Genesis’s Equilibrium bikes are aimed at all-weather, year-round riders. The Titanium model heads the range, swapping the chromoly steel of the cheaper models for double-butted 3Al/2.5V titanium.
The tubing in the main triangle is significantly oversized for stiffness, while flattened seatstays contribute to comfort. Genesis has opted for an ‘X44’ straight 44mm-diameter head tube, with reinforced ends. By using a semi-integrated top bearing and traditional external bottom bearing, the head tube takes a tapered steerer. Since we last reviewed the Equilibrium Ti, some of the tubing's been subtly slimmed down, and the switch has been made to a 27.2 seatpost to introduce a touch more comfort.
- Highs: Well thought out design, well executed and confidence-inspiring
- Lows: Geometry perhaps too laid-back for some, could be lighter
- Buy if: You want a good value Ti bike and don’t mind a few component upgrades down the line
Designed in the UK as a year-round bike, the Equilibrium has mudguard eyes front and rear, with deep-drop brake callipers that leave plenty of clearance around widish treads and full ’guards. In some ways it’s a pity Genesis didn’t include rack mounts as well – there’s enough frame stiffness to take a bit of weight and the geometry would lend itself well to a bit of super-light touring.
Significantly oversized tubing creates a stiff frame
Transmission is all from Shimano, mostly from the mid-range 105 group with the exception of the ‘non-series’ 565 compact crank. 105 gives smooth, reliable performance although the shift of Dura-Ace and Ultegra to 11-speed means the current version is starting to show its age a little. Some would argue that the typical titanium bike purchaser is looking for something a little further up the tree than 105, but at the asking price it’s not going to happen. There’s always the frame-only option for those with their own ideas about what parts to fit.
The Genesis has a significantly more relaxed character than some of its peers. That’s down to two factors – geometry and weight. While the Equilibrium’s riding position hovers somewhere between full race and sit-up-looking-at-the-view sportive, the front end geometry is tooled for confident stability rather than rapid direction changes. It’s a sensible decision for a bike designed for big mileages – when you’re tired from a long day in the saddle, you don’t want the kind of lightning-fast handling that demands constant attention.
The Equilibrium Ti comes into its own during long days in the saddle
The Equilibrium carries a little heft too, but it’s competitively priced – and the bulk of the extra weight is in the components. The wheels are a perfectly good combination of Shimano hubs and Alex rims, but while sturdy and serviceable – they should be easy to mend if you damage them running into a pothole – they’re not that light, especially when shod with wire-bead 25mm rubber.
Overall there’s a lot to like about the Equilibrium Ti. The frame’s well thought out and constructed, it’s versatile and the full bike package is good value.
