Factor Bikes was formed back in 2007 as a showcase for the engineering expertise of Norfolk-based motor sports company bf1 systems, and it quickly blew people away with the superbikes it produced. The problem with these bikes was, although cutting edge, that they were illegal thanks to the UCI’s (outdated) regulations. In stepped new owner Rob Gitelis (former Pro and engineering Guru ). Gitelis is a long time engineer in the bike business and has designed bikes that have won the Giro, TDF and countless Classics. He also owns the factory used by Factor, and lives locally. This allows him to step into the factory anytime he chooses, giving Factor the ability to move from design to prototype to production at a speed no major manufacturer can match. Also, as a former racer, he understands the role geometry has to play in making the perfect race machine. In 2017 Factor become a sponsor of AG2R and Bardet piloted a Factor O2 to a Podium position at the TDF. Not bad for a brand in its debut at the World Tour level. For 2022 Factor will again be under the powerhouse squad Israel - Premier Tech. Look for them lighting up in the Classics and the Grand Tours.
All this is pretty exciting but what is the best part of Factor these days? It is the addition of Graham Shrive who was appointed Director of Engineering in 2019. Graham is a good friend of mine and also a former PRW staff member. Graham worked part time turning wrenches and racing for PRW back in the day. I shared many a wheel and beers with him needless to say. He brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity from his days at Cervelo. He was behind some of the most winningest bikes to race the Pro Tour and some of the current ones still being ridden. It is rare I get so much incite into what is behind engineering bikes that win Pro races, but I take full advantage of Graham and learn as much as I can. So really if you think about it the flagship Ostro is Canadian content, right ?
We are honoured to be Edmonton’s exclusive Factor dealer and, thanks to our close relationship with the brand and it’s athletes, we have a unique perspective into its inner workings, a perspective we are more than happy to share with our clients unless I signed a NDA.
You can learn more about Factor Bikes here, or check out the gallery, or better yet, swing by the shop and see one for yourself. All our current stock of bikes and frames can be viewed here .
