Genesis Equilibrium Disc 20 review

Genesis promises ‘all-day comfort’ from the Equilibrium Disc 20, thanks to its steel frame and carbon fork combination.

It’s certainly a versatile bike, coming as it does with 28c tyres on its Fulcrum wheels, along with Shimano’s hydraulic disc brake set-up and a dependable 105 groupset used for the lion’s share of the mechanical parts.

Frameset

The Equilibrium’s frame stands out from the norm these days by eschewing carbon (save for the 0.3% content in its frame tubes) for steel.

The Reynolds 725 tubing used for the frameset is heat-treated and butted to allow thinner metal to save weight and to create stronger junctions which increase stiffness.

Rounded profiles abound, in the best classic cycling tradition, with neat welds at the head tube and junction of the top tube, seatstays and seat tube.

A tapered head tube meets a carbon fork at the front end, which provides added stiffness.

The cabling for front and rear derailleurs and the rear brake is externally routed along the underside and top of the down tube, with the mech cables gaining a brassy barrel adjuster for fine-tuning of the set-up on the fly.

The cable for the front brake is routed through the left-hand fork leg, contributing to the classy look of the package.

For the medium-sized frameset we rode, a measured head angle of 73.2° is fairly laid back, while a seat angle of 74.1° promotes a comfortable riding position.

Mudguard and pannier mounts add to the versatility of this machine, making it suitable not only for sportives, but also for everyday commuting or even light touring duties.

Groupset

Genesis has equipped the bike with Shimano 105, which is an ideal compromise between performance, durability and affordability.

There’s 105 used for the 52/36 mid-compact chainset, plus the front and rear mechs, while the brake levers and hoods (which contain the hydraulics for the brake discs) are 105-equivalent RS505 units.

The brakes have a 160mm rotor up front and a 140mm at the rear. There’s an 11-28 CS5800, 105 cassette out the back, with a KMC 11-speed chain holding the drivetrain together.

Finishing kit

This is supplied entirely by Genesis’s in-house alloy components. A set of compact drop bars at the front have a 420mm diameter, while a 100mm alloy stem makes this set-up a comfortable reach.

The basic but functional approach continues at the rear, where an alloy 27.2mm seatpost wears a very supportive, yet comfortable, Genesis Road Comfort saddle.

Wheels

The Equilibrium runs Fulcrum Racing Sports wheels, identical to the wheels fitted to the Equilibrium 10 we tested last year.

They’re actually a cyclocross wheelset, but what they lack in sheer get-up-and-go they make up for in maintenance-free durability.

They’re weighty, but they’ll last as long as you want them to. As ever upgrading them would add more zip to the performance, though a set of Mavic Ksyrium Disc hoops – a typical upgrade purchase – would take the overall price of the bike beyond £2,000.

Clement’s 28c Strada LGG tyres feature a smoother centre for fast upright riding, with a cut shoulder for grip on varied terrain.

On the road

Steel, regardless of what anyone says, is a compromise in the 21st century. It will always be heavier than an equivalent carbon frame, even if its ride quality can outperform carbon.

So, what we notice immediately is the 10kg-plus bulk. However, this becomes an advantage to a degree on the first downhill stretch of our test loop, as the extra stability it affords the Genesis is much appreciated.

What the Equilibrium offers above and beyond carbon-framed rivals is an almost unshakeable determination to plough on through any terrain with the utmost composure and a healthy dose of comfort.

The 28c Clement rubber wrapped around semi-aero Fulcrum Sport rim allow the bike to glide over most tarmac.

Yes, those wheels really aren’t the quickest to get rolling, but once they’re up to speed they’re fine. Beyond this, they’re also a robust choice for a bike that’s built to last, built to go the distance, and to do so in such a way as to belie its bulk.

The steel construction does help to eliminate ripples in the road, and the relaxed riding position we employed with headset spacers evenly distributed afforded stress-free progress.

That progress, however, is necessarily at a lesser average speed than we’d normally demand.

The Equilibrium 20 is a bike that won’t respond as well to a good thrashing as lighter alternatives here, which might leave you feeling somewhat less rewarded for your input.

However, the 52-36 chainset and 11-28 cassette combine to at least allow some fairly big gears, which gives you some payback on rolling roads for giving it the big licks.

The hydraulic stoppers offer easy power modulation, and stacks of confidence, too. In all, the Genesis is a bike that will suit the rider who’s not so much concerned with smashing out a 100-mile PB as with enjoying the ride. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

The rangier wheelbase of the Disc 20 is accounted for in some part by long chainstays, which adds the expected level of stability.

Add to the mix a 170mm head tube with a measured head angle of 73.2° and what you end up with is a bike that approaches cornering with the solidity and predictability you’d naturally demand of a bike designed for big group rides.

The carbon fork and virtually bombproof Fulcrum wheels lend a touch of stiffness to the set-up, which does equip the bike with a surprising amount of manoeuvrability, even when it comes to fast changes in direction to avoid potholes or suicidal pheasants.

Where this bike excels isn’t in its lightning-fast downhill cornering ability, but when it’s spiriting you over rough roads and rippled corners.

It does this with a directness and predictability that will cosset newer riders and allow anyone to concentrate on the joy of cycling.

It’s not what we’d call a thrilling ride – although those fat tyres and unbreakable wheels do let you get away with more adventurous, looser terrain if you fancy it – rather it’s one which leaves you content, and almost at one with the world again.

Lose the bike computer, revel in the smooth ride, and buy this bike to fall in love with the simple pleasure of pedalling.

It’s almost guaranteed you’ll finish your sportive in higher spirits and somewhat more refreshed than your riding companions.

Ratings

Frame: Stiff and strong, well built and neatly finished. 8/10
Components: Dependable 105 parts with excellent hydraulic brakes. 7/10 
Wheels: Heavy but sturdy and dependable. 8/10 
The Ride: Not what we'd call lively but fast and fun enough. 8/10

Verdict

Delivers remarkable performance for the money. If you’re looking for a first bike for long rides that won't break the bank, or are a strong rider looking to upgrade, this is a belter of a bike

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