The Fugio is a rowdier bike than the Croix de Fer, more suited to playing around on the trails and using the bumps as a platform to get some air. The dropper seatpost, slacker head angle, shorter chainstays and clearance for tyres up to 50mm wide on 650b wheels are responsible for this more playful handling. 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. The Day One — its inaugural bike from 2001 — is still going strong as a low maintenance singlespeed with disc brakes and mounts for mudguards. The Genesis Datum is another versatile bike that could serve as a gravel-cruncher or mile-muncher, depending on the tyres you choose to run.
The drivetrain is still a performance oriented 1×11 set up and, in all, this is still a competitive racing machine. There aren’t mounting points for front or rear pannier racks; strap on bike-packing bags are the weapon of choice here. Some practically remains, with downtube bottle bosses (useful for holding extra water or a tool keg) and discrete mudguard mounts. The frame is fully carbon and the cables are integrated into the frame for a cleaner look and better aerodynamics. Given the versatility of this frame, it is perhaps to be expected that there is a large number of different builds on offer. It is available with flat bars and drop bars, carbon forks and steel forks, there’s even a titanium frame option.
The Croix de Fer is probably Genesis’ flagship bike, much loved by adventurers and commuters alike. It’s the ultimate all-round all-terrain machine, with a hardy steel frameset, disc brakes, relaxed geometry and mounts for all the additional fittings you might need. The Croix de Fer comes in three steel options (10, 20 and 30) as well as a titanium model. The basics are there in full length mudguards, a rear pannier rack, and puncture resistant tyres. With clearance for tyres up to 38c and a steel frame that will be robust and help deaden the road chatter, this is a bike with the stamina to match your own. There are three different spec levels, with 10 being the entry level, 20 the mid-range and 30 being the top of this range.
A rim brake version is available in addition to the disc option and both come with Shimano Ultegra 2×11 groupsets. The maximum tyre size on bike is 28c, typical for rim brake set ups but relatively narrow for a bike with discs. But for races that are solely on roads, this should be more than adequate.
Due to its popularity, Genesis became a label in its own right in 2006. Finally, the Columbia Rd is a beautiful step-through with a low maintenance and practical 8-speed internal genesis mountain bike hubgear. Perfect for pootling around town, plus the twin top tube adds a touch of elegance. For commuters and city-dwellers, Genesis has several bikes to choose from.
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 CDA on the other hand is less race and more sportive, with relaxed endurance geometry and massive tyre clearance for knobblies so you can truly take it anywhere. The Mantle is the brand’s XC and endurance bike, and is a full carbon 29er hardtail with 100mm travel.
The frameset is incredible versatile and lends itself to a multitude of different builds. You could put 38c tyres on it and go bike-packing on some gravel, or you could put front and rear pannier racks on, throw in some mudguards, and take it on an around the world tour. You could even commute, go on genesis mountain bike road rides, use it as a utility shopper. Prefitted mudguards and more puncture resistant city tyres are such examples. The bikes are available either with rim brakes or hydraulic discs, but there is only one spec level with these bikes. Both come with 2×11 Shimano 105 drivetrains and carbon forks.