About The Factor Sarana With Suspension Carbon Sram Force XPLR W/ PM Gravel Bike

The Factor SARANA With Suspension Carbon SRAM FORCE XPLR is an ultra-distance gravel race bike built for self-supported events that run for days rather than hours. Factor developed it directly with 2025 Unbound XL champion Rob Britton, testing prototypes across the rough, variable terrain of British Columbia to find a geometry that holds its composure when a rider is running on fatigue rather than fresh legs. The frame pairs a Toray, Nippon Graphite pan-based carbon layup with a Factor SARANA carbon front suspension fork, a feature that separates it from most drop-bar gravel platforms, which rely on tire volume and frame flex alone to manage rough surfaces.

The SARANA's signature engineering is a leaf-spring seat-stay system: dropped stays and an offset seat tube generate in-plane flex to absorb vibration without giving up lateral stiffness under power. That same seat tube offset lets Factor hold 425mm chainstays across every frame size, keeping the rear end tight and handling responsive despite generous tire clearance. Built around SRAM FORCE XPLR 13-Speed electronic shifting with an integrated power meter and rolling on Black Inc 46 wheels, this is a complete system engineered for self-supported racing, not a general gravel bike adapted for it.

Who It's For

  • Riders training for or racing ultra-distance, self-supported gravel events measured in days, not hours

  • Riders who want front suspension to manage rough, technical terrain without moving to a mountain bike

  • Riders who want electronic shifting and a built-in power meter for structured pacing over long efforts

  • Not the right fit for someone who wants a lightweight day-race gravel bike or rides mostly smooth terrain — the SARANA is built specifically around endurance and self-sufficiency

What to Look For

  • Fit and cockpit: the Black Inc integrated barstem (75mm reach, 116mm drop) comes in multiple stem lengths and bar widths — a professional fit is worth doing given how specific this geometry is to sustained-fatigue riding

  • Tire and terrain: max tire clearance is 57mm measured, so tire choice should match the roughness and distance of the events you're targeting

  • Component compatibility: the CeramicSpeed T47A WIDE bottom bracket supports both DUB and 24mm cranks, and the FSA SL-K SB0 seatpost accepts a 30.9mm dropper if technical descents are part of your riding

Key Features

The frame and fork combine a Toray Nippon Graphite carbon frame with Factor's own carbon front suspension fork, giving the SARANA a way to absorb rough terrain that most gravel bikes don't have. The leaf-spring seat-stay design adds rear-end compliance without softening power transfer, which matters over the hundreds of miles an ultra race covers. SRAM FORCE XPLR electronic shifting with a power meter provides wireless, gravel-specific gearing (up to a 52-tooth max chainring) along with the data riders need to pace multi-day efforts. Disc brakes with up to 160mm rotors front and rear give consistent stopping power across mixed surfaces, and the Black Inc 46 wheelset on 700c is built to handle the demands of long-distance gravel racing. Included downtube, top tube, and frame storage bags reflect the bike's self-supported intent, letting riders carry tools, food, and gear without an aftermarket bikepacking setup.

Rider Intent Summary

  • Biggest strengths: front suspension plus leaf-spring stay compliance for rough terrain, paired with a complete race-day system — power meter, integrated storage, and tight 425mm chainstays across all sizes

  • Tradeoffs: purpose-built for ultra-distance, self-supported racing over rugged terrain, which is more bike than needed for casual or short-course gravel riding

  • What makes it different: developed and tested directly with an Unbound XL champion for multi-day, self-supported events, rather than adapted from a general-purpose gravel platform

Victory's Take

At Victory Bicycle Studio, we think the SARANA earns its place for riders who take ultra-distance gravel racing seriously — the front suspension and leaf-spring stay design address a real problem for riders logging back-to-back days on rough terrain. Given how specific this platform is to sustained, fatigued riding, we'd strongly recommend a full bike fit before you commit to a build.

What you get

  • Frame - Toray®, Nippon Graphite® Pan-Based Fiber
  • Fork - Factor SARANA with Suspension carbon fork
  • Wheels - Black Inc Forty Six Carbon Wheelset
  • Component Groupset - Sram Force XPLR 13-Speed with Power Meter
Factor Sarana With Suspension Carbon Sram Force XPLR W/ PM Gravel Bike

Factor

Factor Sarana With Suspension Carbon Sram Force XPLR W/ PM Gravel Bike

Regular price $9,299.00 USD
Sale price $9,299.00 USD Regular price

features

  • Black Inc Gravel Wheels

    Black Inc FORTY SIX gravel wheels with 27 mm inner rim width offer a 46 mm deep profile and aerodynamically shaped steel spokes for speed and durability.

  • Dropper Post Compatible

    By opting for a 30.9 seat post with an external clamp, the SARANA can accommodate a lighter weight dropper post that offers more drop with less insertion.

  • Black Inc Cockpit

    The SARANA comes equipped with the Black Inc HB05 Integrated Barstem specifically designed for aggressive gravel riding with a short drop and wide flare for assured handling.

Specifications

Frameset
Frame

Toray®, Nippon Graphite® Pan-Based Fiber

Fork

Factor SARANA with Suspension carbon

Wheels
Wheelset

Black Inc Forty Six carbon wheelset, TLR, Centerlock, 12x100, 12x142

Max Tire Clearance

57mm (measured)

Drivetrain and Brakes
Rear Derailleur

Sram Force XPLR 13-Speed, full Mount (UDH-compatible only)

Cassette

Sram Force XPLR, 10-46T

Crankset

Sram Force XPLR, 44T

Brakes

Sram Force XPLR, hydraulic disc

Cockpit
Handlebars

Black Inc Integrated Barstem, Carbon, 75mm reach

**Specifications subject to change without notice

*Images listed are for sole purpose of displaying the color of the bike. Some images may have a different groupset than the description on the page. This Factor Sarana with Suspension is equipped with Sram Force XPLR 13-Speed components and power meter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the bike packaged and how long does delivery take?

All bikes are securely packaged to ensure that damage doesn't occur during shipping. All parts of the bike are padded and if needed, zip tied to minimize or eliminate movement inside the box. Once a bike is handed to the shipping company (usually Fedex or UPS), depending on your location, delivery will range from 1 day to 8 days. If you do choose the option for Professional Assembly or White Glove Delivery, this can add anywhere from 2 days to 5 days to the lead time.

Can I finance the purchase of my new bike?

Yes.  Simply select the Shop Pay Installments option which will allow you to buy now and pay later.  Shop Pay Installments is powered by Affirm.  If you would like to determine your spending limit, simply download the Shop app or the Affirm app on your smartphone and after you create an account on one of these apps, the app will let you know what is your spending limit.

Can I return the bike if it doesn't suit my needs?

Our return process is as follows. The customer is responsible for the return label ($150). Once the returned bike arrives at our warehouse, our team will inspect it and make sure it is in new condition and undamaged. Once we verify, we will process the return and issue a refund to the original payment method on file. To clarify the amount refunded, it would just be the amount of the bike (and tax if applicable) less the $150 shipping label that we provided, but the original shipping is not refunded. So if the original bike cost $4,500 and shipping was $150 (so you paid $4,650), you would be refunded $4,350 (the $4,500 less $150 for the return label) assuming the bike was returned in new and un-used condition and within the 30 day return period.

What does the warranty of my new bike or product cover and what is the warranty period?

Depending on the bike or any product, different companies have different warranty policies.  If you do ever have an issue with your bike or any product, simply email us at online@victorybicyclestudio.com and we will assist with any warranty issues and clarify the warranty for the affected product.

Can I have my bike serviced at any bike shop?

Typically, to avoid any issues with your warranty, you should bring your bike to a certified mechanic or bike store for that bike (i.e. if you have a Trek bicycle, you should bring the bike to be serviced to a local bike store that is an authorized Trek dealer).  If you need assistance, simply email us at online@victorybicyclestudio.com and we can direct you to a certified dealer of your bike.

Do you ship bikes internationally?

We unfortunately do not ship bikes outside of the 48 contiguous states of the United States. We do recommend for international customers to open (or use a current account) account with a freight forwarding company. If you use a freight forwarding company located in the U.S., make sure to put your billing address for a dedicated credit card as the same address as the freight forwarder so that you don't have any credit card or payment method issues).

Once you do this, simply place an order with us and we can ship to the U.S. address as long as the credit card doesn't get rejected. Once the freight forwarder has the box/order/shipment, you would instruct them to then ship to you in your home country and they would charge you their own shipping charge to ship to your international address.

Do you offer free shipping?

We do offer free shipping on non-bike orders over $100. We do not offer free shipping for bicycles unless it is a one time promotion. Generally, bike shipping will cost $150 and that covers just the shipping of the bike with no assembly. If you were to bring that bike to your local mechanic or bike store, you would pay them their assembly fee. If you choose our Professional Assembly option for $200, our service technicians would assemble the bike before shipping and then re-pack the bike safely for transit. When you receive the bike you would attach the front wheel, attach the seatpost/saddle, and raise the handlebars and clamp them. Those three items do have to be detached to minimize or eliminate the chance of damage in transit.

How much does shipping cost?

For orders of parts, accessories, apparel, etc. on orders under $100, shipping is a flat rate of $9.99. Regular bike shipping without assembly is $150, bike shipping with Professional Assembly is an additional $200 (so $350 in total which includes the $150 of regular shipping). Our White Glove Delivery option is $699 and that will cover the assembly of the bike and our White Glove Delivery partner delivering your dream bike to your front door, ready to ride!

How can I track my order?

When you place your online order, you will receive an instantaneous email update with your order number and order details, and shortly after, you will receive a follow up order email with the tracking number for your order.  If you still need assistance with your order, feel free to email us at online@victorybicyclestudio.com and we will respond asap.

What happens if my package arrives damaged?

If your package arrives damaged, email online@victorybicyclestudio.com with pictures of all angles of the box and pictures of the damaged product and we will work with you to either send a new replacement asap and coordinate return (or re-imburse you for labor or costs incurred to fix the issue at your local bike store).

Are pedals included with the bike?

If you do not see pedals in the bullet point product specs on the product page, the bike does not come equipped with pedals.  Many manufacturers do not spec bikes with pedals, so they are often purchased separately.

If I only pay the $150 for bike shipping, can I assemble the bike on my own?

Victory Bicycle Studio highly recommends that you bring your bike to your local certified bike store for the brand of the bike that you purchased. If you do attempt to assemble the bike and damage occurs, this may result in your warranty not being honored. For that reason, we do highly recommend to select our Professional Assembly option for $299.