The Fugio is a rowdier bike than the Croix de Fer, more suited to playing around on the trails and using the bumps as a platform to get some air. 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 are the dedicated carbon race bikes, as ridden by the (now disbanded) UCI continental team Madison Genesis.
While the stack is typical of a road bike, the reach is extended. This puts the rider in a pretty aggressive riding position, but at least the shoulder shock is partially absorbed by the fat tires. 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 bikes are available either with rim brakes or hydraulic discs, but there is only one spec level with these bikes.
genesis mountain bikeOf course, there is something to be said about the quality of bikes found at Walmart, but it’s only fair. The two models sold here are under $400, which is very cheap for a road bike. Those two bikes can be a bit wishy-washy but are also extremely inexpensive. They offer good value for money, and it’s unlikely you’ll have as bad an experience as the writers of each bike’s worst customer review. Each of the bikes listed here has either seven or eleven rear cogs. Both numbers offer great versatility in torque ratios, with the 11-speed rear cassettes obviously offering more.
There’s the option of having a full carbon frame at the higher end of the spec too, or a more affordable version with an aluminium frame and carbon fork. The Genesis Datum is another versatile bike that could serve as a gravel-cruncher or mile-muncher, depending on the tyres you choose to run. There’s also a women’s-specific version of the Datum, as well as a frameset so you can build your own. They build their bikes to deliver a smooth and enjoyable riding experience, making them popular among amateur and professional riders.
genesis bikeThe drivetrain is still a performance oriented 1×11 set up and, in all, this is still a competitive racing machine. Given the versatility of this frame, it is perhaps to be expected that there is a large number of different builds on offer. It is available with flat bars and drop bars, carbon forks and steel forks, there’s even a titanium frame option.
The steel tubes of these endurance bikes, with their ability to dampen the road buzz, make them perfectly suited to long days out in the saddle. Pannier and mudguard mounts are also present on these frames, adding to their versatility. The external cable routing and threaded bottom brackets are also features that will be well apricated by home mechanics. That’s not to say the Genesis 26″ V2100 Mountain Bike doesn’t have its work cut out for it.
There are strengthening gussets where the down tube and top tube meet the tapered head tube and the seat stays are an old school wishbone style, the lack of a bridge gives ample mud clearance. Madison founded this British bicycle brand in 2006 to provide high-quality bikes that combine performance, style, and durability. With its proportions, and tapered headset it can have many higher end components added the bike to make it comparable to bikes much more expensive than it is. This includes new forks, better derailleurs, better handlebars and so much more.
As the price increases, so does the level of tech, with Di2 included in the top-end model. It’s hard to get passed the point that this bike has disc brakes on the front, and rim brakes on the front. While it is completely usable, it is just strange, and doesn’t look right. The Genesis Saber model of bike is an inexpensive choice ready for those seeking adventure!
Versatility still pervades the frame, with downtube bottle bosses and mounts for a rear rack and mudguards. Although this bike can take on the commuting duties or a bit of cycle-touring, it is more suited to lively riding in the woods and on bridleways. A rim brake version is available in addition to the disc option and both come with Shimano Ultegra 2×11 groupsets. The maximum tyre size on bike is 28c, typical for rim brake set ups but relatively narrow for a bike with discs.
However, it offers plenty of torque ratios with 11 rear cogs and would be a versatile machine for commutes and road riding. Plus, the lightweight alloy wheels add to the bike’s speed and agility. The matte black finish with neon accents is sure to turn heads on any trail. Upgrade your mountain biking game with the 29″ Genesis Abstract.