Genesis Croix de Fer

State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.

Frame: Reynolds 725 Steel

Forks: 1-1/8" DB Cro-Mo unicrown (w/ double eyelets & low rider bosses)

Headset: VP-A51A 1-1/8" Threadless

Shifters: Shimano Tiagra 10spd ST-4600

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra RD-4600 10spd

Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra FD-4600

Chainset: Shimano Tiagra FC-4650 Compact 50/34T

Bottom Bracket: Shimano Hollowtech II

Chain: Shimano Tiagra CN-4601 10spd

Freewheel: Shimano Tiagra CS-4600 10spd 12/28T

Hubs: Shimano HB-M475 / FH-M475 6-Bolt Disc

Rims: Alex XD-Lite Disc 32H

Spokes: Stainless Black w/ brass nipples

Tyres: Continental Cyclocross Race 35c (wire)

Brakes: Avid BB7 Mechanical Road (160mm rotors)

Handlebars: Genesis AL-6061 DB Compact Drop OS/31.8mm

Stem: Genesis AL-6061-T6 OS/31.8mm

Grips: Microfibre Shockproof Tape

Saddle: Genesis/Velo VL-1200 Road CrMo Rail

Seatpost: Genesis Twin-Bolt AL-2014-T6 27.2x300mm

Pedals: Shimano PD-M520 SPD

Tell us what the bike is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Last years' boundary-blurring, runaway success story returns for another year in a fresh new practical paintjob. Loved equally by commuters and weekend adventurers, the Croix De Fer is the ideal 'fun' bike to have in the shed. A bike for "someone who rides whatever is in front of him rather than aligning to a particular tribe."

Now synomous with the Genesis brand, we were unsure as to how the Croix de Fer would be recieved when we first introduced it back in 2010. We needn't have worried though; the Croix de Fer has become one of our greatest success stories.

Equally well suited to year-round commuting on asphalt, hammering down sun baked bridleways or even exploring the world. It's a versatile and beautiful bicycle that crosses many boundaries.

For some time it was the holder of a Guinness World Record when in 2010, in pursuit of an often-contested record, Vin Cox rode his Croix De Fer around the world faster than anyone had managed before. To prove this bikes versatility further, in August 2011 the Montane Icemen used a pair of Croix de Fers to circumnavigate the 1600 mile coast line of Iceland in just 14 days.

The spec hasn't really changed much since its' inception - testament to the fact that we got it right first time.

Utterly timeless and subtly beautiful, we think the new Croix de Fer looks better than ever.

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

The frame and fork are of a decent build. The paintjob has stood up to cross racing and muddy lane commuting.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

The frame is made from lovely 725 Reynolds steel while the fork is made from double-butted chromoly.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

The geometry feels like somewhere between cyclo-cross racer and tourer; slightly closer to cross-racer than to tourer.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

At a 56cm effective top tube, it was exactly what I'd expect and fits me (178cm / 80kg) like a glove. It's slightly more upright than an out-and-out cross racing bike, which actually works really nicely.

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Very comfortable, without sacrificing too much liveliness. Whereas I'd never have taken the CdF cross racing, I would (and did) take the Croix de Fer to my local painfest.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

Given that it's billed as a do-it-all bike, at home (but not perfectly suited) on a racecourse, but also with a set of panniers, the designers got the stiffness right. Yes, there is some flex, but not so much that it gets in the way of enjoying the ride, on or off road.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

Not as efficient as a proper racehorse, but a lot more efficient than the CdF. Happily efficient.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so, was it a problem?

There is toe-clip overlap, especially with mudguards. No problem.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

On the road, the bike handles like a light-weight tourer should. It goes where you point it, with no surprises. Some might call it a little on the slow side.

Off-road though, the slightly slacker head angle comes into its own, and inspires enough confidence to tackle most routes you normally reserve for the mountain bike.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

I didn't like the saddle - easily swapped out, no biggie. Yet again, I'm impressed with how far Tiagra has come, comfortable hoods, the shifting is buttery smooth and keeps on shifting.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?

If you're worrying about stiffness, you best look at another, more performance-orien ted bike. This one is fine as it is.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

The compact chainset with the 11-28 cassette is just right. So much better than the 11-25 on the (heavier!) CdF.

Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? Any components which didn't work well together?

Shimano Tiagra works really well and keeps on shifting, even with mud plastered all over the bike.

Tell us some more about the wheels and tyres.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels or tyres? If so, what for?

You could swap out the wheels for something a bit lighter. If you're considering that, though, you're possibly missing the point of this bike and you might be better off with something else.

The tyres I would swap out; I used the Maxxis Razes I reviewed recently for any off-roading/cyclo-crossing and a bombproof set of Continental Contacts for commuting.

Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?

If only the STIs didn't have cables coming out everywhere - the only reason to go up to 105 in my opinion.

Anything else you want to say about the componentry? Comment on any other components (good or bad)

I'm hardly telling you anything you don't know already, but the Avid BB7s deserve a special mention here. They work really well, noticeably better than the BB5s specced on the CdF, and in a different league to any cantis I've ever used.

Anything further to say about the bike in conclusion?

The Croix-de-Fer is a very capable mile-muncher that is not afraid to tackle the stuff you normally reserve for your mountain bike.