The English brand Factor is launching two new mountain bikes for cross-country and marathon racing. In other words, brand new ones. Yesterday, numerous racing bikes, triathlon rockets and aero bikes painted a clear picture on Factor's website: the manufacturer's core competences lie on the road. However, it was no longer a secret that the British company was also flirting with the off-road sector. The introduction of the LS gravel bike two years ago marked the first step away from pure road sports towards more off-road capability.
The fact that this development approach has evolved at Factor over the last two years and that the customer base is obviously increasingly looking to go off-road is demonstrated by the carbon specialists in the form of two brand new race bikes. In order to remain true to the company's DNA Factor the Fully Lando XC and the Hardtail Lando HT specially tailored to ambitious marathon and cross-country fans. Both models will be available from April. The price for the Lando-Fully is 8399 euros. The hardtail will cost 6499 euros.
Lando XC: The new race fully from Factor
In typical race bike fashion, the Lando XC was also developed with the motto: minimum weight for maximum propulsion. 29-inch wheels, optionally with a 100 or 120 millimetre fork and a 2.1 kilo lightweight full carbon frame (including shock) provide the perfect basis for this. Matching the longer fork, the 120 millimetre models also provide 115 millimetres of travel at the rear. With the longer suspension travel, the Lando XC is positioned somewhat in the direction of the current Down-country bikes. We therefore miss a standard Vario support, at least on the 120 cc version.
The 100-millimetre version, on the other hand, relies on the classic 100 millimetres at the rear. Flexing seat stays replace the rear triangle bearing, reduce weight and increase durability. We are already familiar with similar designs from race bikes such as the Cannondale Scalpel or the Trek Supercaliber.
In addition to the traditional bottle holder on the down tube, long-distance enthusiasts will be pleased to find two additional mounting points under and on the top tube. There is also space for food or tools. If you venture into alpine terrain with the bike, you also have the option of fitting tyres up to 2.4 inches wide. Clever details such as the generous frame protectors or the universal UDH derailleur hanger from Sram round off the successful overall impression.
The facts about the Factor Lando XC
- 100 or 120 millimetres front suspension travel
- 100 or 115 millimetre rear suspension travel
- 29-inch wheels
- Full carbon frame
- Frame weight: 2.1 kilogrammes (incl. shock, manufacturer's specification)
- Price: 1 model for 8399 euros
The Lando XC in detail
The geometry of the Lando XC
In order to meet the constantly growing demands of current marathon and cross-country courses, the engineers have their finger on the pulse when it comes to geometry. The modern and aggressive design with a slack 67 mm steering angle and short chainstays (435 millimetres) promises a healthy degree of smoothness and playful manoeuvrability at the same time.
The 75.5 degree steep seat angle is designed to position the rider far forward and thus put a lot of pressure on the front wheel. Uphill, the steep angle helps to keep the front on the ground even without actively shifting your weight. The reach is moderately average and measures between 394 and 476 millimetres in sizes S to XL.
Lando HT: The new hardtail from Factor
The Factor Lando HT hardtail does not deny its origins in racing. According to the manufacturer, the frame weighs just 850 grams, making it one of the best on the market in terms of weight - the perfect prerequisites for a fast-as-an-arrow race hardtail.
Under the head tube, a DT Swiss suspension fork with 110 millimetres of travel ensures control of the front wheel even when riding fast. At the rear, the lower, elasticated seat stays ensure a certain level of comfort. For weight fetishists, the bike is also available with the Black Inc rigid fork (720 grams).
The facts about the Factor Lando HT
- 110 millimetres front suspension travel
- 29-inch wheels
- Full carbon frame
- Frame weight: 850 grams (manufacturer's specification)
- 1 model for 6499 euros
All bikes should be available from 2 April 2022. Info: https://factorbikes.com/
Factor mountain bikes with black inc parts at their best:
Wheels, bottle cages, handlebars and seat posts: Under the name of its sister company Black Inc, Factor has also been developing its own carbon components for some time. To coincide with the launch of the two race bikes, the high-end manufacturer is expanding its range to include carbon components specifically for mountain bikes. These include a wheelset with a 27 mm rim width and bearings from Ceramic-Speed, a rigid fork with integrated cable routing for the brake line and a handlebar/stem unit.
Max Fuchs
Editor
