Genesis announces new range of Croix de Fer, Tour de Fer and Vagabond gravel and adventure bikes

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While some brands are trimming down their ranges, Genesis continues to offer a wide range of choices across its gravel and adventure bikes. Whether you’re looking for a ‘is this mountain biking?’ monster cross bike, a mix-it-up commuter, or an over the hills with your life attached tourer, there are choices to be made. And even if none of that is on your menu, you might enjoy a game of ‘spot the location’, since the photoshoot was in the Peak District.

Here’s the official PR:

Genesis announces new range of Croix de Fer, Tour de Fer and Vagabond gravel and adventure bikes

British adventure brand Genesis has launched its latest range of gravel and adventure bikes with significant updates to the Croix de Fer, Tour de Fer and Vagabond. 

The long-standing icon of the Genesis range, the Croix de Fer gets its biggest update since it was introduced in 2008. It returns with a host of changes aimed at improving on what is already a firm favourite amongst riders. The two most noticeable updates are the changes to the frame silhouette and the increased tyre clearance, both aimed at improving what was already fantastic ride comfort and modernising compatibility. The dropped seat stays provide a modern aesthetic and Genesis has paired them with a custom top tube drawing from the Volare road bike, creating a much ‘racier’ look than previous iterations. Tyre clearance has been boosted to allow up to a 700 x 47c tyre with generous mud clearance, meaning riders can fit a tyre to suit. The Croix de Fer range comprises of seven complete bikes and three framesets to suit every budget. 

Up next, is the Genesis Tour de Fer. A bike that quickly established itself in the Genesis range since its introduction in 2016. The concept of the bike has remained broadly the same, to offer a touring ready specification straight from the box. Since the Tour de Fer was introduced, the bike’s specification has been tweaked based on customer feedback and updated to suit new componentry options. The most significant change is that all four models now run 2x drivetrains and to move away from 3x completely. The move to 2x allows for a lighter weight chainset and means the Tour de Fer comes specified with current groupset offerings from manufacturers. The new Tour de Fer range consists of four models, with the Tour de Fer 30 and 40 coming equipped with Dynamo lighting supplied by Busch and Muller. Dynamo lighting is now running internally on the frame and the fork and the Tour de Fer 10 and 20 models have this routing should riders choose to add it in down the line. Cable routing continues to be external for ease of maintenance but now uses a full cable outer for better protection from the elements. 

Last, but by no means least is a major update to the Genesis Vagabond. Monstercross, gravel plus, whatever you want to call it, the Vagabond is a playful workhorse that can tackle long days in the saddle and roll down technical trails all in one ride. This latest creation has received updates across the board to further improve the overall riding experience. The new frame has a longer wheelbase and slackened head angle, tyre clearance has been increased to allow up to a 2.35” MTB tyre with the Vagabond 10 and 20 models fitted with Maxxis Ikons right out of the box. A significant update is that the new Vagabond is now suspension corrected to make it compatible with a 40mm suspension gravel fork. The new Vagabond range is available in two complete builds and a frameset offering.

Genesis Product Manager, Sam Lawson said: “This launch marks our biggest release of new product since before the Covid pandemic, so it’s safe to say that we’re pretty excited about it! The iconic model within our range, Croix de Fer, gets a host of evolutionary updates with new tube shapes and bigger tyre clearance at all spec levels. Vagabond returns as our aggro gravel bike model with a full frame and spec update. Huge tyre clearance and compatibility with a gravel suspension fork make the Vagabond an ideal model for those looking to blur the lines between gravel and MTB. 

“Lastly, our Tour de Fer remains the go to choice for touring. You’ll find dynamo lighting, spare spokes, fast rolling tyres and front and rear racks to ensure that your Tour de Fer is ready to go from the box. The team at Sportline have worked hard on this range and the initial feedback from our specialist Genesis retailer network when we previewed the range at our IceBike* show in February was overwhelmingly positive. We’re thrilled to get these bikes out into the world so be sure to check the retailer locator on our website to find your nearest Genesis retailer.”

Key Product Highlights

Croix de Fer

  • CDF 10 FB
    • Shimano hydraulic braking.
    • Shimano Cues 1×9-speed drivetrain.
    • Tubeless compatible rims, tyres and rim tape with tubeless valves also supplied.
  • CDF 10 
    • Genesis Mjolnir custom tube set.
    • Shimano Sora 2x9sp drivetrain.
    • Tubeless compatible rims, tyres and rim tape with tubeless valves also supplied.
  • CDF 20 FB 
    • Shimano Cues 1x11sp drivetrain.
    • Dropper post compatible.
    • Tubeless compatible rims, tyres and rim tape with tubeless valves also supplied.
  • CDF 20 
    • Shimano GRX 2x10sp drivetrain.
    • TRP Spyre dual piston mechanical braking.
    • Increased tyre clearance, now specified with 700x45c tyres.
  • CDF 30
    • Dropper post compatible.
    • Shimano GRX hydraulic braking.
    • Tubeless compatible rims, tyres and rim tape with tubeless valves also supplied.
  • CDF 40
    • Shimano GRX 1x12sp drivetrain.
    • Internal cable routing.
    • Dropper post compatible.
  • CDF 50
    • Newly designed carbon fork with increased tyre clearance and dynamo routing.
    • Shimano GRX 2x12sp drivetrain.
    • Tubeless compatible rims, tyres and rim tape with tubeless valves also supplied.
  • CDF 725 FS
    • Reynolds 725 tubeset.
    • Clearance for 180mm front rotor.
    • New and improved hanger design.
  • CDF 931 FS
    • Reynolds 931 stainless steel tubeset.
    • Full carbon fork.
    • Clearance for 700x47c tyres.
  • CDF TI FS
    • Genesis 3AL-2.5v titanium tubeset.
    • Clearance for 700x47c tyres.
    • Dropper post compatible.

Tour de Fer 

  • TDF 10 
    • Shimano Cues 2x9sp drivetrain.
    • 180mm front rotor for improved braking.
    • Atranvelo AVS compatible rear rack.
  • TDF 20 
    • Shimano Claris 2x8sp drivetrain.
    • Internal dynamo routing compatible.
    • Wide ratio cassette for increased gearing.
  • TDF 30
    • Shimano Cues 2x10sp drivetrain.
    • Busch & Muller dynamo lighting.
    • 180mm front rotor for improved braking.
  • TDF 40
    • 180mm front rotor for improved braking.
    • Atranvelo AVS compatible rear rack.
    • Busch & Muller dynamo lighting.

Vagabond 

  • VAGABOND 10 
    • Genesis Mjolnir custom tubeset.
    • XS and SM sizes specified with 27.5 inch wheel size.
    • MicroShift Sword drivetrain.
  • VAGABOND 20 
    • Sram Apex XPLR drivetrain.
    • Sram hydraulic braking.
    • Tubeless compatible rims, tyres and rim tape with tubeless valves also supplied.
  • VAGABOND FS
    • Compatible with 40mm travel gravel forks.
    • Dropper post compatible.
    • Boost 148mm rear end for improved mud clearance.

Home Forums Genesis announces new range of Croix de Fer, Tour de Fer and Vagabond gravel and adventure bikes

Viewing 34 posts - 1 through 34 (of 34 total)
  • Genesis announces new range of Croix de Fer, Tour de Fer and Vagabond gravel and adventure bikes
  • cookeaa
    Full Member

    I’m sort of intrigued by the CDF 725 frame set, mainly because the 931 version seems very expensive. They list ‘new and improved derailleur hanger as a feature, does that mean UDH? (I would like it to be UDH now)

    cookeaa
    Full Member

    A quick look at the website suggests no UDH. Not a deal breaker by any means, but a bit of a shame.

    https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/product/genesis-croix-de-fer-725-frameset-vargn11210/VARGN11210/GN11210LG

     

    Mister-P
    Free Member

    There’s a close up image of the hanger here if that helps?

    https://www.freewheel.co.uk/genesis-croix-de-fer-725-frameset-vargn11210

    I quite fancy one of these frames simply because the colour is “Blue Unlimited”

    ampthill
    Full Member

    Some good steps forward here like increased tyre create on the croix de fer. Although 700c 47mm is an oddd one. Tyres seem to 45mm or 50mm at 700c these days

     

    The vagabond 20 looks like a sensible bike. Proper low gears and hydraulic brakes. But boost front by not rear. That’s so you can fit a 40mm travel gravel fork. I think all 40mm gravel forks are limited to 50mm tyres. So fitting one seems odd as you have to run narrower tyres

     

    However it still looks like a bike that will work

    thisisnotaspoon
    Free Member

    But boost front by not rear.

    What cranks/chainline does it have? I’m guessing that means non-boost MTB cranks?

    1
    zilog6128
    Full Member

    A quick look at the website suggests no UDH. Not a deal breaker by any means, but a bit of a shame.

    definitely would be a deal breaker for me unfortunately! Makes the frames a bit old hat before they’ve even launched.

    Not that I’m looking to replace my (now 12 year old!) CdF – altho I did always promise myself I’d upgrade to the stainless/Ti version one day!

    2
    razorrazoo
    Full Member

    I quite fancy one of these frames simply because the colour is “Blue Unlimited”

    Seems like there are (no-no, no-no-no) no limits to which their marketing department will go to!

    nerd
    Free Member

    Does the 725 frame and fork still weigh 4kg?

    DaveyBoyWonder
    Free Member

    Was interested in one of these potentially as I was an original CdF owner when they were about £700 new – now the cheapest is £1500. I’m oot…

    1
    matt_outandabout
    Full Member

    I’m shallow.

    I like the colours!

    sillyoldman
    Full Member

    Vittoria and others do a lot of 700×47 options.

     

    Vagabond is Boost rear (not front as the Susp forks to fit are 100×12) so Boost chainline .

     

    Frameset weights quoted are frustratingly everything that comes in the box – frame, fork, headset, axles, seatclamp, hanger, a pile of M5 bolts etc… Makes them appear heavier than they are. Wish they wouldn’t do that.

     

     

    1
    kayak23
    Full Member

    Love that Vagabond.

    I still don’t really get the point in gravel bikes but I love the look of it.

    2
    matt_outandabout
    Full Member

    I still don’t really get the point in gravel bikes but I love the look of it.

    I didn’t. Then I bought a ‘do it all’ bike, upgraded to a Vagabond and absolutely love it.
    I tour on it, it is comfy.
    It goes off road, it is confident enough.
    It pootles for a coffee, it carrys a waterproof and flask.
    I commute to work, it is strong and reliable.

    Last weekend I blasted back down a long Cairngorms track having an absolute giggle on it – and thought it was a long time since I had laughed that much on a mountain bike….

    kayak23
    Full Member

    Yeah, I get all that, but I just can’t see how what is pretty much an xc mountainbike with curly bars is suddenly better all round than a fiat bar xc bike.

    I’m definitely not someone who looks for the optimum kind of bike for the riding I do, evidenced by my Fatbike which is ridiculous (although very capable) but always makes me smile. But yeah, just not getting the gravel bike thing beyond the wanting to ride a bike that is different thing.

    Anyway. Bikes are gid. That I do get.

    1
    ampthill
    Full Member

    Gravel bikes are ridiculous and make no sense

     

    But they are still brilliant

    4
    IdleJon
    Full Member

    Gravel bikes are ridiculous and make no sense

    Alternatively, gravel bikes make absolute sense for 90% of my riding, apart from the name, which people seem to get hung up on.

    evidenced by my Fatbike which is ridiculous

    Gravel bikes are almost the definition of an all-round bike. Both your fatbike and a gravel bike can be ridden in exactly the same places, as could a unicycle, MTB, road bike… Does it need constant pointing out that all bikes are compromises, and whatever bike you ride on any given journey will be compromised somewhere along the way? You just choose your level of compromise when you buy and ride your bike(s).

    ampthill
    Full Member

    Most of my riding is on a gravel bike. As i say they are brilliant. Just bored of trying to justify that.

    kayak23
    Full Member

    Nobody is asking anyone to justify it. Any bike is great.

    Does it need constant pointing out that all bikes are compromises,

    Nope. Not at all, I mean unless you want to.

    Always been a fan of Genesis bikes and they look to have smashed it with these.

    1
    matt_outandabout
    Full Member

    Yeah, I get all that, but I just can’t see how what is pretty much an xc mountainbike with curly bars is suddenly better all round than a fiat bar xc bike.

    My next do it all bike will be basically a hybrid with alt bar. Steel, of course.

    cookeaa
    Full Member

    Yeah, I get all that, but I just can’t see how what is pretty much an xc mountainbike with curly bars is suddenly better all round than a fiat bar xc bike.

    Meh, Potato/Tomato…

    To me they’re more like endurance road or touring bikes that take chunkier tyres, same difference I guess.

    Still my most used bike like ampthill, and countless others, Gravel bikes are kind of an established thing now, if it was 2015 your confusion might make sense but they’ve been increasingly popular for the last decade now…

    fossy
    Full Member

    Gravel bikes are getting like the original 90’s steel MTB’s, with road bars.  Got a 90’s MTB, does lots, it’s my mixed terrain commuter. Got road bikes, that do road. Got a Full suspension MTB that’s for chucking off mountains.  Bought a used CX bike last year, it’s bloody ace as it does most stuff locally, but it is no FS MTB for tricky downhill. It’s a race bike with fat tyres at the end of the day.

    Gravel are going more and more XC MTB these days – a lightweight FS XC MTB will be better.

    1
    Bruce
    Full Member

    I ride my CDF more than any other bike. Its not a mountain bike it’s an all round bike you can go most places and not worry about the surfaces.

    It’s got mudguards not suspension  if you complicate everything to make it more xc mtb you then end up with Fs xc bike, then you make it more rugged then you end up where we are now.

    Just leave gravel bikes alone forget the dropper and suspension etc .

    Sometimes simple and versatile is great.

    jameso
    Full Member

    but they’ve been increasingly popular for the last decade now…

    I feel older : )

    Bruce
    Full Member

    I have to constantly remind myself I am older before doing something inadvisable. :)

    BillMC
    Full Member

    It’s a shame they stopped doing hardtails. We took our Core 40s to France this year and had an absolute blast in Les Landes.

    1
    ShanAndy
    Full Member

    Seems like there are (no-no, no-no-no) no limits to which their marketing department will go to!

    My wife has suggested. That the suspension ready version will be travel-limited.

     

    That’s right…

     

    They’re saying “no Lyriks” can be fitted to it.

    rOcKeTdOg
    Full Member

    Gravel bikes are getting like the original 90’s steel MTB’s, with road bars.

    No 90s MTB had 700c or 650b wheels so that doesn’t work. Well done for not mentioning it until half way down the page though….. I’m presuming it was tongue in cheek and not meant as a startling revelation that no one has pointed out, albeit wrongly before.

    That sora equipped white CDF just looks “right” though.

    1
    hatter
    Full Member

    It’s a shame they stopped doing hardtails.

    Agreed, have a few friends still riding around on Tarns, one of the first burly boost 29’ers with progressive geo and sensible money and still going strong. My own hardtail is lovely but basically just a ‘posh Tarn’

    If sure that if the sales had been sufficient they’d have carried on making them, that’s capitalism baby.

    Also… Bianchi had a 700c/29″ MTB range in the 90’s, Diamondback and Mountain Goat also played with the concept but, yeah the tyres to enable ‘proper’ 29ers came along later.

    3
    welshfarmer
    Full Member

    IMG_20240724_111434IMG_20240724_111544Having recently converted my old 90’s 26″ steel hardtail to a gravel bike with curly bars, 650 wheels and disk brakes, and then discovering there is a whole Facebook community for people doing similar it seems that mountain biking really has come full circle!

    Daffy
    Full Member

    I had a CDF 725 and it felt dead and rubbish.  I also had a Day One Alfine 825 and whilst it was better than the Pompetamine it replaced, it was still numb.

    I ended up replacing both with a Niner RLT which was lighter but harsh and eventually with a Kinesis Tripster ATR which was much, MUCH better.

    supernova
    Full Member

    Is that Suck Stone?

    welshfarmer
    Full Member

    supernovaFull Member
    Is that Suck Stone?

    Good spot!

    jimdubleyou
    Full Member

    discovering there is a whole Facebook community for people doing similar it seems that mountain biking really has come full circle!

    I joined this group – It nice to see what people get up to :)

    supernova
    Full Member

    770114 suckstoneSpent a lot of time climbing that in the 1970s!

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