Essentially an aluminium version of the Croix de Fer, the CDA features a similar plethora of mounts and wide clearances but comes in at a significantly lower price. Part of this is down to the different frame material, but cheaper components are also a factor. The aero features of more expensive bikes are present, with cables are routed internally and the leading edges of the frame are smoothly rounded.
The aluminium frame is cheaper, although the fork is still carbon. Disc brakes remain present, but they have been changed to mechanical rather than hydraulic. The drivetrain is still a performance oriented 1×11 set up and, in all, this is still a competitive racing machine. For those interested in dipping their toes into racing, or just want a sportier feeling bike, the Zeal range is Genesis’ entry level carbon option. The geometry is more aggressive than the endurance-oriented Equilibrium, but not quite as ‘head-down bum-up’ as the dedicated racers that are the Zeros. A solid steel range and a smattering of aluminium and carbon models brings the brand bang up to date.
But for its relatively narrow 26″ x 2.1″ tires, riding in the mud was a bigger challenge. So we came to the relatively dry, stone-paved forest road single track. I did about 10 minutes of grinding with the bike on relatively flat grass, having my partner Eve on hand to keep track of me. Despite the bike’s modest price tag, we were quite excited to see how it would perform on the road. If you’re in the market for a more porteur-style bike, the Brixton is where Croix de Fer meets cargo. Its 1×9 drivetrain keeps things simple, while the swept back riser bars give the rider a more upright position.
The Croix de Fer comes in three steel options (10, 20 and 30) as well as a titanium model. The Equilibrium and Equilibrium Disc are also endurance/sportive-focused bikes, and come with a steel frame and genesis bicycles carbon fork. The steel makes for a super comfortable ride, while the carbon reduces some of the weight. The basics are there in full length mudguards, a rear pannier rack, and puncture resistant tyres.
Gravel riding has grown exponentially since Genesis arguably introduced the first gravel bike – the wildly popular Croix de Fer – but more traditional long-range tourers remain popular. Smoothly adjusting the gears genesis bicycles during the ride can have a good riding experience, especially on mountain roads with up and down hills. Finally, for the bikepackers, the Longitude is a fully rigid, steel-framed mid-fat expedition adventure bike.