Cole Kessler's Factor One: An Aerodynamic Marvel for Spring Classics

Unleash Your Inner Sprinter: The Aerodynamic Edge of Factor One!

Modern Adventure Pro Cycling's Breakthrough Season and Kessler's Bold Bike Choice

Modern Adventure Pro Cycling has burst onto the scene with remarkable achievements early in its debut season, making a significant impact at prestigious events like the AlUla and UAE Tour. With a coveted wildcard invitation to the Opening Weekend, the American team arrived at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne radiating confidence. Cole Kessler, the reigning U23 United States National Time Trial champion, epitomized this spirit by initiating an early breakaway that persisted for an impressive 146 kilometers before the main peloton eventually reeled him in.

The Factor One: Prioritizing Aerodynamics for Grueling Classics

During his heroic effort, Kessler maintained an average power output of 340 watts (4.52 w/kg) for three hours and twenty-eight minutes, an accomplishment he proudly shared on his podcast, 'Road Tales with Levi & Cole,' describing it as a "solid effort." The challenging terrain, chilly weather, and cobblestone sections of the race underscored the critical importance of bike selection. As a team sponsored by Factor, Modern Adventure had two primary options: the versatile Ostro VAM or the striking Factor One aero bike. Despite its greater weight, Kessler opted for the Factor One over the Ostro VAM, indicating a clear preference for aerodynamic efficiency even if it meant a slight compromise in comfort and compliance.

Unveiling the Unique Design: Headtube, Fork, and Handlebar

Even before the race began, Kessler's Factor One garnered considerable attention in the team paddocks, attracting crowds eager to examine one of the peloton's most distinctive bicycles. Sporting a raw-carbon finish accented with white Factor graphics, the bike's wide-stance bayonet fork, integrated seat stays, and innovative handlebar design were central to its appeal. The handlebar, in particular, stood out with its integrated stem and 'gull-wing' shape, with Kessler’s setup adhering to the UCI's minimum 380mm center-to-center width.

High-Performance Componentry: SRAM Force AXS and Black Inc

While one might anticipate top-tier componentry on a professional team's bike, Kessler’s Factor One is equipped with SRAM Force AXS. Although slightly heavier than its Red counterpart, Force AXS offers comparable performance, enhanced durability, and an equally attractive aesthetic. The bike features a 56/43T double chainring (with a Red front derailleur) and a 10-33T cassette, driven by 170mm cranks. This specific gearing combination was a rarity during the Opening Weekend, as most riders favored 1x SRAM Red XPLR AXS configurations.

Optimized for Speed: Wheels, Tires, and Touchpoints

Leveraging Black Inc, Factor’s component division, the One integrates several specialized parts, including the wheels, seatpost, computer mount, and bottle cages. While the standard Factor One comes with Black Inc 62 wheels, Kessler’s bike was fitted with Black Inc 48/58mm front/rear wheels, paired with 30mm Michelin Power Cup tires. This configuration likely aims to reduce overall weight while maintaining superior aerodynamic performance. Completing the contact points are a Selle Italia SLR Boost Pro Team Kit Carbonio Superflow saddle and Time XPro pedals.

A Mountain of a Machine: Kessler's 8.39kg Factor One

Standing at an imposing 1.98 meters, Cole Kessler rides a size 58 bike, the largest available in the Factor One range. Given its substantial size and SRAM Force components, his bike was weighed at 8.39kg. Although this makes it one of the heavier bikes at the Opening Weekend, it is comparable to Jonas Abrahamsen’s Ridley Noah Fast and is entirely acceptable for a bike configured for the rigorous conditions of the Spring Classics.