I was enjoying riding on a Giant TCR that I purchased around 2022,
and recently I saw Factor One's completely open fork and fell in love with it.
I wanted to try an aero road bike that everyone else rides
I was drooling over the Specialized S5, but when I saw the Factor One, my eyes
went crazy. I had to buy that!
Fortunately, there was a Factor dealer nearby, and when I visited, the staff said that size
47 would be a good fit for my height, so I proceeded without hesitation.
Since only the frame set had arrived, not a complete bike,
I matched the wheelset and drivetrain beautifully with electronic shifting.
After only using mechanical shifting, seeing the motor engage and the smooth shifting,
I fell in love even more.
After finishing assembly and paying, I headed to a fitting specialist shop.
The bike was huge. What? Didn't they say the size was correct?
The seatpost had already been cut.
Looking carefully, the reach of the size 47 Factor One is 390mm,
and by Specialized Tarmac SL8 standards, the size 56 reach is 395mm.
Of course, they're different companies,
but the reach of the Factor One size 47 is only 5mm shorter than the Tarmac size 56 reach??
?
???
????
?????
Becoming a fitting nomad, I even got a 3D fitting that costs around 300,000 won,
and got fitted again by a traditionally renowned fitting shop owner in the area.
The common conclusion of both was
"The bike is too big. The reach of size 47 is way too abnormal."
Normally, fitting involves first determining saddle height and forward or backward position,
and then adjusting the handlebar stem by extending, shortening, or keeping it as is,
but the Factor One's handlebar is integrated, and my size was the smallest available.
Headset spacers could be added up to 15mm, but even that couldn't solve the reach issue.
Riding more than 30km would inevitably cause strain on my quadriceps or lower back pain.
After several sleepless nights, I decided to switch to the Tarmac SL9.
I'm sure there aren't beginners, or rather, fools like me out there, but I learned that before purchasing,
you need to carefully consider the reach and stack.
Everyone, if you're considering buying a Factor One, please compare it with the reach of the bike you used to ride
and think it through carefully. The shortest reach is 390mm.
