We've started getting a trickle of Genesis bikes through for customers, and felt compelled to write about 'em.
Genesis bikes have created a role for themselves that just didn't exist before in the bike market. Strong visual identity, cracking frames and a set of components that always seems to be slightly higher spec than everything else at the price range... They all contribute to make some of the most desirable bikes around.
Yup. We want one. So to share our lust, we've created our 5 most wanted 2010 Genesis bikes.
Genesis are mostly famous for their mountain bikes, but their UK specific (shorthand for crappy weather, bad roads and hills) range of road bikes has some real eye turners at the moment. The
Genesis Equilibrium represents typically outstanding value for money. Shimano 105 at a price point where most are struggling for Tiagra should give you some indication of just how much use Genesis make of being stablemates of Shimano. Forget zertz. Steel IS real. The 520 cro-mo frame gives a plush ride that you just will never see on an aluminium frame.
Most of us gave up dreaming of being the next Bradley Wiggins after we got dropped by that seventy year old in our last sportive. This is a realistic bike with realistic aims. Not to be the quickest, but to be the quickest AND most comfortable road bike possible for British roads. Long rides with a smooth predictable performance? Job done and yes, I desperately want one.
The Core range is Genesis's, uhh, core range. Not some run of the mill hardtail is this though. Even the entry level Core 10 gets hydraulic brakes, but our most desired Core has to be the Core 40. Hitting the magic £999.99 price point (and perfect for cycling to work), it's spec is awesome for the money. Rockshox Recons? Look at the price point they appear on other bike ranges...
The frame is triple butted aluminium. Lighter than last year, it's simple accurate and hard to beat for a 'budget' hardtail frame material.
Shimano specs are high here too, with included pedals, Deore chainset and M575 hydraulic disc brakes. This might be the best value trail bike around at the moment, but forget all that. Yellow and grey just floats our boat.
The Genesis IO. A personal admission here. I've spent the last two years dreaming of owning this bike. If it wasn't for the fact I've got three bikes in a kitchen designed to take none, I would be the proud owner of one right now. Girlfriendless, but proud. In fact it's difficult for me to write about this without shaking a little bit with jealousy. I've ridden one, very briefly, and can confirm it rides a lot like it looks. On, off power, won't be much fun in the flats, but then you're not getting this for flats. You're getting it because it'll make your favorite trail a different beast, because you can actually afford it, because the steel frame is gorgeous (best looking bike in the entire Genesis range), because for sheer fun to cost - it's the best value bike around. Enough. I'm upsetting myself.
The
Genesis Croix de Fer. Why? Why create a steel framed crosser with disc brakes and rack eyelets? Because they can, because this is the most 'do it all' bike in the range. Commute, tour, smooth singletrack? Where do you want to ride today?
If the IO seems a little lacking to you (what's wrong with you?!), than maybe something a little more upmarket might suit. The Altitude range from Genesis hints at the intended use. Big hills, big descents, cross country, proper old school mountain bike. the sort of do it all range that all mountain bikes used to be. Except now we have good forks, decent brakes and, if you've got a spare £2749.99, Titanium frames. The
Altitude Ti is their range topping go anywhere mountain bike. Forget the (very high) specification for a second and concentrate on that frame. Lighter than steel, more useful flex where and when you need it, it's not called the 'ultimate frame material' for nothing.
Finally, their commuting/urban singlespeed, the Genesis Flyer, hasn't stopped selling since it was introduced. None more real steel, retro appeal oozing out of every perforated microfibre on the handlebar tape - this is the epitome of the current fixation with fixies. The small gauge tubing will make you think of every classic bike you ever saw, but this isn't a classic ride. Fast, responsive and the most fun you can have on two wheels on tarmac. Carefully thought out finishing touches like the built in tensioner and carefully position bottle mount (it's on the seat stay for a reason...), means that this apparently simple bike is the embodiment of the brand.
