My standard O2 is the best handling machine I have ever ridden, has a lot of the comfort you describe and I can ride it 6,7+ hrs and it's still comfortable. Very light weight and super fast, I love it.
Top review, SRAM Red22 for the win! I’ll stick to my R5 rim at 6.55kg after this honest review, but will keep my eye on Factor which has always been at the pointy end of my list. Good to know they are continuing with rim!
I paid $3300 NZD for a used 6kg bike. I have to thank people like you for taking the initial depreciation hit for making bikes like this affordable for people like me
I did say I was waiting for your review on the VAM. It is a bike that is on my list. I am light and small. So hills and climbing is a joy for me. Top review as always.
cam - i just want to say than you. your videos on base training convinced to buy a power meter, and the stuff about constant pedalling has seriously improved my fitness!!! You've changed my cycling forever! (for the good obviously) Thanks agai
The color looks great! I found the black inc bar stem combo super flexy. Swap them out for a lighter alloy combo if you want a stiffer feel. Factor frames are made in Xaimen China and then shipped to Taiwan for shipping etc. This is standard practice for most western brands.
Great to see you review this bike. I an 02 being built up but its been delayed do I haven't experienced some of the attributes you've mentioned. Other 02 owners rave about the comfort and ability of the bike. Currently on a Tarmac SL7 and curious to see the difference. Good stuff mate
Nice one Darren, I hope you get it built up quick. Couple of nice weapons you have there. I reckon your SL7 will be way stiffer but the 02 will be your comfort hill climbing machine.
So, you're about the same weight and body build as Andre Griepel who is riding this bike superbly for his age at the Tour. Sounds like a decent bike to consider. can only imagine how excited DurianRider will be with this video
Lovely! I’m looking at giant tcr advanced since they still have rim. This might be another option for me. I also want the red groupset! Thank you for your review
Just over 6 kilos complete, and a 5 figure price tag... wow there! But it must wanna squirt out from underneath you on a climb. Thanks UA-cam for letting us live vicariously through others!
I have the same frame (purchased a few months before you), with a very different component build (dura ace di2 and a bunch of weight weeny stuff). I love the bike, and am substantially faster on it than my on previous Orbea, probably because of how well this frame absorbs road vibrations. On the flip side, the bike feels less responsive to me on climbs (although this is probably an illusion because I've destroyed all my hill climb PRs since getting the new frame). Great video!
Got my 02 finally. Took it out for a quick 15 mile hilly ride. Compared to my Tarmac the ride quality is in a different league mate. It just eats up the road surface and makes for a really comfortable ride. Looking forward to really putting it through its paces soon
I’ve had my factor o2 almost 4 years and it’s a brilliant bike and would highly recommend the o2. They are expensive but generally happy with the bike. I bought my bike with the black inc wheels (Factors proprietary parts brand) and have gone through 2 back wheels which has been frustrating. Although Factor have been pretty good at sorting it out. Certainly will be sticking with rim brakes as long as possible
@@Timtimzi the wheels haven’t catastrophically failed. One wheel slightly delaminated and the other wheel had an issue where spokes kept breaking. I weigh 66kg so hopefully not a weight issue!
I'm 94 kg and dropping (thanks cycling) and own a Factor O2 disc. I don't feel like it flexes as much as yours does on the trainer, however it is still very light and comfortable for long distance rides. I wonder if the lighter frame weight adds flex, or perhaps the lack of thru axles? Also wanted to add that probably one of the best things about Factor is the fact you can use non proprietary components which makes for easy custom builds. Anyway even with discs its hands down the best bike I have owned, climbs well, snappy acceleration and the stealth black colourway suits me nicely. Also I'm not a dentist so its not a VAM - haha
stiffness is funny, marketing has just warped peoples mind when it comes to the word since every bike gets 15% stiffer every year until were riding concrete blocks lol. People want it without even knowing what it really means. Flex is fine in a bike, you arnt losing hundreds of watts in a steel bike just because it isnt as stiff as possible.
Cam, loving the videos keep it up mate! One idea for a vid I’d love to see is a ‘ how to take care of your carbon bike’ (using the right stuff, torque wrench’s etc). About to buy a focus izalco, 😎
Another great video Cam! Love the uniqueness of FACTOR brand especially in a sea of more common names. Not the cheapest but definetly stands out. Would you say its a long term keeper ? - since you have traded a few bikes in your time :-) many place titanium bikes up there on the keeper list... but after seeing this video, I beg to differ. Weight advantage is massive. comfortable, nimble - esp for aging rider like me who is not getting any stronger. Am considering one after I rob a bank.
In regards to stiffness, I have 2 legit road bikes. One is stiffer than the other but the one that is 'less stiff' seems to have a much more lively feel to it. It's as if the slight flex actually helps the power transfer. Describing it as 'springy' is pretty accurate.
Now add the SRAM RED AXS and it's certainly my dream bike. Heard and read a bit about it now and it seems to be a dream. Great review, Cam; as always. See ya :-)
I got my O2 built at the beginning of the year and love the bike. I'm over 10kg lighter than you and find it really stiff around the BB for excellent power transfer and my disc brakes are fantastic. One thing you didn't mention was descending, I find it really good going downhill around the corners, the engineering seems to make it very predictable and confident at holding a line.
Dang - love this channel and all the info! Dang .... another bike I'll never be able to afford. ( I have to throw in ......Go Lions! even though a tough loss to St Kilda last week)
Rim brake!!!👍 i have a quiet yet "wooshy" rim brake Allez Sprint with Sram eTap red and Enve wheels, and I can never get myself to change in for modern disc brake bike
Cam - I own both the O2 and O2 VAM . I prefer the 02 over the O2 VAM as though slightly heavier the O2 doesn’t have as much flex along the top tube close to the stem .
Recently I asked the question on a bike marketplace - 'what's the stiffest new bike?' Someone replied 'Giant Boner' Then the moderator pulled the post down.
I own both the R5 and regular O2 and find the O2 to be much less twitchy in handling and more comfortable. While the O2 doesn’t have the last word on instant power transfer relative to the R5 when out of the saddle, it stands its own against Neil Pryde, Focus and Ti bikes.
Thx for another great video Cam... Question... Which bike will be better at cornering? The less stiff VAM with shorter wheelbase, or the stiffer BMC with slightly longer wheelbase. Any thoughts? Does the stiffer BMC bike not feel more solid and trustworthy cornering? Thx!
this is pretty much the exact 02VAM I’ve been considering. I’ve lost 16kg after getting back into cycling the past year. I’m at 68kg currently and on a Cervelo S3 (rim brake) that I got down to 6.8kg. I just need to get to the point where I’m ok w/ my wallet feeling lighter 🤔😏😂
Cam, thanks for the video. I am looking into Factor as my next bike. Debating between O2 VAM or OSTRO. Just a bit concerned about the size (54 or 56). I am 181, 163lbs - currently on size 54 BMC Teammachine (slammed stem). I think we are roughly about the same height, are you pretty satisfied with VAM, 54?
It's too bad that the current version of the O2 VAM is no longer compatible with mechanical shifting. Hopefully they bring mechanical shifting back along with a T47 BB.
Hi Cam, really nice first impressions video. That`s interesting, it was the first video I watched praising Factor due to its confort. Have you done a specific bike fit for it? If so, it would be interesting to see the main observations/changes compared to BMC. Cheers!
Thanks for the review but did I miss some vids as I thought you had just built up a Winspace which was an ultra light roadbike?.Nice to see the rim brake model though...looks very nice.
Hi Cam, great review. I'm looking at purchasing this exact bike but with no dealers around, I'm struggling to part with the money to buy sight unseen. Can I please ask; what saddle height are you running? Or better still, what is your inseam? Cheers. Gerry
Any toe overlap issues with the shorter wheelbase? Not super noticeable in riding conditions, but some of us that trackstand through traffic stops are curious.
At 100kg, I’m looking forward to the day I get back down into your ballpark, I’m based in taiwan, hence I ride on hills whenever the opportunity arises. I imagine you won’t be aware of them, but I ride an exceptionally reasonably priced full carbon bike brand, built in taiwan called gusto. I’ve no experience to compare with brands like factor, so I can’t speak to that. They do provide bikes for the slovenia team iirc, so some of the best cyclists in the world have experience of the brand. I just wondered, what is the rear light you have on your bike with the asynchronous flash mode?
Great video Cam, and one that throws up the interesting question of what factors influence ride quality, both perceived as well as actual. I wonder if there’s sometimes a disconnect between what we feel, versus the actual performance of the bike, ie stiff bikes are faster. You often see this in magazine reviews, particularly when reviewing either steel or Ti bikes, where the reviewer talks about the extra weight, or lack of aero profiling on the bike, but then cites PB’s or close to PB’s on some of their regular Strava segments. Your review of the Factor also highlights a massive performance benefit - being comfortable, and I recall in one of Neill’s videos, he talks about pain being one of the biggest limiters on performance. Keep up the great work, and here’s a link to a video GCN did some years ago with Tom Sturdy on frame stiffness, which I hope you find interesting. ua-cam.com/video/BH_AL4rxrp8/v-deo.html
Hi from France, Nice looking bike.Are you running it on tubulars ? if so how are those Maxxis tubulars ? You know Factor make carbon wheels under the brand "Black Inc",I've got about four pairs,all tubulars, unreal wheels. Great video, great subject, great little projet .😊
Thanks for the video, it’s a nice bike, I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the Caden wheels, or even a separate video reviewing them? I have a Bianchi Specialissima rim brake weighing just over 6.2 with Campag bora one 50 tubulars which weigh 1260 grams, I need some shallower wheels for the mountains especially because I only weigh 54 kilos, those Decadence 38mm tubulars you are running should be just the ticket and at 1020 grams and not too deep to cause me any problems with cross winds on descents. Thank you in advance.
Hey Cam , thanks for this review, I've been looking for a new bike for myself and I think I'll be going with the O2 V.A.M, I just want to know how long is the stem on your bike because me and you are similar height so I want to make sure I don't mess up the geometry. Love your videos and keep up the good work!
Same height doesn’t necessarily mean the same fit, limb length, flexibility, riding positions preference all need to be taken in account. Get a bike fit first, then order your frame and finishing kit would be my recommendation
Great review! Could you share any information on tyre clearance with me, width as measured, what would the maximum be? 28mm tyre measuring 30mm, or narrower?
You mentioned you as an 80Kg rider is almost at the edge of what this bike would take. I'm 85Kg, so what downside would for a heavier rider using the bike? Cheers
Those skinny seat stays probably go a long ways towards absorbing and not transmitting a lot of road harshness through the seat. The frame will be a little flexy through the rear but as you said the bike can be made plenty stiff through the bottom end to transmit power efficiently. Still it’s probably best for lighter riders.
This review is the first one I've seen mention rider weight - which I think is an excellent point. I'm a larger guy and something I've noticed when on the hunt for the next bike. Flex / bike size / fit is always an interesting trifecta to try and hone in.
I would be more concerned with buying lightweight rim brake wheels tbh. That luscher technic (I think that's how you spell it) was pretty hard on those lightweight brand wheels he reviewed.
I planned to make the jump to carbon this year but mate, newer bikes are so heavy and a lot harder to mantain, my only option at the moment are two chinese brands but i really hope big brands #savetherimbrake I'm 1.70 and 56kg so rim is enough for me
Interesting, given your height and weight are very similar, I have always ended up on 56cm frames….cue worry about are my bikes too big for me! Nothing’s ever simple!
My standard O2 is the best handling machine I have ever ridden, has a lot of the comfort you describe and I can ride it 6,7+ hrs and it's still comfortable. Very light weight and super fast, I love it.
See them seat stays rising back up where they belong? BEAUTIFUL! 😍
Top review, SRAM Red22 for the win! I’ll stick to my R5 rim at 6.55kg after this honest review, but will keep my eye on Factor which has always been at the pointy end of my list. Good to know they are continuing with rim!
Cheers mate, and yes, SRAM Red 22 is almost my favourite part about this bike!
The 'magnificent rim brakes' is correct, and in direct mount FTW! It's truly a beautiful road bike that sadly I'll never be able to afford.
I paid $3300 NZD for a used 6kg bike. I have to thank people like you for taking the initial depreciation hit for making bikes like this affordable for people like me
Same!
Except the carbon is prone to breaking depending on condition of usage and luck
@@telostia I was lucky. Mint condition low km
haha
very nice bike Cam. In my opinion the nicest one you showed so far on youtube. And a very honest and good review. Keep up the great content.
Cheers Alain, much appreciated mate.
I did say I was waiting for your review on the VAM. It is a bike that is on my list. I am light and small. So hills and climbing is a joy for me. Top review as always.
Nice one Steve, then it would probably suit you well!
Finally! Good review mate. Waiting for my Attaquer version to arrive in 2 weeks.
Awesome! The was my favourite colour 👏
cam - i just want to say than you. your videos on base training convinced to buy a power meter, and the stuff about constant pedalling has seriously improved my fitness!!! You've changed my cycling forever! (for the good obviously) Thanks agai
Hey Yoni, that is super awesome to hear, thanks for sharing with me. Cheers, Cam
The color looks great!
I found the black inc bar stem combo super flexy. Swap them out for a lighter alloy combo if you want a stiffer feel.
Factor frames are made in Xaimen China and then shipped to Taiwan for shipping etc. This is standard practice for most western brands.
Yes, most have factories in China I've realised. Too much financial gain not to use China, unfortunately.
A rim brake bike being the lightest and the quietest….who would’ve thought 🤣
hahaha! Correct
Great to see you review this bike. I an 02 being built up but its been delayed do I haven't experienced some of the attributes you've mentioned. Other 02 owners rave about the comfort and ability of the bike. Currently on a Tarmac SL7 and curious to see the difference. Good stuff mate
Nice one Darren, I hope you get it built up quick. Couple of nice weapons you have there. I reckon your SL7 will be way stiffer but the 02 will be your comfort hill climbing machine.
@@CamNicholls cheers mate. Keep up the good work and be safe
Great Cam now I want one!! Great review and very impressed with not only the build but frame technology.
hahaha! Cheers Michael
So, you're about the same weight and body build as Andre Griepel who is riding this bike superbly for his age at the Tour. Sounds like a decent bike to consider. can only imagine how excited DurianRider will be with this video
greipel does not use this bike
Yes I though he was on the ONE or the Ostro
agree one hundred percent...love my 02 vam
Great review as ever Cam. And now for the hill time test!! Go buddy
Cheers Nigel, yes - the hill climb to come in the full review.
I really appreciate your honesty👍🏿🇹🇹
Cheers mate
Lovely! I’m looking at giant tcr advanced since they still have rim. This might be another option for me. I also want the red groupset! Thank you for your review
Just over 6 kilos complete, and a 5 figure price tag... wow there! But it must wanna squirt out from underneath you on a climb. Thanks UA-cam for letting us live vicariously through others!
Nice vid Cam - action packed and very direct
Cheers James
I have the same frame (purchased a few months before you), with a very different component build (dura ace di2 and a bunch of weight weeny stuff). I love the bike, and am substantially faster on it than my on previous Orbea, probably because of how well this frame absorbs road vibrations. On the flip side, the bike feels less responsive to me on climbs (although this is probably an illusion because I've destroyed all my hill climb PRs since getting the new frame). Great video!
also I weigh under 60kg so the frame feels immensely stiff for me.
Interesting to hear Joseph, thanks for sharing on the thread. And enjoy the bike 👍
Nice one, that is one sweet build! At 120kg sounds like it’ll give me the ride comfort of a limo!😎
haha!
Thanks, Cam. I've been thinking about selling a car and a kidney to get one of these.
How much do you want for the kidney?
hahaha
Better think twice, once remove consider sold n irreplaceable..
@@DK-ix7bu Sorry, that was a joke. I'd never sell a kidney to get a Factor 02 VAM. Maybe an S-Works Aethos...
Got my 02 finally. Took it out for a quick 15 mile hilly ride. Compared to my Tarmac the ride quality is in a different league mate. It just eats up the road surface and makes for a really comfortable ride. Looking forward to really putting it through its paces soon
I’ve had my factor o2 almost 4 years and it’s a brilliant bike and would highly recommend the o2. They are expensive but generally happy with the bike. I bought my bike with the black inc wheels (Factors proprietary parts brand) and have gone through 2 back wheels which has been frustrating. Although Factor have been pretty good at sorting it out. Certainly will be sticking with rim brakes as long as possible
Interesting to hear Matthew, thanks for sharing on the thread
Oh wow. Their wheels failed on you? That's not something I'd want to deal with. How's the weight on them?
@@Timtimzi the wheels haven’t catastrophically failed. One wheel slightly delaminated and the other wheel had an issue where spokes kept breaking. I weigh 66kg so hopefully not a weight issue!
I'm 94 kg and dropping (thanks cycling) and own a Factor O2 disc. I don't feel like it flexes as much as yours does on the trainer, however it is still very light and comfortable for long distance rides. I wonder if the lighter frame weight adds flex, or perhaps the lack of thru axles? Also wanted to add that probably one of the best things about Factor is the fact you can use non proprietary components which makes for easy custom builds. Anyway even with discs its hands down the best bike I have owned, climbs well, snappy acceleration and the stealth black colourway suits me nicely. Also I'm not a dentist so its not a VAM - haha
Waiting for my O2 in Miami Blue to be built up. Getting SRAM components is the issue. It seems most 02 owners love the comfort it provides.
Interesting to hear, thanks for sharing on the thread Adam
amazing content as usual Cam! balanced review always appeal better than outright bombing :)
Cheers Frederick
stiffness is funny, marketing has just warped peoples mind when it comes to the word since every bike gets 15% stiffer every year until were riding concrete blocks lol. People want it without even knowing what it really means. Flex is fine in a bike, you arnt losing hundreds of watts in a steel bike just because it isnt as stiff as possible.
Well said mate!
I still ride my 531 steel bike built in 1992. Yes it flexes and yes it weighs the same as several concrete blocks.
It's like the washing powder commercials. 20% more efficient every year since 50 years. Shouldn't a tea spoon be enough by now?
Funnily enough it's much stiffer than concrete 😉😁👌
Cam, loving the videos keep it up mate! One idea for a vid I’d love to see is a ‘ how to take care of your carbon bike’ (using the right stuff, torque wrench’s etc). About to buy a focus izalco, 😎
Impressive review! It got me thinking, how does it compared to your previous Giant TCR Advanced SL? The Yellow Monster !
Giant is A LOT stiffer but less comfortable. So it depends what you like.
As always, great review Cam! Have a TCR disc otw... will i regret going discs. Will see 😆 this vid made me anxious a bit not gonna lie 😂
6kg flat is pretty crazy! Great they still give people the rim brake option.
Another great video Cam! Love the uniqueness of FACTOR brand especially in a sea of more common names. Not the cheapest but definetly stands out. Would you say its a long term keeper ? - since you have traded a few bikes in your time :-) many place titanium bikes up there on the keeper list... but after seeing this video, I beg to differ. Weight advantage is massive. comfortable, nimble - esp for aging rider like me who is not getting any stronger. Am considering one after I rob a bank.
In regards to stiffness, I have 2 legit road bikes. One is stiffer than the other but the one that is 'less stiff' seems to have a much more lively feel to it. It's as if the slight flex actually helps the power transfer. Describing it as 'springy' is pretty accurate.
Thanks for sharing mate, and agree...frame flex can add some great benefits!
Now add the SRAM RED AXS and it's certainly my dream bike. Heard and read a bit about it now and it seems to be a dream. Great review, Cam; as always. See ya :-)
Cheers Chrissi
I got my O2 built at the beginning of the year and love the bike. I'm over 10kg lighter than you and find it really stiff around the BB for excellent power transfer and my disc brakes are fantastic. One thing you didn't mention was descending, I find it really good going downhill around the corners, the engineering seems to make it very predictable and confident at holding a line.
Interesting to hear, thanks for sharing on the thread Peter
Look as an excellent bike
Interesting video as always !
Impressive bike Cam and a good looking one as well. 👍🚴♂️
As a 166cm,
Dang - love this channel and all the info! Dang .... another bike I'll never be able to afford. ( I have to throw in ......Go Lions! even though a tough loss to St Kilda last week)
haha, thanks mate...let's not talk footy. I am an Adelaide Crows supporter.
Rim brake!!!👍 i have a quiet yet "wooshy" rim brake Allez Sprint with Sram eTap red and Enve wheels, and I can never get myself to change in for modern disc brake bike
Cam - I own both the O2 and O2 VAM . I prefer the 02 over the O2 VAM as though slightly heavier the O2 doesn’t have as much flex along the top tube close to the stem .
Salute Cam beautiful Bike 🙏👍🔥🇵🇷💯
Got a factor O2 for my first bike and never looked back since.
Beautiful!
Recently I asked the question on a bike marketplace - 'what's the stiffest new bike?' Someone replied 'Giant Boner' Then the moderator pulled the post down.
Is that giant's new climbing bike? I think my mate has boner TCR.
haha
I own both the R5 and regular O2 and find the O2 to be much less twitchy in handling and more comfortable. While the O2 doesn’t have the last word on instant power transfer relative to the R5 when out of the saddle, it stands its own against Neil Pryde, Focus and Ti bikes.
Great Bike Review.
Cheers mate
Comparison between decadence and hyper wheels please 🙏
Great video! I’m the same height as you but am carrying an extra 12kg so I’ll stick with my aluminium frames for now! 😂
Yes, alloy bikes are great too! I need to get one. Used to love the Allez
I’ve just got a 2007 Caad 9 and it’s light and rides like a dream!
This bike is stunning still think rim brakes look nicer than disc
8:36 Camera skills! I'd biff it for sure.
The perfect bike for me, except for the price tag. Great review. Can you send it up your Hill Climb to compare it to the other bikes?
Yes, will do in the main review, cheers Byron
Thx for another great video Cam... Question... Which bike will be better at cornering? The less stiff VAM with shorter wheelbase, or the stiffer BMC with slightly longer wheelbase. Any thoughts? Does the stiffer BMC bike not feel more solid and trustworthy cornering? Thx!
this is pretty much the exact 02VAM I’ve been considering. I’ve lost 16kg after getting back into cycling the past year. I’m at 68kg currently and on a Cervelo S3 (rim brake) that I got down to 6.8kg. I just need to get to the point where I’m ok w/ my wallet feeling lighter 🤔😏😂
Haha I get that
This and the Enve road bike are where it’s at for me
Great content!!!
Cheers Patricio
Cam, thanks for the video. I am looking into Factor as my next bike. Debating between O2 VAM or OSTRO. Just a bit concerned about the size (54 or 56). I am 181, 163lbs - currently on size 54 BMC Teammachine (slammed stem). I think we are roughly about the same height, are you pretty satisfied with VAM, 54?
On the turbo side by side comparison it looked like the winspace was really flexing left and right more noticeable at the seat post height. Scary.
Yes, it didn't really show up like how it feels.
It's too bad that the current version of the O2 VAM is no longer compatible with mechanical shifting. Hopefully they bring mechanical shifting back along with a T47 BB.
Hi Cam, really nice first impressions video. That`s interesting, it was the first video I watched praising Factor due to its confort. Have you done a specific bike fit for it? If so, it would be interesting to see the main observations/changes compared to BMC. Cheers!
No bike fit but I kinda know all my dimensions because of Neill. The big one is saddle height and cleat position.
I'm actually considering purchasing either an o2 vam or a Ostro Vam. Revisited this video . What are your thoughts?
Thanks for the review but did I miss some vids as I thought you had just built up a Winspace which was an ultra light roadbike?.Nice to see the rim brake model though...looks very nice.
I have five bikes right now Kevin. Lost the plot
Hi Cam..thanks for the reply...I have the same addiction.....stay safe bud.
What time did you do on the test climb on this bike CN?
Haven’t done it yet mate, will do so for the full review
Hi Cam, great review. I'm looking at purchasing this exact bike but with no dealers around, I'm struggling to part with the money to buy sight unseen. Can I please ask; what saddle height are you running? Or better still, what is your inseam? Cheers. Gerry
Any toe overlap issues with the shorter wheelbase? Not super noticeable in riding conditions, but some of us that trackstand through traffic stops are curious.
Amazing bike
At 100kg, I’m looking forward to the day I get back down into your ballpark, I’m based in taiwan, hence I ride on hills whenever the opportunity arises. I imagine you won’t be aware of them, but I ride an exceptionally reasonably priced full carbon bike brand, built in taiwan called gusto. I’ve no experience to compare with brands like factor, so I can’t speak to that. They do provide bikes for the slovenia team iirc, so some of the best cyclists in the world have experience of the brand.
I just wondered, what is the rear light you have on your bike with the asynchronous flash mode?
8k frame only dayyyyummmmm
Self Build climbing bike: sram red 22 Quark Powermeter; China: frameset, rims, Hubs, saddle, bar; look pedals, deda stem, conti sprinters tubular... = 6.085g, 2.700€ (~4.273 AUD) incl. Taxes 🤪
Which frameset and wheels
How did you get a mechanical compatible model? Did they just recently move to electronic only?
Thank for the upload. How does bike compare to (your previously owned) Giant TCR Advance SL? The TCR is considered to be a stiff all rounder.
Hey Stanley, the TCR is way stiffer and more aggressive. Factor is a comfort machine but lacks aggressiveness
@@CamNicholls Thank you very much for your feedback.
Which year model is this? I just ordered the 2020 attaquer frame. It says on the website its compatible with mechanical groupsets. Hope its correct 😅
2020 - enjoy!
Ostro VAM next please.
Beauty!
hello，how to contact you for the wheels review ？ and would you like to review the ican wheels？
Great video Cam, and one that throws up the interesting question of what factors influence ride quality, both perceived as well as actual.
I wonder if there’s sometimes a disconnect between what we feel, versus the actual performance of the bike, ie stiff bikes are faster. You often see this in magazine reviews, particularly when reviewing either steel or Ti bikes, where the reviewer talks about the extra weight, or lack of aero profiling on the bike, but then cites PB’s or close to PB’s on some of their regular Strava segments.
Your review of the Factor also highlights a massive performance benefit - being comfortable, and I recall in one of Neill’s videos, he talks about pain being one of the biggest limiters on performance.
Keep up the great work, and here’s a link to a video GCN did some years ago with Tom Sturdy on frame stiffness, which I hope you find interesting. ua-cam.com/video/BH_AL4rxrp8/v-deo.html
Nice one mate, thanks for sharing and I’ll check out that video 💯
Hi from France,
Nice looking bike.Are you running it on tubulars ? if so how are those Maxxis tubulars ?
You know Factor make carbon wheels under the brand "Black Inc",I've got about four pairs,all tubulars, unreal wheels.
Great video, great subject, great little projet .😊
Yes I am and they're great. Roll better than most I have ridden
If your hight is 179cm, why you took the 54 frame since i have the same and I think 56 will fit better ?
Thanks for the video, it’s a nice bike, I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the Caden wheels, or even a separate video reviewing them? I have a Bianchi Specialissima rim brake weighing just over 6.2 with Campag bora one 50 tubulars which weigh 1260 grams, I need some shallower wheels for the mountains especially because I only weigh 54 kilos, those Decadence 38mm tubulars you are running should be just the ticket and at 1020 grams and not too deep to cause me any problems with cross winds on descents.
Thank you in advance.
In the olen Mark but may be a while away. I am really enjoying them. Some slight flex given weight but amazing up hills and roll generally 👌
nice bike sir🥰
Hey Cam , thanks for this review, I've been looking for a new bike for myself and I think I'll be going with the O2 V.A.M, I just want to know how long is the stem on your bike because me and you are similar height so I want to make sure I don't mess up the geometry. Love your videos and keep up the good work!
Same height doesn’t necessarily mean the same fit, limb length, flexibility, riding positions preference all need to be taken in account. Get a bike fit first, then order your frame and finishing kit would be my recommendation
100mm don't forget we may have different leg lengths and torso etc
Cam I am a heavier rider about 190 lbs. I noticed if I want to increase stiffness I choose the wheel set designed for that.
Interesting to hear George, thanks for sharing on the thread
aluminum for life.
Great review! Could you share any information on tyre clearance with me, width as measured, what would the maximum be? 28mm tyre measuring 30mm, or narrower?
Visually with the rim brakes I reckon 28mm but with disc 30
@@CamNicholls okay so something like the sworks turbo cotton 26mm would meausre about 28mm, and would be the widest option for this bike in rim brake.
You mentioned you as an 80Kg rider is almost at the edge of what this bike would take. I'm 85Kg, so what downside would for a heavier rider using the bike? Cheers
How much does Taylor cycles charge to put it together
I could email the store, every bike is different
Those skinny seat stays probably go a long ways towards absorbing and not transmitting a lot of road harshness through the seat. The frame will be a little flexy through the rear but as you said the bike can be made plenty stiff through the bottom end to transmit power efficiently. Still it’s probably best for lighter riders.
This review is the first one I've seen mention rider weight - which I think is an excellent point. I'm a larger guy and something I've noticed when on the hunt for the next bike. Flex / bike size / fit is always an interesting trifecta to try and hone in.
any thoughts on the UV exposure to "exposed carbon" frameset? specifically carbon fibre resin/epoxy degradation over time.
Good question but not my expertise mate. Thankfully my Factor sits next to me in the office.
The clear coat will be UV resistant
I would be more concerned with buying lightweight rim brake wheels tbh. That luscher technic (I think that's how you spell it) was pretty hard on those lightweight brand wheels he reviewed.
The TCR has a pretty short wheelbase and chainstay too...perhaps same if not shorter
Interesting to hear, I'll take a look
@@CamNicholls ah ok i used M size TCR...so a size 54 factor 02 vam still has shorter wheelbase by 8mm....my bad
That’s a really beautiful frame. If it was a ‘big time’ brand it would be what x3 the cost? Enjoy!
Cheers Kevin! Not sure about three times, that would be over 20k from the frame 😯
@@CamNicholls Yeah, true - late night maths are not my strongest point !
Hi Cam, is this a 54? Wonder why you went for this size over the 56 as I think at your height (same as me), Factor’s size guide recommends a 56?
I prefer a bike slightly smaller.
I planned to make the jump to carbon this year but mate, newer bikes are so heavy and a lot harder to mantain, my only option at the moment are two chinese brands but i really hope big brands #savetherimbrake I'm 1.70 and 56kg so rim is enough for me
Rim is enough for me too!
Are you using Exustar Pedals or others ?
Assioma
👍👍👍
The thing I am scratching my head about is where you found the red 22 mechanical groupset. Jealous!
Let me know if u find
get get em for about 300-500AUD in good condition on the second hand market.
I got it from a bike shop in Melbourne - Bike Force Docklands - that stripped it off an old bike/frame they sold.
You’re missing the thin, shaped spacer which sits directly between the stem and the top cap/spacer. Neatens it up a bit
Interesting, given your height and weight are very similar, I have always ended up on 56cm frames….cue worry about are my bikes too big for me! Nothing’s ever simple!
finally you bought a road bike instead of a gravel bike
hahaha - on the list
what saddle ur using Cam??
I use the Specialized Toupe