You may find pressure points on a helmet even if it’s technically the right size for you. Some riders incorrectly assume that a lightweight wheel genesis bike 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.
In contrast to the earlier bike though, it offers 7 speeds, with 1 on the front and 7 on the rear. I’m honestly not sure if it was just my bike, or if all of these bikes are that way, but it gave just enough, but not too much suspension in the rear. I must say, a lot of people don’t like low end bicycles with a full suspension, as supposedly the rear shocks tend to bounce and it makes for a pogo stick affect. The Vapour is Genesis’ CX race machine and there are three models available (10, 20 and 30).
On test, we found that the Sintesi provided good airflow and kept our head cool, although the 13 vents don’t offer anywhere to perch a pair of glasses. The XR uses Bell’s Float Fit system, that’s simple to use and is paired with a comfortable strap and magnetic buckle. Combined they allow for a stable fit that adds to the helmet’s high level of comfort – the great ventilation and Iconic+ padding alone make it plenty comfy. The lightweight helmet uses the same Spherical MIPS protection as the Giro Aether, which isn’t the only way this lower price offering challenges its more expensive sibling.
Its 1×9 drivetrain keeps things simple, while the swept back riser bars give the rider a more upright position. For commuters and city-dwellers, Genesis genesis bicycles has several bikes to choose from. Genesis has a lot of bikes in its ‘other’ category, so we’ve broken them down into Adventure, Cyclocross and Urban.
Having a non-progressive spring rate means that it’s unlikely they’ll ever get the full travel out of either end. Compression isn’t adjustable, and rebound is exactly what one might expect from a spring. Out back, the four bar linkage looks the part, but the actual path of travel is an arc that wants to move the wheel forward as it goes upward. This results in poor handling, as the wheel cannot track over rough surfaces properly. The brakes are used with disc brakes on the front and rear of the bike, making for a nice look.
The result is not only a reduction in weight but also an aid to improved ventilation, as the air has one less layer to move through. There’s also a 10 gram weight, saving to be had on a like for like size, with the brand putting this weight saving is down to the Helios Spherical helmet having less technical ventilation structure than the Aether. Personally found it a barely noticeable difference having ridden both helmets, with the two equally as comfortable. It has Smith’s VaporFit retention system, which can be adjusted vertically and horizontally to allow for a snuggly fit for all head shapes, which is a rare feature especially in aero focused helmet options.
The glasses port, sadly, is not particularly good as it is too wide to accommodate most sunglasses. Team Ineos’s favourite helmet, the Protone Icon is lightweight at around 200g and aero as well as comfortable. Like most modern e-bikes, the Fuel EXe Alloy is compatible with a mobile app, in this case, the Trek Central app, which gives you access to additional settings, as well as system updates. The application also offers bike setup tips, activity tracking, and a handy navigation system. There is no possible way a company can sell a bike with a proper drivetrain and working front and rear suspension for $150.