Using Traka as the public proving ground, Factor unveiled the Sarana gravel bike, a low-slung, aero whip of a bike that looks just as fast (maybe faster) decked out with all the bags for riding all the hours.
It has the expected claims – high-modulus carbon fibers so it’s stiff where it needs to be for efficient power transfer, and mid-modulus for vibration damping – just like many other top-tier bikes. What sets it apart is the ultra-low seatstay junction and short top tube, and its ability to fit massive 57mm tires front and rear.
It’s not just the dropped seatstays, which act like a leaf-spring, but also the bowed seat tube that helps manage vibration for a smoother ride. They say it results in an 18% reduction in vibration amplitude compared to their baseline.
The dramatic drop in the chainstay is necessary to help it clear big 29×2.2″ tires while also fitting up to a 52-tooth chainring on 1x drivetrains.
The geometry includes 425mm chainstays across all frame sizes and 65mm trail measurements, with compatibility for both rigid and 30mm suspension forks.
The front triangle includes mounting provisions for bolt-on frame and top tube bags, with custom shaped bags developed with Post Carry. The downtube has an storage compartment under the water bottle and includes an integrated AirTag mount.
The Sarana fits into Factor’s now-three-bike range of gravel race bikes, and it’s designed for the long game, when races are 200 miles, not 200 minutes. They say it’s for ultra racing, but not to make it easier, just make it faster. For the way you feel in hour 20, not hour two.
Pricing starts at $4,699 USD for the frameset, with complete builds ranging to $10,199 USD depending on component specifications. Two color options include Cyan Blue and Prismatic Gold.
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