Fixies are technically single-speed bikes too but the lack of a freewheel means that if the bike is in motion, your legs must be turning, and you can exercise some control over your speed without touching your brakes. Now more than ever, electric bicycles are becoming less and less bicycles with a motor attached, and more and more purpose-built machines designed to push the capabilities of pedal power even further. One of the newest models to hit the market comes from San Diego-based Ride1Up, in the form of the Turris.
Available as a frameset, or custom-built to your specification, it’s based around a traditional-profile triple-butted steel tubeset and held together using classic investment-cast lugs. The Varsity’s cables are routed externally meaning that if you choose to run it fixed rather than single-speed and remove the rear brake, you’ll be left with a very clean frame. Practical advantages aside, fixies in particular are a huge amount of fun. Riding fixed adds a new dimension to cycling and we’d recommend anyone gives it a try. Even if pure fixed isn’t for you, single-speed bikes have a lot to offer. There’s a learning curve to riding fixed as you need to train your brain to never stop pedalling.
A gel saddle prevents you from getting saddlesore after long miles on the road and trail, too. The basics are there in full length mudguards, a rear pannier rack, and puncture resistant tyres. With clearance for tyres up to 38c and a steel frame that will be robust and help deaden the road chatter, this is a bike with the stamina to match your own.
genesis bike has a lot of bikes in its ‘other’ category, so we’ve broken them down into Adventure, Cyclocross and Urban. Finally, if you want to build your absolute dream machine, the Volare and Volare Disc framesets are available in both Reynolds 853 and 931 tubing options. Next up is the endurance-focused Zeal, which is full carbon, so you can ride longer and faster with less effort. Bikes for all occasions, from all materials, that ride well, last a lifetime and look good while they’re at it.
Which isn’t the case with any similarly priced single-speeds we’ve seen. There does persist a fashion for riding fixies with no brakes at all, however we strongly advise against this as – legal implications aside – physics dictate you simply can’t stop as quickly without a front brake. The Turris presents itself as an affordable alternative to today’s crop of premium versatile e-bikes. All public parking for The Genesis Invitational is located in the Santa Monica public parking lots. All tickets are digital via mobile device and must be purchased in advance.
The makes for a super comfortable ride, while the carbon reduces some of the weight. Due to being disc brake only, the bridge between the seatstays could be removed. This further increases mud clearance and also adds to the frame’s compliance, providing better control. Definitely not a versatile bike; this is designed with only CX racing in mind and makes no compromises – except for, perhaps, its two sets of bottle bosses. 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.
I have about 1000 on this bike and it is still going strong, shifts well. Just because a bike is designed for one specific purpose doesn’t mean it is limited to that purpose. Adventure bikes are very versatile and can be put to a multitude of uses. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Despite being already expansive, the Genesis Bikes brand continues to grow, with the British company striking out even further to the gravel/adventure cross market.