PSA: Genesis Grapil...
 

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[Closed] PSA: Genesis Grapil Frames - Cheap

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 1978
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I'm not sure if these are good/bad/ugly, but £349.99 (rrp £1299.99) including Rock Shox Monarch shock seems like great value? Should I be tempted despite the unfashionable wheel size?

http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m90b0s717p14051/GENESIS_Grapil_Full_Suspension_Mountain_Bike_Frame_2013

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 11:43 am
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I'd want to make sure I was covered in the event of it snapping.

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 11:48 am
 1978
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Were they renowned for that?

EDIT: a bit of googling suggests that they were susceptible to snapping at the chainstay welds.... Does anyone know if the early issues with these frames were sorted?

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 11:54 am
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They were dropped from the range pretty quick. Make of that what you will.

They rode nice though. And they'll have a full warranty. If it cracked you'd probably be given a refund or a Saracen.

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 12:00 pm
 1978
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Good point... shame as most of the reviews I have found seem to rate them.

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 12:02 pm
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They look fantastic especially at the price ?? Do not like the fact they are not in current range though ?

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 12:05 pm
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I had a green one that snapped at the chain stay, totally out of the blue (scared the bejaysus out of dog who proceeded to follow me out of the forrest, barking his head off) Was replaced under warranty by madison eventually, but I would make sure you have warranty back up. Grand wee frame apart from that!

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 12:08 pm
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Mate picked one up (barely) used from a friend of a friend that works at madison. It's a lovely trail bike - he was very anti FS but gave in because the bike was such a steal, he's loving it and is a whole lot quicker. I think he would say that it climbs fine and descends with confidence but is tight enough to not feel too wallowy if that makes sense

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 3:45 pm
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If it helps anyone, I emailed UK Bikes Depot and they have confirmed these frames have a re-designed (presumably non-snapping) rear triangle.

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 4:24 pm
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If it helps anyone, I emailed UK Bikes Depot and they have confirmed these frames have a re-designed (presumably non-snapping) rear triangle.

Thanks - I had asked same question but not got a reply yet, now to do the hand wringing so soon after xmas splurge 😕

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 5:30 pm
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Looks like it can be made fashionable again by fitting it 650b style. See the note in the item description on uk bike depot.

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 5:45 pm
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Thats a great buy . the head tube being 44mm also means you can fit any fork in there as well . ( apart from full 1.5 obviously ).

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 5:54 pm
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Geometry info here if anyone's interested

Anyone got one already? Be interested to know if they are now definitely fixed

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 6:12 pm
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So this is a 26" frame that can take a 650b? Hmmm, tempting - I'm considering a replacement for my heckler. Good find!

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 6:23 pm
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Argh I'd have bought one if not for the Mega TR I bought last year

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 6:32 pm
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damn it... what headset do i need for 1 1/8?

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 6:34 pm
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look at nukeproof they do a headset for 44 to take that size.

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 6:37 pm
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I have one and have had for 18 months. Running 1/8th forks with a crownrace adapter working on 1 1/2 bearings. I ran my first frame hard for 12 months but it started to suffer from play in the bushes/axles in the shock pivot. When I tried to replace them it became apparent that my frame was a very early one with a non-standard arrangement (possibly a preproduction run). Anyway, long story short, bits could not be found so eventually was given a new frame. I compared chainstays on both frames and they were identical. Both frames I have had have taken a good beating without breaking. I would question how big a tyre you could fit if you did opt to try 650b.

At that price I may buy one as a spare!

Much of the reason Genesis dropped them (as I have been led to believe) is that Madison wanted Saracen to be their major FS MTB range while Genesis should stick to traditional HTs and touring/racing bikes. Much of the developement of the Grapil can be seen in the Aerial bikes.

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 7:00 pm
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it says on the advert the tyre size is 2.1 to 2,2 tops. not sure how big that comes up compared to a 26 and a 2.35 or something.

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 7:04 pm
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I had one, lovely frame, sorted geometry, but it snapped too. An early one before the 'redesigned' rear end.. I would doubt much clearance for 650b tyres...an ikon would go in I'm sure.

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 7:07 pm
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these frames have a re-designed (presumably non-snapping) rear triangle.

I'm not seeing much of a redesign in the website image but as it was a weld penetration problem maybe they just welded them correctly second time around.

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 8:06 pm
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I wonder what the warranty is like on these considering their frail history?

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 8:15 pm
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Nowt to do with warranty, all about SOGA

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 8:25 pm
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Nowt to do with warranty, all about SOGA

Exactly, a dodgy history, or fact they are discontinued means SFA in terms of your consumer rights. You should buy this with as much confidence as you would any other frame. Remember your contract and obligation to sort any issues lies with the retailer anyway, not a manufacturer who may or may not still be making the product.

It's a great buy, I've passed on to a couple of mates already!

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 8:43 pm
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i'm sure it'll be fine. (i might keep the old hardtail frame though...)

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 8:50 pm
 cp
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What size are the 6 footers (with long legs) riding.

Pondering one as my larking about on bike 🙂

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 9:20 pm
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6 footer here. Mine is a large (20 inch). with 70mm stem and 740 bars and seat pretty much as far back as it goes. Would not fancy anything smaller TBF but then I like a long bike

 
Posted : 06/01/2015 10:07 pm
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Would this be any better than a 2010 5 spot frame?

 
Posted : 07/01/2015 3:16 pm
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Thats a great buy . the head tube being 44mm also means you can fit any fork in there as well . ( apart from full 1.5 obviously ).

You can run 1.5" with a 44mm headtube; just need an external top cup.

 
Posted : 07/01/2015 3:19 pm
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Anyone know the headtube length for the large theres a misprint in the catalogue unless it hax a 2ft headtube

 
Posted : 07/01/2015 3:24 pm
 cp
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The other model in the catalogue has the correct head tube length printed.

 
Posted : 07/01/2015 3:28 pm
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cheers

 
Posted : 07/01/2015 3:37 pm
 core
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Just built up my cotic soul, which was a also a steal, but also have a 29er hardtail, had thought about a FS frame, but couldn't find anything at the right money.

Damn and blast.....

 
Posted : 07/01/2015 4:19 pm
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this will be my first foray into the world of full suss - trips to Peaks & Lakes last year taught me that my legs & arms will thank me 🙂

Headtubes are 115mm, 120mm & 135m btw

 
Posted : 07/01/2015 4:21 pm
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What is the crown/downtube clearance like? I'm thinking of using a 150mm fork so would like to fit an integrated headset to keep the front end at the same height.

 
Posted : 08/01/2015 6:13 am
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Bit of a bargain, anyone got theirs yet and can weigh the frame?
The only thing that puts me off is the frame having bushings.

 
Posted : 08/01/2015 6:54 pm
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Frame weight was approx 7lbs. Bushings worked great on mine.

 
Posted : 08/01/2015 6:57 pm
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£330 on Ebay.

Really tempted but I'm bit of a bruiser on a bike and the chainstay history doesn't fill me with confidence.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genesis-Grapil-Frameset-/111569644588

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 7:02 am
 hora
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I don't see what's wrong with this deal??

Unless a failed chainstay can cause a fall? If its redesigned crack on. Not literally!!

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 7:20 am
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No warranty on the Ebay one.....?

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 12:14 pm
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Unless a failed chainstay can cause a fall?

you'd think...

the issue is it doesnt appear to be a design issue but an manufacturing defect (insufficient weld penetration), and the fact it's discontinued model at massive discount suggests Genesis have no faith in it* and there wont be any spares if it does fail.

*speculation in thread is it was down to streamlining brands, but youre taking a gamble on all the issues being resolved or discounted.

Which isnt to say its not tempting!

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 12:17 pm
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Mods, please delete this thread (until pay day)

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 12:50 pm
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I'm actually seriously tempted to buy one of these just for a spare - I've no real desire to replace my Hemlock, but it's getting a bit long in the tooth now and £350 is about what I'd expect to spend on a serviceable second hand replacement.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 12:55 pm
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If I had some disposal cash this would be the Mrs new frame, tis a great deal.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 12:57 pm
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Actuall if my appraisal goes ok on wedsneday you can put it back up then

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 12:59 pm
 hora
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No warranty on the Ebay one.....?

TBH I'd go the shop-route for peace of mind in this instance.

Dont dither though. Years ago wiggle was knocking out the purple 55RCT ti forks for £400. Loads off here bought them but I dithered.

And lost out.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 1:22 pm
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If I didn't have numerous frames already I'd buy this from the shop not the Ebay link one.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 2:21 pm
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Messaged the ebay seller the other day, heres the reply:
The frame is the 2014 model and comes with full lifetime frame warranty. The listing has finished but if you wish to buy you can phone us on 0141 889 6090.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 2:56 pm
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Ebay listing appears to be Dooleys Cycles, a Genesis dealer.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 3:14 pm
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Google that phone number and you get a shop anyway...

http://www.dooleys-cycles.co.uk/productinfo.asp?ProductID=2437

EDIT> Damn, beaten to the prize 🙂

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 3:16 pm
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Who also have some very cheap 2013 Cervelos. Not that I've been looking...

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 3:19 pm
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So what do people think about the 650b option?
I sent the link to a pal at work (waves at Hugh if he's reading) and he's ordered one. If I'd not replaced my FS last year I would have had one too.
He's thinking of getting some superstar 26 wheels which seem like a bargain esp as has a soul with 26 so can swap around if needed.
I think he's right to not be suckered in to the 650b compatibility malarkey esp as he's not the tallest and is getting a small frame, just wondered if anyone has or was planning on trying 650b wheels with this frame.
Amongst our circle of riding buddies between us I can only think of one person I know who has 650b so it's not even that easy to borrow a wheel to try for size....
I shan't tell him he could have got it for £20 less either!

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 4:05 pm
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I stand corrected then! £20 is £20 I guess 🙂

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 4:55 pm
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I currently have a 7/8yr old kona dawg which is a bit too small for me but I enjoy riding. How much of an improvement in climbing / less bob am I likely to see if I were to buy this newer Genesis? Help me justify a new bike to myself basically.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 5:11 pm
 hora
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For **** sake buy them. Seriously its the price of a worn out 26'er frame with knackered shock. If you don't buy it I will even though I don't need it. Seriously.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 6:04 pm
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buy it hora, just to teach them a lesson

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 6:07 pm
 hora
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I'm aiming to buy a decent roadframe. Buy it chaps you can always return if you don't like.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 6:15 pm
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How much of an improvement in climbing / less bob am I likely to see if I were to buy this newer Genesis?

No idea but what I can tell you is the shock has quite a firm tune, I ran 30% sag and didn't have any bob or bottoming problems.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 6:19 pm
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Nothing wrong with bushings if done right, in fact probably technically better than bearings.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 6:32 pm
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If they have zerk grease ports though eh? 😉

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 6:39 pm
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Hora, I'll buy yours for £175

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 6:52 pm
 JPR
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its the price of a worn out 26'er frame with knackered shock

This. Very definitely this.

I've been tempting for a while by a full suss and now I get to try one. If I like it my old frame should sell for about that and if I don't hopefully they'll all sell out and I'll be able to sell it s/h for about the same.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 7:47 pm
 hora
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Do we know a group rider who is a great person and rider but on a low salary? Can we crowd fund a great frame for him? Probably not due to abuse of goodwill but I'm willing to part-PayPal someone if someone's identified as a clear reciepient.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 8:06 pm
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I rang the shop and spoke with them. The frames will be fitted with a redesigned swingarm and sold with full warranty.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 8:32 pm
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Has anyone got/found a geometry chart for one of these? IIRC they can take a 140mm fork, is that right?

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 8:43 pm
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HoratioHufnagel - Member

Geometry info here if anyone's interested

Anyone got one already? Be interested to know if they are now definitely fixed

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 8:48 pm
 hora
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£40 from me. Others? A forum regular/pools funds receives then buys?

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 8:53 pm
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Charity is now the group funding of something that in the grand scheme of things amounts to a fairly frivolous purchase for someone who is most likely able bodied?

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 9:04 pm
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How would this compare to my 2010 zesty?

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 9:07 pm
 hora
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Remoterob what if someone works hard. Does good stuff and nothing ever works out? Charity(?) Isn't always the banner-stuff. To me charity is rewarding good people. Good people. I was on my low point and someone rewarded me. I didn't feel worthy but very grateful.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 9:19 pm
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HoratioHufnagel - Member
Geometry info here if anyone's interested

Anyone got one already? Be interested to know if they are now definitely fixed

Thanks Scapegoat

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 9:29 pm
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Don't thank me.. Horatio had posted it on page one! 😀

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 9:31 pm
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There's an STW review in here too http://singletrackmag.com/magarchive/issue-77/

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 9:42 pm
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This was designed around a 140mm fork.

 
Posted : 09/01/2015 10:51 pm
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Do I dont i

 
Posted : 10/01/2015 12:15 am
 cp
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Boom, done it.

 
Posted : 10/01/2015 2:09 am
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Do you think it'll explode with a 150mm fork (Marzocci 55cr) ?

More tempted now with the updated chainsaw info.

 
Posted : 10/01/2015 8:30 am
 hora
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Its the A-C. Mazz are longer than your average 150's nevrrmind 140's?

 
Posted : 10/01/2015 8:53 am
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I'm not seeing much of a redesign in the website image but as it was a weld penetration problem maybe they just welded them correctly second time around.

I've swapped one out and it looked a bit more substantial. I'd take a punt on them.

 
Posted : 10/01/2015 10:44 am
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How would this compare to my 2010 zesty?

I am pretty sure your frame was 1 1/8" non tapered so this would be one benefit of upgrading.

 
Posted : 10/01/2015 10:52 am
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