The O2 Disc Frameset is an incredible road race design that weighs in at 810 grams (54cm), yet rides with preternatural smoothness, power transfer, handling, and overall performance. In looking to offer another Excel Sports showcase build we opted for the impressive new 12-speed SRAM Force eTap AXS 2x12 HRD Disc groupset, Black Inc 30 Carbon Disc wheelset, and other top notch kit items. The result? This 52cm Factor O2 Force AXS Disc Bicycle weighs in complete at 15.7 lbs in the new Dolphin Gray colorway. While the package is impressive overall, the foundation of this bike is the O2 Disc Full Chassis set-up, consisting of the frameset, Black Inc carbon seatpost and integrated bar-stem, as well as Ceramic Speed headset.

Each size of the O2 Disc has its own specific lay-up and definitive tube sizes. This is no cookie-cutter frameset. Factor has mastered the processes of Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and frame laminate design with it's Fibersim optimization program, using the only the absolutely necessary types and amounts of carbon fiber and resin for each frame. Each O2 is built with Factor's EM2 RGicarbon system, employs various amounts of three carbon fiber types: Standard Modulus, Medium Modulus, and the costly and difficult to work with High Modulus Pitch Fiber. Each is applied to it's greatest effect, in accordance with the desired properties of each frame section or tube. Due to the challenges and costs, Pitch fiber is rarely used except at the top-end of the bike world. Factor knows the process and material well, and uses Pitch fiber to it's greatest effect.

Though the O2 Disc is not an "aero road bike", Factor still applies their aerodynamic experience to the design. The tubes shapes, sizes and transitions belie this approach, but the most obvious zone to a layman's eye would be the fork, headtube, frame intersection. It starts with the Svelte fork, which has an organically blended fork crown/headtube junction, and sculpted lowers that all combine to minimize the surface area of the fork. The crown meshes perfectly with the frame. At the same time the design also elicits an incredible smooth and controlled ride quality, at a low overall weight. Both the Svelte Disc fork and O2 rear triangle easily accept 28mm road tires, without looking oversized when 23 or 25mm models are preferred. Given the slim nature of the fork, most riders will be amazed at the lateral stiffness and cornering capability, and blown away by the compliance, even over the roughest surfaces. Those characteristics reflect the material knowledge and construction genius that Factor brings to the table. The O2’s Svelte fork employs a 1⅛" to 1⅜" tapered steerer, which precisely and effortlessly glides while turning on the provided Ceramic Speed headset.

The tubeset flows outward from the headtube junction, with shapes that deliver the strength, comfort and power transfer you expect, with a sleek and refined appearance. You will recognize the now common aerodynamic approach of abbreviated, somewhat squared off rear shape of the vertical tubes, which allow air to flow and fill behind, reducing drag and adding some push forward. The design is very effective for bike stability and handling in any wind, and defeats lateral torsion for rock steady power and energy transfer. The more more rounded and curved shapes combine with the judicious use of proper carbon fiber to produce the vertical compliance and smooth ride that never feels flexy or wasteful. The aerodynamic features also include the carefully positioned and executed internal cable routing system (for both mechanical and electronic systems), and Di2 junction box mount. At first glance you may wonder how the seatpost is adjusted and fastened, but if you look under the toptube and seattube junction, you'll see the bolt access. This is one of the cleanest frame designs you will ever see and with SRAM Force eTap AXS, the omission of wires or cables simply enhances the effect.

The Factor O2 is a road race bike, and the slightly sloping geometry favors speed, handling and balance you'd associate with a premium race design. A 73 degree seat tube angle is found across the board and the overall positioning is aggressive. The 56cm is built with a 154mm headtube. A 68mm bottom bracket drop will cover you in the corners and keep the bike stable at all times. Factor builds the O2 Disc with Flat Mount disc mounts and 12/142mm Thru-Axle rear, 12/100mm TA front road dropouts for improved stiffness, disc alignment and safety. The 25mm offset Factor Black Inc carbon seatpost comes standard with the frameset. A BBright bottom bracket standard is used on the frame, and we are using the SRAM DUB version for this build.

SRAM's Force eTap AXS takes the wireless shifting system to the 12-speed drivetrain, and AXS (think "Access") allows for Bluetooth connectivity for management, set-up, and monitoring. The overall drivetrain system is lightweight, and features new 12-speed specific 2x chainring and cassette combinations. Here we use the 46-33 crankset with the 10-33 cassette, giving you impressive range and efficiency with limited overlap. The Force eTap/HRD disc brake levers are intuitive and ergonomic, while the hydraulic disc brake system has been improved at the lever and the Force HRD calipers for better power and feel. SRAM Centerline 140mm Center Lock Disc Rotors are light, resist overheating, and have rounded road edges. The use of Force AXS requires the SRAM road specific XDR freehub system for the 10T cassette. We have installed the Ceramic Speed bearing equipped Black Inc XDR freehub body on the Black Inc 30 AR Carbon Disc wheelset.

The cockpit is light, clean and effectively defeats high frequency road vibration. The 27.2mm round Black Inc seatpost is light and easy to use, while it's sibling, the Integrated Carbon bar-stem is sleek, perfectly aligned and has a great feel. A San Marco Aspide Open-Fit Saddle and Arundel Gecko Pave Handlebar Tape finish out the cockpit. For the tires we opted for the Continental Grand Prix 5000 clinchers in 700x28mm with tubes.

This exciting and impressive build is even more fun to ride, and while we can build out O2 Disc framesets to your specifications, if this 52cm is right for you, don't hesitate.