Sorry stato, got all mixed up 😳 that post was aimed at addy6402. Just for your info on first few trips out the vagabond rides lovely, mtb comfort with more nimble handling. My build: 29er wheels, alfine 8 on the back with alfine sporthub on the front (dynamo). Nitto noodle bars, jtek shifter. Sturmey archer crank with fsa 36t chainring, fsa orbit headset(cos its green), clark quad brakes(cos they were cheap), big apple 2.35 tyres. Going to add a brooks b17 saddle for a bit more comfort when funds (and missus) allows.
Third genesis bike, lovely frames and great styling, highly recommended.
https://flic.kr/p/L2DF77
Cheers moorsey72 - liking yours too, something a bit different with a classic look.
Nice, I wasn't keen on the idea of purple but it looks pretty good in the pics being posted. Ive gone for a blue full build as I found one on offer that I could get through c2w. Shouldve been built by now but not heard from the shop yet, hopefully next week. Will be taking the bar end shifters off if anyone is interested in them, I like them but wont suit the intended use.
Hi, First time poster here & I've been keeping tabs on this thread for a while. I have just finished building my Vagabond & hope to tour on it next year..Just got back from my first ride and must say how impressed I am with the handling and the positioning on the Vagabond.. I plumped for a small frame in purple and have come across a couple of issues, one being toe overlap and being unable to fit a rear mudguard, due to my 2.2 conti's being only a few mm's from touching the tyre..I have put some 40c Marathon Mondials on & have been able to fit the mudguard to the rear. I need to figure out how to attach a photo & will try to later, when I get home on the PC.. Glad I went for just a frame, then I could spec what I wanted.. Halo Vapour rims, laced to XT hubs ( the strong ones ) with 14mm plain gauge DT spokes.. My friend built them for me and he said they're good strong wheels. The rest of the spec is - midge bars,Thompson X4 stem,dura ace 9 speed shifters, TRP brake levers, TRP Spyres, Thompson seatpost, flite gel saddle, Deore tripple chainset, XT front mech, Deore Shadow rear mech,SKS touring pedals with restraps fitted.. I have also got myself a Ortlieb bike packing saddle pack and a Alpkit Kanga for the front..I may also get a frame bag, but not sure yet..Still debating if I whould put some Tubus panniers on and use my Carradice bags.. Eventually I would like to try bike packing, but will need to get a smaller tent, lighter sleeping bag and a smaller sleep mat.. Dont think my better half will be pleased though after how much I've spent on the Vagabond build..lol
Regards..
Smuggers
so can it fit big apples 2,35??
on what rims did you managed to?
on my Fargo I fit them on a 21mm rim it was a pain in the ass, I'm so worried to get a flat I wouldn't be able to fix it on the track
Hi guys. I also have a vagabong just wondering if anybody had any advise on chainsets I wanted to run a double with ideally at least a 42 on for more top end speed any recommendations as road chainsets don't fit due to the 73mm Bob shell.
STATO - yhm
ciquta - I've got approx. 1cm clearance from a 2.0 big apple on Arch EX to my XT front mech - I imagine a 2.35 would be pretty close! They are blooming tight to get on the rims...
Ciquita, i have 2.35 big apples on my build(pic attached on previous post). Run fine although i have an alfine fitted so no front mech to worry about getting in the way. Corners like a motorbike but considering something thinner for touring as they do tend to soak up any power you put through the pedals. Look cool though 😀
I just toured from Italy to the Netherlands on a pair of 2.35 big apples... very happy about how they roll, only downside is they push the BB too up, I can't put a foot on the ground while keeping my ass on the saddle...
BTW: the new Vagabond 2017 is unveiled!
Not a Vagabond owner, but have a Mk 1 Salsa Fargo, so in a similar vein, once Big Apples that i bought it with wore, i found that Specialized Fast Track have been good tyres, used it for my winter commute of 56 miles to/from work in rural Norfolk with the debris and mud on the road from sugar beet trucks and they stood up really well.
I was all excited to get a Vagabond Frameset from 2017 since I came too late to get the 2016 one... then they come out with this disgusting black on white :(((
very disappointing
Same here ciquta =(.
I'll try to get a purple FS in Large and build it up with a longer stem for the Jones H Bar Loop. I'll report for those who were curious about other Bar options but it'll take some time cause it's of course N+1...
Currently £750 for the 2016 full bike in large from the Edinburgh Bike Co-op. Seems like a proper bargain!
How would the bike be with another set of wheels set up with wideish road tyres? I'm thinking it could replace my CX bike and road bike, and do for a lot of off-road duties too!
Need to make my mind up as the sale allegedly finishes tomorrow.
Not tried thinner tyres on mine as yet put not sure the geometry would lend itself as a replacement for a full on road bike. it is a more relaxed 'cruising style' so although it will make a very capable bike on the road its just worth taking that into account when deciding how you are most likely to use it. Its a lovely looking bike though and i agree with the others that the new season colours arent a patch on the blue or purple colour schemes of the orignial model, so go for it before they are sold out!!! (im probably not the best person to listen to on the subject mind as my vagabond was the 3rd genesis to grace my garage and now im drooling over the new volare 931.....please make it stop!!)
Ordered 🙂
I also ordered a pair of disc 700c wheels from Planet X (£55 in their sale!) to put on some less knobbly tyres.
I'm not after a road bike as such, just something comfy for doing some road miles occasionally.
Hopefully this fills the final niche in the garage.....we'll see!
I picked up a XL blue vagabond from EBC, as my work does cyclescheme through them.
Smaller tyres would be fine for BB height as its got the same drop as the CDF. Just obviously need to be aware of the difference when cornering if used to the larger tyres.
@Stato: may I ask how tall are you? I'm considering frameset in Large but being 6'2,5"ish I'm not sure if that wouldn't be too small. I'm happy with Charge Plug in XL, I've had mk1 DayOne in 58cm...
Any L/XL Vagabond owners around Brum, please?
kazafaza - I ride a large vagabond build (see above) and commute from Lickey to the Axis building, next door to the Mailbox on Mon-Thurs. Drop me an email if you'd like to see the bike.
hehe I just grabbed what seemed like the last XL 2016 full bike in the country. Hopefully it's not all scratched to pieces 😆
Preferred the deore bb and crankset over samox(?) you get on the 2017 but I also really liked the new (black) colour so was a hard choice but you gotta love a sale!
My 1st drop bar so very very excited
I am currently awaiting mine. I've even sold a couple of frames in anticipation (and to free up a bit of space!)
The kit on the 2016 seems a bit better then the 2017 - allegedly 12.2kg as opposed to 12.9kg for the new one - so the Samox crankset and BB is obviously a fair bit heavier.
I really should have a bit of a clear out too, if you believe the hype I wont be riding my other bikes much now anyway 😉
https://flic.kr/p/MiMWVG
Cables and saddle changed. Looks much better now.
Mine's arrived 🙂 assembled but not ridden yet. Turns out that you can just got a 29+ front tyre in the fork. So another option for rougher trails.
Exciting times Ajantom, let us know how you find her on the maiden voyage. Lovely bikes
Comfy, comfy, comfy!
Did 50km on it yesterday as it's shakedown ride....mixing up road, green lanes, bridleways, singletrack, and even a downhill track. 2500ft of climbing and averaged about 10mph.
Rolls along nicely on the stock WTB tyres, though they did struggle on some loose, gravelly uphills. I got the narrow tyres stuck once or twice - I'm used to a 29+ which tends to not do that!
I took the stem down 10mm, and I might do another 5mm as the front end still feels a little high. Seat is comfy, and I have a carbon USE post that I might try to take a bit more trail buzz off the rear end.
Not convinced by the bars - I prefer something with a fair bit more flair. I have a set of Woodchippers, but they'll need shimming to fit the stem, and can I be arsed to re-do all the bar tape and shifters?#
Just waiting on some 160mm discs for the other set of wheels with 28c tyres on, and we'll see how it feels on a road loop 🙂
Firstly, hello! I've just joined Singletrack today specifically (well, mostly) because of this thread. I wandered into LBS yesterday with ideas of a Croix de Fer in mind, and saw the Vagabond and a Trek 920 on display. I was immediately struck by both of them. I'm looking for something for touring, primarily on road but also allowing me to strike off at random along bridleways and so on, just because they're there – that's what I like doing! I am not by any stretch of the imagination a mountain biker nor do I have any intention of taking up "proper" mountain biking. Sorry!
So, touring, which for me means rack and panniers – that's what I have and am used to – with off-road capability but mostly on road. Also day rides, I might use it for audaxes and I dare say shopping, commuting, etc. At the moment my "tourer" is a hardtail 26" mountain bike with racks, mudguards, which I use mostly with the suspension fork locked out, and road(-ish) tyres. That also does transport duties. And a "classic style" (but modern) steel road bike for audaxes and club rides.
I'm wondering whether this (Vagabond) might actually be too much off-roady for my needs. Then again, the Croix de Fer – or a Cross Check (the version with discs) or Spec AWOL or even something more classically tourer like a Kona Sutra – might overlap with what I already have more than is sensible.
The bar end shifters definitely don't appeal though. I find STIs way convenient!
Sorry for such a rambling post – I appreciate it's more musing than hard questions – but thanks for your thoughts.
So I thought it was about time I reviewed my Vagabond.
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So I was very lucky to receive the first Vagabond frame released. Needless to say, I have been riding it for a good while now. I currently own a CX, road, hardtail, enduro and most recently the Genesis Vagabond bike.
People are always seeking 'the holy grail -do it all' of bicycles. I've never considered that a possibility, but damn the Vagabond is the closest thing to that I've ever owned! I initially played around with skinny cx tyres when building, but found BB height and ride comfort felt best when wearing 29er rubber.
She's been an ongoing project, I still have a number of things I'd like to upgrade, but hell, we all own bicycles here, that pain is shared!
Here's how it's currently set up:
Hubs: Hope proEVO4, 9mm front, 10mm rear conversions
Rims: Stans Grail
Tyres: Halo Twin Rail 2 SLR 29" Skinwall
Headset: Cane Creek
Handlebars: Giant Connect flared
Stem: Thomson Elite 75mm
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15 (Got this super cheap. Maybe B17 soon?)
Bartape: Brooks Cambium
Seatpost: Norco, (Thomson Elite upgrade soon)
Chainset: Middleburn RS7 42/29
Cassette: Sram 10spd 11/28
Rear Deralleur: Shimano Deore 9sp Shadow
Front Deralleur: Shimano XT
Brakeset: Avid BB7
Rotors: 160 Avids (will upgrade)
Thru Axles: 9mm front and 10mm rear QR thru axles Superstar components - BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT TO RIDE QUALITY! THIS IS A MUST!
Shifters: 105 5700 Right hand, Ultegra left
Pedals: DMR Flats for leisure/cruising or XTR clips for everything else
Rack: Surly front rack
Bags: Restrap Carryeverything Large frame bag & Saddlebag Holster. Poler mega camera cooler front bag, also used with front panniers.
Bell: Crane Sakura Brass Stem bell
It was built up as my bikepacking rig, but became so much more! She's been a trusty steed on many mixed road/off road tours and over night excursions. It's hard to express how much I've grown to love this bike! For me, the tailored mix of components and versatility this bike offers often leads me to pick up the Vagabond over any other bike I own - from singletrack to commuting, it's been so much fun to ride.
Here's a couple more pictures for you:
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Can 105 be fitted to a vagabond or does it need to be mountain bike gears?
"Quirrel -Can 105 be fitted to a vagabond or does it need to be mountain bike gears?"
- The 105 groupset would work except for the inner chainring as you'll be kissing the chainstays.
^ Is that a double or triple?
Double
what crank?
Blmblbzzz- i have both the croix de fer and vagabond. Im sure either will do the job very well, ive found the croix de fer to be very comfortable on 100+ mile rides, i have it set up with 105 and 28c gp4season tyres so more for comfy road rides. The vagabond is lovely, bit more of a bruiser with off road bias, currently set up with alfine 8 and big apple 2.35 tyres which makes it a little more heavy going on the legs but not enough to hinder the smile factor in any way and is great for tanking along bridleways. Both are versatile, comfortable and lovely looking bikes.
Komainu - lovely job of speccing the bike there. Just put a b17 on mine, lovely already so cant wait for it to break in a little. How do you find that surly rack? Does it effect the ride?
fourbanger - It's a Middleburn rs7 square taper crank, I've considered putting on a 1x narrowide setup, but not sure I want to lose the range the 42/29 gives me.
bmblbzzz - It sounds like you need to test ride both the CDF and Vagabond to see what suits you best. moorsey72 makes a good comparison - do consider that you may find the CDF's Reynolds 725 option frame more compliant for racked up road riding. I'm loving the feel of the Mjölnir cromoly used to build the Vagabond, super comfortable. It definitely has more flex than 725 though!
moorsey72 - Thanks! It's been a labour of love. I think a B17 select model (it'll tie in nicely hey?!) is a must! Married to a Thomson post will fulfill most of my desires. Here's hoping anyway.
The surly rack is monstrous in size but in all honesty is no hassle to ride with at all. I'm riding with quite a short stem, (75mm) so the racks weight sits nicely over the front axle and it just feels planted! The biggest difference in feel is in how you load the rack - keep the weight low and static and it's barely noticeable!
@[b]Addy6402[/b]: YHM, thanks!
@[b]Komainu[/b]: beatiful build, really like the tan-walled tyres and Cambium combo!
Keep 'em coming please!
A little off subject here but can someone please tell me how to add a picture to a post, i can only seem add a link to flickr to show off my much cherished steeds 🙄
moorsey72 - The forum help page has instuctions on how to embed an image: http://singletrackmag.com/forum-help 🙂
I've considered putting on a 1x narrowide setup, but not sure I want to lose the range the 42/29 gives me.
Chainset: Middleburn RS7 42/29
Cassette: Sram 10spd 11/28
I run Sram 1x11 on my do it all bike:
42 chainring
10-42 cassette
That gives me more range - a slightly lower climbing gear and higher "top gear" than you get.
You could run a sunrace 11-42 cassette and get more range than you do with a double on that setup. But you will need to bodge the rear mech. A 9spd MTB mech with a road link might work (and operates on the same cable pull as your shifters). Or 10spd mtb mech with tanpan / rad cage. Or you could just get a sram mech and shifter.
Or just leave it as it is and it looks great!
wzzzz - Thanks for your thoughts. You've highlighted a lot of what I've considered doing. I couldn't quite budget in the Sram 1x11 when building up the Vagabond, your set up sounds pretty ideal! I currently run a 42tooth narrowide on my CX bike. Totally love it for the what that bike does!
wzzzz can you show pictures of your build?
what crank/bb did you pick?
can you do [url= http://www.bikepacking.com/gear/accessories/extra-bottle-cages-surly-ecr/ ]THIS[/url] on Vagabond?
maybe using fender mounts?
Hi all
I have had my vagabond since they first hit the shops back in spring - it's my go to bike for generally messing around or when I get bored with the more 'serious' bikes + I love it when I can cruise past a group of roadies on pretty beefy tires 🙂
I am just wondering what others have done with the bar end shifters - I love the whole bike apart from these tools of Satan - I was looking to go down the STI route, hydraulic brakes but have heard mixed results with road shifters and mtb gearing - what is everyone else using? I want to try to keep the original gear ratio, just change over to sti (prepared to swap the group set out if necessary !) anyone using a sram set up on theirs ?
Best
Lee
What's up with the bar-end shifters? They're simple, they shift fine. Ok, I bang my knees on them maybe twice a ride, but I don't see that brifters would be a massive improvement.
I wouldn't say there is anything 'wrong' with them other than it can be a PITA moving from a bike with STIs to my vaggy - I suppose it's a matter of preference for me (and it will stop be trying to shift with static brake levers !) - just curious to see what others have tried
I looked into the sti/mtb gearing extensively when building my vagabond. From what i gather it is possible but requires a lot of trial and error using road and mtb parts with mixed reports on the results, something to do with struggling to achieve enough pull with sti levels to shift the front chainrings. My only option with alfine was di2 sti shifters so saved the expense and went with a jtek bar end. Personally find the bar end a joy to use and makes the experience a little more tactile and 'old school'
can be a PITA moving from a bike with STIs to my vaggy
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If you want hydraulic brakes and MTB derailleurs just use SRAM, you have the option of 10 or 11speed or 1x11 with the CX stuff.
Gevenalle do shifters that would work
[url= http://gevenalle.com/product/gx/ ]Gevenalle[/url]
I have the road version on My croix de fer and really like it. You can't shift in the drops though if that bothers you.
Sort of wish I'd bought a Vagabond frame instead of the cdf but seems too much overlap to own both
I use a Paul Comp adaptor to fit a Sram GX shifter to my drop bars. I then run an 11-42 1x11 sram setup. It's totally awesome, if you're amenable to not being able to shift from the hoods or the drops. I don't find that a problem at all.
I've had the verniers out and looking at the clearances I think you can probably fit a 2.3 (maybe 2.4) in the back if you go for a 1x10/11 drivetrain.
The fork will defo fit a 3" tyre in.
So I'm thinking of trying out a 29+ish set-up on it next weekend. Should be fun!
ajantom - The idea of a 29+ish setup on the Vagabond excites me! I've run a pair of Maxxis Ardents (2.25 rear) on mine and found there to be sufficient mud clearance running a 2x10 drivetrain - you should be fine. Keeps us updated, pictures please! 😀
Can anyone tell me the axle-to-crown measurement of the fork?
Has anyone tried 27.5+ wheels? I'm sure the fork would allow it. Just wondering if 27.5+ would fit the rear.
Would fitting flat or alt bars with a shorter stem be a totally stupid idea on a vagabond? The understated looks of the 2017 white frameset would suit the build I am after.
Can anyone tell me the axle-to-crown measurement of the fork?Has anyone tried 27.5+ wheels? I'm sure the fork would allow it. Just wondering if 27.5+ would fit the rear.
Don't know the A-C, but a 29+ wheel fits in the fork fine, so 27.5+ would easily.
As far as the back goes, I think you might squeeze in a 2.8, but it's be close.
So how do you size a Vagabond? Like a road bike or 29er? I'm trying to figure out whether to go shorter t/t and longer stem (road) or longer t/t and shorter stem (29er). Further complicated by my stumpy 30" inseam legs (although I'll only be riding road/gravel/bridleways so standover not so critical) and the Vagabond's massive head tube length! Any fitting advice or experience would be gratefully received. Thanks.
I'm 6ft with 32"ish inseams. On a large, and it feels spot on. I imagine 2" less on the leg would be fine, maybe run s slightly shorter stem?
Build-wise/reach/etc it feels a nice halfway house between a 29er and a road bike.
https://flic.kr/p/QmpMHp
Well, just put what i think is the final touches to my build (aka vince) and the result is spot on, loving the ride quality. Feels nimble, smooth and rolls along great on both tarmac and gravel track. My build spec as follows :
Fsa orbit headset, nitto noodle bars, cane creek brake levers, trp spyre slc brakes, alfine 8 (16t sprocket, 32t chainring, sturney archer crankset, m324 pedals, sporthub front hub, genesis seatpost, brooks b17 saddle, system x 35degree stem, landcruiser 40c tyres.
Might change tyres eventually to halos but chuffed to bits with everything as is for the moment. Tried various combos before settling so any queries feel free to ask.
Hi guys, thanks for all the info in this thread! I'm thinking of putting together a vagabond as a budget touring / bikepacking machine - I've got a loft load of MTB parts and don't really get on with drop bars, so was wondering if anyone had built one up with flat or riser bars?
I've got very long legs so generally prefer a high front end and not too much reach - the geometry of the vagabond looks good, though I've got no idea how it would ride!
Also, would it take an MTB triple chain set?
Thanks!
unlucky - just placed an order with LBS for 2017 frameset, plan to build it with flat bars & mtb triple chainset, will let you know if i run into any problems - however I'm not the most sensitive rider to any issues with bar position 😳
Thru Axles: 9mm front and 10mm rear QR thru axles Superstar components - BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT TO RIDE QUALITY! THIS IS A MUST!
why would this be, can't really see that it would give much benefit on a rigid frameset?
So excited!! Just ordered my Vagabond frameset from Freeborn. I was after a purple 2016 one, but I just missed out and they seem to have sold out everywhere. I called up Freeborn and they did me a white 2017 frameset for the 2016 price of £289. A bargain me thinks!
I'm 5'11 and have been riding successfully a single speed Planet X Kaffenback in a medium size for the last 5 years. It's been great, but the roads round our way are getting worse and since having a baby and sleeping a lot less, the 14mile daily commute is becoming a grind. Tow paths and local sandy trails are a bit dicy on 28c tyres as well. It's time to stop chasing Strava personal bests and just enjoy the ride. Hence the Vagabond!
I've alway preferred medium frames rather than large, and by sticking with this I'm hoping I've made the right choice with the Vagabond. The reach on the Kaffenback is 385mm and the Vagabond reach is stated as 375, but I ran bull horns on the Kaff (which felt a little over stretched when holding onto the horns), and going to be trying out flared drops (Genetic Flare 440mm) so I can get low and long when I choose.
Will be rebuilding my wheels and ditching my crappy Alfine 8 hub (which keeps popping out of gear) and going for a 9 speed mtb cassette with an indexed thumbshifter experimental arrangement.
Will post pics!
- Dickyboy please let us see yours when you're done!
Cheers Dickyboy - it'd be good to know how you get on! I just ordered a frameset too so will give it a go and see what happens... Will post some pics when it's done. I'm with you actually - I've had so many bikes in different sizes I'm not sure I know what a bike should even ride like any more 😀
I'm building mine as a triple because that's what I have available, but I'd be interested to see your 1x9 provdes, when it's finished - hope you find the fit OK!
Hmm - despite being able to buy cheaper mail order, LBS were offering 10% off so i checked delivery period and duly ordered 2017 frame - sadly I feel my low expectations of LBS's is about to be reinforced 🙁
LBS have not disappointed - frame arrives today, was just distributers being a bit slow off the mark 🙂
^Great excite!
Have been following this thread on and off with interest. Are you still going with flat bars*?
I ask because have often thought how they would feel on mine, if only to see how far I can push the 'versatile' one-bike-to-rule-them-all tag.
But that means buying bars, shifters and cables and I'm skint so maybe another day/let someone try it first!. Albeit my most likely scenario (as I like the drops for distance/multi-surface) will be to fit slightly wider flared drops and inline levers to cover all bases, as it were.
*Vicarious victory!
Gonna try it with flats / on one OG bars and see how I get on.
I watched that almost new one that was in the classifieds here, go for a bargain £385 on ebay but I don't have the cash 🙁
Kept telling myself that in reality I already have all the parts apart from flared bars and brake calipers so however much a bargain it was, it'd only further bloat my spares box with a load of deore/tektro/oem stuff that would never get used and I should just buy a frame. I keep telling myself anyway.
Tinas - wow £385 - I was offered it for £500 before eBay & like you l didn't need any more parts than the frame, plus I wanted a white one 😳
I watched that £385 bike go too... Very nearly jumped in there, but I'm glad I've gone the frame route.
Got my Vagabond frameset a couple of days ago, unboxed it last night and fitted the headset. I was initially a bit gutted I couldn't get a purple 2016 one, but after unwrapping the white version I am well happy!
There are lots of nice little design details on the graphics (that Genesis don't show on their own website) and everything is well finished. I've seen neater welds but for the price I'm not complaining!
(If i'd known about the green on the frame, I may have got me some shiny green anodised bits to match...)
Here's some pics:
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The frame and fork comes with sealed bearing headset (looks good quality but no branding), seatpost clamp (not QR), aheadset cap (Genesis branded - looks nice though), a load of headset spacers, cable adjusters in the frame (by the headtube), bolts in all the bottle bosses etc and even a little pot of touch up paint.
I built the back wheel at the weekend and threw on a 1.95" tyre which I'm considering using for commuting. Not sure whether I'm going to use them for my daily road rides or not yet. I usually use 28c road tyres so the VeeRubber will be alot more comfy but will it feel loads more draggy? I'll have to test and find out I think.
Nice! Great to get touch up paint. I wrote to Genesis last year enquiring about some but they couldn't provide it for the full build (mid-blue) so was out of luck, they suggested I visit an automotive colour matching specialist. Grumble grumble..
Looking forward to seeing your build progress/getting report of flat bar 🙂
Is that dent by the caliper mount meant to be there?
a bit gutted I couldn't get a purple 2016 one, but after unwrapping the white version I am well happy!
That's my consolation too, the flat-blue didn't overly float my boat.
Having a shed clearout now so I've got funds if another one comes along.
Hi guys, this is the Sweden countryside calling…… 🙂
I was excited to finally find a serious thread about the Genesis Vagabond frameset, as I’m considering building me a monster cross bike (a la Kona Sutra LTD) based on this frameset. Hard to find decent info and experiences, so I registered right away when I came across this thread.
Right now I’ve got 2 questions/concerns which I need help with, because there’s no Genesis dealer around in Sweden as far as I can see and I have to order in the UK if it’s going to be the Vagabond.
First of all I wonder if the bottom bracket needs tapping and/or facing or is this done? The closest bike shop I would trust with this job is about 50 miles from my home and I consider the investment in the tools to be a little too stiff seen to the total budget, so this is an important issue info for me.
Then there’s the sizing. No possibilities to do a fit around here, so once again your experiences are of great value for me. I’m 6 feet 10 in length, with an inseam length of 36 inches. I’ve seen that the Vagabonds’ Large offers nearly the same sizing, stack and reach as the Kona Sutra in Large, which fitted me well for the upright position I want on top of the bar. Do you guys agree the Large should fit me fine instead of an XLarge? Or is there a risk with facing issues like toe overlap or heel rubbing?
Well, won’t make it any longer than this for now. Your input is much appreciated and hopefully will lead to me posting my build here in near future! 😀
Is that dent by the caliper mount meant to be there?
Doesn't look right to me either...
Strangely the dint in the fork appears normal.
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http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f278/firestarter4075/Mobile%20Uploads/2016_genesis_vagabond_13_zpsyr0yzxzi.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]
Dint in fork is indeed normal ?
6ft 10" - are you a giant nisse or just missing something in translation?
I didn't realise that it was possible to buy the frameset & fork; it's seriously tempting.
It's my 50th birthday at the end of the year and I might treat myself to a new bike build to replace my current steel, carbon forked hardtail which is effectively acting as a 26" adventure bike. Would it be heresy to run one with a flat bar?
Frame and fork 3.88kg
How would that compare to a Singular Swift frame and fork, as that might be another option to build up in a similar way?
Do you guys agree the Large should fit me fine instead of an XLarge? Or is there a risk with facing issues like toe overlap or heel rubbing?
If you really are 6'10" then a large will be too small.
I'm 6ft and on a large Vagabond, and it's a good fit. So an XL might even be on the small side!
Since I got mine at the end of last year it's been my go to bike. Probably done 450-500 miles on it so far. I bought a spare pair of wheels so I can swap easily between MTB tyres and road tyres. Makes life a lot easier!
Would it be heresy to run one with a flat bar?
I know some people are trying this, but I feel it misses the point of the bike.
The geometry isn't really designed for flat bars, and it rides really well with drops - a good set of flared drops gives you so many more hand positions for long days in the saddle.
You'd be taking away some of its versatility by fitting flats.
Pjay - I am just swapping everything over from swift to vagabond, it just wasn't worth getting all the rack mounts etc plus a respray on the swift and forks all this talk of flat bar V drops has he thinking I should do some comparisons between the two during the build 😉
6'1 it is Dickyboy. Don't know where that zero came from 😀
Dickyboy - I'd be interested to know how the two compare (I don't think that the weights would be too dissimilar). The current Swift has rear rack mounts I believe and might be a good choice as a sort of flat bar monstercross/frakenbike.
