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Behold this custom-painted Factor OSTRO VAM made in collaboration with Duke Agyapong2022 Bike at bedtime Factor x Duke OSTRO VRAM

Behold this custom-painted Factor OSTRO VAM made in collaboration with Duke Agyapong

The Factor x Duke OSTRO VAM frame gets a custom paint job with "layers of meaning"
by Emily Tillett
Sun, Nov 20, 2022 21:45
1

Available for a short time and in limited numbers, this eye-catching Factor x Duke OSTRO VAM frame represents Factor's commitment to spreading the good word about cycling in its partnership with Duke Agyapong. 

A limited-edition version of this bike has been made following Duke’s custom bike (shown in the header), differing only slightly from Duke’s original by not including the images of their face.

Duke says: "The limited edition bike isn’t about me, it’s about the journey and progression for all black people.” 

2022, Factor, Factor x Duke OSTRO VAM, limited edition close up

Pictured here are Factor's in-house componentry brand wheels and integrated cockpit. The Black Inc 5-spoke carbon wheelset is lightweight and tubeless ready, weighing 1,318 grams and priced at €3473.04 (~£3000), shown here with Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres.

The Black Inc integrated barstem "provides measurable gains over a traditional stem and round handlebar setup", costing €627.25 (~£544).

> Goodyear Eagle F1 tubeless tyre 

2022, Factor, Factor x Duke OSTRO VAM, limited edition frame close up

On the frame you can expect to see verses from Duke’s poetry about equality; and whilst we think the colourway looks pretty cool, Factor also says how it “celebrates diversity.” 

Duke adds: “When I did start riding, even though London is quite diverse, I didn’t feel like cycling was open to me, so this bike was created as a reminder that cycling is for everyone."

Duke wants to contribute to a growing understanding between people no matter who they are, or where they are from, and this frame is sure to be a talking point at your next crit race or club run! You can give Duke's story a watch below, where they explain how "cycling is more than just going fast". 

You can get your hands on the frame only, or as a complete build with the choice of SRAM Red AXS, SRAM Force AXS, Shimano Ultegra 8170 or Dura Ace 9270 groupsets. Both SRAM options come with an added Quarq power meter, and the frame is available in six sizes from 49-61cm. 

> Check out the best Shimano road bike groupsets 2022 here 

The OSTRO VAM was first spotted at the 2020 Tour de France used by the likes of Chris Froome and his Israel-Premier Tech World Tour team. It's referred to as the "everything bike" by Factor. It's an aero disc-brake frame (sorry Froomey) weighing 830g (painted, size 54cm). 

You can find out more about the Factor OSTRO VRAM Duke edition here. 

2022, Factor, Factor x Duke OSTRO VAM, limited edition

For other custom paintwork and custom-built bikes plus everything else in between, check out our other Bikes at Bedtime. 

Do you think they need this custom paint job on the Factor OSTRO gravel frame too? Let us know in the comments below… 

Emily Tillett

Emily is our track and road racing specialist, having represented Great Britain at the World and European Track Championships. With a National Title up her sleeve, Emily has just completed her Master’s in Sports Psychology at Loughborough University where she raced for Elite Development Team, Loughborough Lightning.

Emily is our go-to for all things training and when not riding or racing bikes, you can find her online shopping or booking flights…the rest of the office is now considering painting their nails to see if that’s the secret to going fast…

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1 comments

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Sredlums | 1 year ago
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It's nice (let's face it, basically anything that deviates from the bland, boring grey or black carbon frames so commonplace nowadays is a step in the right direction), but why oh why do all these 'collabs' have to be so pompous, over the top in their description.

Can we just keep it real a bit? It's a bike with nice graphics for those who like it - or the brand person that the collaboration is with - and have the money to spend.
 

"Duke wants to contribute to a growing understanding between people no matter who they are, or where they are from, and this frame is sure to be a talking point at your next crit race or club run!".

“When I did start riding, even though London is quite diverse, I didn’t feel like cycling was open to me, so this bike was created as a reminder that cycling is for everyone."

Yeah, sure, no matter who you are, as long as you can cough up the thousands of pounds for this (the price isn't even mentioned, that's telling enough).

Gee, bikes like these almost make me feel like cycling isn't open to me.

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