So many models are offered that it can be hard to choose exactly which bike is best for you. 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. 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. The basics are there in full length mudguards, a rear pannier rack, and puncture resistant tyres.
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 is the combination of a vast array of mounts, a robust steel frame and wide tyre clearances that allow this bike to be such a jack of all trades. The aero features of more expensive bikes are present, with cables are routed internally and the leading edges of the frame are smoothly rounded.
Although the frame is steel, it’s relatively lightweight with a carbon fork and no excess components weighing it down. This is a bike that will zip around town without a second thought. 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.
The 700c Genesis Saber is a great road bike for thrill-seekers and fitness enthusiasts. With its lightweight aluminum frame, you’ll experience the thrill of speed and agility as you conquer every road and climb with ease. Equipped with a road-style drop handlebar and 21 speed drivetrain, this bike offers precision and control, allowing you to shift gears with ease thanks to its convenient twist shifters.
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. 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.
Some are more race oriented, meaning mudguard and pannier mounts are forgone and the geometry is longer and lower. Others have more of an endurance focus, better suited to long rides and have all the mounts you need for light cycle-touring. The Venerable Croix de Fer frameset has been a mainstay of the Genesis range since 2009. The frameset genesis mountain bike 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 road rides, use it as a utility shopper.
We want you to love your purchase, but if an item fails to meet your expectations we will accept its return. Although the two bikes in this section might both be called the ‘Vapour’ with only the epithets ‘Alloy’ and ‘Carbon’ differentiating them, there are actually significant distinctions to be made. The model number can be found on the lower portion of the seat tube just above the crank on a black and silver decal. If there are any issues with your bike, return it for a full refund or receive a replacement bike for free.
He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he’s riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun genesis bike and fitness rather than training for competitions. 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.