Factor Bikes has unveiled the MONZA, a new high-performance road race bike designed to offer elite-level performance alongside everyday usability. Inspired by the world tour-proven OSTRO VAM, the MONZA integrates aerodynamic efficiency, optimised carbon layups, and a balanced stiffness-to-weight ratio to enhance speed and responsiveness. Key features include a refined aero-optimised frame, simplified internal cable routing with a new HB05 barstem, and convenient integrated storage. With a slightly relaxed geometry allowing greater comfort without sacrificing handling, 34 mm tyre clearance, and Black Inc FORTY FIVE wheels, the MONZA aims to make race-ready performance accessible to a broader range of riders.
Get all the details, including local pricing and availability in the press release below:
Press Release
Factor Bikes, the premium performance bicycle brand, has announced the new MONZA performance road race bike. Integrating the latest technology from across Factor’s portfolio, the MONZA is optimised for racers seeking the perfect balance between high performance and everyday practicality.
Taking its name from one of the world’s most iconic racing circuits, the MONZA is built on the industry-leading engineering of the OSTRO VAM to deliver raw performance and relentless speed to the everyday racer. The MONZA is a true high-performance race bike that balances speed, efficiency, and real-world usability while retaining Factor’s racing DNA.
Drawing on the developmental DNA of the OSTRO VAM – independently tested as the world’s fastest road bike and proven in World Tour victories with Israel – Premier Tech – the MONZA carries this racing pedigree forward in a refined and streamlined package.
Optimised shape & materials
The MONZA retains an aero-optimised frame, tuned for efficiency in real-world racing conditions while refining certain features and materials to reduce manufacturing complexity and costs.
Similar to the OSTRO VAM, the MONZA utilises an integrated and aero-optimised front end that has been meticulously designed to promote flow attachment and reduce drag.
However, unlike Factor’s flagship all-round road machine, the MONZA features a planar break between the fork and frame. This approach enables Factor to deliver refined elite-level performance to a wider cycling audience.
The MONZA’s design leverages the OSTRO VAM’s proven technology with a more streamlined approach. The head tube and fork feature converging contours, while the top tube, seat stays, and chain stays have smaller-profiled tube sections with tighter, more refined lines—enhancing both aerodynamics and manufacturing efficiency.
A strategic carbon layup reduces cost while maintaining Factor’s signature ride feel. The MONZA’s balanced stiffness-to-weight ratio ensures explosive power transfer and efficiency at high speeds.
Performance geometry and handling
With an ambition to deliver handling identical to Factor’s WorldTour race bikes, the slightly democratised fit features an increased stack height by 10 mm. This allows for a broader range of rider flexibility and comfort without sacrificing performance.
Retaining the responsive ride feel Factor racers demand, the head-tube angle and fork offset are identical to the OSTRO VAM. The short chain stay lengths and wheelbase are also the same, tuned for both fast-moving pelotons and solo rides.
Simplified maintenance and usability
An all-new HB05 integrated, semi-aero barstem features optimised hand positioning and moulded cable entry ports. This reduces machining complexities and facilitates easy cable routing while offering a clean, simplified front end.
Retaining an aero-first design, the MONZA’s head-tube assembly prioritises a pragmatic approach with a simpler round steerer than the OSTRO VAM’s, paired with a larger 1.5” bearing. This allows for more straightforward internal cable routing for cyclists to set up and adjust their position.
Integrated in-frame storage, inspired by the SLiCK, features a convenient latch mechanism for easy access to ride essentials—without compromising aerodynamics. This design saves up to six watts of drag while lowering the centre of gravity.
By creating a space for in-frame storage in the down-tube, Factor have enhanced the overall aerodynamics of the MONZA while maintaining its real-world practicality. Riders will no longer need to sacrifice aero performance to saddle bag storage solutions.
With 34 mm tire clearance, the MONZA hits the sweet spot between aerodynamics and versatility, ensuring optimal performance in real-world conditions.
Rob Gitelis, Factor Bikes and Black Inc Founder said: “Racing is our DNA at Factor, and we remain committed to delivering the very highest-performance products to cyclists.
With the introduction of the MONZA, we’re expanding our lineup to give more racers the opportunity to experience Factor’s elite-level engineering, craftsmanship, and racing pedigree. It’s the perfect entry point into the Factor family of high-performance cycling.”
MONZA is not a compromise; it is Factor’s vision of performance, redefined for the modern racer, tuned for efficiency, speed, and usability, without losing what makes a Factor bike special.”
Availability
Designed with every serious cyclist in mind, the MONZA is available in sizes 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 61cm. It features refined Black Inc FORTY FIVE wheels which utilise steel spokes and readily available bearings for durability and is specced with SRAM FORCE + Power Meter or Shimano Ultegra groupsets.
The MONZA is available in three colours at launch, Solar blue, Steel Green and Pearl White.
Learn More
The following builds are available locally:
- Shimano Ultegra Di2 at MSRP ZAR 134,995
- SRAM Force AXS (incl powermeter) at MSRP ZAR 144,995
Find out more about the Factor Monza HERE, or get in touch with the local distributor Switchback Sports here.
I love just about everything about this bike 🤩
The looks! The clean aero lines. The in-frame storage. And most importantly, the slightly more endurance geometry. The (moderately "affordable") price.