The rim brake version can take tyres up to 28c, whereas the disc version can handle 30c. So many models are offered that it can be hard to choose exactly which bike is best for you. 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, touring and mountain bikes made from steel, titanium and aluminium, these are bikes that encourage you to explore the paths and trails less travelled. There are, however, a number of points that make this a more versatile bike than the carbon alternative. 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.
This is a bike that will zip around town without a second thought. Ostensibly, this is a more budget-oriented version of the Vapour Carbon. The aluminium frame is cheaper, although the fork is still carbon. Disc brakes remain present, but they have been changed to mechanical rather than hydraulic. The drivetrain is still a performance oriented 1×11 set up and, in all, this is still a competitive racing machine. The bikes are available either with rim brakes or hydraulic discs, but there is only one spec level with these bikes.
The Genesis UAV 1.0 is a modern 27.5″ with hard packed tires that rolls over everything. Light alloy frame with 24 speeds, and mech disc brakes. These bikes are designed for longer days out being able to handle heavier loads and rougher roads. Some bikes (such as the Fugio) are more oriented towards the rough stuff, whereas others (such as the Croix de Fer) are better suited to carrying loads. 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. A solid steel range and a smattering of aluminium and carbon models brings the brand bang up to date.
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 genesis bike look and better aerodynamics. Almost the antithesis of the Day One, the Flyer is sublime in its simplicity. It employs easily adjustable rim brakes, a single 42×17 gear, and it has mudguards to keep the spray off. Although the frame is steel, it’s relatively lightweight with a carbon fork and no excess components weighing it down.
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. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Information passed between your computer and our website cannot be read in the event that someone else intercepts it. No surprises, just great bikes that you can pay off with as low as 0% APR financing from Affirm on select bikes.
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. Essentially an aluminium version of the genesis mountain bike Croix de Fer, the CDA features a similar plethora of mounts and wide clearances but comes in at a significantly lower price. Part of this is down to the different frame material, but cheaper components are also a factor. Over ten years the range expanded beyond commuter bikes to include road, mountain, cyclo-cross, gravel, kids and fat bikes.