Factor Elara Frame: the gravel race frame designed for maximum speed

Factor Elara: performance and speed in gravel racing

The Factor Elara frame was created to tackle the fastest and most demanding gravel races in the world. Designed for events such as the UCI Gravel World Series, the Gravel Earth Series, and the World Championships, it represents a new interpretation of gravel racing, a discipline where speed, handling precision, and technical details can make the difference.

Gravel has evolved far beyond its origins, becoming a competitive discipline that requires bikes capable of maintaining high speeds even on the roughest surfaces. Factor Elara meets this need with a race-specific design: a frame developed to combine efficiency, stability at high speeds, and agility on technical terrain.

A design evolved through professional experience

The development of the Factor Elara frame demonstrates Factor's ability to radically rethink its designs to achieve superior performance. What was initially intended as an update to the OSTRO Gravel model became a complete redesign, driven by the work of engineers and designers and feedback from athletes.

A decisive contribution came from Magnus Bak Klaris, winner of the 2025 Gravel Earth Series, whose input led to a redefinition of the project's goals.

The need to use 57 mm tires both front and rear was one of the central elements of development. On gravel courses tackled at high speed, the impact of terrain irregularities becomes more intense. Wider tires allow for better absorption of these forces, reduced rolling resistance on uneven surfaces, and a significant reduction in the risk of punctures.

In just four months, the Factor engineering team built a complete prototype for race testing. The result was a clear step forward in terms of perceived speed, confirmed by feedback from Magnus Bak and Romain Bardet.

The final design therefore features clearance for tires up to 57 mm and a competition-oriented configuration compatible with 2x double-chainring drivetrains, while retaining the handling characteristics typical of Factor bikes.

Factor Elara Geometry: stability at high speeds and handling precision

The Factor Elara frame geometry is derived from the experience gained with the brand's road platforms. The goal is to offer a familiar position for those coming from road racing, combined with stable and controlled handling on gravel courses.

Steerer tube angles between 71.3° and 72.5°, and offset values resulting in a 61 mm trail, help strike a balance between agility and stability. Compact chainstays, measuring 420 mm on the smallest sizes to 425 mm on the largest sizes, promote a fast and precise response when changing direction.

The generous tire clearance of up to 57 mm (2.2 inches) was designed for the demands of high-speed gravel racing, allowing riders to tackle rocky and uneven terrain without sacrificing performance. The offset seat tube junction also allows the use of 57 mm tires with a 1x single-chainring drivetrain configuration.

Compared to the previous model, the geometry features a longer reach, reduced trail, and a lower bottom bracket. These solutions help manage the center of gravity of the bike-rider system and maintain an effective position that is well integrated into the frame, even with wide tires.

The result is a combination of stability at high speeds and intuitive agility, designed to tackle the most demanding gravel races.

Monocoque construction: stiffness and control on uneven terrain

The Factor Elara frame uses a monocoque construction, rather than a structure composed of a front triangle bonded to the rear stays. This solution makes it possible to optimize the layup of the carbon layers according to the specific demands of gravel racing.

The material layup is designed to prioritize torsional stiffness and impact control, rather than following traditional design criteria focused on comfort curves.

Compared to its predecessor, Factor Elara features a lighter frame and measurably greater stiffness in the bottom bracket and head tube junction areas. These characteristics contribute to a precise response under load and effective control in the most demanding riding situations.

Factor Elara frame technical specifications

• Frame: Factor Elara.
• Handlebar: Factor AB07 Aero, black, integrated, carbon.
• Seatpost: Factor Elara Gravel, carbon.
• Bottom bracket: CeramicSpeed Alpha, T47A DUB cups.

Please Note

Technical specifications are subject to change without notice depending on component availability.
Product images are for illustrative purposes only and may not perfectly reflect the described features.

Why choose the Factor Elara frame

The Factor Elara frame is designed for those seeking a gravel platform specifically for racing, with technical solutions developed to tackle fast courses, uneven terrain, and demanding race conditions.

The geometry derived from Factor's road platforms, clearance for tires up to 57 mm, monocoque construction, and increased stiffness in key structural areas define a design focused on speed and handling precision.

A choice designed for high-level gravel racing, where every technical detail helps maintain high performance even when the terrain becomes more difficult.

Do you want to receive your bike ready for use? Don't forget to add the bike assembly service at the time of purchase! Discover all the details here: Francesconi bike assembly

A Complete Guide to Bike Sizes

Foreword: Not all bike sizes are the same

Each type of bike has a specific frame and often uses a different size scale. For example, a road bike with a 54cm frame might be considered a medium size by one brand, but a large by another.

Bicycle adjustment margins

Some types of bikes, like gravel bikes, offer a wide range of adjustments, adapting to different body types. Other models, however, have limitations in this regard. This is an important aspect to consider.

How to use size charts

We've created a simple guide to help you find the right bike size:

1. Check out our size charts for each bike type.
2. Learn more with specific tips to help you make the right choice.

Size Charts: Find Your Perfect Bike

Gravel and road bikes

Sizes are based on the length of the top tube (in cm), which determines the reach of the bike.

For gravel, measurements may vary slightly due to different geometries, but remain similar.

Mountain bike

MTBs are measured in inches, based on the seat tube.

Sizes also vary depending on the type of MTB: full-suspension , hardtail or fat bike .

Children's bikes

The size depends on the size of the wheels, often associated with age:

What to do with half measures?

If you are between two sizes:

• Comfort : Choose the larger size.
• Performance : Go for the smaller size.

Final tips for choosing

1. Consult the manufacturer's instructions : Always check the brand's guidelines.
2. Ask an expert : a specialized workshop can help you choose based on your height, ideal reach and goals.
3. Test the bike : If possible, test the model you intend to purchase.