The Genesis range has received small tweaks for 2011 rather than massive changes, but there are a couple of new models that look likely to find plenty of fans – an entry-level Core trail hardtail and a singlespeed, disc-equipped Day-One cyclo-cross bike.
Core 00
The 00 uses the same double-butted 6061 aluminium frame as the other bikes in the Core range, including the £1,400 Core 50. But at just £500, it costs £100 less than last year's bottom-rung Core 10. (That bike remains in the line-up for 2011 but now costs £650.)
There have inevitably been spec downgrades to hit the £500 pricepoint – the main offender being a 100mm-travel Suntour SR XCM HLO fork (with lockout) instead of the RockShox units found on the pricier Cores.
But the 00 has the same eight-speed Shimano Acera groupset, Octalink crankset and M445 brakes as the Core 10, along with some trail-ready finishing kit including a short own-brand stem and decent width bar, plus Continental Mountain King tyres.
Day-One
The Day-One used to be fairly easy to pigeonhole – a good value, singlespeed cyclo-cross bike, with a flat-bar option for commuters. These machines are still available (the Day-One Flat and Drop, each £550), but Genesis have also turned the dial up to 11 and launched a new version – the Day-One Alfine.
As the name suggests, this comes with an eight-speed Shimano Alfine hub gear for added practicality, along with disc brakes for predictable stopping in all weathers. Could this be the ultimate commuter? We don't know, but it certainly looks fun.
There are rack eyelets at the back, and cables are routed along the top of the top tube to make shouldering the bike more comfortable. The frame's made of Reynolds 520 chromoly and the spec list includes a butted chromoly fork, Continental Speed King tyres on Alex XD-Lite rims, and a load of own-brand finishing kit. RRP is £1,000.
