We had our first look at the 2011 Genesis and Ridgeback road bikes at UK distributor Madison's recent iceBike trade show. Here are the highlights.
There are two new Equilibrium models – the 10 and 20 – that have been given an upgrade from Reynolds 520 to Reynolds 725 steel tubes. Apparently, these reduce weight slightly and provide a more durable, long-lasting frame.
The entry-level Equilibrium 10 hits the Cycle 2 Work golden target of £999.99 and has a carbon fork, Shimano Tiagra 9-speed groupset, Shimano FC-3450 compact chainset, Genesis finishing kit and Alex AT400 rims.
For an extra £300, the higher-level 20 has Shimano’s 105 10-speed groupset, a Shimano WH-RS10 wheelset and a lighter, Genesis-branded finishing kit.
Meanwhile, we can see the Day 01 Alfine being a massive hit with Cycle 2 Work buyers; it has a £999.99 price tag and also looks like a low-maintenance, versatile commuter bike.
Built with double-butted Reynolds 520 CrMo steel tubing, the bike uses Shimano’s 8-speed Alfine internal hub gear, Tektro cable discs and Alex XD-Lite wheels. The finishing kit includes a handlebar, stem, saddle and seatpost, and is Genesis-branded.
The singlespeed Flyer continues from last year’s model but has an updated colour. For £649.99, you get Reynolds 520 tubing, Alex DA28 wheels, Shimano Sora brakes, a triple-butted CrMo fork and a Genesis finishing kit.
Ridgeback
Ridgeback has also introduced a new range of lightweight, flat-bar road bikes for 2011, dubbed UltraFlight. There are singlespeed, 8-speed and 9-speed versions, priced at £549.99, £649.99 and £849.99 respectively.
The £549.99 UltraFlight 01 is made from 6061 double-butted aluminium and has Tektro R358 brakes, a carbon fork and an Alex Race 24 wheelset.
The entry-level singlespeed UltraFlight 01
At the top end of the UltraFlight range, the 03 uses ALX9 triple-butted aluminium tubing, Shimano Sora brakes, 9-speed Shimano shifting, Continental Ultra Race tyres and a Shimano RS10 wheelset.
The UltraFlight 03 is at the high end of Ridgeback's new range of flat-bar road bikes
Then there's the £999.99 Ridgeback Platinum. Built from ALX9 triple-butted aluminium, it uses Shimano’s 105 groupset, Tektro R358 rims and an Alex Race 24 wheelset.
The new Ridgeback Platinum
For more information on Ridgeback and Genesis bikes, see www.genesisbikes.co.uk and www.ridgeback.co.uk.