Tyre clearance is increase to 38c, there are discrete mudguard and pannier mounts and an extra set of bottle bosses is present on the downtube. With a 2×9 Shimano Sora groupset and mechanical disc brakes, there are notable differences to the higher end Croix de Fer. But these won’t present an impediment to getting out and using the frame for the huge variety of applications it has the capability for. Gravel riding, endurance road riding, cycle-touring, genesis mountain bike commuting, these are all still possible on this bike – it’s just a more accessible platform to get started with. Other bikes might have the specificity to perform better in a single one of these uses, but very few bikes would be able to perform as well as the Croix de Fer in all of them. It is the combination of a vast array of mounts, a robust steel frame and wide tyre clearances that allow this bike to be such a jack of all trades.
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 groupset is Shimano Tiagra with a 2×10 drivetrain while the maximum tyre size is 25c. 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.
That way, we can provide exactly what you need to get the most out of your bike. Trade in your old Trek bike with Red Barn Refresh and get in-store genesis bike credit toward the purchase of a new one. This special issue is heading for members but we have a very limited stock of copies for direct sale.
Plus, the lightweight alloy wheels add to the bike’s speed and agility. The matte black finish with neon accents is sure to turn heads on any trail. Established UK brand Genesis produce some of the best quality road and mountain bikes on the market. Genesis have been bringing the best British designed bikes to the market since 2006. Now with twelve years of experience, Genesis offer a truly brilliant range of bicycles to cover almost every discipline.
The correct tyre choice would also help calm the stiff and somewhat unforgiving rear end, it is not as harsh as many aluminium frames but taking the edge off it with some floaty rubber would help ease take some of the sting out of the trail. Check out our electric bike buyer’s guide to learn about the benefits of e-bikes, how to choose the right one for your riding style, and the best maintenance tips and tricks. The Datum comes with 32c tyres, which is a bit closer to the ‘road’ end of the spectrum. But there is clearance for up to 38c, so if the conditions require it, this bike is able to handle the rougher stuff. If you want more control over exactly what components your bikes is built with, both of these are available to buy as just the frameset.
Versatility still pervades the frame, with downtube bottle bosses and mounts for a rear rack and mudguards. Although this bike can take on the commuting duties or a bit of cycle-touring, it is more suited to lively riding in the woods and on bridleways. If you’re not comfortable assembling your bike yourself, consider hiring a professional assembly service like National Assemblers. Their team of certified technicians can help ensure your Genesis bike is correctly and safely assembled, ensuring optimal performance and safety. There are, however, a number of points that make this a more versatile bike than the carbon alternative.