Test trail bikes 2023Factor Lando XC

Max Fuchs

 · 20.10.2022

Test trail bikes 2023: Factor Lando XCPhoto: Max Fuchs
With 130 and 124 millimetres of travel respectively, the Factor Lando XC has already overcome the biggest hurdle for down-country approval as a marathon full-susser from the factory. However, we were able to quickly rectify the minor shortcomings - no dropper post and the toothless Maxxis Aspen tyres - in the BIKE lab. Finally equipped with a Reverb AXS and grippy Specialized tyres, the Factor rolls onto the test stand as a fully-fledged down-country bike. Can the conversion pass as a trail bike?

The scales stop at 11.25 kilos. The Factor Lando XC weighs 760 grams more. However, this still leaves the ex-racer 680 grams ahead of the competition. the lightest bike in the test. Accordingly, it goes uphill very quickly. The long stem and the low front stretch the rider over the frame triangle in a very sporty manner. The pressure on the front wheel is never too low on the climbs. As a result, the bike remains easy to control even in key sections. The handlebar remote can be used to switch on the platform or a complete lockout for the already extremely smooth rear end. This allows our reference bike to outpace the rest of the test group on the climbs.

The thick rubber bumper protects the down tube from being hit by the fork crown in the event of a fall.Photo: Max FuchsThe thick rubber bumper protects the down tube from being hit by the fork crown in the event of a fall.


Downhill, the tide turns. The steering angle is steep, the wheelbase short and the front low, which doesn't inspire much confidence. Despite the dropper post, the stretched riding position offers little room for levelling out on the trail. However, the marathon origins are most noticeable in the suspension: Despite the generous suspension travel, the firm rear suspension does not come close to the swallowing capacity of the other
suspension. In technical terrain, the fun factor remains low compared to the rest of the test group - trail bike badge not awarded.

Although the small 160 mm disc at the rear saves a lot of weight on a race bike, it is hardly suitable for long and steep descents on trails.Photo: Max FuchsAlthough the small 160 mm disc at the rear saves a lot of weight on a race bike, it is hardly suitable for long and steep descents on trails.

Conclusion from Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager:

"The test shows: Down country is more than just fitting thicker tyres and more suspension travel. Truly harmonious models are only created when the entire bike has been specifically designed for the area of use."
Peter Nilges, BIKE Test ManagerPhoto: Max FuchsPeter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
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Technical data and notes on the Factor Lando XC

General information

Measured values

  • Weight without pedals: 11.25 kg
  • Frame weight without shock: 1960 g
  • Weight of wheels: 3968 g
  • Handlebar width: 760 mm
  • Front / rear suspension travel: 124 / 130 mm

Equipment

  • Fork: DT-Swiss F 232 One Remote
  • Shock: DT-Swiss R 232 One
  • Crank: Sram XX1 Eagle
  • Gear system: Sram XX1 Eagle AXS 1 x 12
  • Gear ratio / bandwidth: 34; 10-52 / 520 %
  • Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Sram Level ULT / Sram Level / 180 / 160 mm
  • Seatpost / HUB / Ø: Rockshox Reverb AXS / 175 mm / 31.6 mm
  • Wheels: Black Inc. Twenty Seven
  • Tyres: Specialized Ground Control T5; Specialized Fast Trak; 29 x 2.35
  • Ease of maintenance: medium

Bike test rating*: very good - 190.3 out of 250

Factor Lando XC - Geometry dataPhoto: BIKE-TestabteilungFactor Lando XC - Geometry data
Factor Lando XC - CharacteristicsPhoto: BIKE-TestabteilungFactor Lando XC - Characteristics  Although the Factor can keep up in terms of suspension travel, the design, which is trimmed for efficiency, does not provide a plush ride.Photo: BIKE-Testabteilung Although the Factor can keep up in terms of suspension travel, the design, which is trimmed for efficiency, does not provide a plush ride.

* The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measured values (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).

Max Fuchs

Max Fuchs

Editor

Max Fuchs hat seine ersten Mountainbike-Kilometer bereits mit drei Jahren gesammelt. Zunächst Hobby-Rennfahrer und Worldcup-Fotograf im Cross-Country-Zirkus, jetzt Testredakteur und Fotograf bei BIKE. Sein Herz schlägt für Enduros und abfahrtsstarke Trailbikes – gern auch mit Motor. Bei der Streckenwahl gilt: je steiler und technischer, desto besser.

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