Speaking of which, be prepared to spend time messing with the drivetrain. Although it’s from Shimano, the 3×7 shifters and derailleurs have more than enough slop that your LBS may simply refuse to work on it, knowing they will never be able to get it to shift smoothly and consistently. Before anyone gets concerned about the shipping weight of over forty pounds, don’t panic.
Some riders incorrectly assume that a lightweight wheel with a low spoke count is difficult to keep in true. Yet a poorly assembled wheel with uneven spoke tension is far more likely to have issues. That’s why the majority of new owners reported that their Genesis V2100 was delivered with bent wheels, right out of the box. This may have been done on purpose, to match the out of true Promax disc brake rotor. The brake can be adjusted, and may offer a fair amount of braking power, but it’s difficult to locate replacement parts, as most brake shops don’t carry pads for the very bottom of the barrel components like this.
This bike is designed for lightweight bike-packing, able to tackle ultra-distances on mixed terrain. 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. Part of this is down to the different frame material, but cheaper components are also a factor.
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. I did have to buy some new pedals and I always carried my allan wrench because the handle bars would often get loose, other than that this was a dependable bike, I even had to outride a German Shepard one morning. My legs had never been so muscular in my life than the time I rode my Genesis mountain bike, I was in pretty good shape and my body didnt care if the bike was from Wal Mart.
This is a bike that will zip around town without a second thought. 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. Prefitted mudguards and more puncture resistant city tyres are such examples.
Sure they are cheap, heavy, made with really crappy components, and can get you from a to b. But, being assembled improperly is half the battle when buying a “Big Box Brand” bike. That if you are not an avid cyclist with basic bike skills can cost you as much as the bike to get repaired. So why even bother if you want a bike that you can ride and will last more than a few rides before having catastrophic failure. Just because a bike is designed for one specific purpose doesn’t mean it is limited to that purpose.
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. Genesis build bikes that are simply built to go everywhere with you and do a bit of everything. Take your pick from their range of iconic builds such as the Croix De Fer, Fugio, CDA, Vapour, Datum & more.
But if your Genesis V1200 needs a new rim, now may be a good time to consider cutting your losses and sell it for scrap instead. 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.
Among the more than 20 brands are SRAM, Promax, KMC, Avid, Gyes, Velo, Truvativ, Continental, and Kenda. Mounting and dismounting the bike is an uncomplicated affair, thanks genesis bike to the upright step-through design. Commuter e-Bike is an excellent choice when a comfortable, smooth ride is your top priority without sacrificing style and performance.
Visit us in our stores in Edinburgh (Bruntsfield or Canonmills), Leeds, Newcastle and Aberdeen. Also available for sale online with UK delivery or collect in store. If you cannot afford a decent new bike, get a decent used bike. There is no possible way a company can sell a bike with a proper drivetrain and working front and rear suspension for $150. I found a cheap 26″ frame off of PricePoint.com and built my own bike after that. Ride a bike you have built or one of a higher quality and you will realize how terrible bikes of this caliber are.