Factor Ostro VAM -Problems- ☹️ | RobbArmstrong

Hope you get it sorted so that you can enjoy the build. It looks great though👍🏾

Another great video Robb. Keep up the excellent work! I think part of what you are experiencing with the Ostro VAM being “Twitchy” is an actual problem with the bike. I left a comment on “Cycling Factory Sweden AB” channel on his review of the 2024 VAM, and I asked him about 3 known problems with the VAM. He replied back in his comment to me that he has experienced this same type of “Twitchy” problem on the VAM model that you have, and on the new 2024 VAM that just recently released in February. He said the problem is so bad that he can’t even ride the bike without having his hands on the handlebars at all times. He said he can’t figure out how to fix this problem. It sounds like there is something definitely going on with the front end of the bike and Factor still has not fixed the problem on the new 2024 VAM.

Just came across your channel as I am researching the new 2024 Ostro VAM. Some really cool and helpful stuff in here Robb especially about the seatpost setback 0mm vs 20mm and the aero bar and the more compact drops compared to the Enve... I'm a Shimano guy so I'd be going Ultegra Di2, although I hear they are finally updating Red in May with better hoods. AXS is cool, wish Di2 was wireless but I just know the Shimano feel too well... great paintjob on the frame too... I am liking the prisma paint option $500 for custom colours isn't bad when you are already spending big $$$.

The 2023 sram force hoods are much more comfortable. However when I switched from Shimano to sram in 2018, it took me probably about 400 miles to get comfortable. I also got a professional bike fit and he made a lot of adjustments. The fit changed everything for me and now I get along with sram perfectly. I’m sure that you’ll figure it all soon.

Your headline scared me! I am waiting on my Factor delivery. I chose the outgoing model in the chameleon colorway. After watching this video, it is actually a positive for me. I have been riding on Sram for years and ride an aggressive "crit race" set up all the time. I'm very excited to take delivery.

Looking forward to you figuring it out bruh. Have a great weekend!

I'm new to SRAM hoods too, from Shimano. I feel you. Hard to get your hands comfy on them . I don't think enough people talk about the ENVE SES AR Road bar. It's crazy comfy, and the angle of the drop keeps the wrists in a really nice position. Worth checking out.

Damn you were really hyped for that blackinc bar. As someone who always rides on the hoods including sprints, I love my Sram hoods. It's not for everyone. If the Factor ends up not working out for you, get a Tarmac 😝 Tarmac all day!!

Living in the twilight zone, not realizing the small issues! Only demises your situation, changes and optimism will clarify your whole outcome! Factor/shimano are the only way to go!

Hi Robb If i my ask, what is your height and and by the looks of things it look like a 52 size frame, I am just curios as I am about to pull the triger on a frameset but is in-between sizes. Thanks for the video!!

I finally decided to pull the trigger on a new bike, looking at the used market for the Factor Vam Ostro. I can either get a size 54 or 49 in my area. Both run 12 speed Sram Force AXS. I'm a size 52 being 5'6'' with 77cm inseam (22 years old). I've never ridden a race bike and currently have an alloy 2015 scott speedster running 8 speed Shimano Claris ($700cad used). The bike is size 56 and is very relaxed in terms of geometry, i've made it work but the seat post is as low as it can go. I like to ride hard and very aggressively. Should I size down to a 49 or run a 54? What would be the noticable difference between the two sizes? Lastly how will my rides differ between the two bikes, what will be the most noticeable change(s)?

Have you checked out the new force hoods? I find them very comfortable. To be honest I spend more time further out at the end of the hoods with my pinkies hooked under in a more aero position. but they feel very similar to Ultegra R8000 rim brake hoods when I actually grab them as intended.

I just rode a '23 Ostro Vam w/SRAM Force. Coming from my '14 Emonda with Ultegra, I immediately felt out of place on that bar/hood combo. I had the shop tilt the hoods as far as possible and it still felt like the pressure was too much between my thumb/index finger. My Shimano hoods spread that weight evenly across the hand. I'm kinda bummed because I really like the bike, really like AXS, and have a general dislike for Di2. I do wish the shop had spec'd a 0mm seatpost as well, as I basically had the saddle all the way forward to match my fit with the 38/100mm bar combo, so I think it's the same issue you had. I'm going to ride some more bikes and see what I can figure out. Glad I wasn't the only one!

I know what you’re saying about the twitchyness of the shorter wheelbase Domane 101 to madone 98. I had a professional Bike Fit today and raised and moved forward the saddle a little bit. took one space out of the headset to lower the handlebars and that lowered my center of gravity better over the center of the frame. Shorten the pull on the brake levers so I can get my finger over them in the drops. Need to test ride to see how it feels. You had me at the beginning of the video was like somebody died 😂

Sad to hear the issues you are having. The SRAM Red shifters have often been criticized, where as the Rival and Force shape are nicer in the hands. The short wheelbase (short front centre) and steep head angle and front end geometry is why it is a ‘RACE’ bike. Your Emonda is too, but as you say more stable and a better Fondo bike.

Not trying to be super critical here, but you made a whole wholesale of changes from your current Trek - to the Factor - frame geometry, cockpit, groupo - would not an experienced cyclist looking to make these drastic changes not have done their research and compared all these items to see if they were positive or negative, or test road the bike before making such an investment?

Have you looked at the SRAM force shifters? Ergonomics are more similar to Shimano.

Compact bars are the best option! ENVE Bars are the best. New Sram Red will have a new design of the shifters hoods, just way until the summertime and you'll be able to buy them instead of changing to Shimano.

Just go Shimano and your issues are resolved. Remember that the reach for the new Shimano is +0,5cm bigger than the old one. But still less than the sram I think.

I wanted to get one so badly..love the design of the vam but man from what im seeing its straight 1 pound heavier to an sl8 comparing same builds...seems to be a lot heavier than advertised :(