless they use inferior seals and no grease, I highly doubt you get much savings from fancy bearing. I guess it's more psychological, if you feel faster you go faster
@@Adurianman yes the bearings themself aren't faster than quality NTN or SKF steel bearings but the OSPW is supposed to be around 0.2 watts faster due to having larger wheels and therefore less chain deflection or whatever. There is a thousand other things which could make you go ~0.2w faster and wouldn't cost you anywhere near as much as the OSPW. You're correct they are hybrid; which means that they are going to wear out quicker (not a concern for pros with free equipment anyway) I wouldn't get any psychological affect because the only stimulus I get is the sound of the bike and what my handlebars look like. I don't think about anything that isn't audible or visual, especially when I'm racing.
I don't get the 50-10 either, mostly because I like big chain rings and there's lots of science behind why bigger cogs in chain drive systems are more efficient (yes I know SRAM has a funny chain to combat this). I was also getting really sick of GCN blowing smoke up SRAMs ass.
Bloody brilliant, I hate the Campag thumb shifters too. Did you ever look into oval chainwheels? Thoughts? Looking forward to your review of the other bikes. Oh and clearly can’t wait for the proper review to come out. All the very best for the season 👌👌
Im assuming the ceramicspeed bearings for the headset are lighter? Cant see a performance benefit other than weight that they'd provide? Also, wanting to splash out on OSPWs and maybe the BB eventually, can you feel a difference Alex? As in less friction or an increased ease in pedalling? tia
Dig the bike, curious what you're dropping crank lengths down for, care to share? Fit tuning? Hips tight and it let you open up more? And seriously, no freewheel spin? Shame!
If you're measuring a brake temperature of 300C then it really sounds like you need a bigger rotor. I don't know what temperature is dangerous though, just sounds high. You can still have plenty of control
Superb bike, question : if I jump on it will I ride at 35 mph for 50 miles? Thanks for the opinion on disc breaks. New one for me about the heat. Chris B said he would never go back to rim, suppose he does sell them.
I loved last years Factor but the discs have ruined the look of the bike now. It’s a shame especially on the climbing bike as I bet the majority of pro’s would choose rim brakes given the choice. It was the same last year as the Movistar Canyons looks so cool compared with the ones you had to ride.
I went 170 on a bike fit, video showed lower back & hips more stable, I had a bit of a “pinch/jump” with the 172.5’s. Felt I could get “on top” of the power better. Hopefully Alex will reply. Cheers
Hi.Could you please confirm with me whether the frame sets pros use are basically the same as what we the public buy or do they make yours especially with more attention? Many thanks.
Alex what happens if you need a bike change mid race and you're on speedplay while the rest of the guys are on Shimano ? I know you have a spare bike but say you've already used it and have another mechanical ? I thought it was necessary for all riders on a team to be on same pedals.
Ceramic speed headset bearings for the fastest barspins in the peloton
he's got to install a riser bar first or it won't clear the top tube!
I always wonder Why do they need Ceramic headset bearings HAHAH
@@allent1277 it's like putting money into a paper shredder
@@albr4 adds approx 2watts so it's definitely worth it
@@careymahoney1605 that's incorrect. 2 watts is ceramic speeds claim for a FULL bike upgrade, wheels, BB, OSPW.
“I should really do the review once I know more about the bike”
Yeah, that’s why we’re waiting for Chanel’s review before drawing too many conclusions.
As a father of two boys with Severe Hemophilia and a cycling enthusiast, do you ever think how ironic it is that you are riding on Factor? You are a great inspiration to me and my boys. I have told them that if Alex can be a World Tour superstar then there’s nothing stopping them from reaching their dreams. Have a great season. We are cheering for you from NYC.
That has been very informative. Having a pro comparing different groupsets after using it for years really adds to the review, thanks for sharing it!
"I got a...I got a....long stem" love it.
Michael Strasser hey if you have it, flaunt it. Not all of us are lucky enough to have a long stem 😂
"Bottle cages ... they carry bottles!" Alex Dowsett, 2020
Good to see a rider giving an honest opinion about discs. The norm is a grimace followed by a pr sound bite. Alex's sincerity & no BS approach is why I'm a subscriber. Looking forward to sharing the highs & "not so highs" of your 2020 season.
Very much enjoyed this. I'm an old guy and an avid cyclist and a really big fan of Alex Dowsett. Nice guy. Oh yeh, love Chanel too...great couple.
At 97kg I'm a big unit... disc brakes are awesome, won't go back to rim... love the bike
you can fully customise gears to syncro shift, R to go up gears and L to go down... super simple
Obvs chanels review is the most important, but your thoughts beat any magazine interwebby marketing led drivel. 👍
yes, the software lets you configure it anyway you want.
Well said about the disc brakes
Great videos, an enjoyable series. On the topic of disc brakes - the rotors are not going to generate any heat while you're riding along in the peloton, not braking regularly. The only time you're going to see high temps is on long technical descents where it is very likely you're riding in a very small group or solo.
You should get your mechanics to fit you some sprinter shifters far easier to change gear when in the drops. You can also program the ‘hidden’ button on the top of the brake hoods as well so many more options on di2.
Good work Alex. I’m a big fan of yours. I find your videos entertaining, and your commentary insightful. I especially appreciate you measured level of self deprecation despite your enormous talent. I’m glad you deferred to Chanel’s upcoming review. I agree that it will be more entertaining.
I enjoyed this Alex. That's a good lookin' bike. Glad it's working out for you. I'm definitely looking forward to Chanel's take on the bike.
Good to see a bike that's proudly made in China in the pro peloton, and good to see you being so honest. You seem genuinely happy with all of it. Apart from the saddle... "I keep playing around with it." seems to be pro-code for "It's wank but I'm sponsored so, hey ho."
It's made in Taiwan afsik.
Best of both worlds, great bike with the ability for the team to use the best components without being tied to a specific groupset manufacturer
Really cool to see how much of an interest you take in tweaking and fiddling your own bike/setup. You get the impression from some vids (gcn) that some guys couldn’t care less and just go with what’s given to them. Stunning looking bike 👍
Refreshing honesty regarding disc brakes from a sponsored athlete.
so great they let you choose components on the bike
Who is this doofus doing the bike review? We want Chanel!
Chanel's bike reviews are decidedly more informative and insightful. Pity.
@@RoadLessTraveledMedia I mean, he did do a pretty decent effort though. learnt from the best I guess
Aaaaa 😂
No metal mountain, anyway nice bike.
Alex,You can programe di2 to change gears like you want
Nice bike!
Have to agree on the downsides/upsides of disc brakes. One extra upside to add: discs brakes requires/forces manufacturers to make stronger/stiffer wheels. Due to the fact that the spokes have to transfer the full braking force to the rim. As a heavy rider/sprinter I find I have a lot more (affordable) wheels to choose from that are really strong and stiff.
Really awesome video! Thanks Alex! Loved watching it! Gonna also switch to Speedplay, probably as a first step prior switching to Factor! Shall wait for the Factor One review! Looking forward to it!
More of these videos please! Really enjoy these in-depth honest reviews!
Hey if discs get so hot at least they'll cauterize any wounds they inflict with their bladed shape and sharp edges! Very good looking bike.
Alex keep us updated on your aero bike review. Thanks
Thanks for sharing Alex, really informative 👍 for the season ahead
Hey Alex, the VAM looks stunning. Couple things:
1) with freedom of group sets, you think you might go oval chain rings?
2) looking forward to Chanel's review as you forgot to mention the bike's brain or the metal mountain. 🤣
I wonder if Chanel has found the speed play pedals yet? She certainly couldn’t find it on the Instagram post. But in her defence, the speed plays would’ve been hard to see against the crankset as they’re a similar colour.
Superb review. Tell it like it is. No bs.sure it will be the second best review I'll see on it
GCN looks for a tech presenter :). Great review, good luck in your upcoming races!
Really honest review... need one of these in my life
Could you do a video talking about your bike fit and what measures you make to adopt an aero position? Also, what you have done off the bike to be able to get into and hold that position? I know the general public won't be able to do what you do, but I would find it insightful to see what you've done and what I can work towards.
You can change the Buttons to make ist similar to Sram!
I just tweeted about this the other day, but I requested your better half as she goes far more in depth with technical details, metal mountains... 😂 Plus points for using Orange Seal, by far the best out of the 15 or so sealants I've tried.
Best looking wheels i‘ve seen.
Looks like a fantastic bike, Alex. It’ll be interesting to see if how the di2 compares for reliability etc.
The Black Inc label placement is clever
Will you do a bike check on your TT bike and the Factor ONE? I'd love to see that!
don't understand why they use ceramic speed OSPW, it only saves around 0.2 watts, it probably loses that much in extra aero drag. (it's quite hilarious how they've put ceramic speed headset bearings, they make literally no difference and the bearings won't go through a single rotation ever)
Shouldn't affect aero that much as they're probably dirty from the feet and whatever happens in front anyway, but they apparently use ceramic balls and not ceramic races, so having two interfaces with different hardness value, a pretty big no-no as far as I know...... And most bearing drag is from the grease and seals anyway, so unless they use inferior seals and no grease, I highly doubt you get much savings from fancy bearing. I guess it's more psychological, if you feel faster you go faster
Don't underestimate placebo :)
@@Adurianman yes the bearings themself aren't faster than quality NTN or SKF steel bearings but the OSPW is supposed to be around 0.2 watts faster due to having larger wheels and therefore less chain deflection or whatever. There is a thousand other things which could make you go ~0.2w faster and wouldn't cost you anywhere near as much as the OSPW.
You're correct they are hybrid; which means that they are going to wear out quicker (not a concern for pros with free equipment anyway)
I wouldn't get any psychological affect because the only stimulus I get is the sound of the bike and what my handlebars look like. I don't think about anything that isn't audible or visual, especially when I'm racing.
I don't get the 50-10 either, mostly because I like big chain rings and there's lots of science behind why bigger cogs in chain drive systems are more efficient (yes I know SRAM has a funny chain to combat this). I was also getting really sick of GCN blowing smoke up SRAMs ass.
Cracking bike and a great review Alex. 🚴♂️👍
Still sad bout TKA. Big fan of them especially red canyon
Great bike! Maybe you could talk about your thoughts on cleat position as well in a future video
Bloody brilliant, I hate the Campag thumb shifters too. Did you ever look into oval chainwheels? Thoughts? Looking forward to your review of the other bikes. Oh and clearly can’t wait for the proper review to come out. All the very best for the season 👌👌
Thanks
Likeable bloke, this Dowsett fella.
Im assuming the ceramicspeed bearings for the headset are lighter? Cant see a performance benefit other than weight that they'd provide? Also, wanting to splash out on OSPWs and maybe the BB eventually, can you feel a difference Alex? As in less friction or an increased ease in pedalling? tia
bottom bracket by hambini?
Alex, are you pleased to be back on shimano, so you can use proper chain rings and not piddle around on a 52t during a TT?
Man is it ever so pretty! By the way any comments on the way Remco places his shifters Alex, it looks so much different than most riders?!
Seems like you have more flexibility than ever with your bike, i wasn't sure about this team but you seem really happy.
Dig the bike, curious what you're dropping crank lengths down for, care to share? Fit tuning? Hips tight and it let you open up more?
And seriously, no freewheel spin? Shame!
Like for being honest on the disc brakes issue!!
tinker and fiddle.. we know what you mean Mr Dowsett. :)
That's nice Alex, but what does Chanel think?
If you're measuring a brake temperature of 300C then it really sounds like you need a bigger rotor. I don't know what temperature is dangerous though, just sounds high. You can still have plenty of control
The ice tech rotors cool quite quickly and in cool weather.
Awesome. Keep ´em coming!
Cool Bike.
Great content, can't say the same for the audio and video quality :P
What is the gain from the huge pulley wheel?
Superb bike, question : if I jump on it will I ride at 35 mph for 50 miles? Thanks for the opinion on disc breaks. New one for me about the heat. Chris B said he would never go back to rim, suppose he does sell them.
I loved last years Factor but the discs have ruined the look of the bike now. It’s a shame especially on the climbing bike as I bet the majority of pro’s would choose rim brakes given the choice.
It was the same last year as the Movistar Canyons looks so cool compared with the ones you had to ride.
no hub sound test :(
Hello, great video. Quick question though, why is it better to sit over the bottom bracket?
The best looking bike in the peloton....
what is the speed sensor that Alex uses (seen at 0:35 seconds in)
Is that not the timing chip they use at the actual races?
Disc brakes in bunch racing... my opinion is that it should be all or none. Make sense to me if the whole bunch have the same braking power
90% are disc now
How hard would it be for groupset manufacturers to increase the pulley sizes? I can't imagine it's that hard, especially if the gains are noticeable.
Can one of the sponsors buy you a lapel microphone? :P
Is no one else worried his bikes gonna be towed away.
be nice to get your opinion of each bike after a month or 2 on it
Hi Alex, given your height, why the shorter 170mm cranks?
Why 170 cranks? What’s your inseam?
I wonder how much it would weigh without the disks.
please, why the 170 cranks (major reason)? and what pedal spindle length? thank youu ;-)
I went 170 on a bike fit, video showed lower back & hips more stable, I had a bit of a “pinch/jump” with the 172.5’s. Felt I could get “on top” of the power better. Hopefully Alex will reply. Cheers
Cool guy representig his weapon. Thumbs up!
Thanks for sharing your bike with us Very interesting
I just havea question
What's the thinking of going for 170mm cranks please ?
Hi.Could you please confirm with me whether the frame sets pros use are basically the same as what we the public buy or do they make yours especially with more attention? Many thanks.
Alex what happens if you need a bike change mid race and you're on speedplay while the rest of the guys are on Shimano ? I know you have a spare bike but say you've already used it and have another mechanical ? I thought it was necessary for all riders on a team to be on same pedals.
So are planning to switch back and forth between one and O2VAM?
Better braking sounds safer then burn risks to me at least.
Hi, just curious. When racing do you monitor your speed if so how. Cheers dom. Ps nice bike
Sweet - shame about the cable coming out the front
Whens the TT bike coming?!
How do you squat in that position for so long? My knees hurt just watching.
Fettler is what you're looking for. Tinker is a ruffian from Victorian times I think.
Alex, what's the TT bike you will be riding this year??
Do you like this or the Canyon more?
Did you have Chanel write the script for the power meter bit?
Is there any space on the handle bars to tie balloons Alex or not?
Can we have a kit review please? By both you and Chanel
Dom A a speedometer? 🤔
What's the weight ,and hub sound check?
Couldn’t understand the difference between sitting ’in’ the saddle or ‘on’ the saddle. What’s sitting ‘in’ the saddle?
Saddles that are flexy
Aero bike rewiew next?
What on the bike wasn't your choice? How did the frame feel?
What model is the training bike?