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Factor
O2 VAM - Thunderstorm Force AXS
The fastest bike! The lightest bike! Superlatives are thrown around a lot when it comes to racing bikes. One thing is certain: The new O2 VAM is the ultimate mountain bike. Even if Factor didn't invent this category, in our opinion no one has ever pushed the envelope like this before. In terms of lightweight construction, aerodynamics, comfort and climbing characteristics.
With Red or Dura-Ace, the OSTRO VAM weighs just 6.5 kg, with pedals, bottle cage & just over the UCI limit of 6.8 kg. And it is still reliable and stiff enough for the demands of a pro. This is made possible by a new manufacturing process, the details of which Factor of course does not disclose, but for which it has built its own new production facility. This also bodes well for the future.
But why does a mountain bike have to be aerodynamic? Well, because very few courses are only uphill. And because pro riders now ride so fast on moderate climbs of up to 8% that aerodynamics do play a role (that's why Pogacar rode rims with a height of 4 - 5cm on the mountain stages of the Tour de France).
With a frame weight of just 700g, the O2 VAM achieves aero values that are only about 5 watts higher than the OSTRO VAM, which has been proven to be one of the fastest bikes in the pro peloton.
But for eternally long mountain stages, you also need a minimum of comfort. Especially when you think of the rough asphalt on French roads. That's why the O2 VAM allows tyres up to 32mm wide and has an integrated seatpost that offers much better damping properties than conventional ones thanks to its flex. And finally, the stack has been increased by 10mm, which contributes to a slightly more comfortable riding position.
After all, the bike has to be stiff for the climbing properties, of course. But not only in the bottom bracket, but also in the steering head. Because no pass is all uphill, at some point you have to go down again. Safe descent.
In summary: Factor has set new benchmarks with the O2 VAM. Allowed tech doping!
- Frame: TeXtreme®, Toray®, Nippon Graphite® Pitch-Base Fiber - Flat-mount carbon frame with 12x142mm thru axle, internal cable routing for electric shifting only, max. tyre width 32mm, with integrated seatpost.
- Fork: O2 VAM Aero (flat mount) for 12x100mm thru axle
- Cockpit: Integrated cockpit from Black Inc.
- Gear system: SRAM Force AXS 2x12, cassette 10 - 33T
- Crank: ROTOR Vegast 2x12, 48|35T chainrings
- Brakes: SRAM Force AXS hydraulic Disc, Flat Mount, 160mm Discs
- Bottom bracket: Ceramic Speed
- Wheels: VONHAND with Duke Baccara SLS2 carbon rims (48mm front, 56mm rear) and Aivee Classic hubs
- Tyres: Vittoria Rubino (optionally tubeless or with tube)
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