'You can't model what happens after twenty hours on the bike' - Factor launches new Sarana ultra gravel bike

Factor has unveiled the Sarana, a new addition to its gravel bike lineup designed specifically for ultra-distance racing. Positioned alongside the race-focused Ostro and the versatile Aluto, the Sarana targets riders tackling the growing number of ultra gravel events, such as the popular Traka 360. The bike’s development was heavily influenced by ultra racer Rob Britton, whose insights into fatigue and efficiency during prolonged efforts helped shape a machine aimed at maintaining speed and comfort over epic distances. The Sarana features a carbon monocoque frame with a directional carbon fibre layup engineered to balance lateral stiffness with in-plane compliance, enhancing both performance and rider comfort. Riders can choose between a rigid fork or a RockShox Rudy suspension fork with 30mm of travel, with the frame geometry accommodating both options. Innovative touches include leaf spring-shaped seatstays to improve rear compliance and an aero-inspired head tube designed to integrate seamlessly with Factor’s frame storage solutions. The bike offers generous 57mm tyre clearance and supports modern gravel setups, including compatibility with dropper posts and a wide range of gearing options. Factor has also launched the Black Inc 46 wheelset alongside the Sarana, designed to be robust and fast with a 46mm rim depth and 27mm internal width. The wheels feature bladed steel spokes, brass nipples, and stainless steel bearings for durability, and employ a three-pawl freehub mechanism for quick engagement. Priced competitively at £1,649 per pair, these wheels complement the Sarana’s performance-oriented design and are available separately. The Sarana will be offered in two colour options and five frame sizes, with four build variants featuring either rigid or suspension forks and SRAM Red or Force XPLR groupsets. Prices range from approximately £7,699 for the Force XPLR rigid model up to £9,499 for the Red XPLR suspension-equipped version. A frameset-only option is also available for riders seeking a custom build. Factor’s focus on geometry and material technology aims to deliver a bike that can withstand the rigours of ultra-distance gravel racing while offering responsive and stable handling. With ultra gravel events gaining momentum, the Sarana represents Factor’s commitment to meeting the demands of riders pushing the boundaries of endurance racing. The bike will be showcased at the Traka 360 event, where it will be tested against other new gravel models from brands like Ridley and Canyon. An in-depth review is forthcoming, promising to provide further insights into how the Sarana performs across a variety of gravel terrains.