About Vires Velo
Vires Velo exists to match passionate riders with exceptional engineering
Founded by John Bailey, who was leading BF1 Systems when the original Factor project began, Vires Velo’s story has always been rooted in innovation, performance and a deep appreciation for engineering excellence.
What began through a close relationship with Factor has evolved into something broader: a carefully curated destination for riders seeking exceptional bicycles and a more considered ownership experience.
Today, Vires Velo represents a select collection of engineering-led brands, including Factor, Bastion and Sarto. Each chosen for its unique approach to performance, craftsmanship and innovation.
While every brand we work with is distinct, they share a common philosophy: an uncompromising commitment to design, engineering and the riding experience.
But exceptional bicycles are only part of the story.
We believe finding the right machine should be every bit as rewarding as riding it.
That is why consultation, fitting, demo rides and bespoke specification sit at the centre of the Vires Velo experience. From our head office, workshop and fitting centre in Norfolk to our showroom and fitting centre at Silverstone, every interaction is designed to help riders make informed, confident decisions about the bicycles they choose.
Our process is underpinned by the idmatch Bike Lab, one of the most advanced bike fitting systems available today. Using a scientific, data-driven approach, we build a detailed understanding of rider position, biomechanics and geometry to ensure every recommendation starts with the rider.
We intentionally work with a small number of exceptional brands so we can offer genuine expertise, meaningful guidance and meticulous attention to detail throughout every stage of the ownership journey.
For some riders, performance is everything. For others, it is craftsmanship, individuality or the pursuit of the perfect ride feel.
Our role is to understand those ambitions and match every rider with the right machine.
That philosophy continues to guide everything we do.
OUR JOURNEY
Where we've been, where we are and where we are going
John Bailey & Team at BF1 Systems developed concept for the FACTOR 001 in Norfolk
The innovative FACTOR 001 V1 is launched
Factor Partnered with Aston Martin to create the Factor One-77 Hyperbike
Factor launches the Vis Vires and wins the Eurobike Gold Award for Racing Bike
Factor Bikes is acquired by industry-leading carbon fibre manufacturing expert, Rob Gitelis
John Bailey establishes Factor Bikes UK as the exclusive home of Factor in the UK and opens doors to the Experience Centre in Norfolk
Vires Velo is born. As the offering from Factor Bikes in the UK grows to cater for a wider range of cyclists, Vires Velo is created to offer cyclists a one-stop destination for high-performance bikes, components and rider development
Vires Velo launch two idmatch bike fitting systems in the UK
Vires Velo opens showroom and fitting centre at Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub.
Our team
Find out a bit more about the people behind our business
John Bailey
Managing Director
In 2007, John was running Bf1 Systems, a successful engineering company that produced bespoke F1-level carbon fibre and electronics components for the motorsports and aerospace industries. Never one to sit still and keen to showcase his company’s engineering prowess, he challenged his team to develop a bicycle from the ground up, throwing the rule book and convention out the window. This was the birth of Factor Bikes.
John is now the Managing Director of Vires Velo, after returning to the fold in 2019 to run the distribution of Factor in the UK. His history with the brand and connection with the highest level of motorsports drives the UK business forward, ensuring Vires Velo delivers the best possible service, experience and product for our loyal customers.
Richard Childs
Workshop Manager
Rich is a vastly experienced mechanic and bike builder for Vires Velo. As a long-standing team member, Richard has built countless high-end bikes at Vires Velo.
Callum Laborde
Customer Experience Specialist
Callum’s role at Vires Velo is dedicated to ensuring all customers, new and old, receive a first-class experience. This involves helping with all new enquiries and making sure our existing riders get the service they expect. Callum's weekends are spent pinning on numbers in road and cyclo-cross races.
Tom Fleetwood
Marketing
Tom looks after all things marketing at Vires Velo and joined the business in 2019. Amongst many things, he looks after the Vires Velo digital channels and is tasked with the enviable task of photographing the beautiful customer bikes that roll through our workshop.
Ready to get started?
Contact our team by email, telephone or book a private appointment here: