Factor Ostro VAM - Aero/Climbing bike that can do it all

Today, I'm diving deep into the incredible Factor bike - a true game-changer that's redefining the game and has created, to me, a new category of bike...The Aero Climber.
This bike's aero design slices through the wind like a hot knife through butter, giving you that edge when you need to maximize your speed and efficiency on the road.The Factor isn't just about aerodynamics - it's also lightweight, which means you'll effortlessly conquer those challenging climbs in style and comfort. Whether you're ascending steep hills or navigating tricky mountain paths, this bike's exceptional climbing capabilities will leave you speechless.
The comfort on this bike is hands down second to none, with an exceptional ride quality and stiff frame, this Ostro VAM thoroughly impressed me the more I rode it.
Do you have a Factor? I want to hear from you, how do you like?
In this video we'll break down:
1. The build/specs
2. Curb appeal
3. Ride quality and characteristics
4. What I would change
5. Who is this bike for
Follow me on Instagram @theorangehelmetguy and strava at "The Orange Helmet Guy"
Visit my local bike shop www.seriouscycling.com to demo a Factor Ostro of your own.
Following them on IG @seriouscycling
Visit Factor: factorbikes.com/bikes/ostro-vam
Sunglasses by goodr.com/
*Video was not paid for or sponsored by Factor or Serious Cycling.
#bikereview #factor #factorostro #roadbike #CyclingLife #BikeLove #CycleAdventures #RideOn #BikeLife #Cyclist #PedalPower #CyclingCommunity #RoadCycling #MountainBiking #BikeEverywhere #TwoWheels #CyclingCulture #RideMore #CyclistLife #BikeExploration #CyclingJoy #CycleLife #BikeAdventure #RideHard #ExploreOnTwoWheels #BikeViews #CyclingJourney #BikeTrips #CyclingFun #RideWithFriends #OutdoorCycling #BikeRoutes #CyclingPhotography

[@antoinecdc]

Super helpful and honest review! Appreciate it

[@theorangehelmetguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andriivaskovets5438]

Very very good review!

[@MaxRothFitness]

Nice review! Ordered mine last week 🎉

[@theorangehelmetguy]

That's awesome! I would really love if you were to come back and comment here whether my thoughts and perception are similar to yours :) Enjoy it! Get out and ride!

[@hadishhagos2909]

I had my new factor bike a week ago, I live in Texas not much hills but I feel the difference when I ride on hills great bike I love it

[@theorangehelmetguy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@karlasseily4525]

great review ! it am glad to hear that you previously owned a Dogma F10. The F10 is my current bike, but I just purchased an Ostro VAM racing green that i will assemble myself. I chose the Black 45s, SRAM red AXS powermeter 46-33 / 10-33 cassette. As I live in Lebanon, climbing is pretty brutal here. Much more so than SoCal where I used to live previously. Seriously looking forward to seeing and feeling the differences !

[@theorangehelmetguy]

Please come back and share your experience if it was similar to mind…I have no ideal there was so many hills out there, have fun!

[@robertdore9592]

Great review.

[@theorangehelmetguy]

thanks for watching and commenting

[@TravelingBabyCompany]

Looks like a great bike!!!!

[@theorangehelmetguy]

Get you one!!! 😂 Thanks for the support!

[@shamungy]

Harrison AKA The Orange helmet team captain. Go Team! Great review. From start to finish. One thing I would have added when you spoke about changing the tires. I would have spoke about the Black Wheel set. Is that a option to order from the website and would you have ordered it that way. Or another preferable wheel set? Considering along with the frame being one of the primary component of ride....Wind, Cornering and so on. Loved the interviews. But especially loved the outtakes. The human Factor. See how I got that in there. Great review Orange helmet Team Captain!!

[@theorangehelmetguy]

Thanks so much for the feedback and great question. I did like this wheelset and probably would order them too, I really liked the ceramic speed bearings that come pre-configured with them, and I prefer to keep the matching black inc bar/stem + wheelset, I don't like to mismatch parts if I don't have too. It was pretty nice weather during the 2 weeks of testing so didn't encounter too much wind to be honest, and anything that was out there wasn't' enough to mention. The mavics I currently run on my BMC and the Black Inc's I tested are almost the size weight, so I didn't noticed anything there and I would need to ride the wheelsets back to back to feel the difference...maybe a video to come soon! THANKS ORANGE HELMET MATE!

[@richardbrown837]

What do you think of the Paul Smith Colab paint scheme? Also may I ask what your inseam is? debating a 52 vs 54 .

[@theorangehelmetguy]

I think the PS paint is unique and a personal preference, personally not for me, too many contrasting colors. My inseam is 30"ish so I like a smaller frame with a 120-130mm stem for a smoother feel. My opinion is it comes down to stem length, get a frame that will have you on a 110-130mm stem, less twitchy and more grounded on the downhills. Less than 100 is ok but just know it feels more twitchy, that’s why MTB’s have such short stems to be able to maneuver in tight spaces.

[@FranK-eh7uz]

Great review - you mentioned you are 5'-8" tall. Wondering what your inseam is and the frame size of this awesome bike.

[@theorangehelmetguy]

Thanks for the comment. I have a 30" inseam, so pretty short legs. I run 170mm cranks as well.

[@FranK-eh7uz]

@@theorangehelmetguy Thx! We are essentially the same height and inseam. I'm assuming that stem-bar combo is 100 x 400?

[@theorangehelmetguy]

yes it was 100x40

[@francescoboschini3468]

How's the ostro compare to your bmc on descent? I'm actually on buying one of the two..!

[@theorangehelmetguy]

great question. the bmc seems to be easier to place and flick quicker, with that said the factor wasn’t fit perfect for me and had a much shorter stem. The factor is definitely more comfortable and smoother. both are great honestly and I would get whatever bike you like looking at more

[@0xRalph]

Mine is on its way to me

[@theorangehelmetguy]

Please come back and let me know what you think and if your experience is similar to mine

[@mikicastan]

Nice bike but cant swallow the price. Doesnt Seka has bike that looks the same?

[@theorangehelmetguy]

I don't think so…Seka is closer to a SL7…in regards to pricing this is pretty aligned with the market, maybe even better considering the customization you get out of it. With that said, Factor is a smaller brand and doesn’t get the big box discount, they are a little smaller and custom the orders.

[@mikicastan]

Its a rip off mate.

[@jadenngl]

@@mikicastan it is what it is, every top end bike of the bigger companies ie trek, specialized, cervelo, cannondale, scott, etc etc are priced similiarly

[@carlosmtb427]

I talked to factor and they recommend size 54 and I’m 5’7 height and 29 inseam..

[@theorangehelmetguy]

Ya everyone is different, I like a longer stem to usually for with a smaller frame. Did you talk about reach or give them current fit numbers?

[@FelipeSalum]

+1 here, I hate the SRAM brakes, those rotors/pads combination make so much noise.

[@theorangehelmetguy]

yep…I mean they race RED at the world tour level but I have a feeling the rotors are not sram, just the calipers

[@jguillermoii]

I pick an Ostro over any all rounders.

[@theorangehelmetguy]

this bike definitely impressed me too

[@happydays8171]

So has Factor done away with their twin vein downtube?

[@theorangehelmetguy]

I believe so, the new one that was at the TDU didn't have the twin vein either, but that may be on a different model.

[@happydays8171]

@@theorangehelmetguy Thanks

[@metmercc]

So you’re 5’8” and ride a 52?

[@theorangehelmetguy]

yep, I have a 30” inseam…and I prefer the longer stem for a smoother ride downhill

[@justinmiller7083]

Me too! And ride a 130 stem