Factor O2 VAM

An elegant lightweight machine with a true personality

£12,200 | 6.33kg

The new Factor O2 VAM looks to captivate the weight-weenie audience instead of headlining with aero claims. Debuting at this T year's Tour de France, the new bike boasts increased stiffness and a 6.2kg claimed full build weight. Since ride one, these 'factors' have impressed us, yielding an enthralling ride. If you're in the market for an exciting superbike that isn't quite so mainstream, the 02 VAM is well worth a look.

Build

For 2023 the Factor 02 VAM has received a full redesign which Factor says has allowed them to shave weight off the frameset and improve its aerodynamics at the same time thanks to new tube profiles. It is certainly a striking bike to look at too; sleek lines and a particularly eye-catching wafer-thin top tube give this bike an elegant aesthetic.

Advancements in Computational Fluid Dynamics have allowed Factor to achieve a claimed 35% increase in stiffness, and 12-watt aerodynamic improvement over the previous generation model, at a frameset weight of 730 grams.

Particular scrutiny was put on the head tube too, which many said was not stiff enough. As an owner of the previous generation bike, I couldn't wait to put this to the test.

Geometry-wise, Factor has kept things fairly comparable. The stack has increased by around 10mm per frame size. Reach has remained similar, and the chainstays have stayed short at just 405mm across all models - which does indeed translate to a fast-handling ride feel.

The new O2 VAM is available in an array of different build options, and you can even spec up your own bike through the Factor website, but the model we had in for test was the SRAM Red eTap AXS model.

The finishing kit is handled predominantly by Factor's in-house component brand Black Inc including the new Black Inc 28//33mm wheels which tip the scales at a featherweight 1,154 grams (claimed).