[Closed] New Bike! Beardy touring content - Genesis Tour De Fer

is poddy Benjamin Button, he's looking younger every day, the charmer 🙂

That looks a sweet build. The hub is indeed tiny.

How did you cover the saddle. I've got a SDG BA on my london commuter and while it's not in ace shape it's not yet ready for the bin/recover but might be one day.

First trip planned on the TdFer then?

Whoo, proper bikes again! 😀

Looking forward to hearing what you think...

Can you route the revo wire internally - don't steel forks have a drainage hole near the drop out?

Stoner - how I recovered it is here: http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/recovering-a-saddle-part-2-and-3

Winston - nice idea - I've been to look and the only hole near the dropout is absolutely tiny. Don't think I could get a pair of wires through it.

The odd thing is that no-one is talking about this bike online. No idea why, but this could be the only owners thread on the Internet!!

Hmm - I guess on a tourer it would only be for neatness as you are less likely to snag it but on a bikepacker I would definitely want internal routing.

Nice bike - Genesis really do seem to hit the button these days for real cyclists

Certainly the first I've seen, looking forward to the ride reports

The odd thing is that no-one is talking about this bike online. No idea why, but this could be the only owners thread on the Internet!!

They've not been available until very recently. First one arrived where I work on Friday.

It is odd, because it's almost the only one of the new disc 'tourers' that's actually specced properly - rear brake in the right place, decent braze ons, separate guard/rack bosses, triple etc.

winston - Member
Nice bike - Genesis really do seem to hit the button these days for real cyclists

For me, this is the Genesis for ages that seems to be properly focused and good value for money.

Winston - there's not many off the peg bikes that have internal Dynamo routing! You could maybe enlarge the hole a bit but it's not something I want to do with a new bike. I'll get some guides to take the wire up the inside of the fork leg.

I'm looking at ordering a frame only TDF and would be interested know about the sizing.

I'm a smidge short of 6ft for reference and will probably need a 56 but I'm not in a position to check as I live in France.

Any input appreciated

duntstick, I havent long ordered a frame only and the cheapest place I found was epic cycles. Everywhere else I looked was £475, they are doing them for £425. This was a Croix de Fer mind, not the tour as in this thread.

For me, this is the Genesis for ages that seems to be properly focused and good value for money.

I like how the hidden details are decent quality. The wheels on this bike could so easily be m475 hubs (or worse) and most people wouldn't notice. However they have specced Deore hubs front and back which are really well sealed and will last ages. The freehub is way better too. I suppose they could have put on a Deore mech instead but that's easy and cheap to change, hubs aren't.

Details......

Triple bottle bosses but also the downtube one has 3 bolts. I'm not sure why but I'm sure there's something I can buy to bolt here.... 😉

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Nice headtube cable stops. Why all bikes aren't like this I don't know.

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Spoke holder. Peterpoddy sorted me out with some spare spokes for the new wheels but the bike actually came with the right spokes as spares already mounted. Nice touch.

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Propstand mount - I'll be buying one soon. So useful when you have a laden bike.

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The brakes I am using Deore Trekking brakes. They have longer levers and a neater look IMHO. There really is no reason to spend more.

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Nice rear mount for the brake.

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Looks lovely Robdob. The triple bolts on the down tube might be for a Salsa Anything Cage or similar large bottle cage

[URL= http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Bikes/Genesis%20Tour%20De%20Fer/97AABD7A-0275-4329-9A16-96085D9072C3_zpsqumf0bzc.jp g" target="_blank">http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Bikes/Genesis%20Tour%20De%20Fer/97AABD7A-0275-4329-9A16-96085D9072C3_zpsqumf0bzc.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]Sorry wrong pic above of the levers. Here they are.

The bars appear to have changed shape!!

[img] [/img]

Though i would have had stuck with the drops myself.

triple bottle bosses but also the downtube one has 3 bolts. I'm not sure why but I'm sure there's something I can buy to bolt here....

Salsa anything Cage?

[IMG] [/IMG]

I like that I do.

Though i'da stuck with the drops but hey..

What's you plans for travelling on it, something long and fruity ?

Nice bike and I like the flat bar style. I keep spare spokes, zip ties, chain links etc wrapped up in cling film with a few strips of duct tape and shoved down my seat tube.

Lovely build. I am surprised it got such nice small details.

robdob, perfect make. full side on photo please.

I looked at these but wonder if a 60 cm frame will be big enough for me without using a massive post and then having too big a drop to the bars which I dont want on a tourer .My LBS has one coming in so will have a look then

Lovely looking bike. Good work!! 🙂

I'll do a proper photo shoot when I've finished building it. I'm waiting for parts to shorten one brake hose (missing from packet) and some pedals - ordered some DMR V8 magnesium pedals. Also need some gear cable. I've taken the front rack off for the moment as it weighs a ton and I won't need it straight away.

Drops or flats? I have my road bike with drop bars which is ok but I toured last year with flat bars and found it very comfy with bar ends added. I have a bad neck which isn't that compatible with drop bar positions.

Nice upright position to see the lovely countryside as I pootle along. It also means I could for hydro discs cheaply too.

Just sold all the controls and brakes now so might have enough cash for the lights/USB charger now.

Ton - If I come to Leeds on it I will pop round to your work.

Why did you have to post THAT pic...? 😉
Stoner, thanks, it's rare I get compliments... 😀

You look better than me - no matter how I fiddled with the photo I still appear to have oddly yellow skin!

Hi Robdob, check out this USB regulator, it's not as sexy as a headset one but works well as far as I can read. http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00DF4JOIM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2FWD8FLRIIV37

I think he'll be getting the same light I've got - Busch and Müller Lumotec iQ Luxos U. £84 form Germany gets quite simply the best road going beam pattern I've ever seen and a USB port on the bars. Neat and tidy waits superb build quality.

You look better than me - no matter how I fiddled with the photo I still appear to have oddly yellow skin!

Lay off the bananas dude.

I'm looking at ordering a frame only TDF and would be interested know about the sizing.

I'm a smidge short of 6ft for reference and will probably need a 56 but I'm not in a position to check as I live in France.

Any input appreciated

I've got a 2015 Croix de Fer
I was bang on a 54cm in a road bike, I'm 5'8" and it was spot on.
I tried a 54cm and it felt fine but I wanted something smaller as it's not an out and out speed bike, I wanted to pootle, do a bit of light off road and the odd light tour. So I went down a size to a 52cm which fits me fine and seems spot on for what I wanted. Only problem is a bit of toe overlap, but the Tour de Fer has a bit more fork rake which should help.
I'd say a 56 would be about right for you, as I'd put you borderline 58 for a pure road bike.

Oh god I really want that frame now!! Especially because it's engineered to take a kickstand as opposed to that Surly Long Haul Trucker the Yanks all fawn over which buckles under the stress.

I'd be getting one of these.....

http://www.velovitality.co.uk/products/velo-orange-porteur-kickstand

Ordered pedals, just need some gear cable and wait for my grips to arrive then I can finish building it up.

Not going to buy the lights yet, don't need them straight away.

It's not a light bike but I don't think its too bad. Certainly is very good looking, the finish on the paintwork is lovely.

Surly Long Haul Trucker the Yanks all fawn over which buckles under the stress.

mine has survived a 20 stone pilot and double loaded panniers on many tours, hence I think you are talking shyte.

Is that rack available on its own??

front rack, that is.
Also: http://surlybikes.com/info_hole/spew/kickstands_on_long_haul_truckers

Looks to me like:
http://www.madison.co.uk/products/cycling/accessories/pannier-racks-carriers/fmp-front-mountain-rack-with-platform-alloy-black/

mine has survived a 20 stone pilot and double loaded panniers on many tours, hence I think you are talking shyte.

Did you read my comment? The LHT can't take a kickstand. http://surlybikes.com/info_hole/spew/kickstands_on_long_haul_truckers
or google 'lht kickstand'

I love the front rack but it is a bit weighty so I've taken it off again until I need it.

That's intersting about Surly LHTs and side stands. Their snotty reply is also quite telling.
That really is glaring omission on a bike intended for such a purpose, as anyone who's ever tried to park a fully loaded tourer will tell you. I couldn't do without the Pletscher rear mounted stand I've got on my Inbred. Trying to park a loaded bike + trailer outfit is a nightmare without it. Walls aren't much use.
The other thing you need is a Velcro strap to lock the back brake on with. 🙂

When I sorted out Ton's Surly I didn't think it was particularly well made. It was perfectly adequate but not at the price level they sell at.

I had to retap all the threads on the frame as every one had overspray (actually powder coat) into the threads quite deeply. Don't they even mask off the threads when they paint the frames?

Pedals are on...... I have to trim the rear brake hose before pictures are taken, I couldn't stand the abuse if they were wrong!

All finished! Had to wait for a Shimano olive to shorten the brake hose.

So how does it ride? Well, err, like a bike. Rode it round the block a few times and it felt like it accelerated pretty well, handled nicely - not too twitchy and not slow, great for commuting as well as touring - and felt sorta nice. Was comfortable straight away it seems which is a new for me.

Spec is (apart from standard)
Mavic XM319 on XT/Exposure Dynamo hub
DMR v8 Mag pedals.
Flat bars
Deore hydraulic trekking brakes
Deore 9sp trigger shifters
ESI grips
Specialized Overends bar ends
Custom leather covered SDG Bel Air saddle
All bolts changed to stainless steel from black where I could including cleaning threads.

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My custom SDG Bel Air

[URL= http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Bikes/Genesis%20Tour%20De%20Fer/BE503137-1B18-45C2-8BDB-8FC51859F609_zps7ded1snp.jp g" target="_blank">http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Bikes/Genesis%20Tour%20De%20Fer/BE503137-1B18-45C2-8BDB-8FC51859F609_zps7ded1snp.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Looked far better with drop bars IMHO.

Teetosugars - Member
Looked far better with drop bars IMHO.

I'm way past going on fashion and what looks good. Comfort and being fit for the job is the best thing- makes you enjoy the riding and therefore go further.

I like that. Where are you off to on it?

I'm way past going on fashion and what looks good.

With you 100%.

Comfort and being fit for the job is the best thing- makes you enjoy the riding and therefore go further.

Again, with you on that too.

Like I said, IMHO...

very nice indeed. 8)

I've ordered the Dynamo lights too. Top of the range B&M ones at £100 the set.

I'll take better pics when the light is better, just had a look on the PC and the ones above are awful!

I love that bike, definitely on my short list for my next purchase.

My frameset arrived this morning! Going to be a slow build but looking forward to it 🙂

Gotta love Genesis bikes - they are just so well made.

@Simondbarnes, good to see you're still getting on with building/riding bikes - how's the recovery going?

I'm not recovering from anything other than a touch of manflu. Do you mean the other chap with a similar name to me?

Made a start building mine up. Going 9spd Dura Ace bar end shifters, xt 44/32/22 chainset, XT mechs, cassette & rear hub, SP Dynamo hub, Mavix XM719 disc rims, TRP Hylex brakes. Still a few other things to decide on 🙂

[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7655/16740838750_3289fba0ce_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7655/16740838750_3289fba0ce_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/rvkb7S ]I may possibly be building myself a touring bike...[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/85367853@N00/ ]simondbarnes[/url], on Flickr

Love it!

Posted this on the touring gearing thread:

Clearance - my TDF has the standard fit Schwalbe Marathon tyres on at 35c size or 37-622 as labelled on the tyre, mounted on XM319 rims
The front end has around 7mm either side of the widest point of the tyre to the fork and around 1cm to the underside of the mudguard. The rear has about the same, maybe a slight touch less maybe 1mm less but I only had a floppy tape measure on me!

So a 37c touring tyre will be ok, maybe a 40c with my mudguards. It would depend on the profile of the tyre on the rim you use but if a 45c tyre is exactly 10mm wider than my 35c (should be but we know that doesn't always work!) then it should fit a TDF. If that's important to you I would make sure you test a bike in person first.

I had to do a fair bit of bumpy canal tow path riding (quite technical in places!) on my last ride and the Marathons coped very well with good grip on the wet and loose surfaces. The shock absorption was fantastic, I'm certainly not looking to get any bigger tyres than my 35c Marathons.

The frame and fork will also take a wider guard than the standard one fitted.

Personally I think if you are looking at 45c tyres and above a touring bike isn't really what you need, you need a 29er MTB!

I didn't report back about the handling!!

Went on a couple of rides over Easter. First was a gentle 25mile pootle around Huddersfield on the roads. Second was a 45 mile pootle over the moors to Lancashire and onto Congleton before getting a train home - mixture of rough roads and old railway lines and some proper rough towpath/off-road bits which weren't expected!

I have the standard build apart from new wheels and flat bars with Deore shifter and brake setup. And a full SP/B&M lighting system.

First of all - this is not a light bike. It feels heavy to pick up and doesn't accelerate very well. This is compared with my Kinesis Racelight which is the only other road bike I've ridden so draw your conclusions from that - my kinesis is probably 8lbs lighter with wheels which could be half the weight!!

However what it does do it make you sit back and enjoy the view. It doesn't like you racing around and sprinting up hills. But that's not what it is for, is it?

What I found my self doing is clicking down a couple of gears and spinning slowly up hills admiring the view and not getting out of breath or getting knackered. Which suits me fine! I managed an average 10mph on the very bumpy 45 miles to Congleton with its energy sapping tow paths which isn't too bad being as I was feeling awful (touch of sunstroke after 30 miles).

What I did notice is that you do seem to sit "in" the bike rather than perched on top of it. The BB is lower than a CDF and the headtube longer which might be why. It feels comfortable, never jarring, and smooths out crappy road surfaces very nicely indeed. Also the handling does not feel slow at all but is very stable. I realised at one point I was riding down a fast downhill town centre potholed road one handed without realising it - even with a load on it seemed easy and sure footed. I could imagine it being a very welcome bike to be riding after 8-10 hours on the go on a long tour.

Changes - I'm going to try some of the Marathon Supreme tyres in a 35c size. I'm not going to be doing loads of heavy touring so the 300g weight saving of the Supremes per tyre will probably make a huge difference - they are very expensive tyres though and I can see why most people stick with the standard tyres as they are so good. I just can't help myself though!!

I have also changed the seatpost to my favourite post ever - 1990's (I think?) X-lite Metal Matrix layback post. This post is so comfy and 100g lighter and more importantly looks great in silver!! I'd love all silver finishing kit so I'll look out for cheap silver stuff to change to if I can be bothered.

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Use Marathon 368's from Spa. Lighterer than the current crop and £16 per. Perfect.

I have also changed the seatpost to my favourite post ever - 1990's (I think?) X-lite Metal Matrix layback post.

Nice looking bike that, looks ideally suited to the job. As with teeto I prefer drops for long rides but each to their own. Have fun on it!

@robdob. What width/make flat bar did you put on your TDF Am thinking of a possibly similar conversion

I have since changed the seatpost back to the standard one as the layback was way too much on the X-Lite one - felt like I was riding a recumbent......

Recently did the Way of the Roses C2C - awesome route. I had a lot of back pain before the ride so put some PC Fleegle bars on with a high rise stema and thick foam all over to get lots of hand positions.

[img] [/img]

To be fair I was thinking the £5 foam grips from Halfords would be crap but they were really comfy. Stuck on well with hairspray too. I wanted to have an extra position to hold the bars around the stem for cruising and this would have worked but the forward sweep of the bars at the stem pretty much killed that idea as it was just weird, bending my wrists the wrong way.

As you can see from the pic I have changed the shifters to thumbies now - but as I am 9sp I couldn't use my favourite Deore thumbies so I had to (its a hard life I know) get some Paul Component shifter mounts and some Dura Ace bar end shifter to mount on them. Oh my word they shift beautifully!