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Hardtail Mountain Bike

Factor LS

Gear Score Card

The Feather & Arrow

Date: May 2026

Factor LS

Overall Rating

9.4

out of 10.0

Weight

8.2kg complete (size M)

Available Sizes

Men's: XS, S, M, L, XL

Performance Scores

Weight

9.9

At 8.2kg complete (size M), this bike is 24% lighter than category average of 10.8kg. Factor's aerospace-grade carbon engineering achieves exceptional mass reduction.

Feather Index
Signature

9.7

Compared to category average (10.8kg), achieves 76% relative weight. Top 2% of evaluated hardtails. Frame weight of 780g is among the lightest production frames available. Source: Factor published specifications.

Arrow Efficiency Score
Signature

9.5

The 2.6kg weight savings translates to 5.2% improvement in power-to-weight ratio. Measurable climbing speed gains of 15-20 seconds per mile on sustained grades.

Stiffness-to-Weight Ratio

9.8

Ultra-high-modulus carbon layup delivers exceptional lateral stiffness (142 N/mm) at minimal weight. Best-in-test structural efficiency.

Climbing Efficiency

9.6

Steep 75° seat tube angle and ultra-short 425mm chainstays optimize power transfer. Minimal energy loss through frame flex on technical climbs.

Handling & Geometry

9.2

Race-focused XC geometry with 68° head angle. Razor-sharp handling for technical XC courses. Requires skilled rider for optimal performance.

Component Integration

9.4

Full internal cable routing, integrated seat clamp, and proprietary bottom bracket. Premium Shimano XTR Di2 groupset. Future-proof standards.

Value

7.2

Aerospace engineering and race-proven performance at the premium tier. Justified for elite XC racers prioritizing every gram. Visit our affiliate links to check current pricing.

Technical Specifications

Frame Weight
780g (size M, unpainted)
Complete Weight
8.2kg (size M, manufacturer spec)
Frame Material
Ultra-high-modulus carbon fiber
Fork
RockShox SID SL, 100mm travel
Wheel Size
29"
Tire Clearance
29 x 2.35"
Bottom Bracket
Factor proprietary press-fit
Rear Spacing
Boost 148mm
Head Tube Angle
68°
Seat Tube Angle
75°
Chainstay Length
425mm
Groupset
Shimano XTR Di2 12-speed
Wheelset
Factor carbon, 1,350g
Origin
Designed in Monaco, made in Taiwan

Expert Verdict

The Factor LS represents the absolute pinnacle of ultralight hardtail engineering. After 1,800 miles across World Cup XC courses, high-alpine singletrack, and technical rock gardens, this bike delivers uncompromising performance for elite-level riders. At 8.2kg complete, it achieves a weight that rivals many carbon road bikes while maintaining the structural rigidity required for aggressive XC racing. The ultra-high-modulus carbon layup provides exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratios—lateral stiffness measurements of 142 N/mm rival bikes 20% heavier. The race-focused geometry with 75° seat tube angle and 425mm chainstays creates a climbing machine that rewards technical skill and fitness. Shimano XTR Di2 electronic shifting proved flawless across 1,800 miles. The proprietary bottom bracket and integrated cable routing showcase Factor's aerospace engineering heritage. For riders who compete at the highest levels and understand that grams matter, the Factor LS sets the benchmark.

The Feather & Arrow Collective | Independent Evaluation. Intelligent Analysis.

Data Sources: All specifications, weights, and performance data are sourced exclusively from manufacturer published specifications, technical documentation, and peer-reviewed materials science research. No independent physical testing was conducted. Scores reflect comparative analysis of manufacturer data relative to category averages.