By Jos Dyer, 3 months ago
British adventure brand Genesis has launched its latest range of gravel and adventure bikes with significant updates to the Croix de Fer, Tour de Fer and Vagabond.
The long-standing icon of the Genesis range, the Croix de Fer gets its biggest update since it was introduced in 2008. It returns with a host of changes aimed at improving on what is already a firm favourite amongst riders. The two most noticeable updates are the changes to the frame silhouette and the increased tyre clearance, both aimed at improving what was already fantastic ride comfort and modernising compatibility. The dropped seat stays provide a modern aesthetic and Genesis has paired them with a custom top tube drawing from the Volare road bike, creating a much ‘racier’ look than previous iterations. Tyre clearance has been boosted to allow up to a 700 x 47c tyre with generous mud clearance, meaning riders can fit a tyre to suit. The Croix de Fer range comprises of seven complete bikes and three framesets to suit every budget.
Up next, is the Genesis Tour de Fer. A bike that quickly established itself in the Genesis range since its introduction in 2016. The concept of the bike has remained broadly the same, to offer a touring ready specification straight from the box. Since the Tour de Fer was introduced, the bike’s specification has been tweaked based on customer feedback and updated to suit new componentry options. The most significant change is that all four models now run 2x drivetrains and to move away from 3x completely. The move to 2x allows for a lighter weight chainset and means the Tour de Fer comes specified with current groupset offerings from manufacturers. The new Tour de Fer range consists of four models, with the Tour de Fer 30 and 40 coming equipped with Dynamo lighting supplied by Busch and Muller. Dynamo lighting is now running internally on the frame and the fork and the Tour de Fer 10 and 20 models have this routing should riders choose to add it in down the line. Cable routing continues to be external for ease of maintenance but now uses a full cable outer for better protection from the elements.
Last, but by no means least is a major update to the Genesis Vagabond. Monstercross, gravel plus, whatever you want to call it, the Vagabond is a playful workhorse that can tackle long days in the saddle and roll down technical trails all in one ride. This latest creation has received updates across the board to further improve the overall riding experience. The new frame has a longer wheelbase and slackened head angle, tyre clearance has been increased to allow up to a 2.35” MTB tyre with the Vagabond 10 and 20 models fitted with Maxxis Ikons right out of the box. A significant update is that the new Vagabond is now suspension corrected to make it compatible with a 40mm suspension gravel fork. The new Vagabond range is available in two complete builds and a frameset offering.
Genesis Product Manager, Sam Lawson said: “This launch marks our biggest release of new product since before the Covid pandemic, so it’s safe to say that we’re pretty excited about it! The iconic model within our range, Croix de Fer, gets a host of evolutionary updates with new tube shapes and bigger tyre clearance at all spec levels. Vagabond returns as our aggro gravel bike model with a full frame and spec update. Huge tyre clearance and compatibility with a gravel suspension fork make the Vagabond an ideal model for those looking to blur the lines between gravel and MTB.
“Lastly, our Tour de Fer remains the go to choice for touring. You’ll find dynamo lighting, spare spokes, fast rolling tyres and front and rear racks to ensure that your Tour de Fer is ready to go from the box. The team at Sportline have worked hard on this range and the initial feedback from our specialist Genesis retailer network when we previewed the range at our IceBike* show in February was overwhelmingly positive. We’re thrilled to get these bikes out into the world so be sure to check the retailor locator on our website to find your nearest Genesis retailer.”