New Factor ONE: the superbike that redefines aerodynamics and modern geometry in cycling

Factor has finally unveiled the ONE, a bicycle that has been fueling rumors in the peloton for months and that many are already labeling as the most extreme and fastest aero bike allowed by UCI regulations. After debuting in the hands of Israel–Premier Tech during the Dauphiné and the Tour de France, the brand now confirms that the "prototype" was, in fact, the model that aims to break with the classic architecture of aero-race bikes.

Factor ONE: the aero that challenges limits with a "borderline legal" fork and radical front

A massive fork, a bayonet-style steering that turns the front into a knife, a handlebar without conventional stem, and a geometry approach that shifts the cyclist into a more forward, stable, and efficient position make this bike the most radical aero we have seen in years.

Factor claims that it is not just a faster bike, but a platform designed to respond to the real trends in professional cycling with narrow handlebars, short cranks, wide tires, and increasingly aggressive positions.

RECOMENDADO

The UCI announces the 2026 WorldTour: complete list and surprises in promotions and relegations

The cyclocross resigns with Van der Poel: "Now we compete for second place"

Why is cyclocross in fashion?

"I dedicated my life to racing, now I need rest": the final chapter of Nino Schurter

First time in history that a plane is launched by cyclists: the latest madness from Red Bull

New 32" MTB for sale with giant DT Swiss wheels

The ONE catches attention from afar due to a oversized fork that brushes against the new UCI limits and opens a wheel clearance compatible up to 34 mm. Its very wide front stays aim to break the laminar flow so that the air works in favor of the cyclist, reducing turbulence caused by the wheel's rotation and moving legs.

To that fork is added a super narrow head tube, mounted on a bayonet-style steering system, which leaves the front as a blade. Factor claims that this combination improves stability in crosswinds and allows for "controlling the air" before it impacts the rest of the frame.

The front brake has also been repositioned at a specific angle to minimize its resistance, a detail common in time trial bikes but practically unheard of in a UCI-legal road bike.

One of the key innovations is a handlebar with a seagull wing architecture that eliminates the traditional stem. The system decouples the point where the handlebar screws are attached from the pivot axis, increasing stiffness by 50% and allowing effective lengths of up to 150 mm without compromising safety or handling.

Factor offers it in two versions with a total of eight lengths. All share a fixed width of 380 mm, adjusting to the lower limit that the UCI will set in 2026 to increase homogeneity in the peloton.

Updated geometry: more forward cyclists, lower center of gravity

If the design is already striking, the geometry is even more so, and Factor dedicated quite a bit of time just to explain this point in its presentation, so it seems important. The idea they start from is that current positions no longer fit with "classic" geometries. And to solve this, the ONE includes these keys:

• Longer top tube + more vertical seat angle (up to 76°): allows the cyclist to be positioned forward without the need for extremely long stems.
• Greater bottom bracket drop and greater wheelbase: increases stability, especially with wide tires.
• Rear stays of only 405 mm that maintain reactivity.
• Greater distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the front wheel axle in small sizes: goodbye to the risk of toe overlap with the wheel without altering handling.

A UCI-approved Aero: the ONE boasts dizzying numbers

This model comes after UCI warnings that it could be illegal, but Factor claims that the ONE is the fastest UCI-legal road bike in the world according to their tests. They boast that it is 8% faster than the OSTRO VAM 2.0, 15% faster than the Cervélo S5 (2024), and 22% faster than the Specialized Tarmac SL8.

Factor ONE: prices and weights

Factor has not communicated an official weight, although prototype units in size 56 have weighed 7.35 kg without paint, and the frame in size 54 is around 900 g, with an additional 540 g for the fork. The range consists of 5 models (all with Black Inc 62 wheels and CeramicSpeed bearings) plus a frame kit.

• Frame and seat post kit: €6,599
• Ultegra Di2 build: €10,499
• Force AXS build + power meter: €10,699
• Dura-Ace Di2 build: €12,099
• SRAM Red AXS build: €12,399
• Campagnolo Super Record Wireless 13v: €12,699

The Factor ONE is not just another radical aero bike but a transition to a new dimension of road bicycles.