Factor has finally thrown its hat in the gravel bike ring with the launch if its new LS, offering not only all of the gubbins of a full-fledged gravel grinder, but tips the scales at an impressive 950g.
“Diverging from traditional, pack-animal gravel bikes, the LS aids in immediate acceleration and climbing performance for aggressive riding to break free from the group without beating on the racer,” says Factor.
The new LS surpasses Factor’s previous quasi gravel bike, the Vista, now offering tire clearance up to 43mm while keeping same features as the nicely hidden mudguard eyelets and internal cable routing found on its predecessor.
The LS also offers provisions for three bottle cages, a frame bag, bar bag, a toptube Bento mount and dropped seatstays, as well as compatibility with both 1x and 2x drivetrains whether electronic or mechanical.
Other features include flat mount hydraulic dic brakes, 12x100mm and 12x142mm thru-axles, a 27.2mm seatpost and a proprietary 1 1/8″ to 1 3/8″ tapered headset.
According to Factor, geometry played a major role when developing the LS as well, relying on feedback from professionals to create an ideal balance between comfort and performance across a diversity of terrain.
“By working alongside the highest level of cycling professionals, we avoided trade-offs associated with accommodating the larger tire sizes preferred by gravel racers, the geometry is optimized to ensure exceptionally reactive handling,” says Factor.
“Stepping into the gravel scene with the LS, I chose to name the bike after someone who lived the ethos of gravel long before gravel became popular. Larry Shahboz put me on my first race bike and gave me my first job at a bike shop. He welcomed and created a space for other “misfits” who loved bikes, and supported a long list of up and coming athletes. Gravel is founded in the principle of community and welcoming all even as it becomes an authority in racing. Larry created a community in the South Florida cycling scene, simply through his love of cycling. While he may not be here to witness the emergence of the welcoming gravel scene, I know he would have fully embraced and loved its core values based in community, ” adds founder of Factor Rob Gitelis.
The new LS is available as a frameset only for $2,700, or as a complete bike equipped with a SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset, Black Inc Thirty Wheels and finishing kit for $6,999.00.
It appears that customers can also add a power meter for an additional $1,000.00.
Factor
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