Factor Ostro VAM frameset

£5200.00

Made from a mix of TeXtreme, Toray and Nippon Graphite pitch-based carbon fibre, the frame features a deep head tube, chunky bottom bracket, large chain stays and thin dropped seat stays. The trailing edge of every wind-facing tube has been chopped off in an effort to cheat the wind while saving weight, and if you're looking at this bike thinking it'll be a solid platform for big efforts, you're not wrong.

Factor intends this frame for racing, and the Ostro VAM is easily stiff enough to handle everything Liam was able to throw at it. The position is long and low and the weight is bang on for one of these do-it-all frames. A nice short wheelbase is also great for responsive handling.

The cable routing is fully internal and, when set up with a bar such as the Black Inc, you get a very clean look with no annoying rattle from loose cables.

The seatpost is a D-shaped carbon design, and you can select zero offset or a 25mm layback. Which one you go for will depend on your riding position, but if you're looking to eek out every last bit of comfort, the layback might be a better bet.

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Overall, the stiffness of the huge bottom bracket, chunky down tube and deep chainstays results in a bike that loves to sprint and, over broken ground, the back end provides just enough comfort for long training days.