It’s a case of evolution rather than revolution at Genesis bikes for 2021. The UK brand that specializes in steel (and aluminium) road, gravel and mountain bikes has been tweaking and improving their range.
For road fans, the key news is that the Genesis Equilibrium Disc now has clearance for 32mm tyres up from 30mm in previous years. This is facilitiated by a carbon fork upgrade.
The Equilibrium Disc is the company’s “top of the range” complete bike and features Shimano’s excellent 105 hydraulic groupset, which is an ideal match.
With 12mm through axles front and rear, flat mount disc brakes, fittings for mudguards and rear rack plus the ability to run mechanical or Di2 groupsets, the Equilibrium Disc is a versatile ride.
The Equilibrium also boasts a standard threaded bottom bracket, which is also very easy to live with an reliable.
Finishing kits is Genesis own branded and in my experience with the brand, this is dependable and good to ride with – although not the lightest.
An Equilibrium Disc isn’t a light bike with a complete weight quoted as 10.3kgs. Steel bikes are never going to be the lightest but this Genesis will be a comfortable, firm ride if previous generations are anything to go by. I tested a rim brake Equilibrium way back in 2014 and found it an enjoyable companion.
If you want to drop weight from one of these bikes, the simplest way would be to switch to lighter wheels.
The geometry of an Equilibrium is a touch more relaxed that the comany’s Volare race frames (which are also excellent). This makes it perfect for general road riding when outright speed isn’t your primary focus. It’s great for exploring local lanes, sportives, audaxes, club runs, winter training or commuting but you won’t want to enter it in your local crit. You should choose a Volare for that, which will be perfect as it won’t break when you crash it (any they raced in the Tour of Britain).
The Equilibrium Disc is also available with a new blue option as a frameset for those of you who’d like to build your own bike up (or don’t like red bikes!):
I’ve always been a big fan of the Equilibrium and this latest disc version looks the best yet.
Find out more at https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk//
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