Details of Factor's TT offering for AG2R La Mondiale in 2017
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Romain Bardet tests the Slick in the wind tunnel(Image credit: Factor Bikes)
The rear brake is positioned underneath the bottom bracket to stay out of the wind(Image credit: Josh Evans/Immediate)
The wide bottom bracket housing adds stiffness(Image credit: Josh Evans/Immediate)
The integrated front brake reduce air turbulence, but can be accessed for any maintenance (Image credit: Josh Evans/Immediate)
A look at the 51 Speedshop cockpit(Image credit: Josh Evans/Immediate)
AG2R La Mondiale's Factor Slick(Image credit: Josh Evans/Immediate)
The cockpit is provided by 51 Speedshop and is adjustable in both height, width and extensions(Image credit: Josh Evans/Immediate)
Wide seatstays also contribute to air flow around the bike(Image credit: Josh Evans/Immediate)
The 'Twin Vane' down tube allows air to flow through the frame and produce less wind resistance(Image credit: Josh Evans/Immediate)
AG2R La Mondiale will run the bike with Shimano Dura-Ace gearing(Image credit: Josh Evans/Immediate)
The forks are constructed from deep, narrow tubes(Image credit: Josh Evans/Immediate)
The deep head tube is designed to allow air to flow through and around the bike, whilst the integrated stem adds stiffness(Image credit: Josh Evans/Immediate)
The frame allows up to 28mm tyre width(Image credit: Josh Evans/Immediate)
On Saturday, Factor unveiled the Slick time trial bike to be used by AG2R La Mondiale for 2017. Developed closely with former rider David Millar, the bike will be raced for the first time during Wednesday's 14.5-km individual time trial, on stage 4 of Paris-Nice. The bike was tested over the winter by Romain Bardet, but the Frenchman will not be using it after his disqualification following stage 1.
The radical Twin Vane Evo down tube on the bike is an updated version of the Twin Vane design that features on the Factor ONE aero road model. The design, engineered by Factor, claims to combine ‘aerodynamic efficiency and maximum frame stiffness'. The split down tube allows air to flow through the frame itself and this concept is complemented by the wider fork and seat stays. The 'wide stance' fork and stays also result in large tyre clearances, allowing up to 28mm tyre width on the bike.
The bulky head tube area and wide bottom bracket contribute to the overall frame stiffness and power transfer.
The Factor Slick has a hinged fork and an integrated stem, available in two size options, contributing to front-end stiffness. The wide stance forks feature housing for the hidden front brake, decreasing any of the usual air turbulence produced from the brake caliper. The cover of the brake can be removed for any adjustments and maintenance, while the rear brake is also positioned out of the wind underneath the bottom bracket.
The cockpit is produced via collaboration between Factor and American brand 51 Speedshop. Constructed from stainless steel and carbon fibre, the cockpit is fully adjustable. The stack, angulation, reach, arm pad width and extension shape can all be adapted to suit the rider, with each AG2R La Mondiale rider having a different setup. The seat post is also offered with zero to 27mm offset to further improve bike fit, and four frame sizes are available.
The front derailleur mount can be removed to allow the running of a single front chainring and internal cable routing comes as standard. Triathlon versions of the bike will become available later with storage integration and triathlon specific parts and accessories.
Click or swipe through the gallery above to see more of the bike.
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