Factor presents the SARANA, a radical gravel bike with a 57 mm tire clearance

The introduction of the new SARANA in the Factor catalog is a statement of intent in a segment that is rapidly evolving towards bicycles capable of competing in extreme events, where speed no longer depends solely on efficiency on compact terrain, but on the ability to maintain pace in unpredictable conditions for hours or even days.

Factor Sarana: designed from fatigue, not from the lab

The development of the SARANA has not been limited to simulations. The project has been closely linked to the real competition experience of Rob Britton, winner of the Unbound XL 2025, who has actively participated as a tester and co-developer.

For months, the Canadian has subjected the prototypes to extreme conditions in British Columbia, accumulating hours in real ultra-endurance scenarios. Here, comfort in classic terms has not been sought, but rather maintaining control when the body is already at its limit after double-digit days on the bike.

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This approach translates into very specific decisions in the frame design, such as the type of construction, geometry, or absorption system, among other details.

Directional carbon and smart absorption

The heart of the SARANA lies in its carbon construction, where the layup seeks not only lightness or stiffness but a very specific management of forces.

High-modulus fibers are concentrated in key areas such as the bottom bracket and chainstays to maximize power transfer, while intermediate layers work on vibration absorption and traction on uneven terrain.

The result is a bike that does not lose efficiency while pedaling but filters out the high-frequency vibrations typical of the roughest gravel, such as washboard or loose tracks.

Geometry to go fast when things get complicated

The geometry of the SARANA does not conform to the classic standards of lightweight gravel. Here, the focus is clearly on long distances and sustained high speed. The stack-reach ratio is optimized to maintain an efficient position even with accumulated fatigue, preventing the rider from "collapsing" over the bike in the final hours of effort.

This is complemented by several key elements:

• Slightly elongated wheelbase to improve stability
• Trail around 65 mm (depending on the tire) that balances precision and stability
• Chainstays of 425 mm across all sizes, which is unusual for this wheel clearance

All of this combined with a wheel clearance of up to 57 mm front and rear, placing it directly at the limit between gravel and lightweight MTB.

Leaf-spring type rear system: controlled flex without losing reactivity

One of the most interesting points of the frame is the rear stay system, with a leaf-spring design. The stays and the slight deviation of the seat tube generate a flex in the vertical plane that helps absorb impacts without compromising lateral stiffness. In other words, the bike filters the terrain without becoming imprecise when pedaling hard.

Compatible with rigid fork or suspension without altering geometry

Another of the most distinctive aspects of the SARANA is its ability to adapt to different configurations without modifying its behavior.

The frame is designed to work with both a rigid fork and a 30 mm suspension fork, without altering the geometry or riding sensations. This greatly expands its range of use, from fast races to ultra-distance events on technical terrain.

Real integration designed for ultra distance

Factor has particularly focused on functional integration, and a good example of this is the joint development with Post Carry of a specific frame bag that integrates directly into the front triangle. It is not an added accessory but part of the bike's concept.

The head tube adopts a truncated aerodynamic shape that not only improves airflow but also optimizes space for this bag. Made with waterproof materials, sealed seams, and a rigid base, it maintains its shape even when fully loaded.

Additionally, the bike has other important design details, such as:

• Compatibility with 1x drivetrains with chainrings up to 52 teeth
• UDH for modern transmission
• Compatibility with dropper posts
• Options for internal mounting and storage

Black Inc FORTY SIX wheels: aerodynamics applied to extreme gravel

The SARANA is complemented by the Black Inc FORTY SIX wheels, developed specifically for this concept. Their 46 mm profile and aerodynamic steel spokes aim to maintain speed on fast sections and asphalt links, which is increasingly important in modern gravel events.

The internal width of 27 mm is clearly aligned with the use of high-volume tires, optimizing footprint and traction.

Factor Sarana: builds and prices

• SARANA frame - €5,599
• SARANA frame + suspension - €6,399
• Force XPLR build + BI46 wheels - €9,499
• Force XPLR + suspension - €10,199
• RED XPLR build + BI46 wheels - €11,499
• RED XPLR + suspension - €12,199
• Black Inc FORTY SIX wheels - €2,049

The SARANA is not a versatile gravel bike for general use. It is clearly oriented towards events where the combination of distance, terrain, and self-sufficiency makes the difference.

Events like Transcordilleras or Atlas Mountain Race fit perfectly into the scenario for which it has been designed, where maintaining speed for hours on unpredictable terrain is more important than pure lightness.