Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar Review
- Suspension: Rigid
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700c Aluminum
- Gear: 1 x 13
What we like about it: Streamlined, lightweight frame designed for high-speed riding on both rough terrains and smooth asphalt roads.
What we didn’t like about it: Lack of integrated handlebar internal cable routing, resulting in a less tidy appearance.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar is a gravel racing machine that is fully dedicated to meeting the riding challenges of both professional and amateur cyclists. Crafted from lightweight carbon fiber, the Factor LS offers comfort and durability, serving as a powerful companion for adventurous riders.
Below, we will delve into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar. In the latter part of this article, we will also compare it to several other bikes. If you’re interested in more bicycle reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar features an impressively lightweight frame, complemented by the equally lightweight Campagnolo Ekar components. I can lift this bike with just a single finger, and I can’t wait to take it out for a ride to experience its performance.
For this purpose, I packed up the Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar and headed to the gravel roads of Logan Mill Sugarloaf to Magnolia. This route is entirely unpaved, with some uphill and downhill sections, culminating in a winding and twisting descent.
Climbing
When climbing on the Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar, the carbon fiber frame proves to be both lightweight and sturdy. The direct power transmission during uphill pedaling makes the experience highly responsive. The bike feels incredibly integrated, allowing me to maintain a relatively fast climbing speed.
Furthermore, when I found climbing becoming more strenuous, the Campagnolo 1×13-speed components offered a wide range of gear options. I shifted to a larger freewheel, making pedaling effortless. Combined with the bike’s excellent geometry, it adheres well to the road. Thus, I was able to maintain a good climbing speed with reduced effort.
In summary, the climbing performance of the Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar is outstanding. Its lightweight and rigid frame makes uphill riding fast and easy.
Descending
As I reached the downhill section, the carbon fiber frame and fork of the Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar absorbed all the road vibrations, providing a comfortable and smooth riding experience.
The combination of the 700c large wheels and reliable tires allowed me to maintain a sufficiently high speed on downhill roads without any pedaling. The large wheels offer enhanced stability and traction, which smaller wheels cannot match. This enabled me to ride swiftly and confidently on long downhill stretches.
The bike’s braking system features Campagnolo Ekar hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm front and rear brake rotors, delivering outstanding braking performance. When I needed to slow down, these brakes provided extremely powerful and reliable braking.
In conclusion, I find the descending performance of the Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar to be both fast and stable, allowing me to enjoy a pleasant ride on gravel roads.
Specifications
The Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar is available in 5 frame sizes, catering to riders with heights ranging from 4’10” to 6’4″. It offers broad compatibility for riders of almost all heights and is constructed from lightweight carbon fiber to provide both comfort and durability.
The Campagnolo Ekar drivetrain features a 1×13-speed setup, delivering smooth and precise gear shifts. The rear derailleur responds quickly and accurately. Complementing this is the hydraulic disc braking system within the same series, offering reliable and powerful braking performance, even in challenging conditions.
Whether riding on smooth asphalt roads or rough gravel surfaces, the Factor LS is optimized for fast-paced riding and provides compatibility with up to 40mm tires. When paired with 30-35mm tires, it easily handles demanding gravel races or high-speed road riding.
Other Versions
The 2023 Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar features a lightweight carbon fiber frame and fork with excellent geometry and high-quality components, making it a high-performance gravel bike. However, this bike also comes in other versions, each equipped with different components, offering more choices.
Factor LS SRAM Force eTap AXS w/ Power Meter
The Factor LS SRAM Force eTap AXS w/ Power Meter also utilizes the same carbon fiber frame and fork, ensuring a lightweight overall weight and frame rigidity, which promotes efficient power transfer during pedaling. The carbon frame and fork also contribute to shock absorption.
The key difference between these two bikes lies in the drivetrain components. This version is equipped with the SRAM Force eTap AXS w/ 2×12-speed electronic drivetrain. Shifting is crisp and the wider range of speeds allows for faster riding on flat terrain. The electronic drivetrain’s tuning is simple and convenient.
Additionally, the hydraulic disc brakes on this model offer strong braking power, making them reliable in any environment and providing all-weather braking performance.
In conclusion, if you desire a wider range of speeds and an electronic drivetrain, the Factor LS SRAM Force eTap AXS w/ Power Meter is a suitable choice.
What do we like about it?
- Factor LS is compatible with electronic and mechanical shifting systems and can work with both 1x and 2x drivetrain components through modular cable routing.
- Campagnolo Ekar drivetrain offers precise, smooth, and rapid shifting.
- The ability to install frame bags for carrying additional supplies and equipment on long rides.
- The perfectly balanced geometry, combined with frame stiffness, results in powerful acceleration during rides.
- The hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable all-weather braking performance, even in challenging conditions.
- The thru-axle wheel mounting system ensures the wheels are securely fastened to the frame, enhancing riding safety.
What don’t we like about it?
- Lack of integrated handlebar internal cable routing, detracting from the overall cleanliness of the bike’s appearance.
FAQ
- Where can I purchase this bike?
It is available for direct purchase from Factor.
- What is the maximum tire clearance for this bike?
The maximum tire clearance measures 40mm.
- How do I choose the right size?
We provide a size chart for your reference. However, it’s not necessary to strictly follow this standard. The best way to find the right size is through a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’10” – 5’2″ | 49 |
| 5’2″ – 5’6″ | 52 |
| 5’6″ – 5′ 10″ | 54 |
| 5’10” – 6’1″ | 56 |
| 6’1″ – 6’4″ | 58 |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Factor Toray® & Nippon Graphite® Pan-Based FiberBB Standard: T47, ThreadedTire Clearance: 40cColors: Crystal Green; Gunmetal |
| Fork | Factor LS carbon |
| Bottom Bracket | CeramicSpeed T47A Aluminum cups / CeramicSpeed bearings with Wheels MFG 24mm BBRight Reducers / Adapters |
| Headset | 1-1/8″ upper, 1-3/8″ lower |
| Seatpost | 27.2 Round, post not included |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Campagnolo Ekar |
| Crank | Campagnolo Ekar 38T |
| Cassette | Campagnolo Ekar 9-42T |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| Rims | 700C |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Orbea TERRA M20 TEAM | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Shimano RX810 | 2 × 11 |
| Canyon Grail 7 eTap | Click View | 650b / 700c Aluminum | Aluminum | SRAM Rival eTap AXS 2s | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Fezzari Shafer Elite Rival XO Transmission | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | SRAM Rival AXS | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Marin Gestalt XR | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Aluminum | Shimano GRX | 1 × 11 |
Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar vs. Orbea TERRA M20 TEAM
They both feature carbon fiber frames and forks, making the ride more agile and providing a more comfortable cycling experience.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former is equipped with Campagnolo Ekar 1×13-speed components, making control easier and allowing riders to maintain better focus on their ride. The latter comes with Shimano GRX 810 components with a 2×11-speed setup, offering more speed options during your ride.
Finally, both of these bikes use hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring reliable and trustworthy braking performance. Even after prolonged use, there is no decrease in braking capability.
In summary, between these two gravel bikes, both are reliable, high-quality choices, and either one is worth considering.
Learn More: Is Orbea TERRA H30 a Good Choice? -[Orbea TERRA H30 Review]
Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar vs. Canyon Grail 7 eTap
When comparing these two bikes, the former boasts a lighter carbon fiber frame as opposed to the latter’s aluminum alloy frame.
In terms of drivetrain components, both of them utilize Campagnolo and SRAM components, offering excellent transmission efficiency and strong braking performance. However, the former provides a wider range of speed options, while the latter’s electronic version of the gearing system is easier to adjust.
Finally, between these two gravel bikes, I would prefer the Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar. The carbon fiber frame enhances the bike’s overall performance.
Learn More: Is Canyon Grail 7 Worth Buying? [2022 Canyon Grail 7 Review]
Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar vs. Fezzari Shafer Elite Rival XO Transmission
They both have carbon fiber frames and forks. However, the former’s geometry is more akin to a road bike, offering a more aggressive riding posture for higher speeds on the road. The latter’s geometry provides more agile handling, making it better suited for gravel riding.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former is equipped with Campagnolo components, delivering a smoother and more seamless shifting experience, while the latter features SRAM components, offering crisp gear changes. Both of these drivetrain options are excellent and dependable choices.
So, between these two gravel bikes, your choice can be based on the type of riding you do more frequently, be it on the road or gravel.
Learn More: Is Fezzari Shafer AL Worth Buying? [Fezzari Shafer AL Review]
Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar vs. Marin Gestalt XR
The carbon fiber frame of the former makes it stiffer, providing better comfort on gravel roads.
In terms of geometry, the former offers a more aggressive riding position, allowing for higher speeds on both roads and gravel surfaces. The latter’s geometry leans more towards a mountain bike, giving it an advantage on more complex terrains.
Moving on to the drivetrain components, both the former with Campagnolo and the latter with Shimano have a 1x design. However, the former’s component offers more versatility with its speed options. Both of these bikes use hydraulic disc brakes, delivering reliable braking performance in any environment.
So, when choosing between these two gravel bikes, if you seek a more dedicated gravel riding experience and tackle challenging terrains, the Marin Gestalt XR is a worthy choice. Conversely, if you desire a more versatile all-around gravel bike, the Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar is the better option.
Learn More: Is Marin Gestalt X10 Worth Buying? – [Marin Gestalt X10 Review]
Summary
Above is my review of the Factor LS Campagnolo Ekar. We consider it a lightweight and reliable gravel bike that offers comfort and speed, which is why we’ve given it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you’d like to explore other gravel bikes, we regularly review a wide range of bikes at various price points, making the process both informative and enjoyable. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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