Genesis has made updates to three models of its Croix de Fer steel gravel bike and the Tour de Fer touring bike, as well as to the MTB-adjacent Vagabond gravel bike, where there's a new frameset-only option.
The main change is a switch to Shimano CUES from GRX for the majority of the Croix de Fer range and the Tour de Fer. While Shimano GRX uses Hyperglide shifting, the Linkglide system employed by CUES should be more robust, cutting down bike-maintenance needs. All the bikes get new frame colours.
According to Brodie Gardias, senior Sportline brand manager: “Our approach with the latest Genesis lineup was straightforward: keep the soul and character intact but add benefits riders will notice.
“Each model has a loyal following because they are dependable and are a joy to ride, so we focused on refining each specification to boost rideability, durability and serviceability wherever possible.”
Croix de Fer range
The Croix de Fer bikes to get an update are the 10, 20 and 30 specs.
The Croix de Fer 30, which is priced at £2,299.99, is the highest spec that has seen changes. These include a switch to a Shimano CUES 2x10-speed groupset from GRX, which is specced with Shimano’s in-series hydraulic disc brakes and offers 46/32t x 11-39t gearing.
The Croix de Fer 20, meanwhile, is priced at £1,699.99. It too has been updated to 2x10-speed CUES with the same ratios, but it retains the TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes of the previous year’s spec.
Finally, the Croix de Fer 10, for £1,499.99, has a CUES 2x9-speed groupset with the same TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes. There’s slightly less broad-range gearing: 46/32t x 11-36t.
Alongside the spec updates, there are new colourways for the Croix de Fer 10, 20 and 30.
Tour de Fer 30
The £1,799.99 Tour de Fer 30 has also had a rework, which Genesis says sees the largest of the brand's changes for 2026. These include a new straight-bladed steel fork, and full outers for the brake and gear cables.
Genesis has swapped to a part-Shimano CUES drivetrain, which it claims should improve durability. It reckons this kits the bike out for long-distance touring, commuting and everyday use.
There’s a mix of Shimano CUES Linkglide components, paired with a Genesis-branded 46/30t crankset. As before, the bike includes front and rear racks and dynamo-power lighting, Promax mechanical disc brakes and Vittoria Randonneur Tech 40mm tyres.
Vagabond
There’s a spec update, too, for the £1,799.99 Vagabond 10 steel gravel bike. This offers MTB-like features, including a MicroShift Sword 34t x 11-48t groupset, TRP Spyre brakes and big 2.35in Maxxis Ikon tyres on 35mm-wide rims.
Finally, there’s a new build-your-own Vagabond frameset, priced at £899.99. This has a Boost rear axle, and the supplied steel fork can be swapped out for a 40mm-travel suspension fork.
As with the Vagabond 10, there’s enough room for 2.35in MTB tyres. The frame is compatible with a dropper post, and there’s internal dynamo routing and a wide range of mounting points.
