Having had my Genesis Fortitude Race for nearly 18 months and absolutely loving it, when looking at choosing another bike, I kept coming back to their range. Apart from their designer, Dom leaving to start his own venture, I reckoned not too much would have changed with their approach to designing a decent bike.
So, as I have only ever had mountain bikes as an adult, I thought I would hop on the bandwagon of cross/adventure/gravel race type bikes. Well, anything with drop bars for a change anyway! I tried a Ridley X-Ride disc 20. Very nice bike designed to be raced, rather than pootled. Being a short chap with a 29 inch inside leg, I plumped for the smallest 48cm frame. I didn't so much suffer from toe overlap, but half a foot overlap! Plus I kept hitting my right heel on the chain stay. Damn shame as otherwise, it was a very nicely put together bike from a company who obviously know a thing or two about cyclocross.
Taking measurements from that from and from my Fortitude frame, I could now tell with some certainty whether or not a frame would suit me based on geometry.
To cut a long story short, I chose a 2015 Genesis Croix De Fer frameset. I spent last Friday afternoon at my friend Simon Aske's shop, Colin Lewis Cycles in Paignton building the bike up with a selection of nice components. I took it out for a first spin this morning. I have to say, I think it's great! It seems fast, fairly light and really comfortable. All in all, I am really chuffed with it. I took a quick snap as we all love looking at new shiny bikes (though the frame has a matt finish.. Which is unusual for metallic paint).
Spec:
50cm Genesis Croix De Fer frame inc carbon legged forks
Mavic Aksium disc wheels
Challenge 33c handmade Cyclocross tyres
Avid BB7 road disc brakes (cable)
SRAM Force shifters
SRAM Rival crankset with 50/34 compact chainset
Shimano 12-30 Tiagra cassette
Madison Flux saddle (same as Fortitude)
3T 44cm flat top drop handlebars
Condor carbon seatpost
Shimano M520 SPD pedals (I had a spare set lying about)
I did have slight concerns about cable disc brakes, but I needn't have worried! It's very easy to lock the wheels as the tyres are very skinny!
Si