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 Equilibrium and Equilibrium Disc are also endurance/sportive-focused bikes, and come with a steel frame and carbon fork. The steel makes for a super comfortable ride, while the carbon reduces some of the weight.
Genesis Bikes are a British cycling brand with a heritage of building the kind of bikes that they want to ride themselves. The kind of bikes that make you dream of your next adventure no matter the size. Since 2001 Genesis Bikes have had an eye for the finer details, utilising the very best materials and always heading in their own direction.
If you’re looking for a fun bike that can also do the grunt-work when required, this is the one for you. But if you want a dedicated workhorse, the Croix de Fer or Equilibrium will probably suit you better. Adam Blythe rode for the likes of BMC Racing Team, Orica-GreenEdge, Tinkoff and Lotto-Soudal in his cycling career before retiring from racing in 2019.
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, 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’s a little bit bling but positivly understated compared to Blytheys.. Which lets be honest, would have been ‘pretty trick’ if he’d not let a pissed up Rob Hayes loose on it. Specialized also launched a Peter Sagan collection with a largely gold frameset a few years ago. As mentioned in the Tweet, the 24-carat gold leaf finish has been created by Fatcreations, a Sussex-based company that has been responsible for countless stunning paintjobs over the years. One year on Vin Cox set off from The Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London.
We’ve split this guide up into four large sections; road bikes, adventure bikes, cyclocross bikes, and utility bikes, detailing each of the bikes in the range and how they differ from the others. If you’re a dyed in the wool roadie or complete ‘cross-head, you can jump straight to the section that interests you most. Specialising in gravel, road, genesis bicycles touring and mountain bikes made from steel, titanium and aluminium, these are bikes that encourage you to explore the paths and trails less travelled. With its steel frame and carbon fork, asymmetrical chainstays and 650b wheels with gargantuan 50c tyres, it’s perfect if you want a bike that will take you anywhere, but don’t want a mountain bike.
For the entry level, you’ll get a Shimano Claris 2×8 drivetrain, an aluminium frame and carbon fork. Whilst the 30 model gets a Shimano 105 2×11 drivetrain, along with the aluminium frame and carbon fork. Former professional road and track rider Adam Blythe has a new Genesis road bike and it’s certainly provoking comment, not just because of the gold leaf finish but also thanks to the bulbous head tube. The Croix de Fer is probably Genesis’ flagship bike, much loved by adventurers and commuters alike.
Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run.
Genesis champion themselves on built in practicalities that can be seen throughout the range, enabling their use daily across many different scenarios. Credited with creating the first-ever gravel bike, Genesis bicycles are designed to take you on adventure — off-road, on-road, or wherever your heart desires. As with the Day One, there are mudguards, rear pannier rack, and an internally geared rear hub for all weather dependability. 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.