On its first outing on the WorldTour, this UCI-approved bike has already delivered a stage win. Its English maker, Factor Bikes, has spent 10 years developing it, culminating in the brand’s first UCI-legal racing model.
Factor unveils the new One (second generation)
Something fresh is happening among bike manufacturers-and it may even signal a new phase in design. Within Factor Bikes’ British operation, 11 December is no joke: the brand has just revealed its new One model, the second of its name. This updated version introduces new components and is presented as the fastest bike in the world that still complies with the rules of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), which governs cycling’s biggest competitions.
A WorldTour stage win at the Critérium du Dauphiné 2025
At the Critérium du Dauphiné 2025, the Factor One-then still in prototype form-picked up an initial stage victory. It was ridden within the Israel-Premier Tech squad, which received the bike only hours before the start and only for a single rider (Jake Stewart). Even then, the prototype, nicknamed “Super ONE”, was already turning heads because it looked unlike anything else in the peloton.
The Factor One formula: UCI rule updates and changing race habits
The new Factor One 2025/2026 claims the title of the fastest machine ever produced within the regulatory limits-a notable achievement given how hard it has become to keep innovating under today’s constraints. Those constraints include the minimum permitted bike weight of 6.8 kg, which cannot be lower. Dimensions and shapes also have to meet strict criteria (a frame featuring a front triangle and a rear triangle), and aero profiling is likewise monitored.
According to Factor’s own figures, the new One still outperforms rivals: it is said to be 15% faster than the Cervélo S5 (2024) and 22% faster than the Specialized Tarmac SL8. It also surpasses the brand’s own Ostro Vam 2.0 by 8%, even though that model is regarded as Factor’s aerodynamic benchmark. Among the areas where Factor has pushed ahead are the very wide fork crown and an impressive amount of aerodynamic work throughout the tubes. As for the handlebar, Factor has bolted it directly to the fork (with no traditional stem) and split it into two sections.
Factor says it achieved this by working “in close collaboration with UCI teams”, while also taking advantage of the organisation’s recent changes to the regulations. Beyond the drag-reduction work itself, Factor also points to shifts seen in elite racing in recent years-especially top riders’ body positions, which are more forward, combined with narrower bars and shorter crank arms.
Sizing, colours and pricing for the Factor One 2025/2026
Some parts of the bike cannot be altered without undermining the optimisation work (such as the angle of the brake callipers). Even so, Factor positions it as a configurable bike, offering five stem sizes to fine-tune the cockpit. The Factor One itself will be sold in five frame sizes (47, 52, 54, 56, 58 cm) and with four colour options, from pink to black, as well as silver grey and pearlescent grey. Pricing starts at €8,299 and rises to €15,799 with the Campagnolo Super Record 13 kit, plus Black Inc 62 wheels.
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