New build – Ostro VAM 2.0

I swear to god I ordered the oil slick chain by accident…but then I kept it.

Factor Ostro VAM 2.0
Size 56
Black Inc Aero barstem 40×100
Black Inc 45 wheels (21mm internal)
Conti GP5000 32mm w/ Conti TPU tubes
SRAM Red D1
Assioma Uno pedals
Ryet 3D printed carbon saddle
Karoo 3

Cages are currently AliExpress carbon but will be the new Black Inc cages when I finish setting things up.

Under the Karoo is an unsightly but functional improvised mount for a Knog bike bell, which I need because the NYPD is currently ticketing cyclists with criminal summonses for minor infractions like not having a bell.

Building this bike was fun. It was a crash replacement purchased from Factor. Factor provides a very complete build kit and instruction manual. They’ve really refined the Ostro since the original version I had in 2022. My only gripe is that both dropouts seem a bit wide and depend on the thru-axle to pull them in. Also, like the 2022 version, there is some play in the rear drive side dropout that requires you to jiggle things to get the axle through.

This pic is after my first ride. Saddle is probably too high – the new Ostro has a seat tube that is slightly steeper so maybe my fit didn’t transfer perfectly.

32mm GP5000s mounted on the 45s fit with plenty of room, probably partly due to the wheels 21mm internal width.

I wasn’t sure about the new barstem, with the weird back sweep and wide flared dropouts. I went a size narrower, and i was surprised to find that it felt great. It’s interesting how even my relatively short 100mm stem looks long with this bar.

I took the bike on the subway to get the steerer cut (only thing I don’t do at home) and several people commented that it was a beautiful bike, including two senior citizens. I’ve never had that happen before.

Only 30 miles in but it’s a joy to ride. Always great to know that the only thing holding the bike back is my own ability.