While many people will pretend to have liked something before it was cool, in the case of British brand Genesis, we’ll reserve our usual incredulity.
For as long as we can remember, its team of designers have been churning out practical and forward-thinking bikes – always versatile, often made of steel, and frequently well ahead of the market when it comes to trends like bikepacking, gravel riding or other more adventurous escapades.
Despite this, its machines tend to evolve rather than needlessly reinvent themselves. Genesis's latest 2021 range seeks to build on this tendency, with most of the brand’s compact offering simply tweaked to make them more user-friendly.
The most notable additions to the line-up are a new top-spec Croix de Fer 50 made of Reynolds 853 tubing. This is joined at the other end of the range by a second flat bar Croix de Fer, a commuter-orientated model that follows on the success of the initial upright version of the well-established platform.
Elsewhere, the 650b Fugio adventure bike and CDA models both receive spec and paint updates, as do the Tour de Fer and Vagabond.
Entirely new for this year is the Broadway. A budget-conscious utility bike, it comes with backswept bars and multi-terrain tyres.
Genesis 2021 bikes: Stand out models
Croix de Fer 50
A single step down from the range-topping titanium model, the Croix de Fer 50 mixes cyclocross and touring DNA while maintaining a passable sideline as a very posh commuter.
Made of Reynolds 853 tubing, this latest version also employs Shimano's GRX gravel-specific groupset along with 40c tubeless-ready tyres and wheels.
To find out more and see the full range, head to: genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes
CDA 30
The CDA line takes the Croix de Fer’s proven geometry and applies it to an aluminium frame. Cutting down on both weight and cost, the range-topping CDA 30 also uses the same Shimano GRX derailleurs and cranks as its more expensive siblings, although here they’re mated to Tiagra shifters and mechanical discs.
Now with increased mounting points on the top tube and front triangle, these are joined by mounts on the fork for maximum carry-capacity
Fugio 10
Another of Genesis’s staple transfers over to aluminium. While the more expensive Fugio models retain their wild paint jobs and steel frames, this more accessible model uses a lighter non-ferrous frame.
Retaining the same wide tyre-clearance and carbon fork found elsewhere on the range, it also benefits from internal cabling and multiple mounting points. With 650b wheels and tyres, these are driven by a SRAM Apex 1x11 drivetrain and TRP Spyre brakes.
Vagabond
A stand-alone model, this year the long-distance Vagabond sees its chassis upgraded from anonymous steel to Reynolds 725. Its radically high front end remains, although its frame and fork now sport bolt-through axles.
The front derailleur has also been jettisoned. Instead using a single chainring set-up, this now sees a 36t chainring married to a 42t largest sprocket on the rear. Carry capacity and tyre size have also been increased.
Broadway
A new utility bike, the Broadway takes an aluminium CDA frame and builds it up to suit the city. It uses Shimano hydraulic discs and its 2x chainring drivetrain simplifies gearing. Employing a broad ratio cassette, this is good for getting up hills and also makes carrying heavy panniers less of a chore.
While designed with the daily commute in mind, the Broadway also shares the same fitting as the more adventure-orientated CDA bikes, meaning it’s happy to be taken on more rugged routes at the weekend too.
Brixton
With a front platform rack and rear pannier stand, the Brixton is Genesis’s top-of-the-line utility bike. Employing a low-maintenance 8-speed Shimano Nexus hub gear system this is complemented by matching hydraulic brakes. Based around a light aluminium frame, it arrives with mudguards and a kickstand pre-fitted.
Tour de Fer 30
Marketed as ‘adventure-ready straight from the box’, the Tour de Fer 30 comes fully kitted out. Based around a steel frame and Shimano Tiagra groupset, its finishing kit is perhaps the main attraction.
Schwalbe tyres, Tubus racks and Busch and Muller lighting is all wish-list stuff. Elsewhere, mudguards and multiple bottle cages come as standard, helping riders avoid any unexpected costs when it comes to kitting themselves out.
To find out more and see the full range, head to: genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes