Working closely with CeramicSpeed when developing products allows Factor to help find the best technical solutions for the ultimate racing bikes. Early in the concept design phase, our R&D team was testing CeramicSpeed’s SLT (Solid Lubrication Technology) Bearings for headsets, giving our feedback in the development of the indestructible headset bearings that we have been using with our road bikes since March 2021. The SLT bearings have proved they are guaranteed to last. Requiring no maintenance, they are particularly useful when combined with an integrated cockpit. The SLT bearings solve the problem of headset maintenance for integrated cockpits by removing the need!

Though aerodynamics and lightweight frequently are playing tug-of-war, the OSTRO VAM design makes sure these two essential considerations are both pulling in the same direction. In designing the OSTRO, Factor considered every aspect of the frame and applied the optimum aero profile, with particular regard to the transitions between frame sections and to performance across a full range of effective wind angles. The tube profiles are derived from NACA (National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics) shapes, oriented along the waterline (horizontal) in line with airflow and optimised for ride quality and aero-to-weight balance by truncating the aero section aggressively.

The one-piece, aerodynamic Black Inc Barstem reduces drag by meeting clean incoming airflow with a clean shape. Fully internal cabling brings further gains and Factor has achieved this while maintaining a 1⅛” top headset bearing for optimised frontal area, whereas many other brands increase the head tube size to accommodate internal cabling, cancelling out the benefits. And the introduction of CeramicSpeed SLT Bearings removes any worry of headset maintenance.