The Genesis Croix de Fer - 4.5 Stars from Cycling News

The Genesis Croix de Fer has long been a versatile bike, known for its ability to handle everything from commuting to touring. But the latest version takes a big step forward, becoming a true gravel bike, offering a more enjoyable and focused riding experience without losing its historic flexibility.

Key Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Wider tyres (up to 47c) for improved comfort and speed
• Semi-internal cabling for cleaner lines and easy maintenance
• Neutral handling that's perfect for all types of terrain

Key Cons:

• Limited tyre clearance
• No electric groupset options

Updated Design: The new Croix de Fer sports a more modern design with dropped chainstays and internal cable routing, keeping cables protected from mud without complicating maintenance. The bike also includes numerous mounts for bottles, cages, and racks, making it a great choice for long rides or bikepacking. With a geometry tweak, it now features a slacker head angle and slightly longer wheelbase for more stability on rough surfaces.

Performance: Handling is neutral, offering a smooth ride whether you're tackling gravel or road. It's particularly well-suited for off-road conditions, where the bike remains stable even at higher speeds. While it's not ideal for steep, technical singletrack, it performs well on gravel and road sections. The addition of wider tyres makes the bike even more capable on loose surfaces, though it does struggle in very wet conditions with the stock tyres.

Value for Money: At prices starting under £1,500, the Croix de Fer is a great value, especially with its solid steel frame and Shimano components. The upgraded models, like the Croix de Fer 20, offer even more value with improved components, while the titanium frameset adds a premium feel for those willing to spend more.

Verdict: The Genesis Croix de Fer has evolved into a top-tier gravel bike, offering a fantastic balance of performance, versatility, and value. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a newcomer to gravel riding, this bike delivers a reliable and fun experience. While it's still great for commuting and touring, its shift to a more gravel-focused design makes it an even better choice for off-road adventures.

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