Factor has introduced the LS, the brand's first gravel bike. Drawing on Factor's renowned experience in carbon fiber design, the LS is classified as a no-compromise gravel racer, rather than an all-terrain endurance bike like the recently reviewed Factor Vista.

The LS's frame weight is only 950 grams, and Factor has optimized the carbon fiber construction to achieve incredible stiffness with the goal of enhancing power transfer.

Targeted at aggressive gravel riders, the geometry of the Factor LS frame is biased toward agile handling dynamics: on a 56cm frame, the LS's reach is 392mm and the wheelbase is balanced at 1020mm. The head angle is steeper than its rivals at 72.3 degrees, and the LS fork is offset by 50mm regardless of size.

To ensure optimal lateral rigidity, especially in gravel surface tests, the Factor LS is equipped with through-axles at both front and rear.

The Factor LS can roll tires up to 43 mm wide, and the frame is compatible with 1x and 2x drivetrains.

The hydration capacity accommodates three bottle cages, and if more storage is needed, there is space for a Bento mount on the top tube and a frame bag.

Factor will offer an LS frameset with fork for $2,700 (£2,650 including VAT) and a complete bike with SRAM Force AXS, Black Inc Thirty Wheels, and Black Inc Finishing Kit for $6,999 ( starting at £6,999 (£6,999 including VAT). Size options are 49, 52, 54, 56, and 58.