ONE Shimano Ultegra

Introduced as Factor’s flagship aero road platform, the ONE is a ground-up redesign built to exploit relaxed UCI regulations. Departing entirely from the split-downtube silhouette of its predecessor, this generation adopts a radical front-end profile defined by a wide-stance bayonet fork, a remarkably narrow head tube, and a pronounced chin fairing. It is an uncompromising race machine engineered specifically for high-speed efforts, breakaways, and lead-outs.

Rather than balancing aerodynamics with endurance comfort, Factor prioritized maximum structural efficiency and forward momentum. The frame acts as a highly integrated system, requiring riders to commit to its proprietary cockpit and aggressive posture. It suits elite racers and dedicated speed-focused riders who are willing to trade plush compliance for absolute aerodynamic optimization on flat to rolling terrain.

$11,999
Factor ONE Shimano Ultegra
Build
Size

Inventory

Stack503mm
Reach390mm

Fit and geometry

Factor completely rethought the ONE’s geometry to support the forward-leaning postures currently favored in the professional peloton. Instead of forcing riders to push their saddles to the rails and fit excessively long stems, the frame is built around a steep effective seat-tube angle that hovers near 76 degrees across the size range. This naturally positions the rider over the bottom bracket to open the hip angle for power generation.

To maintain handling stability with this forward weight shift, Factor lengthened the frame reach and lowered the bottom bracket. The proprietary integrated cockpit decouples the handlebar mount from the traditional steering axis, allowing for long effective reach options without compromising steering input. This lengthened front center also yields a practical benefit for riders with larger feet, as it effectively eliminates toe overlap. The resulting fit is inherently aggressive, demanding a low, stretched-out posture, but the underlying geometry ensures the bike remains balanced and predictable.

Full specs

Frameset

Frame

TeXtreme®, Toray®, Nippon Graphite® Pitch-Based Fiber carbon frame

Fork

ONE Wide Stance Fork

Groupset

Shift levers

Shimano Ultegra Di2 2x12-speed hydraulic STI levers

Front derailleur

Shimano Ultegra Di2 2x front derailleur

Rear derailleur

Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed rear derailleur

Cassette

Shimano Ultegra 12-speed cassette, 11-34T

Chain

Shimano 12-speed chain

Crankset

Shimano Ultegra 2x12-speed crankset, 52/36T

Bottom bracket

CeramicSpeed T47A Aluminium cups / CeramicSpeed bearings available (24mm Shimano compatible; DUB also available)

Front brake

Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brake

Rear brake

Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brake

Front rotor

160mm

Rear rotor

140mm

Wheelset

Front wheel

Black Inc SIXTY TWO (700c) front wheel

Rear wheel

Black Inc SIXTY TWO (700c) rear wheel

Cockpit

Stem

Factor Integrated Barstem

Handlebars

Factor Integrated Barstem bar (reach 80mm, drop 120mm; 380mm width only with 5 reach options)

Saddle

null

Seatpost

0mm or 30mm setback seatpost (setback options available)

Builds

The ONE is offered in five premium electronic builds, spanning Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace, SRAM Force and Red, and Campagnolo Super Record. The component ladder is tightly focused on high-performance racing, with the SRAM Force and Red tiers explicitly including integrated power meters.

Across all builds, Factor standardizes several key components. Every model rolls on Black Inc 62 carbon wheels, a deep-section profile chosen to maximize the frame's aerodynamic intent, though tire clearance is generous enough to accommodate up to 34mm rubber. The drivetrain foundation is similarly uniform, utilizing a threaded CeramicSpeed T47A bottom bracket across the board.

The most restrictive specification choice lies in the proprietary integrated barstem. While Factor offers multiple effective reach lengths and rise options to help riders dial in their fit, the handlebar width is locked at a narrow 380mm for all sizes and builds. This strict adherence to a narrow frontal profile reinforces the bike's singular focus on aerodynamic efficiency, leaving no factory option for riders who prefer a wider stance.

Reviews

Despite its radical appearance, testers were consistently surprised by the bike's predictable road manners. Rather than feeling nervous or overly demanding, the handling was widely praised for its composure. One tester noted that their immediate impression was "just how ‘normal’ it felt" (Cyclist Magazine), offering a stable platform that quickly puts the rider at ease.

Once up to speed, the frame’s extreme rigidity becomes obvious. The front end is exceptionally stiff, which translates to immediate power transfer and precise cornering. Reviewers found the bike "rock solid underneath you during a sprint" (Cycling Weekly), though this unyielding structure does transmit significant road feedback through the handlebars. It is a firm ride that prioritizes efficiency over comfort, making it fatiguing on rougher pavement or multi-hour endurance rides.

The bike excels at maintaining high momentum, with riders experiencing a distinct sensation of free speed on flat roads. However, the stock wheelset drew specific criticism regarding crosswind stability. Multiple reviewers felt the deep rims struggled in gusty conditions, with one noting the front end was "getting pushed around in crosswinds" (Velo) more than expected for a modern aero profile. While the frame itself tracks beautifully, riders in windy regions may find the factory wheel specification requires extra attention.

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