The new Factor Aluto gravel bike is billed as an endurance-focused alternative to the brand’s race-ready Ostro Gravel.
David Millar, brand director at Factor, says: “Gravel has evolved at an incredible pace. What used to be one discipline has now split into countless styles of racing and riding.
“The Aluto is our answer to that evolution. It’s a true high-performance all-rounder: sharp, agile, and versatile enough to excel across every scenario.”
As a result, Factor says its latest gravel bike targets the “all-rounder space”, bringing the speed of the Ostro Gravel but with a host of practical design decisions and a geometry that ‘dials in’ long-distance comfort.
The bike has been optimised around 45mm gravel tyres, although it can fit a maximum width of 47mm at the rear and 52mm at the front.
Tweaked geometry
Compared to the Factor Ostro Gravel, the Aluto has a steeper head tube angle and “equally short chainstays” to maintain a shorter wheelbase and aid agility.
Factor says the lower bottom bracket shifts the centre of gravity downwards to stabilise the ride and to strike a balance with the shorter wheelbase.
With a higher stack than the Ostro Gravel, Factor says the Aluto allows a more adaptable fit for a wider range of riders “without compromising a race-ready position”.
“Utilitarian integration”
The Aluto’s emphasis on long-distance racing, training and exploring means it has “high-performance design cues” and “utilitarian integration”.
The bike has down tube storage, where you can stash your tools and any other essentials. We’re beginning to see more gravel – and road – bikes with down tube storage and it’s a feature that BikeRadar’s Warren Rossiter says should replace saddle packs.
While internal cable routing is often seen as a maintenance burden and far from utilitarian, Factor says the Aluto’s hidden cables have been designed to be “mechanic-friendly”.
Elsewhere, the bike is compatible with 1x or 2x drivetrains, so you can set the Aluto up with your groupset of choice.
Black Inc HB05 Barstem
The Aluto comes with a new Black Inc HB05 Barstem, which is said to complement the “lively nature and geometry” of the bike.
Factor says the cockpit has a short reach to offset the increased reach of modern groupset shifter hoods, while the shallow drop and flare are said to aid stability over rough terrain.
Moulded cable entry ports are said to reduce machining complexities and facilitate easy cable routing.
Inspired by the Dakar Rally
Factor says the Aluto is available in two colour schemes, Raptor Blue and Quattro Grey, which are inspired by the Dakar Rally, the “world’s most extreme off-road proving ground”.
“Just as Dakar cars are engineered to endure vast distances, brutal terrain, and the sharpest edges of performance, the Aluto is built to bring that same spirit of resilience, versatility and precision to gravel cycling,” says Factor.
How much does the Factor Aluto cost?
Factor has only revealed two builds for the Aluto at launch, with either SRAM Force XPLR for £6,999 / $6,999 / €8,399 or SRAM Red XPLR for £8,699 / $8,699 / €10,499. Both builds come with a power meter.
