Is this my FAVOURITE bike ever? | Factor Ostro Review... Let's talk SHARP EDGES.

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

Ahh the comments are alive with people not content with the sound, our videos normally had sound on point with decent mic’s, I used a rode mic here and plugged it into the wrong outlet on the camera. My bad. Also those saying froomey didn’t like the bike I guess only read the headlines, and didn’t watch his video 😂

[@Roznz]

Froomey liked it so much he didn’t bother coming to the team camp....

[@brianomara]

@@Roznz someone hasn’t ridden in a SoCal winter.....

[@simonaldridge6907]

I like the sound, it sounded like I was in the garage with you. You know you have a good bike when you smile as you ride away on it.

[@Roznz]

@@brianomara zero relevance. Froome is just edging out another few years of 2M Euro and is clearly showing yet again. It is all about him. In fairness he may have been at the pharmacy getting his inhaler scripts

[@doubletap333]

Sound is fine - makes the video more authentic :) Thanks for taking the time.

[@kevwells]

There goes any excuses ;) Good luck this year Alex have a great season, looking forward to seeing you smash those pedals!!!

[@GianchyCRF]

I bought the same bike and what can I say is that it is absolutely incredible !!! Stiff and comfortable at the same. What impressed me more is the fact with wind the bike is just not moving at all !!! I can' t believe how much is stable. Another point is the fantastic feeling with the fork when descending quickly, very very stable and simple to drive.

[@MrDazP1adv3ntures]

So many people with their quirky smart Arse replies. Well done Alex for talking about your bike and sharing your personal thoughts . It looks really simple, no messy cables and has a fantastic paint job too. We all all know your legs do the talking but if you are happy sitting on the bike that's a massive psychological gain for free. All the best for 2021 to you and the team.

[@TriathlonDan]

Factor, for when money isn't one ;)

[@matthiaskettner6686]

Same joke under every video containing a factor bike. Let‘s be honest - that joke would work with every bike brand.

[@TriathlonDan]

@@matthiaskettner6686 you’re right, bike prices have gone pretty crazy haven’t they!

[@billylaight6337]

@@matthiaskettner6686 Pinarello, for when money isn’t one. Hmm, doesnt quite work

[@matthiaskettner6686]

@@billylaight6337 try harder!

[@hamishcross3913]

@@matthiaskettner6686 Giant, for when you're tall

[@BadTanLines]

I'm two minutes in and the tire labels not being lined up with the valves is triggering my OCD.

[@angusowens1189]

Now its triggering me 😅

[@pahouseholder]

Yes. He rides them. He doesn't wrench them. Well, at least.

[@MrDread35]

😀😀

[@philpaterson5936]

You have no idea how long I've waited to understand why teardrop shapes disappeared in favour of the trimmed tip/kamtail. Ha, finally. Thank you.

[@LatentManifest]

Marketing.

[@lastfm4477]

@@LatentManifest No, stupid UCI rules.

[@DCassidy42]

VAM is the abbreviation for the Italian term velocità ascensionale media, translated in English to mean "average ascent speed" or "mean ascent velocity", but usually referred to as VAM. It is also referred to by the English backronym "Vertical Ascent in Meters".

[@jackdavis8786]

chanels terms much more exciting lol

[@jamescarlphotography4523]

Really enjoy when you go into the aero information! And cool to see a world class rider use "normal" gears -- I am old enough that I remember when a pro would say "yeah, I've got my climb gears on, 39x25"

[@chazpilks]

Wasn’t convinced I’d watch this, then 11m 35s in...I realised I’d watched it...

[@pnwhiker7461]

So when is the giveaway? 😅

[@ninomalunhao3451]

I like how you think lol

[@kevinmoore8896]

Really informative video, thanks. I started cycling in the eighties and to think how far things have come with bike technology is amazing, the amount of thought that goes into a frame these days, the clean lines with no cables, etc. is fantastic. It’s just a shame that they’re so expensive!!

[@Sp3ktral22]

Kamm? Wikipedia says - The ideal shape to minimize drag is a teardrop having a smooth airfoil-like shape, but it is not practical for road vehicles because of size constraints. However, researchers including Kamm found that abruptly cutting off the tail resulted in a minimal increase in drag. The reason for this is that a turbulent wake region forms behind the vertical surface at the rear of the car. This wake region mimics the effect of the tapered tail in that air in the free stream does not enter this region (avoiding boundary layer separation), therefore smooth airflow is maintained which minimizes drag.

[@JimTheGlawsFan]

Always thought about getting a Factor, really liked the previous models. This looks the perfect bike. £5,200 for frame, fork, seatpost, bars and stem. Jeez! Still tempted.

[@DanTuber]

You can't even test ride one. Boggles my mind how people buy them.

[@barmouthbridge8772]

Stupidest pay most

[@jasonstevenson110]

I used to think they built frames in Taiwan to make them more affordable? Huge profit margin on these things.

[@marshallemmett3313]

My favorite part of this video is "Factor has their own Factor..y" The bike is lovely and I can't wait to see it in action!

[@lodgicboii]

Awesome, I love these bikes and being local to me makes it even better 😁. But the question we all want to know Alex is... are you convinced disc’s are the way forward 🙊

[@andrewmwylie]

Discussing the science, but more importantly the reasoning behind it, is top notch. Enjoyed those details.

[@martinth2529]

Thank you for the video Alex. I ordered the frameset and I cannot wait to get my hands on! Replacing my Bianchi Oltre with the Ostro Vam in Soho Mix.

[@Needle20091]

Great video, Alex maybe you can do a video about your bike settings ( and not only how you set up your bike, but also why you set it up like that). Thanks. Have a great season!

[@johnbobelak8471]

My stock Ostro weighed with Wahoo Nano pedals , Sram Red build, Black Inc 60's in size 56 weighed exactly 16 lbs. I knocked another 1 lb off by swapping to a 10-26 cassette, shorter 165mm cranks, slamming stem, minimal bar tape, and the biggest change was the wheels swapped to Zipp 454 NSW's with tubeless Goodyear 700x25 Eagle F1 tubeless supersports. Fastest bike I ever road and I rode some fast bikes, S-works venge, s-work Tarmaxc SL7, Canyon Aeroroad CF SLX

[@Bandyrobs1]

Great review Alex..very interesting to hear your take on the changes made. Have a great season.

[@yashkeough4216]

This was a great review. Love the description of how the tube shapes work.

[@jubeeju]

Thanks for sharing the video. Obviously it is a very nice bike and I really appreciate the comments about the tyres and details of the frameset. Just one thing though, I believe quite a few of us would like your view about the maintenance side of the disc brakes.

[@scooty-puffjr5588]

Shame your review wasn't as technical as Chanel's excellent reviews🙂

[@yosoypatrick]

Great video Alex, will you be doing a review vid on the TT bike?

[@SurpriseMeJT]

But Froome isn't convinced with his Factor disc. I'm so confused. What am I supposed to believe? ;)

[@BadTanLines]

Also do you race on 28's or are these just for training? I'm considering the move up to 28's but I'm still on the fence.

[@MichaelBoogerd]

Not “all the new boys” were satisfied 😂😂😂 great review.

[@yasserfuad6988]

Here is one who doesn't like it

[@matthewlewis2072]

@@yasserfuad6988 you ride for ISN?

[@yasserfuad6988]

@@matthewlewis2072 unfourently nö I dream to have the Chance to

[@geoffdavis2643]

Alex, I'm with you on the OSTRO Vam. See my review. Its the best bike I've ever had. Just a shame I can't ride it in nicer weather like you can. Great video. Looking forward to some more wins this season - good luck.

[@sarcodiauk2921]

Great review Alex thanks 👍 good luck for next season

[@ashleydarby3652]

I love the look of this bike and Alex’s review of it. Cheers

[@Finx5008]

According to Google: VAM is the abbreviation for the Italian term velocità ascensionale media, translated in English to mean "average ascent speed" or "mean ascent velocity", but usually referred to as VAM

[@simonbrown3993]

Fantastic review. How would you rate the wheels and do you see any benefits to fitting Princeton Wake 65/60 wheels which are deeper and a little lighter too with Tune hubs or the 180’s

[@philipk4475]

the KAM tail is also better than a full teardrop shape when the wind comes in at an angle. The Factor Ostro is definitely a bike with bleeding edge design and manufacturing chops behind it, and thankfully it still manages to look very elegant.

[@renzevanabbema1516]

Wow alex, you making this video is making me like cycling even more and makes me wanna go buy an expensive bike myself and go and learn a lot about cycling sport

[@terrywalker7127]

Thanks for this review of the Ostro. BTW what does Ostro mean? If I may ask: how tall are you and what is your inseam. I am looking at one day maybe replacing my Pinarello F10. And I am a recreational rider (and older) but do you see an issue with using Campy Super Record EPS4? Thanks again for the awesome review.

[@aliounendayziga8669]

Is froome going to be climbing with a 7,5 kg bike??

[@krisbowditch827]

How does Froomedog rate it ? Rim brake version is a must .Ineos still use them ( rim brakes ) that’s a massive statement 😃👌 factor do the right thing and make a climbing ultra rim brake edition 👌😁😁😁😁😁🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️ let’s get serious .. thanks for review Alex 👍

[@lucasjohnston8676]

People are surprised about the weight which is stupid. He has pedals, cages, gps mount , and even deep wheels

[@simonsimon8213]

Yeah and he racew with pedals, cages etc so very heavy

[@simonknowles4267]

9:34 what’s with all the marks above the R....

[@jamesshields1969]

great video Alex, thank you for breaking down your gorgeous team bike for us brother.

[@jifdave]

What’s about the flexible bars and dodgy discs!!!

[@mirceaandreighinea]

5:00 - that looks very much like a 34T inner chain ring

[@sandgroper1970]

I prefer 45/50 mm rim depth, I feel that these are deep enough and I think less troubles in crosswinds than the 60mm or deeper rim sections.

[@invalice123]

What bottle cages do you have there Alex?

[@indonesiaamerica7050]

VAM comes from "velocità ascensionale media" (climbing rate). This comes from Conconi and Ferrari explaining why they don't necessarily need power meters when looking for "sweet spot" training zones/windows for their clients. I'm pretty sure this dates back to "public discourse" smack talk when certain demagogues were trying to attack everything Conconi and his associates have done since Moser broke the World Hour Record. Moser used heart rate training zones and did some intervals in the hills with a fixed gear (IIRC). VAM for Factor means "climbing" performance has been "factored" in to the design.

[@christophertyler8051]

Every Job has it pros and cons but a free bike to use at today pricers is a nice one to have (not that you don't deserve it Alex ) Great review ......

[@2321brendan]

Finally got me a power meter . Now I know what 400w feels like . I can do 2 mins at 400w. You are a sick man Dowsett, mutant freaks all of yus.

[@Apex820]

Which power meter did you get? I’m looking at a few right can’t make up my mind. I know I want duel L/R crankset stage or 4iiii

[@2321brendan]

@@Apex820 Its in the Kikr Snap I just bought! sorry .Maybe should I have said I have a smart trainer . I figure the pwr meter is in the trainer.

[@Alchas65]

"longer than it appears" - this wasnt on your tinder bio was it?

[@kulit5610]

Great review one question, did you have a hard time installing the mechanical groupset? I’m considering the frameset but I don’t think I can do the full eTap groupset and was thinking of the same Shimano mech groupset. Any issues? Thanks again

[@damodamo7219]

Why go with Swiss stop rotors and pads over the shimano?? Cheers

[@ibonlekerikazarraga4214]

Hi Alex I heard you're wearing a T56 and I think you're 1.82m tall How high do you have the saddle? Thank you so much All the best.

[@neilneumann2027]

Nice video Alex..Allways. Been a fan..I see Factor have followed the VAM.! (Cervelo) frame sizing guide. Less frame jigs Less cost for the manufacture. More profit.

[@peterducker4741]

just need chanels review now,including the pedal sticks lol

[@sifi7950]

Beautiful machine; you’ve got a fun year ahead!

[@IanB17]

Next video should deffo be a Hambini / Chanel collaboration review 😂

[@ssaunders2k]

Looks like a top bike, hope they serve you and the team well. Would love to see you winning a stage or two again in a grand tour. What's your thoughts on the brakes 🤔 or have you all had the memo to 🤐 after froomey's review. 😬😂

[@matthewlewis2072]

Maybe Alex doesn't care, long as they work

[@MrWiggy59]

Interesting and another great upload. No mention of disc brakes, but cool with this. For another debate. Should punters not have a choice between rim or disc? AND, will it be long before we cannot even have manual gears? Spending more than a motorbike and being told what you can have... Wagging tails and dogs. (or cats😁)

[@howardj2433]

Nice! If those wheels are set up tubeless, is there a reason you're using valve extenders?

[@mikekendall8432]

Wish I had a spare 9 grand to spend on a bike great vid but different world !

[@1stElement]

It would be a little concerning if the professional bike riders of the world had access to anything less than the best bikes in the world, though wouldn’t it? Same goes for any job, I’d hope?

[@benjaminzachwieja8133]

How is Albert doing with the kido?

[@garethlloyd8226]

Do you like the disc brakes as much as Froomey?

[@trekmadone1048]

Hello what brand of tires are u riding? and model and size and are they regular clinchers or TUBELESS

[@00Seven1000]

Great bike....thanks for sharing Alex

[@harryrobins9729]

Would like to hear what Hambini or Peak Torque think about sharp edges reducing drag? I thought the exact opposite was true.....

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

Depends where the sharp edges are. ☺️

[@ericgasparro2545]

is that a scratch on the crank arm :(

[@martinth2529]

Just got my Ostro Vam fully build. Rode the bike around the shop and WOW, what a difference from my Bianchi Oltre. Immediate comfort, composure, solid, light, and just felt right! Full build with Ultegra di2, DT Swiss ERC1100 wheels, pedals, computer mount, power meter and bottle cages- 16lbs!

[@lukebullo]

7,6kg??? 😭. Specialized Tarmac 7,2kg!

[@cw42Utube]

Good review Alex. Quick question that has me wondering: If you're riding in front of another rider and there's a tailwind, as the lead rider, do you still get the benefit of the tailwind? Sort of the reverse of riding behind someone against a headwind I guess?

[@finnnation]

What sort of BB? T47? Cheers

[@robertphillips3078]

Alex terrific that you can share ur Pro Rider insights with us. Its gr8 content. Naughty wife bailing on u & Factor with another bike brand .. U 2 Factor , well my wife has life style choices way above my pay grade. Can l ask 4 a pay rise. Enjoy 2022 🚴🏼‍♂️🚴🏼‍♂️

[@polthomaskeeley7860]

No question this is a seriously fast race bike with state-of-the-art technology. Yes, as usual with new aero bikes it's a little bit heavy, but the aero tech is there. A few road racer friends recently got the V.A.M. and all said it's the fastest bike they've ever owned, hands down. The jury is out, I guess. I still want (and love) my super-lightweight rim brake bikes. But I really like FACTOR bikes. How much $$$ are they?? Up there with the SL7 or more., no doubt. Yikes 😲😳 I know they're going to get that weight down, little by little.

[@cmacd8879]

You know Factor make the O2 and VAM in rim brake as well? I have one... 6.5 kg, rims, Zipp carbon wheels.

[@MaxMustermannnnnn]

How do you like the rotors? I have Ultegra rotors and they are noisey...

[@nicensleazy1892]

we leak 75 % in non verbal communication - you didn't seem happy with the Weight Alex. Your body language ;-) Anyhow it's a beautiful bike and I think with 45 mm wheels, there will be a little weight saving but it's still on the HEAVY side

[@DaveCM]

It is very competitive for an aero bike. He has a climbing bike for steeper races. It is what it is and he isn't at a disadvantage on this bike compared to other aero bikes. Of course he'd like it to be lighter though.

[@Golding87X]

I think your R3 and R1 numbers are the radius of the tube corner in mm.

[@datdudeinred]

wait she is going to share her vids on this channel or she has her own? link pls.

[@erick_fernandez_78910]

Thanks for the review! I’m interested now haha!

[@miguelsaez340]

5:55 looks like alex skipped arm day in that gym routine video while lifting the bike 💪🏼

[@cliffordchaperon6795]

interesting on the weight of the bike, Cycle Speed Tours (uTuber) has his bike at approx 6.5kg and your is approx 1kg heavier at approx 7.5kg. wow may be the mechanics can make adjustments to reduce the weight of your bike

[@matthewlewis2072]

Did that include pedals, cages, computer mount, etc?

[@stefankucera2390]

cycle speed tours had smaller size(52?) frame and tubular wheels

[@V1ct0rN0rr1s]

So if I ask Factor for a discount on a frame saying I'm a mate of yours I might get a discount?

[@ippusor]

In Sweden VAM means something quite different to say the least.

[@darrenhill8503]

Bring back the Kiwi with the classic commentary lol. Southern Hemisphere rule.

[@cypriano8763]

great bike, i weighs the same as my Giant tcr 2012 advanced 2 with shimano 105. funny that

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

Uci weight limit is still the same. Also the scales I used fluctuated by 300grams each time I weighed it after the vid hence my confusion. Climbing wheels, titanium bolts and whatnot and this thing will be at 7 or less I’m sure

[@cypriano8763]

@@AlexDowsettOfficial i think this shows the great bargain a rim brake bike represents nowadays. You can get a super light, great build bike for a fraction of the price of disc option.For the normal joe it seams like a great alternative. Lets face it rim brakes work damn good. Of course you wont look as cool when you show up at the group ride. Lol

[@stevebrown7281]

Got 1 on order hope I love it🤔

[@danalmasan]

what about the disc brakes? why do not mention how much you love them over rim brakes

[@edrcozonoking]

So what do you think of the disk brakes? I hear Froomies are rubbing!😅🤣😂

[@RoryMacdonald-pfff]

Send it over to Hambini for a review ? 😬

[@KoenMiseur]

@alex was the team running tubeless or tubular tires in the Giro?

[@ryand141]

Yes, but there's no point the average joe using them for training.

[@alanwright4628]

Do you like the disc brakes? 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂

[@krisbowditch827]

Froomey froomey 💪💪💪 Froomedog keeps it real 🤟

[@martincove6054]

Great video - contrast with Froomey's !

[@TheGgiammattei1]

Hi Alex, quick question..i just collected my Osro Vam yesterday. Havent ridden it properly yet, just a quick ride around the house but feels a bit uncomfortable. Other two bike I have are Cannondale synapse and a Giant Defy both are 56. Im just over 6ft tall and got a 56 frame for the Osro but i wonder if i should have gotten a 58 to have a higher handle bar. How tall are you if you don't mind me asking?

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

I’m just under 6ft and ride a 56 with a 13cm stem. I’m sure with some fine tuning you’ll be able to get it comfortable!

[@TheGgiammattei1]

@@AlexDowsettOfficial thank you!! Yes will see if i can add one more spacer (the ostro though has only a 3.7cm max allowance) and perhaps can lower the seatpost 1cm. Ty for the reply.

[@domefford864]

Hambini will have a field day with this!!

[@Olguini91]

No comment on Froomeys review?

[@chrispictures1]

Really surprised at how heavy it is

[@jostjoller591]

4:18 why does he say "160 at the front" when it is clearly 140 at the front?

[@microwave311]

It is possible this is an unpolished video without teleprompter.

[@davidkennett2372]

Hi Alex, am looking at a 58cm Ostro, how do you find the drop from saddle from handlebar? Thanks

[@prabhuwali9]

"longer than it appears", that's what she said!

[@TheMASDrummer]

Where's PeakTorque to verify

[@Contagi0us666]

new tt bike this year?

[@stevebrown7281]

Yep he will ride the Factor Slick👌

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Two bad things about this bike 1) my riding ability or rather lack of 2) I couldn't afford but I still enjoyed the video Thanks