Genesis’ groundbreaking Croix de Fer, the original steel all-road adventure bike, has a new electric version – the 60. It features Mahle’s lightweight XS system with its stealthy hub motor and a quick-release battery.
The new Croix de Fer 60 is built around the recently updated Croix de Fer frameset, with updated tube profiles made from quality Reynolds steel. The revised seatstays offer more compliance and the tyre clearance is up to a generous 47mm.
Genesis says the Croix de Fer is a versatile package that's ideal for bikepacking, gravel riding, commuting and long-distance adventures.
Genesis Croix de Fer 60 geometry
The Mahle XS-equipped 60 is not aimed at being a full-fat, high-power ebike.
Genesis’ Sam Lawson, product manager for the Croix de Fer 60, explains: “The brief was never to simply build an electric bike. It was to build a Croix de Fer that happened to offer electric assistance. If it didn’t ride like a Croix de Fer, we weren’t interested.”
| Geometry | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 470 | 490 | 530 | 560 | 590 |
| Effective Top Tube | 553.2 | 557.2 | 558.2 | 573.8 | 589.4 |
| Stack | 551.6 | 565.8 | 584.7 | 603.6 | 622.5 |
| Reach | 395 | 395 | 385 | 395 | 405 |
| Head Tube | 100 | 115 | 135 | 155 | 175 |
| Head Angle | 71 | 71 | 71 | 71 | 71 |
| Seat Angle | 74 | 74 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 |
| BB Drop | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 |
| Fork Offset | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Wheelbase | 1041.5 | 1046.4 | 1042.9 | 1059.4 | 1075.9 |
Genesis Croix de Fer 60 – what you need to know
- Reynolds 725 steel frame
- Mahle X20 motor system
- Comes with Shimano GRX 2x12-speed drivetrain
- Amplitude G-100 tubeless-ready wheels
- Maxxis Rambler 45mm tubeless-ready tyres
After lots of research, Genesis decided on the lightweight Mahle XS system, which adds only 2.5kg to the bike including the removable eX1 battery, or only 1.4kg without the battery fitted.
Lawson continues: "We stopped thinking about it as a motor and started thinking about it as another gear. It's there when the climb steepens, when the headwind arrives or when your legs begin to tire late in the day. The rest of the time, you're simply riding a Croix de Fer."
The Mahle XS system's X20 rear-hub motor delivers up to 65Nm of torque and the removable 171Wh battery can provide up to 55km of range, according to Genesis.
The XS battery can be charged with Mahle’s own charger or simply through its USB-C port. That makes charging at your desk a possibility for commuters, or bikepackers and tourists can leave the charger at home and simply pack the same cable as their phone, GPS and lights.
The new Croix de Fer 60 is available now and priced at £4,499.99 / €5,199.
Genesis Croix de Fer 60 specification
- Frame: Genesis Reynolds 725
- Fork: Genesis carbon fibre
- Gears: Shimano GRX RX820 2x12-speed
- E-motor system: Mahle X20, 65Nm hub motor, Mahle eX1, 171Wh battery, Mahle e-shifters
- Wheels: Amplitude G-100
- Tyres: Maxxis Rambler 700x45c TR
