Genesis Croix de Fer after two years of commuting
Its a Genesis Croix de Fer 2014
What sort of bike is that?
Reynolds 725 steel adventure bike
How old is it?
It’s a 2014 model, I got it in November 2014 and have commuted on it since.
How much does it cost?
About £1050 pounds, although the specs have changed since, there is more choice
Why did you choose it?
I like the feeling of a steel frame, I like that I can crash it in the dark winter nights without worrying that it might break, and I think it is a great looking bike. At the time it was the best choice for a steel disc brake adventure bike under about £2000.
What is the best thing about it?
It rolls beautifully, it’s not the lightest bike but when you get it up to speed it is great.
What is the worst thing about it?
I don’t know that I can think of anything that is ‘worst’ about it. The cable disc brake at the rear can ice up in the worst weather, that’s not great when it first happens, but that’s not the bike’s fault - I probably don’t look after the cables well enough.
What have you changed?
I changed the saddle to a nice leather Bill Amberg studio model from Charge, and I changed the big chainwheel when it wore out. I put an older model Tiagra one on, one that looks less like a dinner plate.
I have gone through plenty of tyres, currently it has huge heavy 37mm Vittoria tractor tyres on, great for the commute.
What would you change if you could?
If I was going to spend any money on it I would go to hydraulic discs to prevent the one or two times a year that the cables freeze up. If I was going to spend lots of money I’d be tempted to go to Di2.
Spec:
Frame:
Reynolds 725, disc-specific, w/ rack & mudguard eyelets
Fork:
Double Butted Cr-Mo Unicrown w/ double eyelets & lowrider bosses
Front Derailleur:
Shimano Tiagra 4600 10sp
Rear Derailleur:
Shimano Tiagra 4601 10sp
Number of Gears:
20
Shifters:
Shimano Tiagra 4600 10sp
Chainset:
Shimano Tiagra FC-4650
Chainrings:
50/34T
Bottom Bracket:
Shimano HollowTech II
Cassette:
Shimano CS-4600 12-30T 10sp
Chain:
Shimano CN-4601 10sp
Pedals:
VP-363S w/ Toeclip
Brakeset:
Hayes CX Expert w/ L1 160mm Lightweight Rotor
Brake Levers:
Shimano Tiagra 4600
Handlebars:
Genesis Road 0.3 Compact, 125mm drop x 70mm reach
Stem:
Genesis Road 0.2, 31.8mm, +/-7 degrees Rise
Headset:
M:Part Elite 1-1/8” Sealed Cartridge
Grips:
Microfiber Anti-Slip w/ Silicon Gel
Rims:
Alex XD-Lite, Disc, 32H
Front Hub:
Shimano Deore M525, 6-Bolt, 32H
Rear Hub:
Shimano Deore M525, 6-Bolt, 32H
Spokes:
Double Butted Stainless Silver w/ Brass Nipples
Front Tyre:
Continental Cyclocross Speed 700 × 35c
Rear Tyre:
Continental Cyclocross Speed 700 × 35c
Saddle:
Madison Prime
Seatpost:
Genesis Road 0.2, 27.2 × 350mm
Weight:
Not Supplied
A big thanks to all who could make it to our meeting last night. I good laugh was had by all. It was great to see some new faces and some not so new making a welcome return now the school holidays are over. For those who couldnt make it and for people looking to join the club members all agreed we should try to make the club more inclusive and welcoming for new riders. Also as the club membership is growing and the sunday ride numbers increase we will eventually have two groups.So with these points in mind the following was decided-
1/ Every club run will have a pre ride safety briefing by the ride leader.
2/ In addition to the group staying together as per the code of conduct another rider will be required to keep an eye on the back of the group for any stragglers and notify the rest of the group.
3/ A new 15 mile loop will take place at the start of the sunday ride to encourage new members to join. This will start at Priory School at 9am as normal and will finish at the Grand Pier. The more experienced riders will then carry on with the main ride.
4/ The start time on sunday will be 8.30 during the spring and summer months
5/ Any new member paying his/her subs from september will be covered for the following season.
6/ A curry night is imminent so watch this space!
The club has grown dramatically over the last six months and with such friendly and enthusiastic members is set to continue the trend. A big thanks to all and lets have a safe Autumn and winter of cycling!
Pete
