Unnamed Factor prototype races under Romain Bardet at Unbound — and yes, it’s got THAT fork

Factor has unveiled a new prototype gravel bike at Unbound Gravel, ridden by former WorldTour star Romain Bardet and several teammates. The bike draws clear inspiration from Factor’s polarising ONE road bike, notably featuring the same dramatically wide fork designed to manipulate airflow and enhance aerodynamics. While the brand remains tight-lipped on specifics such as weight, price, and launch date, early insights reveal a focus on combining aggressive aero performance with the demands of modern gravel racing, including ample tyre clearance and a balance of compliance and stiffness. The standout feature of the prototype is its wide fork, which Factor’s engineering team explains is intended not just to reduce drag at the fork itself but to actively manage airflow around the rider’s legs and frame. This approach, likened to the refraction of light, aims to improve aerodynamic efficiency downstream. Unlike the original ONE’s radical “bayoneted” front end, the gravel bike employs a more conventional steerer and bearing setup, making the design more visually acceptable while retaining its aerodynamic benefits. The frame accommodates tyres up to 2.2 inches wide, with chainstays kept short at 420mm to maintain agility and responsiveness, a combination Factor claims is unmatched in the current gravel market. Factor has also preserved compatibility with a 2x drivetrain and included downtube storage, features increasingly rare in aero-focused gravel bikes. This decision posed significant engineering challenges, particularly in packaging the front derailleur alongside wide tyres and short chainstays, but the team found innovative solutions to maintain frame stiffness and structural integrity. The geometry has been adjusted for larger tyres, with a lowered bottom bracket and size-specific fork offsets to ensure consistent handling and reduce toe overlap, reflecting a meticulous approach to balancing speed, comfort, and control. Riders testing the prototype at Unbound, including French competitor Gustave Orain, have praised its ride quality, highlighting that the bike manages to deliver aero performance without sacrificing comfort. Orain noted that the geometry mirrors that of Factor’s Aluto all-road bike, allowing riders to switch to a high-speed aero setup without compromise. This fusion of speed and comfort positions Factor’s new gravel prototype as a compelling option for racers seeking an edge on rough terrain, signalling a broader industry trend toward combining aggressive aerodynamics with wide tyres for sustained high-speed gravel racing.