Factor's success with the O2 and Vista series bikes has been built on the company's focus on pro-level quality and performance, while being underpinned exceptional carbon construction expertise and frame development. The exciting LS Gravel Frameset is their true leap into the gravel race zone with the desire to build a lightweight frameset with perfectly balanced geometry, stiffness to deliver voracious acceleration and climbing performance, while diverging from more of the do-it-all options and quasi-race designs. The balance of comfort and performance being crucial to gravel success, LS offers the correct stiffness for aggressive riding on harsh terrain to break free from the pack without beating on the rider. The LS has been optimized around 40-43 mm tires (43 max). This is a pro-level gravel race frameset for those who prize speed and podiums over satisfaction of a long grind. By working alongside the highest level of cycling professionals, Factor specializes in making performance-oriented machines based on the exacting needs of racers.

Each size of the LS Gravel has its own specific lay-up and definitive tube sizes. Factor has mastered the processes of Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and frame laminate design with it's Fibersim optimization program, using the only the absolutely necessary types and amounts of carbon fiber and resin for each frame. Each LS is built with Factor's EM2 RGicarbon system, employs various amounts of three carbon fiber types: Standard Modulus, Medium Modulus, and the costly and difficult to work with High Modulus Pitch Fiber. Each is applied to it's greatest effect, in accordance with the desired properties of each frame section or tube. Due to the challenges and costs, Pitch fiber is rarely used except at the top-end of the bike world. Factor knows the process and material well, and uses Pitch fiber to it's greatest effect. That exacting process, zero waste, highly informed engineering, and optimal materials combine to deliver a 950 gram gravel race frame that responds like nothing else.

Avoiding trade-offs associated with accommodating the larger tire sizes needed by gravel racers, the geometry of the LS is optimized to ensure exceptionally reactive handling. A 420mm chainstay length is the sweet spot for gravel race bikes, and Factor has managed this while keeping more road-style seattube angles per size. The fork trail varies slightly by size but is between 59-61mm, with all sizes utilizing a 50mm fork offset Headtube angles are only slightly slacker than road norms. The slight triangle cut out offers more space in the rear for the tires, while the frameset itself maintains the O2 style sloping toptube. A 76mm BB drop reflects the added height of the tires. Conceptually, the downtube has a little more curve off the headtube, increasing the clearance there. The end result is a quicker handling bike that retains some stability, but reflects the true race nature of the LS Gravel Frameset design.... Read More