If the sorts of bikes we’ve had in for testing over the past 12 months are anything to go by, it would appear that the hardtail isn’t dead yet – it’s just been getting better.
Joining the ranks of the new-school carbon XC hardtail brigade, the Genesis Mantle is brand new for 2018. As Genesis’ flagship carbon mountain bike, the Mantle is designed to provide the necessary speed and agility that XC racers demand, with a dash of trail sensibility thrown in to provide some extra versatility outside of the race tape. Case in point is the wheelsize: although the Mantle comes stock with 29×2.25in Maxxis Forekaster tyres, there’s sufficient clearance in the frame for up to 27.5×2.8in tyres, which puts the Mantle into similar territory as the Open One+ and the Giant XTC – two other 29er carbon hardtails that’ll accommodate 27.5+ wheels. Chubby rubber for everyday trail riding and skinny pizza wheels for weekend racing perhaps?
Suspension travel is 100m on the front, and the Mantle frame is ready to accommodate a dropper post, Di2 shifting and even a front derailleur. There are two complete Mantle models, including the Mantle 20 we have here, and the higher-end Mantle 30 that goes up to £3599. You can also get the Mantle as a frame on its own for £1499.
“A no compromise Race King to be built your way, to go further and faster for longer! The Mantle frameset is built to go racing. An XC – endurance bike that wants to push your performance to the limit in every way possible. The frame’s geometry is confidence inspiring allowing you to take on the most technical trails and descents. The frame can also be built with enough rear tyre clearance to take a 27.5×2.8in tyre and allows fitment for a front mech, Di2 gearing and even a dropper seatpost should you want to take the normal boundaries of a carbon endurance bike and kick them into the long grass!” – From Genesis Bikes.
Genesis Mantle Features
- Lightweight 29in carbon hardtail
- 30T modulus carbon fibre frame
- 100mm travel fork
- 69° head angle
- 73° seat tube angle
- 435mm chainstay length
- PF92 bottom bracket shell
- Front derailleur compatible
- Shimano direct mount rear derailleur hanger
- Di2 ready
- DT Swiss RWS 148x12mm thru-axle
- Available sizes: Small, Medium, Large, & X-Large
- Claimed frame weight: 1.46kg
We’ve sent the Genesis off to Rachel Sokal to put the tangerine dream through its paces both on and off the race track. If you’re interested in hearing more about how it rides, then stay tuned for her review once she’s put it through some proper winter miles. Sorry in advance bike!
Otherwise for more info, get your peepers onto the Genesis Bikes website.
2018 Genesis Mantle 20 Specifications
- Frame // 30T Modulus Carbon Fibre
- Fork // Fox 32 SC Float, Performance Series, 100mm Travel
- Hubs // DT-Swiss M1900 Spline, 110x15mm Front & 148x12mm Rear
- Rims // DT-Swiss M1900 Spline, 22.5mm Internal Rim Width, Tubeless Ready
- Tyres // Maxxis Forekaster EXO 3C 29×2.20in Front & Rear
- Chainset // Shimano SLX 32t Chainring
- Rear Mech // Shimano SLX 11-Speed
- Shifter // Shimano SLX 11-Speed
- Cassette // Shimano SLX, 11-46t, 11-Speed
- Brakes // Shimano MT500, 160mm Front & Rear
- Stem // Race Face Turbine, 70mm Long
- Bars // Race Face Turbine Flatwide, Alloy, 720mm Wide
- Grips // Genesis Lock-On
- Seatpost // Race Face Turbine, 31.6mm,
- Saddle // Fizik Monte
- Size Tested // Medium
- Sizes available // Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- RRP // £2599
Comments (8)
Comments Closed
Heavy frame for the price!
@ferrals – More carbon for your pound?
#value
AFAIK they quote painted production frame weight inc the supplied headset, seat lamp, rear axle and all frame hardwear. Most (though not all) brands quote unpainted frame with hardware removed, so not comparing apples with apples. I picked up a frame at the Genesis Launch show – it’s certainly not a heavy frame.
Clamp not lamp……
Hi there, was there ever an update to this after it had been used a bit. I fancy one of these but rely on you lot to avoid me buying a (£2.5K!) dog. Ta
That review is being written right now! Can you wait just a little bit longer?
I’ll probably do my usual trick and purchase first………..Genesis normally come up trumps though!
Any more updates? Keen to hear more 🙂