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So today is new not a mountain bike day for me! I’ve been badly out of shape since hitting the Covid triple. Slowly working my way back to fitness with a couple of gym classes per week. Also struggling with me and Mrs F sharing the car and me feeling guilty about using a car at all.
I saw a Genesis Smithfield on sale in my size, have a zero percent on purchases card so thought why not. Work is between 15 and 18 miles each way depending on which site I’m at, with no shower facilities. Did a trial run today carrying the laptop, change of clothes and other bits. Not ashamed to admit that I used all three assist settings. Took about 45 minutes to get to the point where I, sadly, have to deal with main A roads. So looking at around an hour to do the 15. Not bad for a first attempt and although I’m sweaty and a bit dirty, it could be worse.
Couple of initial thoughts. Don’t ride down stairs on this bike! It’s not fun and the laptop might not survive. Even with full guards the Middlewood Way is a shit fest. Autumn and Winter will be interesting. I’m only down one bar on the battery so it might last a couple of days. I will get fitter, even with the assist. The stock grips are rubbish. It is a sweet, smooth and comfortable ride despite looking like an army surplus vehicle. It weighs a fair bit and pedalling with no assist is a bit of a slog.
I think I’ll like this bike and it will hopefully help me to get fitter and healthier so I can get back on the proper bike!
Nice bike! Fit a mudflap on the front guard and you’ll be sorted.
Looks ace.
+1 on the mudflap. I use sks blumels. Their mudflap is enormous, my feet stay mostly dry. The flap has caught when I've tried some gravel riding so depending on what you ride chose your flap carefully 😉
Bars look like they have a comfy, wrist friendly sweep. Enjoy your freedom from the car!
Thanks for the tip! Flaps ordered from SKS. Order some Ergo grips too.
@rocketdog the bars are comfy. Tempted by more sweep for extra relaxed cruising but will see how I get on.
Looks like a really sorted e-commuter - kind of thing that should be helping transform urban travel.
Twin top tube looks interesting.
Twin top tubes were one of the selling points. Bit of retro charm and reminds me of my Stooge. It’s a really well finished frame with some nice details.
Looks a great commuting / popping to the shops / just going wherever bike.
One less car on the commute and hopefully one happy rider 👍
You may want to homegrown some mudflap extensions given how grotty Middlewood can be.
Twin top tubes were one of the selling points.
I had twin top tubes on my first bmx (aged 6 or 7).
It lasted one trip to the local park where 'the big boys' wanted to try it.
I couldn't figure out why the pedals kept hitting the ground on the way home.
So... Nice bike. Don't let any big boys ride it!
My LBS has sold a fair few Genesis bikes to lucky customers recently, including a Smithfield and also the step-through version.
I love practical, utilitarian bikes, that get the job done. Proper bike envy. Have fun riding that.