Vires Velo

Fantastic experience: The service from Callum at Vires Velo was first class. The team were extremely thorough and proactive when organising my bike and once ordered it was built and delivered quickly. Very satisfied!

Fantastic experience: 2nd Ostro from Vires Velo. Amazing service again from Rob, Callum, Sam, Richard and John. Fully recommend the bike fit each time as i was able to make a few minor adjustments after changing to 165mm cranks. Also great aftercare from Rob with bits for my first bike.

Fantastic experience: A freak crack appeared in my bike frame after years of riding through London, and the Factor Bikes team couldn’t have been more helpful. The replacement was handled completely hassle-free and turned around within 24 hours — I was honestly blown away by how smooth and fast the whole process was. The workshop team in Norfolk were professional, responsive, and clearly care deeply about the riders they support. It’s rare to find after-sales service this good. Huge thanks to everyone involved — truly top-tier support.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic experience from beginning to end. Sam, Rob, Theo, Callum, John and everyone else who advised me and made buying my bike such a pleasure – thank you! The bike is wonderfully fast and light; it feels as though I’m gliding on clouds.

Fantastic experience: What an amazing experience. From initial chat to bike fit to new OSTRO Vam. I have never felt so looked after. Amazing place

Fantastic experience: Excellent service from Vires Velo, successfully achieving the rare combination of a professional and friendly approach. I have bought two bicycles here in the last few years and enjoyed the same enjoyable experience both times.

Fantastic experience: What can I say other than what a fantastic service. From ordering the bike it was two weeks to collection. In the meantime I asked lots of questions and always got a quick comprehensive response. I used the bike fit and collect in a day. They even provided me a route to ride while I was waiting for the build. I felt really well looked after and the important thing, the bike, an Ostro Vam ! Wow I have to say it’s amazing!! I would highly recommend Vires Velo

Fantastic experience: I love my black & rose gold Ostro! What a stunning bike and joy to ride. I've already done around 700miles in a month inlucing time trials, some climbing and a few longer rides. It really is a versatile and comfortable bike, climbs very well. I had a full bike fit experience with Hayden at Vires Velo Hethel including same say pickup and it was definitely worth the trip to Norfolk.

Fantastic experience: Hayden and Sam were superb, really listened to the issues I had on my bike and were good at trying options to find an optimal fit. As with everything cycling without any firm ideas can be hit and miss! The ID bike fit will eliminate lots of guess work and point you in the right direction towards helping you achieve your cycling goals. Remember they are not quite wizards, and will not make you ride at pro peloton speeds, but if comfort and optimal fit is your goal then go see them! You never know by being more optimised it may lead to more watts and POWER…..or just happier bike rides.

Fantastic experience: Great bikes Friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff

Fantastic experience: Why Factor Bikes / Vires Velo … Knowledge, Experience, Quality, Attention to Detail, Customer Experience … The Vires Velo Team provide the highest standard of service … Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Vires Velo and Factor Bikes … Let me explain more … I'm very fortunate to be a Factor Bike Owner, I have a Factor One and a Factor Ostro … My experience first started back in the summer of 2020 … With a break in the Covid Lockdown I was able to visit Factor Bikes ( Now Vires Velo ) in Hethel, to meet John Bailey and his Team. John and Rob shared the Factor Story with me and talked me through the then current bikes available, I decided upon a Factor One … The same day, I had a Retul Bike Fit to determine the size of components required to build my tailored hand built bike - I collected my Factor One in October 2020 - Fast forward to October 2021 … And a another visit to Vires Velo for an idmatch Bike Fit for a Factor Ostro, which I then collected in February 2022. Last but not least, Vires Velo hold regular Open Days / Ride Out Days … Allowing existing and potential customers to ride and evaluate the latest Hand Built Factor Bikes - The most recent Event held on Saturday May 11 2024, launching their new Showroom at Lane End, near Marlow … These are really very enjoyable and well attended days'

Positive experience: Absolutely outstanding from start to finish! First found these guys on facebook when the new bike bug hit me, and after a quick message out of hours on their live chat which was replied to by Hayden the next morning, my deposit was paid and the ball was rolling. I opted to have a fit with Vires Velo before confirming the bar size and seatpost size to ensure that I wouldn't have to either comprimise once it was built or end up spending money to change to the correct components later on down the line. I also took advantage of their same day fit/build service as i'm a 7 hour round trip from their HQ in Norwich so didn't want to be making multiple trips. After being fit by Hayden, it was fantastic to be able to chat to Rich who was building my bike - It was really handy being able to fire a load of questions at him around maintenance, best practices etc and see him actually build up my new child. Rob too was fantastic in sourcing parts, thanks! You really do get what you pay for, I'd have no hesitation in recommending Vires Velo; It was a fantastic experience. Thanks! EDIT; SRAM shifter failed 8 months into ownership. Given the bike is under warranty, i'd have expected to not be out of pocket to get it sorted. Vires Velo arranged the return to SRAM and I got a replacement shifter a month later, but i've been left to foot the bill for it to be refitted etc (£40 for replacement tape, £30 for fit & bleed, £5 return postage to SRAM). I appreciate it's not their fault, but I feel let down that I've been left to sort it myself, I'm out of pocket and I'm also disappointed that this is the aftercare after spending nearly £8.5k on a bike.

Fantastic experience: I've had my Ostro for about 2 years now. Its been the best bike I've ever ridden, fast, stable, comfortable and looks amazing. I absolutely love it! The support from Vires Velo has been fantastic, from the original bike fit, specification, delivery to help with an issue with the groupset. The measure of any company is not really with the original sale but the aftersales support. Vires Velo stand by their product!

Positive experience: I initially provided a low score as I couldn't get in touch with Vires Velo. They responded in the end and I will update my review after the matter is resolved.

Negative experience: This was my 5th bike purchase, my most expensive, yet my most disappointing from start to finish. I visited Vires Velo looking to replace a crash damaged Trek Madone Gen6 SLR7 after someone recommended checking out the Ostro VAM. I had been looking at a Gen7 SLR7 but after speaking to the sales team and getting all the sales talk was told this was a great all-rounder. I specifically asked if there was a new model in the pipeline and told there was not. I had their "bike fit", paid the deposit, but during the build questioned some of the sizing as it was quite different to my Madone and from my RETUL bike fit, but was assured all was correct... On collection it was apparent this wasn't the case. The saddle height was completely wrong and had to be adjusted massively leaving scratch's all down the new seat mast. I also found my knees hit the handlebars. I was not happy on a £10,000 bike. Communication went downhill taking days to get any response, I wanted to return the bike but this didn't seem to be an option. In the end I had to drive back with the bike, another 300 mile round trip, to have the handlebars and stem replaced. I have now found out, less than 3 month's after ordering, a new model has been released, they had a flash sale shortly after they sold me mine - which indicates they knew very well the new one was coming out, and sold me the old stock at full price even though I asked specifically if a new model was coming... All in all a hugely disappointing experience and I cannot recommend this company whatsoever.

Fantastic experience: I purchased my Factor OSTRO VAM, my second Factor bike after buying an exceptional ONE a couple of years ago. Again, the whole process was such a pleasure. An open day ride planted the idea in my head, and a follow up test ride ended with me buying an OSTRO. The ride quality is very different to the ONE, which is blisteringly fast - the OSTRO is fast, but a bike to spend long days in the saddle on. Anyway, the Vires Velo team is super helpful throughout the buying process and I love being part of the VV family. Special thanks to Hayden and Connor who went above and beyond. Great after care too so you can really buy with confidence.

Fantastic experience: This is a slightly unusual review, as I didn't buy anything in the end, but that perhaps is an even greater testament to the service these guys provided. Vires Velo are one of the loveliest, most helpful, proactive bike shops I have ever dealt with, and I have been riding seriously for almost 15 years now whilst living across three continents. I was eyes a Factor Ostro, (but went down another route instead) and the team were fantastic throughout. Shout-out to Hayden who dealt directly with my enquiry. They booked in a phone consultation with me, took the time to look at the geometry of my previous bike which I had crashed and written off and patiently took the time to answer my questions and even went as far to specc-ing the cost for a mixed groupset to give me the gearing options I wanted. Even after I decided to go down a different route, going for a frame only build with my LBS here in LDN, they followed up by email and even asked about what my alternative build was. In the end, I didn't give Vires my custom, but I felt compelled to give them my strongest possible recommendation. A++. I'll have to make that Factor my N+1.....

Fantastic experience: Super friendly and helpful, and an awesome product

Fantastic experience: Had my Factor 02 for 3 years now, from purchase to collection, a through professional service throughout. All started with a fit to determine size, reach, etc, actual bike is exquisite, if you are in the market for Factor, you will not be disappointed. John

Fantastic experience: Second visit to Vires Velo, this time for a complete bike fit and Ostro build. As always the team were exceptional. The ID Match bike fit was extremely thorough and resulted in a far comfier and sustainable fit for both my new Ostro and my O2 which Vires kindly adapted to match. The whole experience of buying from Vires is second to none and being able to walk away with a brand new bike, built specifically for me was fantastic. The Ostro is an amazing bike and lives up to all the reviews, by far the best bike I have ever owned or ridden and one that I look forward to riding at every opportunity. Thanks to everyone at Vires Velo and look forward to seeing you all next year for the next Factor in my family.

Negative experience: Disappointing, I ordered a set up wheels and was informed the lead time would be 4-6 weeks. I had to chase the company for an update and then informed that the wheels would not arrive for another 4 weeks. I fully understand many companies are having supply and logistical problems. It was the lack of communication Is the reason I am giving the company a 1 star. I was able to source a new set of wheels from a UK based wheel builder who turned it around in 10 days as a special.

Fantastic experience: I was sceptical at first with regards to using the ID match for my first proper bike fit - However after just finishing a 700km bike tour, and not getting a single numb and / or foot - I feel that the guys at Vires Velo know exactly what they are on about, many thanks Hayden

Fantastic experience: What can I say, I’ve been eyeing up a Factor for years now and finally got into a position where I could finally order a Ostro, from day one Rob and the team have been outstanding, from the Bike Fit with James in November showing me around the show room, and the great communication on my many emails which I I’m sorry for, and in the final week they offered me a chance for the new Shimano Dura Ace, and also Rob coming in on a Saturday so I could pick up my Ostro, I can’t wait to my first ride this weekend and taking my Factor up some epic climbs in Mallorca at the end of next month. I’ve already recommended these guys to a few friends so hopefully we will see more Factors in the wild!! Keep up the great work guys!!!

Fantastic experience: Love my Factor o2 and John and the Factor team have provided great aftermarket support as well.

Positive experience: Great bikes for a business that's 13 years old. I respect the dedication