The new Factor ELARA brings “Formula 1” to gravel: racing geometry, clearance for tyres up to 57 mm and an extreme fork

Factor presents the new ELARA, a bicycle that takes the current trend of competition gravel to the extreme with geometries increasingly closer to road bikes, a carefully designed aerodynamic integration, and at the same time, large volume tires. The new platform accommodates tires up to 57 mm, chainrings of 52 teeth in 1x drivetrains, and maintains compatibility with 2x groups.

The new Factor ELARA brings "Formula 1" to gravel 

Competition gravel is changing rapidly. Average speeds are increasing, aerodynamics has gained importance, and specific competition bikes are progressively moving away from the more relaxed and adventurous concept traditionally associated with this discipline.

The Factor ELARA is born precisely from this evolution. At first glance, it directly resembles the Factor ONE racing bike, a bike that, due to its lines and fork, somewhat recalls the aerodynamic solutions of Formula 1. In that sense, the brand claims that its goal was not to create an adventure gravel bike with greater capacity, but to transfer the direct and precise behavior of its road models to a bike prepared for rough terrain.

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To achieve this, Factor has worked especially on the geometry. Compared to its predecessor, the ELARA uses a longer reach, reduced trail, and a lower bottom bracket.

The intention is to compensate for the effect that large diameter tires have on the bike's behavior and to position the rider more integrated within the frame, also lowering the center of gravity. Factor thus seeks a position and reactions familiar to those coming from road competition, but with enough control when the asphalt disappears.

The result, according to the brand, is a bike designed to enter corners decisively, change trajectory quickly, and accelerate out without losing stability when speed increases or the terrain worsens.

Up to 57 mm tire clearance without sacrificing 423 mm chainstays

Probably the technical detail that best defines the new ELARA is its tire clearance for tires up to 57 mm.

Factor insists that such space is not intended to turn it into an adventure bike. The goal is to be able to use large volume tires to maintain high speeds in races with stones, rough terrain, and especially technical sections.

The challenge was to combine that enormous tire clearance with a competition geometry and short chainstays.

The ELARA maintains chainstays of 423 mm, despite accommodating 57 mm tires and retaining compatibility with both 1x and 2x drivetrains. Additionally, in single chainring configuration, it can fit a chainring of up to 52 teeth.

To achieve this, engineers had to deeply redesign the chainstays and the seat tube. The right chainstay is especially narrow to create the necessary space between the tire and the drivetrain.

Factor explains that this solution has been made possible thanks to a monocoque construction of the frame in one piece, which allows for greater precision in controlling the shape of each area of the frame, improving its alignment and reducing subsequent machining operations.

"2x was never negotiable; we didn't want to force a drivetrain choice just to be able to fit a tire," explains Stuart Munro, design engineer at Factor, who highlights the difficulty of simultaneously maintaining the 57 mm tire clearance and chainstays of only 423 mm.

Aerodynamics inherited from the Factor ONE and OSTRO VAM

The enormous tire clearance does not mean that Factor has neglected aerodynamics. On the contrary, the ELARA incorporates solutions from the development programs of the Factor ONE and OSTRO VAM.

Among them, we find the integration of the fork, a narrow head tube with an hourglass shape, and optimized transitions in the frontal areas of the down tube and bottle cages.

Factor claims to have validated the design using CFD with competition tires ranging from 45 to 57 mm, achieving measurable reductions in aerodynamic drag and, according to the company, an efficiency comparable to that of modern road frames.

There is also integrated storage in the down tube, whose construction uses TexTreme fiber. This way, it is possible to carry tools and other essential items inside the frame without resorting to external bags that could harm aerodynamics.

New Black Inc Aero Gravel Bar AB07 cockpit

The integration continues at the front with the Black Inc Aero Gravel Bar AB07, a one-piece handlebar and stem set developed specifically for this competitive orientation.

It features a moderate flare, integrated cyclocomputer mount, and completely internal routing of the cables.

Factor will offer numerous sizes to adjust the position. Handlebars will be available from 36 to 40 cm in width, while stem lengths will range from 80 to 140 mm.

Black Inc SIXTY FOUR Gravel wheels with 64 mm profile and 30 mm internal width

Along with the ELARA come the Black Inc SIXTY FOUR Gravel, wheels designed around the growing importance of aerodynamics in gravel racing.

They have been developed in collaboration with Factor Racing rider Magnus Bak Klaris, winner of the overall men's classification of the Gravel Earth Series 2025.

The wheels use a 30 mm internal width rim, a particularly generous measure that allows for the use of wide tires and aims to improve their seating.

The set also combines ceramic bearings and an immediate engagement hub. Black Inc's intention has been to combine aerodynamic efficiency, power transfer, and acceleration with the necessary durability to tackle races on particularly demanding surfaces.

A gravel bike designed to adapt to the course, not to limit the rider

The ELARA reflects how difficult it is to currently define a single competition gravel bike.

A single season can include extremely fast events on compact tracks and others with stones, loose curves, and technical sections where wide tires can make a significant difference.

Factor has tried to cover both scenarios without resorting to traditional gravel geometry. The ELARA can be adapted through the choice of tires and drivetrain, but retains as a starting point a position and behavior directly inspired by a competition road bike.

The combination is striking: 57 mm tire clearance, 423 mm chainstays, the possibility of using 1x with 52-tooth chainrings or 2x drivetrains, and an aerodynamic design developed specifically for high-speed competition.

Factor ELARA: price and availability

The new Factor ELARA will be available in Virescent Blue and Matte Carbon colors, with a total of six sizes ranging from 49 to 61.

It will also be possible to choose between a seat post with 0 mm or 20 mm of setback, while the numerous combinations available for the AB07 cockpit will allow for quite precise position adjustments on the bike.

The price of the Frame Premium Package starts at 7,199 euros (5,999 dollars).

The new Factor ELARA will be available through selected Factor dealers and directly via the brand's website.