So the Genesis Day One Disc isn’t a lightweight crosser, it only has one gear and hefty disc brakes. What it does have, however, is character in spades.
Swing a leg over and it has the urgency of a Jack Russell at a foxhole. No sooner had we got off the tarmac than we wanted to hunt out challenging trails, pop off lips, get a little air, bunny-hop tree roots and generally misbehave.
It has a spinnable on-road/usable off-road 42/18 gear, powerful disc brakes and a frame with a relaxed head angle, big ground clearance and a compliant, comfortable fork.
You could use it as a comfy pootler for the urban jungle, capable of tackling kerbs, steps and potholes. But we think that misses the point. Its slack angles, big clearance and great tyres mean this one-speed rocket is a blast to throw around. If you want to hone your skills, go exploring off the beaten track or just act like a big kid, we guarantee this bike will put a smile on your face.
And it has a practical side. Its tidily finished frame has a reinforced head tube and rear triangle, and it has fittings for rack, mudguards, bottle cages and hub gear cabling. The tough wheels use bolt-on axles for extra urban security.
And while sound design, quality kit and great value are all valid purchasing reasons, our tester’s buying this one because it’s a riot to ride!
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.