Factor has an all-new Elara gravel race bike. It combines wild, wide-stance aero shaping with massive tire clearance to establish “a new platform for fast, aggressive gravel racing“. Built as a dedicated mixed-surface racer, the Elara claims to pair road race geometry, road-inspired aerodynamics, and also nearly XC-ready tire clearance into a single gravel race bike.
2026 Factor Elara wide-tire aero gravel race bike
While many fat-tire gravel race bikes talk about added comfort that comes from the increased tire volume, or even ‘adventure-ready’ capabilities. Not Factor. They seem only concerned with ultimate speed. So those big tires are just a necessity to lower rolling resistance and maintain speed over rougher contemporary gravel racecourses.
“It’s designed specifically so the rider can keep the speeds super-high even in the midst of the rockiest conditions.“
Fork-led aerodynamics
It’s hard not to immediately notice the wide, forward aerodynamic shaping adapted from Factor’s recent ONE aero road racing bike that launched last winter. Most evidently in the new Elara’s fork. But that isn’t really a big surprise. When the One debuted with wide-set fork legs and stays to allow smoother airflow over the wheels, it seemed obvious that this type of design could also fit bigger tires. And that’s exactly what Factor seems to have done with the new Elara.
Massive 57mm / 2.25″ tire clearance
Just like we saw with yesterday’s redesigned Scott Addict Gravel, last week’s new Ridley Kanzo Fast, and even the still-unreleased Canyon Grail CFR we spotted back at Eurobike… 29 x 2.25″ mountain bike tire clearance seems to be the ultimate benchmark for modern aero gravel bikes these days.
Like other gravel bikes fitting larger tires, the Elara also uses longer frame Reach, reduced fork Trail, and increased bottom bracket drop to offset big tire compromises. Longer front center requirement to avoid toe overlap, taller & heavier wheels that resist steering inputs, and a higher overall ride position. Together, Factor says their geometry updates vs. their previous gravel race bikes, improve rider weight balance for a ‘familiar’ and ‘composed’ race bike feel. Plus, they managed to keep a super-short 423mm rear end thanks to a move to full 1-piece monocoque construction and an ultra-thin driveside chainstay that allows 1x & 2x drivetrain setups.
“Its geometry is intended to reward aggressive positioning and decisive inputs, giving riders the confidence to attack corners, accelerate out of turns and hold speed across rapidly changing terrain.“
Tech details
- true monocoque one-piece carbon frame construction
- fully integrated internal routing inside sleek hourglass headtube
- uniquely wide, forward-swept aero fork legs
- integrated internal frame storage, reinforced by TexTreme fibers
- 57mm max tire clearance
- CFD aero optimized for 45-57mm tires
- 1x & 2x compatibility, electronic-only
- 52T max 1x chainring
Factor Elara gravel bike – Pricing, options & availability
Factor’s all-new Elara gravel bike comes in six sizes (49-61cm). And also two color options – semi-matte exposed Carbon and glossy Virescent blue. When you buy it, you can also pick their Black Inc integrated 1-piece carbon Aero Gravel Bar AB07 cockpit in widths from 36-40cm & virtual stem lengths from 80-140mm long. And the proprietary aero seatpost comes in 0mm or 20mm setback variants.
Frame kit pricing starts at $6600 / €7200, that is including the bar & seatpost.
Complete bike prices start at roughly $10k / €11k with SRAM Force AXS Xplr, a power meter, and 30mm internal Black Inc 46 or 62 aero carbon wheels. With Campagnolo Record 13 X and Red Xplr builds also on offer.
Order yours starting today directly from Factor online, or through one of their retailer bike shops.