Mechanical disc brakes use traditional cables and cable housing that are the same used for the older type of brakes, v-brakes. However, instead of having brake pads that squeeze the rim of the tire to slow you down when you pull the brake lever, the brake pads squeeze a metal rotor mounted to the hub of the wheel. These are easier to install, adjust and replace due to the high availability genesis bicycles of cables. Make note of your budget, willingness or ability to repair your bike or accessibility to a bike shop, and how the material’s weight will impact your riding and the rest of the components on the bike. At Genesis we have a history of doing things our own way, whether that’s making bikes we want to ride, or heading in a direction that might seem a little crazy at the time.
Also known as 650b wheels, these have developed as a happy medium between 29 and 26 inches. These have the fast acceleration and maneuverability known to the 26-inch but also tend to be a smoother ride going over bumps like the 29-inch, though not quite as smooth. Aluminum is the most common material, being both light and affordable. Its responsiveness and stiffness make it an easy material to work with. That said, this stiffness can make for a rougher ride, as it lacks the absorbency that other frames provide.
These affordable bikes are almost all made with aluminum alloy, have 10 speed or 11 speed drivetrains for gearing and hydraulic disc brakes. The next big question is “what’s your budget?” As we go deeper into the specifications such as frame material and size, wheel size, and brakes, it’s important to have your price range in the back of your mind. This Genesis Fugio 10 is a fun, adaptable, robust bike for exploring local trails (did I mention it made me smile?) and for the occasional overnight trip or commuting. If you want an entry-level gravel bike that’s focussed on the fun element and is adaptable this could be the bike for you, although the Fugio 20 or 30 might be worth considering for the frame material and groupset upgrades. If I was to describe this bike in three words it would be solid, capable and fun – the smaller wheels and frame geometry made this bike feel playful and nimble. It’s not the lightest bike or the cheapest but It just wants to be ridden and challenge what a gravel bike is capable of.
The geometry encouraged me to ride downhill faster than I have with other gravel bikes and the smaller wheel size made handling the more unexpected larger rocks a breeze. I found I was right at genesis bicycles the front during group rides, often buzzing past friends on the harsher terrain / wet muddy conditions. These types of bikes have long wheelbases for better pedaling and large 29-inch wheels.
Depending on the type of riding you’re doing, the frame material can either be a large help or a huge detriment. The benefit of rigid bikes is that they can be more efficient over smooth terrain since there is no suspension movement interfering with pedal efficiency. However, today many hardtail mountain bikes, including some Trail models, have a lockout on the suspension fork meaning you can have the benefit of suspension when you need it and the ability to lock it out when you don’t.
In our opinion, 2.1″ is a versatile size for all kinds of dirt and gravel-oriented bikepacking, and wider is even better for tackling longer and more rugged pursuits. Underbiking purists might disagree, but we think there’s a special place for drop-bar mountain bikes and gravel bikes built around bigger tires. Here’s our complete reference list of dirt-drop 29ers that fit tires over 2.1” wide, all suitable for bikepacking. Find more than 50 bikes that fit this category and learn about the criteria we used to select them here… The cons of these cables, however, are that they’re exposed to environmental conditions, which makes them vulnerable to rust. They also tend to stretch with extended amounts of use and require constant adjustments to combat this.
Because of these factors, for mountain biking, which involves lots of braking, mechanical disc brakes are only found on very entry level price points, with most mountain bikes relying on the superior performance of hydraulic disc brakes. Last but not least, all of these bikes were designed for use with drop bars. Yes, drops can be slapped on any mountain bike, but they shouldn’t be. For instance, most MTBs have a geometry with a much longer reach, and generally don’t fit as well with drop bars. Conversely, a few of these bikes have some road bike characteristics—shorter wheelbase, 68mm bottom bracket shell, road drivetrain or brakes, and tires labeled 700c, but all of them are made to play in the dirt.
All our frames are put together by hand in batches and then assembled before being shipped over to our warehouse. We now have a list of rear-mech hangers compatible with Genesis bikes – please visit your local dealer to order one. Issue 09 takes readers on trips through time—one to the early days of bicycles—and offers several reminders to be grateful for supportive friends and family, and strangers we meet along the way… One of the most important measurements to consider is the top tube length and reach. Top tube length is the difference between the head tube and the seat tube, functionally the distance the rider is from the bars when seated. Reach is the distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the head tube, how far the rider is from the bars when standing on the bike.
The true beauty of Genesis mountain bikes lies not just in their impressive design and functionality, but importantly in their remarkable adaptability. These bikes have been carefully crafted and engineered with versatility at the forefront. Whether you’re an expert trail conqueror mastering every twist and turn with seasoned finesse, or a weekend cycling enthusiast seeking solace and exhilaration in nature’s lap, Genesis understands and caters to your unique requirements. There’s a Genesis bike tailored just for you, ready to complement your style, augment your capabilities, and elevate your biking experience to new, unprecedented heights.