Factor OSTRO VAM review: A race bike to rival the best

After a few accidental-on-purpose leaks and sightings at the 2024 season opener at the Tour Down Under in Australia, the Factor OSTRO VAM launched soon after in February. This was just months after the brand’s O2 VAM launched as a lightweight bike with aero touches. 

I’ll be honest and say the launch confused me. Just months prior, the Factor O2 VAM had impressed me with its all-around performance and had seemingly bridged the gap between aero bikes and lightweight bikes. Much like Specialized’s Tarmac which killed off the Venge and Trek’s Madone which killed off the Emonda, I believed at the time that Factor’s O2 was going to straddle the two lines, and alongside its position in our guide to the best lightweight bikes, I’d happily consider it among the best road bikes overall.