“Gareth, that's not a Colnago?”

“I know, It almost feels like cheating.”

“After all these years, how could you?”

“I found true love.”

I’ve tested nearly every offering from the pro-peloton: Pinarello Dogma F10, S-Works Tarmac, Canyon Ultimate, Cervelo R5, etc. Yes, great bikes, but none of them excited me.

Bikes aren’t just objects, we have a relationship with them. Nothing could tempt my heart, head and legs away from my Classic Colnago C40…

…until I rode the Factor O2.

The O2 swayed my head & legs, but Factor won my heart with their customer service. They have values beyond world-class engineering and innovation. They care about helping cyclists become better athletes and treat you like an individual. You become a part of the #FactorFamily not just a transaction.

(The Factor O2 is the best bike I have ever ridden. Stay tuned to find out why - once my new bike arrives.)

Visiting Factor UK sent me on a journey of self-discovery. Not just because of the insight, bike-fit and experience, Factor helped me realise that I have been holding myself back as an athlete.

I have been telling myself:

(Kind of like wearing the Yellow Jersey without having won the race.)

Life is short. Surely I owe it to myself to become the best cyclist I am capable of? I am so dedicated to training, why have I been self-sabotaging my performance by riding cycling’s past - not it’s future?

Partly because I love the romance of cycling history, the stories of suffering, epic rivalries, defiance and glory. Therefore, riding a classic C40 is a reflection of who I am. However, after some self-reflection… I think I’ve also been suffering with ‘fear of failure’.

Let me explain…

If I’m the last one to the top of a climb I can tell myself:

(Riding a bike from another decade does make the victory a little sweeter when you do win.)

It takes courage to decide that you are going to live without fear, excuses and familiarity - but it’s the only way to keep moving forward in life.

Now that Factor has equipped me with the best bike in the pro-peloton and optimised my fit - I can truly unlock my potential as an athlete and stop holding myself back.

• If you focus on winning and losing you will never be happy. You will constantly compare yourself to others.

• If you live in the now and focus on yourself - you will always progress and feel satisfaction.

Factor has freed me from ‘I’m not pro imposter-syndrome’.

Sorry if that got a bit philosophical, it just came out when I started typing... I was supposed to start writing about bespoke customer service, how I felt cared for as an individual, etc. Perhaps I’ve had too much coffee? ☕️ ☕️ ☕️

let me start again…

Factor invited me for the ’full Factor service’ at their brand new Customer Experience Centre in Hethel, Norfolk.

Getting out of London felt like an adventure. The M11 carried me there in no time.

“coffee?”

“Music to my ears. Yes, please.”

I was greeted by Rob with a deep, fruity, crema-topped long-espresso. Expertly brewed using a custom Rocket Espresso machine and fresh Columbian beans (my favourite origin). They know the way to a cyclists heart. 🖤

It wasn’t just the coffee. I knew I belonged here straight away, they just ‘got’ me, you know?

After coffee number two and bonding over bike talk with the #FactorFamily - John Bailey (Managing Director of Factor Bikes UK), Rob Wicks (Operations Manager), Tom Fleetwood (Marketing Manager) and Debbie Bailey (Administration), it was time for a Retül bike fitting with James Walsgrove (Ride Harder, Retül Bike Fitter & Coach).

The Retül rig allows James to make micro-adjustments as you ride, so you receive real-time feedback and can feel the subtle differences. This process is vital to find the correct frame, components and finishing kit.

I always say “comfort is speed.” - You have to find the optimum balance of comfort, pedal-efficiency and the lowest aerodynamic position that your body will allow. A good fit ensures injury-free-longevity in cycling.

After decades of just ‘wiggling things around until they feel right’, I now have real data that shows where I can find improvements in my pedal technique and position.

Saddle Height
Before: 763mm
After: 789mm

Handlebar Reach
Before: 537mm
After: 592mm

The most important part? Choosing a bespoke paint scheme. I need a bike that is a reflection of who I am, something timeless with a bit of edge. Maybe something that tells a story? Like one of my grandfather’s old bikes, one of my cycling heroes, a mountain, spring classic or memory. (This could take a while 🤔)

Apparently, John knows the name and face of every customer that has visited Factor UK. That’s dedication and that’s what takes to convert a life-long Colnago loyalist.

I’ll still be out on my classic Italian stead, but only when the sun is shining and the pace is ‘piano’. If anything, our polyamorous relationship will help preserve my C40. Otherwise, I’ll be tearing myself apart and going on adventures with my custom Factor O2. I can’t wait to see where the road takes us.

Thank you, for inviting me over for the ‘Full Factor Service’, lending your full care and attention, and welcoming me into the #FactorFamily.

Gareth. ☮️✌️