Ostro VAM Shimano Ultegra

The second-generation Factor Ostro VAM is a dedicated aero road bike engineered to balance aerodynamic efficiency with the low weight required for climbing. Updated for 2024, the frame undergoes a comprehensive redesign to reduce frontal area and manage airflow. The most visible changes include a sculpted, hourglass-shaped head tube and a substantially slimmer seatpost and seat tube, taking advantage of relaxed UCI equipment rules to nest the rear wheel more closely.

Beyond the aerodynamic reshaping, Factor addressed practical ownership details by moving away from a wedge-style seatpost clamp to a more reliable plate-based system and relocating the Di2 battery to a low-access port near the bottom bracket. Positioned as an uncompromised race machine, it targets competitive riders who want a highly responsive platform that does not sacrifice real-world usability or mandate a harsh ride.

$10,399Gen V2

Build

Size

Inventory

$10,399

$10,399

Stack	542mm
Reach	384mm
Standover height	781mm
Seat tube length	502mm

Fit and geometry

The Ostro VAM utilizes a traditional race geometry that prioritizes an aerodynamic rider posture and agile handling. Factor offers the frame in seven sizes, ranging from 45cm to 61cm. To ensure consistent steering characteristics across the entire size run, the design employs four distinct fork offsets. This keeps the trail measurement steady between 57mm and 58.6mm, resulting in a front end that feels predictable at high speeds rather than overly nervous. Short chainstays keep the rear wheel tucked in tightly, contributing to the bike's eager turn-in response.

Rider fit is highly customizable from the factory, a rarity for integrated aero bikes. The bike is built around the one-piece Black Inc Aero Barstem, which features a slight backsweep on the tops and a subtle flare in the drops. Buyers can select from a wide array of stem lengths and bar widths to dial in their reach and drop. Additionally, the proprietary aero seatpost is available with either a zero or 20mm setback, accommodating a broad spectrum of saddle positions.

Full specs

Frameset

Frame

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

Fork

OSTRO Wide Stance Fork

Weight

900g

Groupset

Shift levers

Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170 (2x12-speed)

Front derailleur

Shimano Ultegra Di2 FD-R8150, 2x12-speed

Rear derailleur

Shimano Ultegra Di2 RD-R8150, 12-speed

Cassette

Shimano Ultegra R8100, 12-speed, 11-34T

Chain

Shimano 12-speed HG+ chain (CN-M8100 or equivalent)

Crankset

Shimano Ultegra R8100, 2x12, 52/36T

Bottom bracket

CeramicSpeed T47A aluminium cups with CeramicSpeed bearings for 24mm (Shimano)

Front brake

Shimano Ultegra R8170 hydraulic disc

Rear brake

Shimano Ultegra R8170 hydraulic disc

Front rotor

160mm

Rear rotor

140mm

Wheelset

Front wheel

Black Inc 48|58 (700c)

Rear wheel

Black Inc 48|58 (700c)

Cockpit

Stem

Black Inc Integrated Aero Barstem (integrated; reach 80mm, drop 120mm; multiple stem lengths available)

Handlebars

Black Inc Integrated Aero Barstem (integrated; multiple bar widths available)

Saddle

Rail clamps compatible with 7x7 and 7x9

Seatpost

OSTRO seatpost, 0mm or 20mm setback options

Builds

The build ladder for the Ostro VAM is strictly premium, reflecting its position as a flagship race bike. The range is split across four electronic-only drivetrains: Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace, alongside SRAM Force and Red. Both SRAM builds include a power meter as standard equipment, while the Shimano builds omit them to keep base costs slightly lower for riders who prefer to choose their own power measurement system.

Regardless of the chosen groupset, the foundational components remain identical across the lineup. Every build features the same high-end carbon frame layup and the integrated Black Inc Aero Barstem. Crucially, all models roll on the Black Inc 48/58 carbon wheelset, which utilizes carbon spokes and staggered rim depths to minimize weight and maximize aerodynamic efficiency. Factor also equips every tier with a CeramicSpeed T47A threaded bottom bracket and CeramicSpeed SLT headset bearings, ensuring top-tier drivetrain smoothness and reducing long-term headset maintenance. While the entry price is undeniably high, the inclusion of these premium bearings, carbon-spoked wheels, and a fully integrated cockpit makes the overall package highly competitive against similarly priced flagship models from rival brands.

Shimano Ultegra

$10,399

Selected

SRAM Force w/ Power Meter

$10,699

Shimano Dura-Ace

$12,299

SRAM Red w/ Power Meter

$12,599

Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the Ostro VAM for delivering the speed of a dedicated aero bike without the punishing ride quality often associated with the category. On the road, the bike feels eager and highly responsive, translating pedal input into immediate acceleration. Despite the deep tube profiles, the frame manages road chatter effectively. One tester noted that while the ride is firm, it crucially "doesn’t beat you around and doesn’t feel harsh" (Cycling Weekly).

Handling is a standout trait, characterized by a stable, predictable nature that encourages aggressive cornering and fast descending. The steering is frequently described as "direct and purposeful without being twitchy" (Cycling News), allowing riders to make mid-corner corrections easily. When leaning into bends, the bike offers a "fine but controlled dial" (YouTube) of feedback that keeps the rider informed of available grip.

While the deep Black Inc wheels are exceptionally light and generally stable, a few reviewers noted they can occasionally catch crosswinds on particularly blustery days. Overall, however, the consensus points to a highly refined race bike that is "immensely rewarding to ride" (Velo), blending climbing agility with flat-road speed.