The Equilibrium Ti shares the geometry of the chromoly Equilibrium range but is built from double-butted titanium. It has a substantial down tube that's gently ovalised at the bottom bracket. The stays are also manipulated, with a flattened shape intended to impart a bit of give to the rear end.
Up front there’s some good thinking in the shape of the XX44 head tube. It’s a straight tube with 44mm internal diameter top and bottom, and by using a big traditional-style external lower headset bearing and a semi-integrated upper bearing, a tapered steerer fork can be fitted. It’s a neat feature that creates a head tube that doesn’t look out of place on the conventionally styled frame but can still accommodate a modern fork. The Equilibrium is equipped with a full carbon fork that's painted a subtle grey. Both the fork and the frame have mudguard eyes.
- HIGHS Long-lasting good looks, sprightly ride feel and long-haul comfort
- LOWS Going titanium means dropping down a notch in spec, and it’s heavier than comparable carbon competition
- BUY IF… You’re looking for a classic, smooth-riding bike with upgrade potential
While carbon fibre frames are making their way down in price, titanium remains expensive. To get a full bike out at this price, Genesis have had to knock the spec back compared to the competition – the headline spec is Shimano 105, but there’s a non-series compact crank and a Tiagra 12-28 cassette.
You don’t get Shimano brakes either – you get Tektro callipers, which are merely adequate (the Ti has the same spec as the £1,299 steel-framed Equilibrium 20). The traditional feel extends to the wheels. There is no sparse spoking or deep rims – you get 32-hole rims, laced to 105 hubs. It’s a robust wheelset, but portly – we’d have liked double-butted spokes, at least.
Speed is best acquired gradually, but once it’s rolling, the Genesis feels like it’ll go on for ever. Surface irregularities are hoovered up by its relaxed geometry, give in the flattened titanium stays, the carbon fork and the 25mm Continental tyres.