Depending on who you speak to, #crossiscoming, is already here, or never actually went away. Whatever state of flux cyclocross racing happens to be in, Genesis is ready with the reintroduction of the British brand’s much loved Vapour.
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Completely re-designed for 2017, the Vapour is a very modern, carbon 'cross bike with geometry that blurs the line between a traditional, sharp handling CX race bike and an all-road, adventure machine like the Datum.
Compared to the Datum, the numbers do err on the side of 'cross racing with a higher BB for increased ground clearance and a considerably slacker head angle and longer wheelbase, which make for a more stable ride when things get really choppy.
Simply put, if you like the idea of riding fast around a muddy circle for an hour of puke-threshold unpleasantness, then this is the bike from Genesis for you.
Despite the racing bias, singletrack excursions should still be enjoyable with generously wide handlebars across all sizes making for a controlled and stable ride (XS: 40cm / S>M: 42cm / L>X: 44cm) .
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Solid contact points will be lost on a noodly frame, but the Vapour features bolt-thru axles at both ends as well as a tapered, full carbon fork up front for a stiff and confident ride.
We were also very pleased to see a full Ultegra hydro groupset, with proper 'cross specific chainrings up front; the 46-36 combo offers smooth and close shifts up front.
And although the 11-34 cassette should make mincemeat of all but the steepest of climbs, hardcore racers will likely swap for something with slightly less spread to get the gears a little closer spaced.
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The Fulcrum Racing 5 DB wheels are also seen on other similarly priced bikes in the Genesis range and are shod with meaty, 33mm Challenge Grifo CL tyres. The tyres are a favourite for mixed conditions and perform well in all but the muckiest of weather.
We’re glad to see the return of a proper 'cross bike to the line up from Genesis and hope to see some Vapours out in the wild this upcoming season.