I’ve had my Genesis Fortitude Adventure for just over two years.

I bought a frame only from 18Bikes as I had the majority of bits to build the bike straight up.

Original build look like this with the option of a fat front:

The build has remained largely unchanged baring some experimental temporary tryouts:

The changes that have remained have been a Salsa Regulator post and a 29er+ front wheel:

Last year I picked up a SH Rohloff hub. The intention was to build it into a Longitude frame along with the bits form the Fortitude but I just couldn’t do it!

I had the wheel built into a SSC DS25 rim which at 25mm/30mm should take a 29er+ tyre but not be too wide to require a 2.3” minimum tyre – The clearance out back on the Fortitude is only adequate.

A couple of weeks ago I got around to fitting the Rohloff along with a loop bar to the Fortitude with yesterday being the first outing on the newly finished bike.

Being new to the Rohloff and a loop bar it was all a bit experimental.

I took some advice from Jeff and kept the stem length the same rather than go longer to compensate for the sweep – I’m glad I did as I found the bar with its multiple hand placements really comfortable – even got a bit aero for the road section 😳 which I would have struggled with going with a longer stem. Infact I’ve had to move my sadlle forward slightly on the rails.

I was a bit weary of the hub as in the stand its seemed totally inefficient with noticeable drag in practice its not at all noticeable. I spent the majority of time in gears 8-14 which are less draggy than 1-7. Really happy with the 36/16 ratio as it gave me a good range with a much better top end than my Alfine.

My only wish was that it didn’t weep oil

So heres hoping for another 2 years of really enjoying cycling.

Genesis/Madison if you read this …. The Fortitude is a truely wonderful frame and concept, the 2015 Longitude has gone down a storm but I think you’ve missed the boat with the 2016 Longitude 😥