Don't suppose anyone has ridden on yet, or seen a review other than stuff on their website?
Delivery scheduled for 2nd March, test ride for the 3rd...I'll keep you updated.
ta
Frame delivered to supplier yesterday, needs to go through QC, hopefully I'll be able to assemble it by next weekend! I will let you know as soon as I lay my mitts on it, if you're anywhere near Brum you're more than welcome to try it out(size 20,5")
One is apparently arriving in Edinburgh Bikes, Manchester for display this coming week
What happened to the fleet of prototypes they had in that video...why not get them sent to a few dealers to at least let folk get to see one in the flesh, even if they are pre-production samples. I wonder how many folk have bought a Solaris or Swift instead of waiting.
pretty sure i saw one in a box at 18bikes on Thursday.
They're at dealers now - saw one on Wednesday.
Had a go on a sample version and loved it - Alfine's not for me, but otherwise very nice.
...I wonder how many folk have bought a Solaris or Swift instead of waiting.
different fish though aren't they.
aren't they? - the fortitude's a rigid-fork design.
[s]Alfine's[/s] rigid's not for me, but otherwise very nice.
(just my opinion, but it would have made more sense to me if the fork was a 'suspension equivalent' length, allowing us to fit suspension forks if we wanted without doing anything weird to the handling)
They're on their way from Genesis ahwiles. Alu, and steel options. SS and geared options on the steel bikes. Look lush.
Think you'll find they are all steel
Fortitudes are all steel. New range that's coming (to compliment rather than replace) is alu and steel.
Still with the supplier being QC'd. Was told early next week, can't wait, will update as soon as I've got it!
The prototype from the ice bike vid actually belongs to a mate of mine. Had a quick blast a few months ago and wow. Dom has spent a long time getting the range right and he should rightly be proud, they're going to be a big hit.
kazafaza- thats some serious QC- 5 days!!
tell me about it, I'm standing still with the tools ready for last week or so...
The Race and Adventure and frame sets are available now, the SS has been held up in QC, something wasn't 100% so they are awaiting replacement parts to land before sending them out. Last I heard, they should be in store by the end of the month.
I've an Adventure, only a few rides on it at present as the Alfine wasn't 100%, but initial impressions are very positive.
I've an Adventure, only a few rides on it at present as the Alfine wasn't 100%, but initial impressions are very positive.
Do you have any experience of other 29ers you can give us a comparison to?
my lbs has one looks good.
http://sprocketscycles.wordpress.com/2012/03/18/genesis-fortitude-29er/
Problem with the rear hubs on the ss ones apparently - a friend has one on order
Really interested in the bike, like the concept, but have one big nagging doubt... my limited understanding of 29ers is that they either need a steep head angle, or a custom fork offset to deal with the characteristics of the big wheel. The Fortitude is based around a standard 440mm rigid fork with 40mm offset (just like my Pace RC31 - which could be a good thing) however, given it's 69.5 deg head angle - this seems to ignore the stated wisdom of 29er geometry... could it be that current trends towards shorter stems enable this kind of thing or am I missing something?
stevebrc - MemberI've an Adventure, only a few rides on it at present as the Alfine wasn't 100%, but initial impressions are very positive.
If you don't mind me asking.....
What was the issue with the Alfine?
sheck - MemberReally interested in the bike, like the concept, but [b]have one big nagging doubt[/b]... my limited understanding of 29ers is that [b]they either need a steep head angle[/b], or a custom fork offset to deal with the characteristics of the big wheel. The Fortitude is based around a standard 440mm rigid fork with 40mm offset (just like my Pace RC31 - which could be a good thing) however, [b]given it's 69.5 deg head angle[/b] - this seems to ignore the stated wisdom of 29er geometry... could it be that current trends towards shorter stems enable this kind of thing [b]or am I missing something?[/b]
69.5 degrees? and 700c wheels - it's practically a road bike...
cant put a front mech on it though and an alfine doesn't go low enough for mountains. shame AS THEY FEEL WONDERFUL
The Fortitude is based around a standard 440mm rigid fork with 40mm offset (just like my Pace RC31 - which could be a good thing) however, given it's 69.5 deg head angle - this seems to ignore the stated wisdom of 29er geometry... could it be that current trends towards shorter stems enable this kind of thing
Shorter stems of 60-80mm have been popular for years, it's not really a current trend. Stated wisdom on 29ers used to be steep head angles to offset the wheel radius but that's (imo) why a lot of people think 29ers are rubbish - too much weight over the front. The steering trail figures from this set up work out pretty consistent with a 26" 'trail' bike and there's plenty of choice of 26" sus-corrected forks that work well for rigid 29ers that aren't sus-corrected. Shorter forks are better forks.
I'm not questioning the fortitude... More the fact that for so long 29ers had 72 deg head angles or offset forks. The fact I can use my current rc31 is a bonus but genesis seem to be ploughing their own furrow on this one... .?
shame AS THEY FEEL WONDERFUL
Alfine or frame?
I'm not questioning the fortitude... More the fact that for so long 29ers had 72 deg head angles or offset forks. The fact I can use my current rc31 is a bonus but genesis seem to be ploughing their own furrow on this one... .?
Not so long ago 26" was all about 71deg HA and a 'DH bike' was 67-69. Now even 100mm XC bikes are knocking slack angles and DH bikes are practically choppers, and last time i checked no-one had changed the fork offset. Slack is where its at! ;0)
sheck, that's just my 2p, not saying it's right. high offset forks can be great, but i think the main thing is trail numbers and where the bars are compared to the axle (assuming a 'normal' stem).
To answer the Q's above aimed at me....
I've tried many 29ers over the years, none felt quite right. Now, upto 18 months ago my riding was much much more aggressive, with "pretend" DH playing. Big part of it, so back then my needs were very different. A knee injury and subsequent operation have meant a total change in my riding, so a 29er working for me now might be as much to do with my different style of riding to 29erz just getting better.
But, previous 29ers just felt cumbersome, like a road bike off road. For me, the Fortitude (and other new generation 29ers) feel far more MTB like.
As for the Alfine, the gears didn't feel right when shifting. Again, my riding has changed a lot in the last few years, as in that time all I've ridden is SS, so it might just be the fact I now don't like gears, but for the money involved I just didn't think it shifted as well as it should. Other Alfine bikes I've tried felt better, but it might all be in my head. Still, Shimano offered to change the internals, just in case.
I don't want to plug my business here, I'm not posting here for that, but to answer the other questions raised about the Fortitude, there is a tiny blog post about it on my shop blog, www.realcycles.co.uk. Bear in mind I'm not a writer!
Any chance of a Fortitude 26" being released? I'd be interested and I'm sure there would be a market for it...
stevebrc - Member
To answer the Q's above aimed at me....As for the Alfine, the gears didn't feel right when shifting. Again, my riding has changed a lot in the last few years, as in that time all I've ridden is SS, so it might just be the fact I now don't like gears, but for the money involved I just didn't think it shifted as well as it should. Other Alfine bikes I've tried felt better, but it might all be in my head. Still, Shimano offered to change the internals, just in case.
Thanks Steve
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Built last week, 20,5" frame with Salsa Cromoto 468mm fork, single speed at the moment...Sturmey Archer 3spd next week or so!
Love the bike, the nicest steel 29er ever ridden, I use it mainly for commuting with 2.35" Big Apples and for a little bit of towpath, leisure etc., nothing extreme. Good choice after riding iO SS for a few years!
kazafaza - MemberBuilt last week, 20,5" frame with Salsa Cromoto 468mm fork, single speed at the moment...Sturmey Archer 3spd next week or so!
Love the bike, the nicest steel 29er ever ridden, I use it mainly for commuting with 2.35" Big Apples and for a little bit of towpath, leisure etc., nothing extreme. Good choice after riding iO SS for a few years!
What's the finish like on the frame, welds and paint etc?
Why the longer fork?
[b]amplebrew[/b]: welds are really nice and neat, paint job had one very small chip, apart from it it seems to be nicely done and fairly tough - after leaning against some metal pole it's still scratch-free!
[b]Clink[/b]: I prefer slightly more upright position, sent an email to Genesis and they say although the handling might be somewhat affected it should be fine with the frame in terms of stress and the warranty should not be void. I'm not going to use it for mtb though, it'll be mainly used for commuting with a little bit of touring and baby carrying option;)
kazafaza - Member
amplebrew: welds are really nice and neat, paint job had one very small chip, apart from it it seems to be nicely done and fairly tough - after leaning against some metal pole it's still scratch-free!
Cool, all sounds positive.
Just wish they made them with a gear hanger. I'm not really convinced about the Alfine yet.
I was orginally considering selling my Kona singlespeed and replacing it with a Fortitude Adventure which I was going to use for mountain biking and cycling to work. I'm not convinced however that an Alfine will offer enough spread of gears for me; especially for some of my more hilly routes.
Clink
the frame/ride feels wonderful. but you can't put a front mech on it so I can't ride it up mountains when loaded up with my 'Adventure' gear strapped to it.
Andy
The Fortitude Race, bike and frame, has mech hanger.
stevebrc - Member
The Fortitude Race, bike and frame, has mech hanger.
POSTED 1 HOUR AGO # REPORT-POST
The problem with the Race is that it doesn't have the rack mounts that the Adventure has.
i have an Adventure on its way and should be here quite soon 😀 it'll be built up SS for now with Drop bar so i'll post a picture and few first ride feed backs
[b]amplebrew[/b] - try Cotic's geartug(spare combined chaintug and gear hanger for a Roadrat;)
[b]backcountrybiking[/b] - try e-type front mech. It mounts underneath the bb.
Isn't the problem about the front mech that there is no cable stop, nit that you can't fit a band on F mech?
Isn't the problem about the front mech that there is no cable stop, nit that you can't fit a band on F mech?
That should be easy enough to fix as you can buy clamp on cable guides. I think the issue would be the clearance to the tyre, as thats the reason they dont fit a mech as standard. I wonder if the new shimano direct mount mechs might fit better (tyre clearance) tho youd have to get a boss welded on.
We've just had (the first production) Fortitude Race show up in the office. Ride report soon!
If anyone in Huddersfield or therabouts wants to take a butchers at one, Bob at Velocity Cycles in Lindley has been riding one for a couple of weeks or so, and I believe has one you can demo.
http://www.velocitycycles.co.uk/contact-us/
Hi, I have the Alfine wheel back now and it's a vast improvement, shifts really well.
I'm now about to start playing with different bars. The flats on it are nice but I can't help thinking it would work really well with some Jones, or drops even!
What have others tried?
reviving this thread...
Does any one have a approximate weight for the adventure?
[b]stevebrc[/b][u]: I've got Trek's 15*deg 680mm 25.4mm bars on mine, pointing towards my chest and I love this setup! I had some riser for a short while(9*deg 685mm lo rise Eastons) but it just didn't felt right. I'm afraid the top tube might be too long for drops though! Jones bars? Hmmm...
I get my race tomorrow, can't wait.....
kazafaza - I'm sure I saw your Fortitude this morning coming down the ramp by the A38! I was walking round from the work bike shed and recognised it from the pic (looks good) 🙂
I've had a Fortitude SS for a little while now.
I like it a lot! 😀
[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7156483018_fd07478113.jp g" target="_blank">
Had any problems with the SS one (someone before mentioned an issue with the hubs)? They seem a bit of a rip-off to me but it's C2W time again and given the crap weather and flatish local trails I'm thinking the SS version might be ideal. Any idea how heavy it is as well, slightly concerned as they appear to have made my Day One out of lead?
The issue on the SS wasn't a hub quality issue, it was a wrong hub issue. The back wheel had been built on the wrong hub so the spokes on the disc side caught on the brake calliper. The bikes were held up while replacement wheels were shipped over.
Why do you think they are a rip off?
Topic bump...
Looking at one of these at a winter bike. It seems expensive when you compare to e.g. inbred 29er with gears, fork etc.... but economies of scale etc.....
Seem to be very few complete steel SS29 bikes on the market nowadays, any competitors I should be looking at?
thanks
Cannondale Trail and Kona Unit come up a lot. I've ridden none of them! I'd like a go on a Fortitude for sure.
I've just bought an adventurer from 18Bikes, first impressions are good. Doesn't feel too unwieldy. I bought it to do some longer rides, training and maybe a bit of bikepacking. The only thing I'm not sure about are the cable brakes, although I keep telling myself that I shouldn't be flying down any huge mountains (lucky enough to have another bike for that).
I was also attracted to it for the lack of maintenance (forks, mechs etc), although not sure if that will be entirely true.
Other options: Salsa _ Karate Monkey, Surly Krampus (v Nice) - Both a bit more expensive, but both very nice.
Hope that helps.
S
Next issue of this very journal is meant to have the Charge, Cannondale, and a few other 29er SS rigids in for review. Awaiting with interest.
Krampus is a different beast I think, fatlad, and triple the price too. I do find myself Krampus-curious but am a bit put off by the weight and what's going to be huge rotational mass of those tyres/wheels.
mattjg - Member
Cannondale Trail and Kona Unit come up a lot. I've ridden none of them! I'd like a go on a Fortitude for sure.
If you are anywhere near Birmingham - I have a 19.5" Fortitude SS you would be welcome to try.
Thx fella, I'm not.
I have a Singular Swift, medium, rigid SS, in Surrey if someone needs a try.
I bought one in the end (a Fortitude SS), it rides nicely but I think in hindsight buying a bike that can't take a suspension fork was a mistake. I find my wrists taking a battering on local trails, after about an hour and half it's more like how much more can my wrists endure than whether my legs are knackered. My fault for buying the wrong bike but I think something like the Swift is a better bet if you're not totally sure you want to ride rigid all the time. And I still say £800 for a bike made of bog standard steel, rigid fork, crap wheels and no gears is a rip-off but C2W eases the sting.
It's a shame you're not happy. If you're haven't done so, convert the front wheel to tubeless and drop the tyre pressure. Put a bigger tyre on if needs be. IWFM.
Not sure about the cable brakes? They are bb7 no?
Ace brakes.
Next issue of this very journal is meant to have the Charge, Cannondale, and a few other 29er SS rigids in for review. Awaiting with interest.
Dammit, they have one in my local shop that is calling to me. Just off for a carpark spin now.
Birthday this weekend too......
thanks all
I thought about the Fortitude but was put off by the rigid-specifc geometry so got a Kona Unit instead. It's by no means my first rigid bike but it is my first 29er and first singlespeed. It's definitely more of a bulldozer than a flickable little number. Prior to this I had an alu 26er hardtail with rigid carbon forks which was far more nimble, but the Unit definitely ploughs over stuff better. Whether that is seen as a good thing or not is down to how you like to ride.
I had to put a shorter stem on it because it was very difficult to get the front wheel up.
I'm now about to start playing with different bars. The flats on it are nice but I can't help thinking it would work really well with some Jones, or drops even!
I'm afraid the top tube might be too long for drops though!
Tektro RL340s levers on the way, C'dale C4 bars found in the spares box, got the bartape - time for an experiment! Was thinking about changing the stem from 100mm 10* to 70mm 35* to adjust the reach...
Should have it up and running before the weekend, will post some pics for sure!
I love my Fortitude SS but as others have said its too expensive for the spec you get. I wouldn't have bothered if not for C2W.
Mines sporting wider bars and ESI chunky grips which seem to have helped with comfort.
Just my 2cents.
I have had a Fortitude Adventure, that I bought as a frame only from the super helpful chaps at 18 Bikes, back in the summer. I had an 8speed Alfine hub already and some 447mm AtoC Pugsly forks from another build so frame only works.
I have to say that I am using this bike more than any other at the minute.
Yes its heavy (circa 28lbs) and yes its rigid yardy, yardy yah but it just works. Its also surprisingly comfortable.
I have changes a few things from the pic below mainly a wider bar, Flow based front wheel and a 2.4 Ardent.
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My only complaint is that the rear could do with a little more clearance as the 2.1’’ WTB Prowler is about as big a tyre as I would want/could fit and still allow for mud .... oh and crud catcher mounts. The SS & Race have these but the Adventure frame doesn’t!
I've already changed my front to a 2.35 Hans Dampf but haven't tried it tubeless yet as not sure about the stock rims, think I might go the new front wheel route to. Wish I'd read about the limited clearance rear before I ordered another HD for the rear, clearance didn't look too bad to me but not tried fitting it yet, I guess it's not going to work though 🙁
Ergon grips and fatter front def help with the comfort and the integrated bar-ends on the grips are a god-send when climbing but I still miss front suspension!
Drop bar conversion done and tested, I'm pretty happy with the outcome: it seems to handle small bumps much better(bar tape perhaps?), I must add it's my first drop bar bike and I'm afraid I've caught the bug!
I guess the Fortitude could be my only platform for many different types of riding: SS mtb, hub geared CX, tourer, commuter...
SS mode with Big Apple tyres:
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3-speed commuter:
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Monster Cross:
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Sorry for the quality(or lack of) in the last pic - taken with a mobile shortly after a finished build. I had to bodge the mount for the SA thumbie as I couldn't bend it to go around the bars, it's mounted on the 22mm ring above the top cap:
[img] 
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Can't wait for the weekend to put some more miles in!
kazafaza - Could I just ask what mudguards you're using?
Thanks, Andy.
It's the 26" mudguards, hence it's quite short at the back and I did have some occasional spray from it before fitting the flap. As far as I know the widest 700c are [url= https://www.greyville.com/products/6226-sms28-stronglight-road-s-700c-x-54mm-mudguard-set?store_referer=true#.UQJOJh1WySo ]these ones[/url] I did try them on with my previous tyres(Big Apple 2.35) and were a bit too narrow. Couldn't say what the fit would be like with the Smart Sam 2.1 I currently have...
HTH
I agree with previous posts, claiming the Genesis bikes are poor value.
If you look at www.ukbikesdepot.com (no, I don't work for them) they sell the discontinued Genesis IO ID 26" Alfine 11 hardtail with hydraulic brakes and suspension fork for £1000 (not a bad price, compared to the £1500 it retailed at this time last year). The equivalent Genesis 29" Alfine 11 hardtail is £1700, but doesn't have rack mounts or 2 sets of bottle cage bosses. £700 is a lot for 3" bigger wheels and a less versatile frame. The Fortitude Alfine 11 seems to suffer from Genesis' "optimistic" pricing as well (£1500 for an "Alfine 11" rigid bike with mechanical brakes - about £300 to much).
I took an Alfine 11 IO ID for a test ride a couple of months ago around a steep local circuit: nice light bike, crisp gear changes, plush suspension and good brakes, but it has a narrower gear range and was less capable up steep wet hills than my old 3x7 Inbred, which is fine for bikepacking and has cheap-to-replace derailleurs when they snap off.
Disappointing really, but I couldn't justify spending £1000 on something less capable than my hack. 🙁
Moral: If you want adventure; go 'disposable', or go Rohloff.
I am looking to put super moto 2.35" tires on for the winter commute anyone know if there is enough rear clearance? just putting in drop bars and keeping the alfine 11 ready for another lands end john o groats esq trip.