tour de fer 50

• As it happened: Remco Evenepoel's second World Championship TT victory

Genesis kills off the triple chainset with new Croix de Fer, Vagabond, and Tour de Fer models

Wider clearance and dropped stays feature in biggest update to the Croix de Fer since it’s release

Today UK brand Genesis launches updates to three of its best-selling machines. The round-the-world capable Tour de Fer, the monster cross Vagabond, and perhaps most importantly the do-it-all Croix de Fer. The latter of these models could well make a good case for being the first gravel bike, and successfully made the jump from cyclocross machine, through a bit-of-everything phase, to where it lands today as an out-and-out gravel bike.

There is a suite of updates to go into, but if you want to know what two of the bikes are like to ride then head over to my new Croix de Fer and Vagabond first ride review . Will they justify a place among the best gravel bikes on the market? Further testing will reveal all, but for now let’s dive into the headline figures, build options, and the all-important updates.

New Croix de Fer

Given current trends in gravel bike design it should come as no surprise to see wider tyre clearances as the headline change to the venerable Croix de Fer. The new model can handle up to a 47mm tyre, and all full builds will ship with a set of 45c Maxxis Rambler tyres. Genesis states that the bike in general can clear a 45c tyre with fenders, though this does somewhat depend on the specific tyre and fender combination.

The top tube has been ovalised, in much the same way as that which is seen on both the Fairlight Secan and Strael. It is a design note that has been ported over from the brand's Volare road model in order to create a more racy look, but claims of increased lateral stiffness were also mentioned. 

Again, ostensibly to modernise the silhouette, the chain stays have been dropped, but fortunately for fans of a pannier rack, they haven’t ditched the rack eyelets. In this regard, the dropout plates at the rear have also been made more sturdy for better load carrying. In eyelet terms, there are certainly more now on the latest model. A pair on the downtube and top tube respectively, three on each fork leg whether you opt for steel or carbon (the latter of which will net you a 900g weight saving), along with six on the top of the down tube and three on the seat tube. The aim is to make your bottle setup much more configurable, and it should be possible (frame size depending) to fit three separate water bottles inside the frame triangle, with one under the downtube if you need maximum hydration portage.

Seven complete bikes make up the range, with the frame constructed from either Genesis’ own Mjolnir chromoly or Reynolds 725, with three framesets available in either Reynolds 725, stainless 931, or titanium. Stainless and Ti framesets ship with a carbon fork, while the 725 has a steel one. Prices range from £1,199.99 / €1,399.00 to £2,799.99 / €3.299.00 for completes, and £899.99 / €999.00 to £2,699.99 / €3,199.00.

Updated Tour de Fer

The aim, according to Genesis, was always that the Tour de Fer be ‘round the world ready straight out of the box’. There are no drastic silhouette changes here, but fans of old-school drivetrains may well shed a tear at the news that the triple has been removed completely, with all Tour de Fer models now running 2x drivetrains. 

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Only four models make up the range, with the uppermost two featuring dynamo lighting routed inside the frame from Busch and Muller. The lower-tier models still have the routing ports within the frames should customers wish to set theirs up down the line. Cables and hoses are all still external, besides the dynamo cabling, for ease of maintenance, and the spoke holder on the chainstay remains for facilitating roadside wheel repairs. 

Models start at £1,299.99 / €1,499.00 and go up to £2,199.99 / €2,599.00 and it’s available only as a complete machine. 

New Vagabond

Finally, the Vagabond, the brand’s monster cross, go-anywhere bike has had perhaps the most significant and hardest-to-spot updates. The wheelbase is longer, with a slacker headtube, and tyre clearance has been upped to a whopping 2.35”. The stock steel fork is suspension corrected now, meaning should you wish to run a suspension fork then anything up to 40mm of travel isn’t going to affect the geometry unduly. 

A boost spacing rear hub and mountain bike gearing means the Vagabond is about as close to a drop bar mountain bike as you can get before actually committing to a flat bar machine, but it also means that your replacement parts will be partially coming from the MTB world, so worth bearing in mind. 

Only two full builds for the Vagabond are being released, at £1,799.99 / €2,149.00 and £2,299.99 / €2,699.00, with a frameset-only option priced at £899.99 / €999.00.

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Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. He’s tried his hand at most cycling disciplines, from the standard mix of road, gravel, and mountain bike, to the more unusual like bike polo and tracklocross. He’s made his own bike frames, covered tech news from the biggest races on the planet, and published countless premium galleries thanks to his excellent photographic eye. Also, given he doesn’t ever ride indoors he’s become a real expert on foul-weather riding gear. His collection of bikes is a real smorgasbord, with everything from vintage-style steel tourers through to superlight flat bar hill climb machines.

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The handling is predictable, never throwing up any surprises, and remains consistent whether riding loaded or not. I've ridden faster and more exciting bikes, but the Tour de Fer isn't designed to be either of those: it's a solid package that will roll you anywhere; a stately steamer with neutral handling – unashamedly average, if you like, though that sounds a little derogatory. It's not meant to be: for a bike like this that's what you want.

That neutral handling is present both loaded and unloaded. Ride it unloaded and you can do so in a leisurely fashion. Load it up with luggage and it maintains its composure and stability very obediently.

More than that, though, as often seems to be the case with touring bikes it seems to ride better with luggage. Having it loaded up seems to leave the bike feeling a little more planted around corners and creates, possibly because of the added weight, what I would describe as a little more "spring" in the tubing.

Unloaded, that neutral handling can feel a little meandering and vague, which isn't great for quick descents or tight corners where accurate handling is a must. That changes with luggage, where the bike feels much more capable of carving around corners, although the limiting factor is undoubtedly the tyres, which, while durable, are not particularly grippy.

This, too, has to be looked at in context. The Tour de Fer 10 isn't designed to be a high-performance racer; it favours a calm ride with handling that is forgiving of mistakes. What might, elsewhere, be described as slow and unresponsive, in this case allows you to (metaphorically) sit back and enjoy the ride.

On descents you'll want to take it easy anyway, with the brakes a little lacking in power. That means you'll have to judge your stopping distances carefully and take care not to come into corners too fast.

Again, though, for the riding this bike is designed for that's not likely to be a problem. You're unlikely to be winning competitions on the Tour de Fer; it's for cruising along, and it does that well. It's a refreshingly down to earth bike you can ride without too much thought.

Frame and equipment

The steel frame is Genesis' own Mjölnir double butted 4130, which provides a comfortable ride. I was actually surprised at how cosseted my rear end felt.

The design of the frame is elevated by details like the embossed iron cross on the top tube, and the pump peg on the head tube to allow a frame pump to be fitted easily. I've always liked the brass cable adjusters Genesis uses, too.

Schwalbe Marathon tyres almost have cult status as THE touring tyre, but I wouldn't say they are the most confidence-inspiring in terms of grip. They compensate nicely with durability and puncture resistance, though. My preference would be for something with a slicker tread for better rolling performance on the road, as well as something a little grippier. That's exacerbated in the wet, where the tyres end up feeling very greasy and leave you having to roll along tentatively.

Having the pronounced tread featured here seems superfluous, providing very little tangible benefit for the riding this bike might encounter.

> What width tyres are best for you?

The 35mm volume of the tyres isn't the largest, and it would be nice to have a bit more cushioning to further improve the bike's versatility. Obviously, with mudguards fitted there's always going to be a little less space but there are plenty of bikes out there able to fit large rubber and mudguards.

While the Shimano Sora drivetrain is undoubtedly budget fare, it still provides reliable shifting. It's quite gratifying returning to lower-end components and realising how well they actually work. Yes, they may not have the refinement and desirability of higher-end groupsets but they still work very, very well.

The triple chainset may seem a little quaint nowadays, but its 50/39/30-tooth rings paired with an 11-32t cassette provide the extra range you need when loaded up. It provides enough flexibility to grind your way up the steepest of hills and avoid spinning out when you cruise your way down again.

The Promax mechanical disc brakes leave a lot to be desired. Sadly, that's just a feature inherent to mechanical disc brakes generally. It does, as I said earlier, mean you'll have to take it easy (and even more so when loaded up) and be aware of your stopping distances.

Hydraulic brakes are out of the question at this price point, but I can't help feeling that budget rim brakes would likely outperform these so-called stoppers. That's the only real sticking point on a bike that is otherwise so well equipped.

You even get a full complement of mudguards that turn this into a full-on utility machine. For anything that is going to be vaguely useful in anything other than the best weather, they are indispensable.

In fact this bike comes 'touring/adventure ready', with three bottle cages and a rear rack mounted from the factory. It's a pity not to have a front rack too (I prefer loading up bikes at the front as I feel it leads to better weight distribution), but the one fitted is a quality Tubus item.

All you'll need to add are some panniers and bottles and you're good to go.

At the price, it's nice to get all the equipment you do, but sadly Genesis doesn't seem to represent quite the value that it once did.

An obvious competitor is the Trek 520 . That comes in at £100 cheaper yet has a front rack, high volume tyres, more upscale brakes and slightly better drivetrain components.

> Why your next bike should be a touring bike

Likely the decision about this bike will depend on which exact features you feel you need. Buying a complete build like this means you want something ready out of the box, and the deciding factor will be which particular set of features you require for your purposes.

This bike is thoroughly traditional in its outlook, and that's by no means a bad thing, though you should consider just what you need the bike for.

If you want something with all the latest standards that fits into a modern lineup you should probably look somewhere else. If you want an all-purpose machine that comes with all the gubbins you might ever fit or need, then it could be just the bike for you.

And that sums the Tour de Fer up quite well. It's a bike that will be ready when you are, that won't question the abuse you throw at it and that will stick with you reliably day in and day out.

It won't have sensibilities about weather or surfaces or complain about being burdened by luggage. It will just bravely soldier on and support you in whatever cycling goals you have.

If you'll allow me to wax lyrical for a sentence or two. This is a bike's bike – a bike that's true to the spirit of what cycling is about. Sure, there are bikes out there that may be more glitzy or more refined, but it's a bike that is honest about what it is.

No-fuss machine for commuting, touring, leisurely outings and more – a bike that just lets you enjoy your ride

road.cc test report

Make and model: Genesis Tour de Fer 10

Size tested: Medium

About the bike

List the components used to build up the bike.

FRAME: GENESIS MJOLNIR SEAMLESS DOUBLE-BUTTED CROMOLY

FORK: CR-MO UNICROWN DISC

HEADSET: PRESTINE PT-1606 1-1/8" SEMI CARTRIDGE

SHIFTERS: SHIMANO SORA ST-R3030 / 3X9 SPEED

REAR DERAILLEUR: SHIMANO SORA RD-R3000 / GS CAGE

FRONT DERAILLEUR: SHIMANO SORA FD-R3030

CHAINSET: SHIMANO FC-R453 / 50-39-30T / XS, 165MM / S, 170MM / M-XL, 175MM

BOTTOM BRACKET: SHIMANO BB-ES300 68-121MM

CASSETTE: SHIMANO CS-HG300-9 / 11-32T

RIMS: JALCO DD24 / 36H

HUBS: KT K08F/K08R 36H / FRONT / REAR / 6-BOLT

SPOKES: STAINLESS STEEL 14G

TYRES: SCHWALBE MARATHON MONDIAL 700X35C

BRAKES: PROMAX DSK-717 DISC BRAKES W/ 160MM ROTORS

BRAKE LEVERS: SHIMANO SORA ST-R3030

HANDLEBAR: GENESIS X-RACE PRO / 16DEG FLARE / XS, 400MM / S-M, 420MM / L-XL, 440MM

GRIP TAPE: VELO TAPE W/GEL

STEM: GENESIS AS-027 / + - 7DEG / 100MM

SADDLE: GENESIS ROAD COMFORT

PEDALS: NW-99K W/ TOECLIP

SIZES: XS S M L XL

CHAIN: KMC X9

Tell us what the bike is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Genesis says, 'The Tour de Fer 10 represents our vision of affordable escapism. A bike designed for the sole purpose of carrying rider and luggage long distances efficiently and in comfort, without leaving a sizeable dent in your pocket. We put it together as affordably as possible without cutting corners that would've been detrimental to the ride or long-term ownership. This meant choosing rugged, reliable kit that will last the high mileage for which we intend the bike to be used. Most of what makes it so good for touring is also 100% applicable to commuting. Everyday practicalities like large volume, puncture resistant Schwalbe Marathon tyres, tough 36H wheelset, powerful, controlled disc brakes, Tubus Cargo rear rack and custom length and extra-long Chromoplastic mudguards. Tour de Fer 10 is just as suited as a daily commuter as it is a cross-continent tourer.'

Where does this model sit in the range? Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options

This is the entry-level model. The more expensive models come similarly equipped, though with higher-end gears and dynamo lighting.

Frame and fork

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

Nice paint job, neat welds and detailing. Barrel adjusters were a little stiff.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

Steel (Genesis Mjölnir Chromoly)

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

Relatively slack for stable handling when loaded.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

No surprises here.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Comfortable and relaxed position, though I don't get on with Genesis saddles.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

It has the flex you'd expect of a steel frame, which adds comfort.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

It's a heavy bike and is not built for sprinting. Once up to speed it rolls happily along.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so was it a problem?

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? Neutral.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

It's a heavy bike, but rolls along happily with predictable and reliable handling.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

I didn't get on with the saddle.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?

Not really relevant for a bike like this.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

It's nice to have a triple chainset for churning up steep hills when fully loaded.

The drivetrain

Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? Any components which didn't work well together?

Basic groupsets just work so well nowadays.

Wheels and tyres

Tell us some more about the wheels.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels? If so what for?

Standard fare wheels, built up with 36 spokes for a sturdiness that will withstand a lot of load and abuse.

Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?

A decent and reliable spec. Middle of the road and likely a good compromise for everyone.

Anything else you want to say about the componentry? Comment on any other components (good or bad)

I didn't get on well with the mechanical disc brakes, which provided very limited stopping power.

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes, more than I expected.

Would you consider buying the bike? Not for my use case.

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? If they're looking for a fit and forget solution to do everything with.

Use this box to explain your overall score

It's a good bike for the thing it's designed to do: load it up, carry everything you need and take it on an adventure.

Overall rating: 7 /10

About the tester

Age: 26   Height: 176cm   Weight: 75kg

I usually ride:    My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years   I ride: A few times a week   I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, touring, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking

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Add new comment

14 comments.

Used to love genesis bikes but if you visit their website you will see they have lost the plot on pricing.

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Quote: Mjölnir double butted 4130

Goodness, a bike with disks that isn’t the greatest Road.cc?

Have we now reached peak disk BS and can now talk constructively about how they have benefits and limitations in specific applications? Weird.

I built up a tourer for doing LEJOG around last year's frameset, the only difference being the tubes are Reynolds 725 rather than Mjolnir. The geometry is identical.

The comment around unloaded handling is spot on... When I was training, I took it up Great Fun Fell with just a rackpack and some Tangfastics on the back. It was fine going up, but scary coming down - 20% twisty bends at 40mph with the back end all over the shop was not fun. Theres some big drops off the edges of that road!

Loaded up though, the bike handles brilliantly. I did many fast descents with ease on it and while the steering might not be the fastest it is reassuringly stable.

I've got an earlier version of this bike when there was only one Tour De Fer model. It came with bar-end shifters, a trekking/MTB triple with a much more suitable gear range (44/32/22 rings with an 11-32 cassette) for fully loaded touring and both front and rear racks. Brakes were TRP Spyres which most people reckon are about the best cable discs going but I haven't been particularly impressed long-term. List price was  IIRC £899 and was much better value for money than the TdF 10. To make it even better value I got it at the end of the season right before Genesis changed it to a flat-bar tourer. The current model's Sora equipment might be posher but IMHO not so relevant for a bike intended for loaded touring and bumps up the price.

Having said that, although I find the bar-end shifters great for on-road use they do make off-road riding a bit "interesting" sometimes. Like the reviewer I find the bike very stable at all times and would agree that loading it up seems to actually improve the handling a tad unlike tourers made of lighter gauge tubing. I also agree that the stock tyres aren't the most confidence inspiring when the roads are greasy and when I can find some 32mm Conti GP 4 Seasons at a reasonable price I'll stick some on for this winter.

As a multi-purpose machine for commuting and clubruns through the winter, touring or even "bikepacking" it's served me pretty well to be honest but I'm not sure I'd buy the TdF 10 at the current price.

The Trek 520 looks a bit better in some respects but as others have commented the aluminium fork would put me off. Why bother saving ~300g on a bike destined to be lugging loads of stuff around. There's no denying the 1.25kg Genesis fork is heavy and unyielding (no lovely steel spring in that beast) but at least I know it will take anything I throw it at.

daccordimark wrote: I've got an earlier version of this bike when there was only one Tour De Fer model. It came with bar-end shifters, a trekking/MTB triple with a much more suitable gear range (44/32/22 rings with an 11-32 cassette) for fully loaded touring and both front and rear racks. Brakes were TRP Spyres which most people reckon are about the best cable discs going but I haven't been particularly impressed long-term. List price was  IIRC £899 and was much better value for money than the TdF 10. To make it even better value I got it at the end of the season right before Genesis changed it to a flat-bar tourer. The current model's Sora equipment might be posher but IMHO not so relevant for a bike intended for loaded touring and bumps up the price. Having said that, although I find the bar-end shifters great for on-road use they do make off-road riding a bit "interesting" sometimes. Like the reviewer I find the bike very stable at all times and would agree that loading it up seems to actually improve the handling a tad unlike tourers made of lighter gauge tubing. I also agree that the stock tyres aren't the most confidence inspiring when the roads are greasy and when I can find some 32mm Conti GP 4 Seasons at a reasonable price I'll stick some on for this winter. As a multi-purpose machine for commuting and clubruns through the winter, touring or even "bikepacking" it's served me pretty well to be honest but I'm not sure I'd buy the TdF 10 at the current price. The Trek 520 looks a bit better in some respects but as others have commented the aluminium fork would put me off. Why bother saving ~300g on a bike destined to be lugging loads of stuff around. There's no denying the 1.25kg Genesis fork is heavy and unyielding (no lovely steel spring in that beast) but at least I know it will take anything I throw it at. Mark.

That's the thing though, despite the modern equipment this is still heavier than the old bog standard R531 Dawes Galaxy with racks/guards, it's 4kg heavier than my commuter/utility do-it-all hybrid with rack/guards/cages, it's heavier by over 3kg than a Roux Menthe with R525 with mudguards (no rack) and roughly the same as the Roux Etape 250 https://road.cc/content/review/82472-roux-etape-250-2013 which is still available for as low as £600. The Ridgeback Panorama is available for well under £1000 too.

If you don't think 4kg makes a difference when touring or commuting, go put two bricks in your panniers and come back to me.

As for forks, I find my 650g carbon mudguard forks (with low rider mounts too) will take everything I can throw at it includingcrashes and motor vehicles driving into them, why add more weight when it's not necessary nor compromise robustness and even be able to increase comfort?

BehindTheBikesheds wrote: daccordimark wrote: I've got an earlier version of this bike when there was only one Tour De Fer model. It came with bar-end shifters, a trekking/MTB triple with a much more suitable gear range (44/32/22 rings with an 11-32 cassette) for fully loaded touring and both front and rear racks. Brakes were TRP Spyres which most people reckon are about the best cable discs going but I haven't been particularly impressed long-term. List price was  IIRC £899 and was much better value for money than the TdF 10. To make it even better value I got it at the end of the season right before Genesis changed it to a flat-bar tourer. The current model's Sora equipment might be posher but IMHO not so relevant for a bike intended for loaded touring and bumps up the price. Having said that, although I find the bar-end shifters great for on-road use they do make off-road riding a bit "interesting" sometimes. Like the reviewer I find the bike very stable at all times and would agree that loading it up seems to actually improve the handling a tad unlike tourers made of lighter gauge tubing. I also agree that the stock tyres aren't the most confidence inspiring when the roads are greasy and when I can find some 32mm Conti GP 4 Seasons at a reasonable price I'll stick some on for this winter. As a multi-purpose machine for commuting and clubruns through the winter, touring or even "bikepacking" it's served me pretty well to be honest but I'm not sure I'd buy the TdF 10 at the current price. The Trek 520 looks a bit better in some respects but as others have commented the aluminium fork would put me off. Why bother saving ~300g on a bike destined to be lugging loads of stuff around. There's no denying the 1.25kg Genesis fork is heavy and unyielding (no lovely steel spring in that beast) but at least I know it will take anything I throw it at. Mark.

You're not wrong there, it is ridiculously heavy! A lot of that comes from the stock tyres on mine which weigh roughly 1kg each and are far heavier than anything I ever put on my original 531 tourer BITD. That bike did some seriously laden touring but it was noticeably flexy when loaded up compared to the TdF. I also wouldn't have had the confidence to take it on the kind of off-road terrain that the TdF has done with me. That's not to say it wouldn't have survived as many an old member of the Rough Stuff Fellowship would probably tell me but that's my personal choice.

To compare it to the Roux Menthe is meaningless in the context of weight as they are made for different things. The equally heavy Roux Etape 250 is a proper comparison and as you say still around for much less money than the current TdF which as I've already aluded to isn't good value.

Looking around I can't find a disc-braked Panorama for well under £1000 although there are some of the rim-braked ones still available at those prices which again just reinforces what I said about getting good value by buying end-of-line bikes. I never would have paid £899 for my TdF but at £699 I considered it just about worth the money.

Your comment about 4kg made me laugh - where did I ever say 4kg doesn't make a difference? You'll get no argument from me there, I would love to save 4kg off my TdF if and only if every single component was to the same spec. So that means disc brakes, super tough 35mm tyres, 19mm rims, 36 spokes in each wheel, a steel frame with a stiff down tube to take the heavy touring loads etc. etc. I suspect that would be possible with a bigger budget than I had at the time I bought the bike but that's hardly the point.

Your carbon forks sound pretty tough, I'm not sure many forks would survive a direct hit from a motor vehicle no matter what they're made of. For some illogical reason I still prefer steel forks for every day riding and loaded touring, I can't defend it with facts I just don't have faith in carbon. I rode carbon-bladed forks with an aluminium crown and steerer in my Kinesis TK2 for years without worrying but that was only used for commuting. Eventually though I lost confidence in them when I noticed grooves in the fork crown made by the mudguard and started to see the join between the carbon and the aluminium. On the other hand the monocoque carbon forks in my "race" bike have my full confidence. As for the comfort factor neither of those carbon forks flex in the same way as steel does or soak up the vibration any better so for me I can't see where the comfort claims come from. Even with the unyielding TdF fork there's much more gain to be had from compliant tyres inflated to sensible pressures.

Getting back to the reviewed bike, yes it's not good value for money but seeing as you mentioned the Ridgeback Panorama the current disc-braked version is more expensive and even heavier (not that I think that matters) even with it's better quality 725 main tubes. So it's not like the TdF stands out like a sore thumb compared to what's currently being offered by manufacturers.

Out of interest what is your commuter/utility do-it-all hybrid? I think I've seen you mention it before but can't remember what it is.

Pinnacle Dacite good option for £950? https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-dacite-1-2019-touring-bike-EV318241 , has TRP Spyres better than Promax, also a better gear range for properly fully loaded touring imo 44/32/22T up front and 11-34T on the back. I don't think the 30/32 on this is amazing when lugging panniers and tent and that. Also has the same great Tubus rack and better SKS guards. Bar end shifters though-if you can hack 'em.

Sora and Mechanical disks for £1200? Not the best value.

a1white wrote: Sora and Mechanical disks for £1200? Not the best value.

You can’t get hydraulics without going to 105, at which point you lose the triple. I suppose you could go to tiagra with hy/rd brakes, but that’s as close as you’d get.

Youre paying for the frame and the name, though, let’s be honest. My Genesis cost the thick end of £700 and that’s with rim brakes and no groupset at all.

vonhelmet wrote: a1white wrote: Sora and Mechanical disks for £1200? Not the best value.

Yeah good points. nice bikes, but the prices have creeped up lately for sure.

It's strange that the review says Genesis doesn't seem to represent the value it once used to. I'm not sure they've ever represented good value equipment-wise, which given that they spec Shimano components and their parent company is a Shimano distributor has always felt a little like price gouging to me.

A lack of power is not “a feature inherent to mechanical disc brakes”. I’ve got TRP Spyres with compressionless cables that will loosen the fillings in your teeth if you yank on them.

Now a lack of modulation is another matter, but you didn’t say that.

vonhelmet wrote: A lack of power is not “a feature inherent to mechanical disc brakes”. I’ve got TRP Spyres with compressionless cables that will loosen the fillings in your teeth if you yank on them. Now a lack of modulation is another matter, but you didn’t say that.

i agree, lack of power? Get a captain crush hand strengthener. 

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The New 2018 Genesis Tour De Fer, Longitude & Vagabond Touring Bikes

Genesis has been building nice steel touring bikes for a while now, offering a few different models across their adventure range. The 2018 Genesis Tour de Fer touring bikes have you sorted for any four-pannier touring, while the Longitude and Vagabond models give you the option to hit the more gnarly off-road bikepacking stuff.

Let’s inspect the Genesis on-road and off-road touring bike ranges.

The 2018 Genesis Tour De Fer Touring Bikes

The flagship model is the Tour de Fer 30 which is ready to tour out of the box. The frame is constructed using heat-treated Reynolds 725 steel tubing which is about as good as it gets for bicycle touring. The bike offers a Shimano Tiagra 30-speed drivetrain with a small gear of 26 gear inches. I find this a little big for hilly tours so I recommend swapping out the crankset for an older road triple that can be modified to fit a 24 or 26t front chainring. Other parts on the bike include the brilliant B&M IQ-X dynamo light, Tubus steel racks, Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyres and cable disc brakes.

It hits the scales at 16.60kg (according to Genesis; seems a bit high to me) and retails for £1799 .

My favourite touring bike offered by Genesis is the very-well equipped Tour de Fer 20 – in fact, I put this bike on my list of the 8 Best Touring Bikes . The reason I like it is that it offers the lowest climbing gear ratio (19 gear inches) of any 2018 Genesis Tour de Fer model, which means you can still be spinning at 60RPM at 5.5km/h. It has the excellent Reynolds 725 steel tubing found in the flagship model and it’s built with a Tubus rack set, dynamo hub/lights, full fenders, Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyres and cable disc brakes.

The 2018 Genesis Tour de Fer 20 is 15.08kg and retails for  £1499 .

The entry-level Tour de Fer model uses a regular steel frameset which is different to the above models. This adds a little weight but isn’t expected to change the ride quality by much. To reduce the price, Genesis has used a Shimano Sora 27-speed groupset. This drivetrain offers a 26 gear inch climbing gear which will have you riding at 7.3km/h at 60 RPM. This gearing is a little high for hilly tours, so I suggest fitting a Shimano Deore crankset to the bike, should you like the mountains.

The Tour de Fer 10 is bit lighter without the dynamo gear and front rack (14.14kg) and it’s available for  £1199 .

The New 2018 Genesis Longitude Off-Road Touring Bike

The 2018 Genesis Longitude is designed for places where there are no roads. It is rolling on 27×2.8″ plus tyres which offer amazing grip on all surfaces as well as having a kind of inbuilt suspension. The stem is super short and the handlebars wide to provide a big steering leverage to overcome the weight of front bikepacking bags and cargo cages. The climbing gear is around 20 gear inches which results in a climbing speed of 6km/h at 60RPM. The bike comes with Gorilla cargo cages, Shimano hydro brakes and a Shimano 2018 Deore drivetrain.

It hits the scales at 13.74kg and is  £1199 .

The New 2018 Genesis Vagabond Touring Bike

The 2018 Genesis Vagabond is the off-road 29er for the brand. It’s also the lightest touring bike in the lineup at 12.36kg. The cool thing about the Vagabond is that it can easily be equipped as a touring bike with fender mounts, rack mounts, barend shifters and some smallish climbing gears. The lowest gear ratio is 22 gear inches which will have you travelling at 6.5km/h @ 60RPM. The bike is finished with 2018 Shimano Deore 10s gearing and the brilliant TRP Spyre cable disc brakes.

You can get the 2018 Genesis Vagabond for  £1099 .

Want To Compare These Touring Bikes With Dozens of Others?

Check out The Touring Bicycle Buyer’s Guide  which compares touring bike steering, sizing, gear ratios, specification, pricing and more. This guide is updated annually with the latest models at no extra cost!

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All About Touring Bike Brakes Frame Materials for Bicycle Touring How to Select Touring Bike Gearing Understand Bicycle Frame Geometry What’s the Difference between Cyclocross and Touring Bikes?

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Genesis Tour De Fer 30

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / XS, SM, MD, LG, XL

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Steel
• Fork Genesis Full Chromoly
• Hubs Shimano Front - DH-UR700-3D / Rear FH-M6000
• Wheels Sun Ringle Rhyno Lite
• Spokes Steel 14 g
• Tires Schwalbe Marathon
• Chain KMC X10
• Bottom Bracket Shimano BB-ES300
• Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra FD-4703
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra RD-4700-GS Medium Cage
• Shifters Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 3 x 10 Speed
• Brakeset TRP Spyre-C Mechanical Disc
• Saddle Genesis
• Seatpost Genesis Alloy 27.2 XS/S/M = 350 mm L/XL = 400 mm
• Stem Genesis Alloy 31.8mm -6 deg 100 mm
• Headset PT-1770 EC34 Upper / EC34 Lower

Q: How much is a 2022 Genesis Tour De Fer 30?

A 2022 Genesis Tour De Fer 30 is typically priced around £2,199 GBP when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2022 Genesis Tour De Fer 30?

The 2022 Genesis Tour De Fer 30 may be purchased directly from Genesis .

Q: What size 2022 Genesis Tour De Fer 30 should I get?

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Description

Best selling touring bike for those covering long distances.

The Genesis Tour de Fer is packed with features and is the perfect companion for adventure riders, bike packers or commuters who need some carrying options.

Like it's Genesis sibling, the Croix de Fer, the Tour is built around a comfortable steel frameset. Strong without being to heavy, comfortable over various surfaces and looks great too.

The range topping TdF 30 has been fitted with the best components of the line-up. Shimano's Tiagra drivetrain is good to see you across many miles, powerful TRP disc brakes will bring you safely to a stop and the 700c wheels are wrapped in Schwalbe Marathon tyres, a popular choice for long distance and commuting.

What makes the TdF stand out is the  fantastic list of features, these include - Front and rear pannier racks, front and rear mudguards, dynamo powered front and rear lights, 2 water bottle cages, one anything cage and a kick-stand. Everything you could need, all in one package!

• Packed with all the features needed for pedal powered world-touring
• Comfortable steel frame is extremely durable and looks great
• High spec build kit
• Shimano Tiagra 3x drivetrain
• TRP disc brakes
• 700c wheel size
• Schwalbe Marathon tyres
• Front and rear pannier racks
• Front and rear mudguards
• Dynamo hub powered front and rear lights

Specifications

Discipline  Touring

Material  Steel

Front Travel  N/A

Rear Travel  N/A

Wheel Size  700c

Warranty Lifetime (frame)

Brake Type : Mechanical Disc Fork Material : Chromoly Frame Material : Steel Bottom Bracket : Shimano BB-ES300 Wheel Size : 700c Brake Levers : Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 3 x 10 Speed Intended Use : Touring Brakes : TRP Spyre-C Mechanical Disc Cassette Freewheel : Shimano CS-HG500-10 11-32T Chain : KMC X10 Fork : Genesis Full Chromoly Front Derailleur : Shimano Tiagra FD-4703 Grip Tape : Genesis Headset : PT-1770 EC34 Upper / EC34 Lower Hubs : Shimano Front - DH-UR700-3D / Rear FH-M6000 Pedals : NW-91K With Cage Rear Derailleur : Shimano Tiagra RD-4700-GS Medium Cage Rims : Sun Ringle Rhyno Lite Saddle : Genesis Seat Post : Genesis Alloy 27.2 XS/S/M = 350 mm L/XL = 400 mm Shifters : Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 3 x 10 Speed Spokes : Steel 14 g Stem : Genesis Alloy 31.8mm -6 deg 100 mm Tyres : Schwalbe Marathon Frame Shape : Crossbar Gender : Mens, Womens

Genesis Tour de Fer 30

SKU: GN22430XS

Barcode: 5027726692680

is back-ordered. We will ship it separately in 10 to 15 days.

Delivery & Returns

Delivery information.

We have a range of delivery options on orders. Most importantly, if your order is over £50 then delivery is free! All Biketart orders are fully trackable. You will get a tracking number by email when your order is shipped which will allow you to track it with Royal Mail or DPD. In-stock orders placed by 4pm will be processed the same day. Any items displaying "in-stock with supplier, despatched in 2-3 days" on the product page cannot be despatched the same day as they will be shipped to us from the supplier when you place your order. Read on to discover the delivery options available to you on your order.

Delivery Services

Standard Tracked : All orders over £50 are eligible for free standard tracked delivery by Royal Mail. For orders under £50 there is a £3 charge. Orders sent using standard tracked are usually delivered in 2-3 days. Priority Tracked : For £4 your order is sent by premium tracked delivery which gives a 1-2 day (including Saturdays) delivery timescale. This service is provided by Royal Mail who will usually deliver on Saturdays. Orders must be placed by 4pm. Next Day Courier : If you require next-working-day delivery then this is provided by DPD and is £6.99. Orders must be placed by 3.30pm and be fully in-stock in order to be processed before our daily DPD collection. Saturday Delivery : You can select Saturday delivery options from DPD at the checkout. Bike Delivery : Bikes are always delivered by courier. After placing a bike order your bike is fully assembled and tested before being carefully boxed for shipping. Because of this build process it is not always possible to offer next-day delivery on a bike. Please do get in touch if you want to know a specific despatch day on any bike on our website. Call us on 01227 832582 or email [email protected].

Returns Info

We offer a 30 day return period on our items. We ask that items are returned in their original packaging and in re-sellable condition. We do not pay returns postage.unless we have made an error with your order.

We cannot accept the return if the item is not correctly packaged and is damaged in transit during the return trip back to us.

Please do not stick any tape or labels to the products branded outer packaging.

Customer Reviews

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2021 Genesis Bikes Tour de Fer 30

Published sizing recommendations, stack and reach vs. category trend.

The Bike Insights Upright/Aggressive scale is based on analysis of a bike’s proportions relative to similar sized bikes in the same category.

Genesis Tour de Fer 30 2017 Touring Bicycle Review

Tech spec highlights.

Full dynamo light set up Burly Reynolds 725 frameset Full Tiagra 3x10 groupset Front and rear Tubus racks

• Frame: Reynolds 725 Heat-Treated Chromoly
• Fork: Cr-Mo Unicrown Disc
• Headset: Prestine PT-1606 1-1/8" semi cartridge
• Shifters: Shimano Tiagra ST-4703 / 3x10 speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra RD-4700 / GS cage
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra FD-4703
• Chainset: Shimano FC-4703 / 50-39-30T / XS, 165mm / S, 170mm / M-XL, 175mm
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB-RS500
• Chain: KMC x10
• Cassette: Shimano CS-HG500-10 / 11-32T
• Rims: Sun Ringle Rhyno Lite / 36h
• Hubs: SP PD-8/Shimano FH-M615 36h / front / rear / 6-bolt / centre lock
• Spokes: Stainless steel 14g
• Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 700x35c
• Brakes: TRP Spyre-C 2-piston mechanical disc brake w/160mm TR160 rotors w/ rear adapter
• Levers: Shimano ST-4703
• Handlebars: Genesis X-Race Pro / 16deg Flare / XS, 400mm / S-M, 420mm / L-XL, 440mm
• Grips: Velo tape w/Gel
• Stem: Genesis AS-027 / + - 7deg / 100mm
• Saddle: Genesis Road Comfort
• Seatpost: Genesis Alloy / XS-M, 27.2x350mm / L-XL, 27.2x400mm
• Pedals: NW-99K w/ Toeclip
• Weight (Kg): 16.60
• Extras: Trekking mudguards / Front 45x720mm-Rear 45x1185mm / Tubus Cargo rear rack / Tubus Tara front rack / B&M Lumotec IQ-X headlight / B&M Secula Plus tail light

Company Info

The first Genesis bike was produced under the Ridgeback brand as the Day One model in 2001. Due to its popularity, Genesis became a label in its own right in 2006. Over ten years the range expanded beyond commuter bikes to include road, mountain, cyclo-cross, gravel, kids and fat bikes Genesis bikes became renowned for their use of steel tubing and ethos for function over form. The bikes have been designed by James Olsen (2005-2011), Dom Thomas (2011-2013) and Albert Steward (2013-2015).

The Croix de Fer was the most well known bike. Its adventurous credentials were proven in 2010 as Vin Cox set the Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle. 1

…We bring to life the sorts of bikes we enjoy riding…We’re not the biggest out there but our size does afford us to take a few risks; namely to push through bikes that bigger companies might deem too fringe or oddball to ever grace their range….Most of our bikes will have ‘built-in’ practicalities (we’re not one to pigeonhole a bikes usage) that will enable you to use them daily across many different scenarios. Design and technology working in perfect harmony in a thoroughly thought through, practical package. 1

Environmental Policy

They isn’t easily found info on their environmental policy as a company.

What the Company Says about the Product

The bike you’d turn to if you were to quit your job and embark on an impromptu pedal-powered world tour! Build-wise, we dressed the frame with durable, no-nonsense components that we knew from personal experience are tour/expedition worthy and should last the sorts of high-mileages for which the bike was intended. The spec list should, by all accounts, read like a cyclo tourist’s wishlist; even going so far as to include an SP dynamo hub with B&M front and rear lights! Expedition-ready straight from the box - just add rider, luggage and a strong sense of adventure.

Bike Radar says:

At first glance it would be easy to assume that this is just a Croix de Fer with beefed up parts, but the geometry of the Tour de Fer is subtly different compared to its more spritely cousin. The primary differences are a longer wheelbase, which improves general stability, a lower trail fork to improve the handling when loaded at the front and a slightly higher stack height, which makes for a more comfortable, upright position.

How I describe the Product

The Genesis Tour de Fer is second only in my list of adventure touring bikes to the Surly LHT and Disc Trucker. Is has the right frame material - steel, geometry - long wheel base designed for comfort and miles and a well specced drivetrain for the job.

• Tubus (Cargo / Tara) racks are extremely durable.
• Dynamo light enables impromptu night riding / commuting / safety without worrying about charging batteries (and for charging accessories via USB).
• Mechanical disc brakes won’t wear your rims and offer reliable braking power.
• 3 sets of bottle cage bosses.
• Marathon Mondial are the successor to the bulletproof Marathon XR tyres.
• You might want to switch the saddle for a leather Brooks.
• If you want more holding positions on the bars you might want to change them for flat bars or an H bar or alternative bar.
• The 2016 model looked to have Deore drivetrain which has more of a mountain bike heritage which may be more durable than the road specced one.
• No back up v-brake bosses.
• 700C rims might not be ideal as not as available as 26 inch in far flung corners of the globe.

Sizing recommendations scoured from around the Internet:

Q: 5ft. 6-7 tall, 29 inch inside leg measurement

A: Extra small or the small, Genesis bikes tend to come up a little large.

Q: 5 feet 7 inches and my inseam is about 32 inches

A: For the Genesis Tour de Fer 2017 Touring Bike you want a medium frame.

Q: 6.3 tall - what size would you recommend?

A: An XL frame would be suitable.

General touring bike sizing guide from Edinburgh cycles .

I don’t have one of these bikes but I know two people who have been sponsored by Genesis and have seen how the bikes have lived up to the punishment including biking to Tibet from the UK (not on the exact model, but shows the brand quality). I will update this article when I get a chance to test the bike first hand.

Further photos from Cycle Show 2017

• Cycle touring

• 0151 733 5507
• [email protected]
• Open Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat: 9:30am–5:30pm Closed Sun and Wed

Genesis Tour De Fer 40 Touring Bike

The New Genesis Tour De Fer 40 Touring Bike

Ready for any escape, the Tour De Fer 40 comes jam packed with details and add-ons right out of the box.

We’ve done the tinkering, the fettling, and the “what if?” head scratching so you don’t have to. This model is ready for a round-the-world tour straight from new bike day.

Tour De Fer

Sometimes do you wish you could just jump on your bike and disappear? The idea of it sounds great, proper freedom, escapism. In reality, you might need to do quite a bit to your bike to make it ready for whatever the road throws your way.

That’s where Tour de Fer comes in. A proper out of the box world explorer.

Each model aims to take the stress out of your quest and allow you to enjoy the journey.

Evolution Of A Classic

Subtle updates to the frame, fork and specification bring this legendary tourer right up to date.

Small changes. Big Difference.

Modern Drivetrains

All Tour De Fer models now run a double chainset in place of the triple found on previous generations.

Modern double drivetrains offer a considerable weight saving, increased efficiency and extended wear life compared to triple drivetrains. They look smarter too.

With fresh componentry updates, the ratios available are comparible.

Each model comes equipped with a chainstay mounted kick stand.

Its positioning on a dedicated mounting plate keeps it tucked away whilst riding but also easy to use and secure when holding a loaded bike.

AVS Compatibile

AtranVelo Tour AVS rear racks feature across the range. These racks offer a considerable 27kg load capacity and with a wide range of compatible accessories.

Top of our list is the AtranVelo Travel Side set and accompanying Travel top bag.

Frame & Fork

• Genesis Mjolnir Chromoly Tubing
• Genesis Chromoly Fork
• Shimano Tiagra 4700
• 2 x 10-speed
• 46/30T Chainrings
• 11-34T Cassette
• Amplitude G100 Finishing Kit
• Madison Flux Switch Saddle
• Sun Ringle Rhyno Lite Rims
• Shimano Dynamo Front Hub
• QR Front & Rear
• Vittoria Randonneur Tech 700 x 40mm Tyres
• Promax DSK-717 Mechanical Disc Brakes
• 180mm Front & 160mm Rear Rotors

Accessories

• AtranVelo AVS Rear & Lowrider Front Racks
• Busch & Muller Dynamo Light Set

Information

• Delivery and Returns
• Repair and Collection
• Price Match
• Cycle to Work Vouchers
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There are 0 items in your cart. there is 1 item in your cart., genesis tour de fer 20 & 30 review, for explorers on two wheels.

When the lure of adventure becomes overwhelming,  Genesis Tour de Fer  is the bike to take you on a long journey. This  700C tourer , thanks to its front and rear racks, the SP dynamo hub and B&M lights, is a reliable adventure machine. Its loading capacity is guaranteed by expedition grade Tubus racks and the sturdy  725 Reynolds frameset  is great value for money. So, if your intended purpose is to cross lots of countries, Genesis Tour de Fer can be your  long-distance touring bike .

The long wheelbase improves stability, while the handling with loads at the front is taken care of by the well-designed combination of trail fork and stack height, which makes for a comfy-upright position.

Who prefers the  flat bars  for touring will go for  TdF 20 , whereas the  TdF 30  offers drop bars for multiple hand positions during all-day long rides.

Shimano groupset and mechanical disc brakes are chosen for long term reliability and easy repairs.

The 3x10 groupset, instead of looking aged, will be much appreciated riding loads on steep hills.

@Lifeintravel Veronica Rizzoli  – tireless world explorer on two wheels - has chosen the  2018 Tour de Fer 20  for her next world tours. Here are the features she deemed ultimate in her travel bike (and the TdF has them all):

-         strong steel frame , not only shock-absorbing and shock-resistant, but also easy to weld even in the middle of nowhere;

-         dynamo hub, that she will also use to recharge electronic devices with  USB chargers ;

-         upright riding position , suitable for long days in the saddle;

-         wide ratio gearing ;

-         a package ready to travel  just out of the box (racks, fenders, lighting, 3x bottle mounts)

You can find Veronica’s review of TdF 20 on the lifeintrave.it website. Most of the shots used in this page are Veronica’s (with permission) and many others you will find on Lifeintravel social pages.

So, if you want to move from A to B on your own in total freedom, Genesis TdF is a good opportunity to achieve your goal.

With the fenders in place, the tyres are 700x35mm, but the frame can accomodate 700x38mm without. This is also highly valuable when you are riding rough terrains. Don’t go too wide, because in the mud things might get tough.

TOUR DE FER 20 & 30: HIGHLIGHTS (at least some of them) in our opinion

-         725 REYNOLDS STEEL : it is a classic seamless crmo but heat-treated boosting tensile strength so that thinner walls can be used, achieving a lighter frame weight without compromising strength. Heated to around 1600F, the steels’ crystal lattice gets a more uniform and stronger orientation. Cooling rapidly, it maintains the structural change.

-         SHUTTER PRECISION PD-8 HUB DYNAMO : With its only 410 grams, this is one of the lightest hubs in its category. It achieves the very good efficiency of 78% at 15km/h and a low no-load loss. The nominal power amounts to 3 Watt with voltage of 6 volt.

-         TUBUS CARGO REAR / TARA FRONT RACKS : Tubus carriers are hand made. Over the last 18 years Tubus has developed and improved the fabrication process making thin steel tubes into highly resistant and strong bicycle racks. No compromise products mean a 30 years guarantee offered with confidence. Tubus carriers go through complex testing procedures before they are released for quality production.

-         SCHWALBE MARATHON MONDIAL TYRES : Several long distance bicycle tourers agree that the Scwalbe Marathon Mondial tyres are the best all-rounder on the market, long lasting, fast on tarmac (no need for slicker tyres), good grip on rough roads and eccellent in the wet.

Whether you are circumnavigating the globe or you are a daily commuter, the Genesis Tour de Fer is well worth a look. Also available as framest only , you’ll be able to get one  HERE .

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Best touring bikes 2024: tourers for adventures on two wheels

Although there are many bikes capable of cycle trips, the best touring bikes remain the optimal tool for longer journeys

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Our pick of the best touring bikes

What to look for in a touring bike.

The allure of the open road is one of cycling’s enduring themes. Touring by bicycle allows for this on a grand scale, travelling for several days, often in far-flung places with all your kit strapped to the bike. Of course, micro-adventures closer to home can be just as much fun and still keep the spirit of adventure alive.

Whether you’re planning an expedition abroad or fancy exploring more local roads in far greater detail, a touring bike is the ideal tool for the job. Designed for cycling long distances in comfort, the bikes should be both stable and reliable in their handling, as well as providing all the mounts you need for pannier racks and bags and mudguards . Self-sufficiency is one of the tenets of cycling touring, so the bikes are usually designed with ease of maintenance in mind, too.

The good news for touring cyclists is that the range of bikes available to cater for their needs has grown substantially in the last few years.

In this guide, we've rounded up the more traditional options. If you're thinking of going off-road, perhaps investigate gravel orientated options in our buying guide here , and if you plan to go quick and travel light, see endurance road bikes here .

There's more on what to look for in a touring bike below - but first, here are our top picks of the best touring bikes.

Genesis Tour de Fer 30 touring bike

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

This is a bike that's been created exclusively to provide a comfortable and practical ride for a touring cyclist. The Reynolds 725 Heat-Treated Chromoly frame promises a springy ride and an incredibly strong base.

The 160mm rotor mechanical disc brakes are a more modern introduction with a nod to practicality, especially in the wet. Although we’ve found mechanical TRP Spyre brake calipers aren’t quite as powerful or as easy to modulate as a hydraulic brakeset, they are easy to adjust and highly reliable – perfect for a long-distance tour.

A 10-speed Shimano Tiagra drivetrain is about right for a bike at this price point, but in our experience, a 50/39/30 crankset provides gears that are just a bit too big for cycle touring – particularly over hilly terrain. 

But you can always swap this out for a smaller ringed option down the line. We find that with a cassette of 11-34t, going for a granny ring of 26t is generally a good bet.

We’ve always found Schwalbe’s Marathon tyres to be highly puncture resistant and with a good wear rate. In 35c, these are capable of traversing broken roads and tamer gravel, but if you’re planning on spending a large amount of time off road you would want something a bit plumper.

Handily, this bike come with many of the accessories we think are a must. Firstly, mudguards, but also dynamo powered front and rear lights, bottle cages and the Tubus pannier racks front and rear.

Surly Disc Trucker

A spin-off of Surly's much-revered Long Haul Trucker, the Disc Trucker keeps many of the much-loved versatility and can-do attitude, but this time with the addition of mechanical disc brakes and thru-axles – unlike the Genesis Tour de Fer 30 which has disc brakes and QR axles.

Opinion is a little split on thru-axles for touring – if you have any catastrophic issues with your hubs in more remote countries, you're unlikely to be able to find a replacement locally. That said, those kind of hub issues are quite rare and if it does happen you can always get a replacement sent out. For the improved alignment between the rotor and the caliper, we think the benefits outweigh the negatives.

A multitude of braze-on mount means the Disc Trucker is capable of running front and rear bags, full-coverage fenders, two water bottles, a spare spoke and even a pump peg. However, in not coming with these accessories, you will have to factor these into the cost, making the value for money a little less than the Genesis Tour de Fer 30 or the Kona Sutra.

With both 26" and 700c wheel build options available, the Disc Trucker can be as adventurous as you choose. The 26" (in sizes 42-58cm) is capable of taking up to 2.1" tires, while the 700c version (in sizes 56-64cm) has room for up to 42mm tires — both with fenders.

Although touring bikes generally do have a more relaxed position than a typical road bike, designed as they are for comfortably covering long distances, the Disc Trucker does have a particularly high front end. This isn't necessarily a problem, but if you are coming from a road cycling background, you may find just such an elevated position a little uncomfortable 

Made from a CroMoly Steel, the Disc Trucker comes equipped with a Shimano Alivio/Sora drivetrain, with the 48/36/26 triple Alivio crankset and 11-34 9-speed Shimano cassette provides a gearing range we find to be a great balance between top-end speed and low-end winching – particularly if you’re planning on maxing out the rider and kit weight limit of 161kg (355lb).

Kona Sutra All Road touring bike

The gloss black Sutra is made from Kona 's Cromoly steel frame and is kitted out with smooth-rolling Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 700x40c tires on WTB STi23 rims, which are now tubeless-compatible.

The current model has replaced the previous Shimano Deore 3x10 drivetrain with 2x10 chainset from Shimano's GRX gravel range. It's a move that's unlikely to please the touring purists. The 46/30t chainrings are matched with a 11-36t cassette, which sees the bike's gearing range reduced. It should still see you up the steep climbs, just perhaps not in as much comfort as before.

Gone too are the bar-end shifters, replaced with Shimano 10-speed Tiagra road shifters. Again it's quite the change, moving the Sutra from a traditional tourer into a far more modern interpretation. It reduces some of the bike's previous mechanical simplicity, which is appealing if your tours are long and overseas. That said the move to STI levers will appeal if you're used to riding a regular bike.

Another nod to modernity are the TRP disc brakes, which are blend of mechanical and hydraulic, and the frame's thru-axles.

With a Brooks B17 leather saddle, mudguards and a front pannier rack finishing off this tourer, this good-looking bike oozes style.

The leather Brooks saddle does require a bit more care than what you might be used to – it need to be kept covered from heavy rain and needs a semi regular application of cream to keep the leather supple. But by functioning essentially as a hammock, it is exceptionally comfortable and only gets better over time as it moulds to your shape – it wears in, rather than out..

Ridgeback Voyage

Classic styling never goes out of date - and the vintage-looking Voyage has got it by the bucket load, though a redesign means that modern tech has not been overlooked.

The Ridgeback Voyage uses Reynolds 520 tubing for the frame, with a CroMoly steel fork. A rack and full mudguards (fenders) come as standard. 

The Shimano 48/36/26t triple chainset paired with an 11-34 cassette offers a good range of gearing although with relatively large jumps between the gears due to having just nine gears at the rear. 

We don’t find this to be too much of an issue when taking it steady on a cycle tour but would prefer something a little tighter if multiple very high mileage days are planned.

Shifting and braking is taken care of by Shimano's reliable Sora levers and Tektro cantilever rim brakes. The latter certainly help make the Voyage a maintenance-friendly machine - easy to maintain and find replaces for, even in remote locations - although disc brakes may be a preferred choice for all-weather tourers.

Alex rims with a high spoke count are pretty dependable, even if not the flashiest and fitted with 32c Continental Contact tyres, they can handle a little off road, but are best suited to the tarmac.  

Trek 520 disc touring bike

Constructed from Trek's CroMoly steel, the frame has been designed around disc brakes and fitted with a rack and fenders mounts.

The Bontrager Affinity rims are tubeless-ready, which might be worth setting up if you want a bit of a faster ride when commuting. But for long-term touring it’s generally best to stick with inner tubes so as to avoid the added complication of sealant drying out. Bontrager’s 38c H1 hard-case Ultimate tyres offer good puncture resistance themselves.

The drivetrain is a mixture of Shimano parts with Sora shifters. The crankset is a triple, with 48/36/26 tooth chainrings, and the cassette is an 11-36 so you'll have ample gears when the road goes up. TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc mechanical discs look after stopping.

However, with only nine sprockets on the cassette, the jumps between the gears are a little large, as with the Ridgeback Voyage. But if this does cause you an issue, and if you find yourself not using all of the gears, you could fit a tighter range cassette for smaller jumps.

Like the Genesis Tour de Fer 30, the wheel axles are QR, which can make getting the rotor and caliper aligned properly a little more difficult than with a thru-axle system

The overall weight comes in at 14.26 kg / 31.4 lbs in a size 57, which is lighter than some of the more traditional options.

Cube Travel Pro Trapeze touring bike

Cube offers its Travel Pro tourer in both a traditional crossbar and step-through frame design, with the latter making mounting and dismounting this robust, aluminum bike easy and convenient.

The convenience theme is carried through much of the bike. It's equipped with a Shimano Nexus internal hub gear system and a Gates CDN Belt Drive system which offers super low maintenance compared with a more traditional chain and derailleur system.

With this eight-speed hub, the jumps between the gears is a little larger and the overall range a little lower than you can get with a derailleur system, and it's not quite as efficient. But that said, if you're planning on taking it steady on your cycle tour, those points are pretty immaterial compared to the benefit of much lower maintenance.  

There's plenty of clearance for extra-wide tires and the wheels are currently wrapped in Schwalbe's Marathon Almotion 29x2.15in rubber.

Finishing off this functional tourer are full-length fenders, an adjustable CUBE stand Pro kickstand, a Knog Oi bell, lights (front and rear), and a semi-integrated carrier for pannier bags; these features will have you covered for any adventure.

Salsa Marrakesh

The Marrakesh is designed to take you touring wherever you wish — including a trip around the world if necessary. The frame is built from 4130 CroMoly tubing and has a serious array of mounts. There's room for up to five bottle cages thanks to extra fork mounts plus it comes fitted with front and rear racks. There's even a mount to carry a spare spoke.

Elsewhere there are bar-end shifters and a 3x9-speed Shimano Alivio groupset. The gearing range is designed to get you up the steep stuff even when fully loaded thanks to 48/36/36 triple chainring paired with an 11-36t cassette. The shifters also make roadside maintenance a little easier.

Its world-touring credentials are further aided by its generous tire clearance - 700 x 40mm even with mudguards (fenders), and comes stock with Maxxis Roamer 42mm tires. This means you should eat up the miles in comfort even when the road gets rough.

It's difficult to lay out specific criteria when it comes to choosing a touring bike because the beauty of touring is that it can be whatever you want it to be – there is no single best touring bike for everyone, what is best for you depends on the type of tours you want to go on. However, there are key elements to consider when selecting your two-wheeled riding buddy, which will enable you to get the best touring bike for you.

Touring bike frame

If you're planning a longer trip, and intend the bike to be used primarily for such adventures, then the resilience and comfort of steel is a sensible choice. As such, most of the best touring bikes will feature this metal. The amount you're willing to invest will dictate the weight, strength and character of the steel you end up with.

When looking at steel touring bikes, expect to see the word 'Chromoly' a lot. This is a form of low alloy steel that is used when strength is particularly important. It takes its name from two of the primary alloying (mixing of metals) elements used: “chromium” and “molybdenum”.

If you're planning on using the bike for touring and other duties: club runs, commutes, shorter rides where speed might be more in your interest, consider aluminum or carbon .

Bikes suitable for touring will have a relaxed geometry: a shorter top tube and taller stack to put the rider in a more relaxed position. The wheelbase will be longer, to create a feeling of stability. You'll also notice that the chainstays are longer - this means panniers can be mounted without a chance of clipping your heels and it allows for better distribution when panniers are full.

Touring bike wheels

Elsewhere in the cycling world, we talk about low weight and aerodynamics when it comes to bicycle wheels. And sure, if you're aiming to break a world record on your cycle tour then those are probably still very important areas to consider.

However, if you mainly want to get to somewhere rather far away, and you'd like to arrive there with a wheel that's still true and contains the same number of spokes you left with, then a strong wheel is what you desire. Look for a higher spoke count that you might opt for on a speedy road bike.

The best touring bikes will generally have at least 36 spokes per wheel, tandem touring bike can even go as high as 48. 

Touring bike tyres

It's incredible how much difference a set of tyres can make to a bike. The frame can be designed with comfort top of the agenda, but put on some narrow rubber shoes and pump them up to the wrong tyre pressure and you'll be bumping about all over the road.

Most touring cyclists will want to go for wider tyres - 28mm+, when compared with their road racing cousins. The further off the beaten track you want to go, the wider they should be. If you plan on tackling some light trails, look for 32mm+.

Touring bike brakes

Traditionally, touring bikes had rim brakes and these will certainly do the job for most road-based tours. However, disc brakes do provide far superior stopping power, especially in the wet, and they are now more common than rim brake on the best touring bikes

Since disc brakes don't rely upon the rim to bring the bike to a halt, they also reduce the risk of the rims becoming worn through debris building up on the pads.

Add in that many touring cyclists are carrying luggage, therefore adding to the overall load, powerful brakes that work in all weathers do seem like a sensible addition. However, not everyone likes the appearance of disc brakes on a traditional steel machine and the pads are a tiny bit harder to replace and set up, which is worth considering if you're maintaining your bike on the road.

Luggage and Lights on a touring bike

A purpose-built touring bike will come with pannier racks fitted, as well as fenders and perhaps even built-in lights. These all add to the overall weight, but if the intended purpose requires them, it's no bother.

If you plan to use the bike for other purposes, like group rides, then you may want to look for a bike that comes with eyelets for guards and racks, so that you can remove and fit them as and when.

There's a lot of clever luggage solutions around these days, such as frame bags and oversized saddlebags , that allow you to do away with panniers if you'd rather distribute weight differently.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.

Belgian secures Olympics-Worlds double in stellar season

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Genesis Tour De Fer 30 Disc Road Bike 2021

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The Genesis Tour De Fer 30 Disc Road Bike is a solid tourer, constructed from Reynolds 725 which brings a smooth feel, reliable handling and exceptional durability to cope with all the miles it's designed for.

The frameset is built up with a Shimano drivetrain and TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes. The former brings smooth shifting across the wide-ranging cassette and triple chainrings, while the latter ensures powerful all-weather braking. With tyre clearance of 40mm, you can remain comfortable when your route takes you onto rougher roads and gravel, and this bike is supplied with 37mm wide Schwalbe Marathons for top puncture protection.

The Tour De Fer is supplied fully kitted out and ready for long days and multi-day tours. It comes with a Shimano Dynamo hub so you needn't worry about finding somewhere to charge your lights, which are also included. Mudguards keep you dry for longer when the weather is less than ideal, and the front and rear racks ensure you can carry everything you need. With no weight limit, you can really load this bike up with all your gear and head off on your next adventure.

• Reynolds 725 CrMo tubeset
• Shimano 3x10 speed drivetrain
• Schwalbe Marathon touring tyres
• 40c maximum tyre clearance
• Includes Shimano Dynamo hub with B&M lights, spare spokes, front and rear mudguards, Tubus rear rack and Atranvelo front rack

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Tour de Fer - 10 or 20?

• Thread starter astrocan
• Start date 2 May 2017

My daughers Croix de Fer was stolen and in the process of replacing it she has set her heart on a Tour de Fer. The TdF10 is available now but the TdF20 won't be in until end of June and I know how reliable these predictions are (not). I am looking at the possibility of up-speccing a 10 but the frames are made from different tubes. The 10 uses Genesis own Mjolnir double butted seamless chromoly, the 20 Reynolds heat treated 725 chromoly. Is there a massive difference in the performance of these materials? I am working on the assumption that both share the same geometry. Any advice and or experience greatly appreciated.  

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GrumpyGregry

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astrocan said: My daughers Croix de Fer was stolen and in the process of replacing it she has set her heart on a Tour de Fer. The TdF10 is available now but the TdF20 won't be in until end of June and I know how reliable these predictions are (not). I am looking at the possibility of up-speccing a 10 but the frames are made from different tubes. The 10 uses Genesis own Mjolnir double butted seamless chromoly, the 20 Reynolds heat treated 725 chromoly. Is there a massive difference in the performance of these materials? I am working on the assumption that both share the same geometry. Any advice and or experience greatly appreciated. Click to expand...

Freeborn has both the 2016 10 and 20 options. 10 is a much nicer colour  

I'd like the extra kudos of the Reynolds badge but Vickster could be right in saying it might just be down the colour in actuality.  

vickster said: Freeborn has both the 2016 10 and 20 options. 10 is a much nicer colour Click to expand...

raleighnut said: You mean it ain't black. Click to expand...

Cycleops said: I'd like the extra kudos of the Reynolds badge but Vickster could be right in saying it might just be down the colour in actuality. Click to expand...

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Genesis Tour de Fer 30 review

A modern spin on the classic touring rig

David Caudery / Immediate Media

Mileage; mood; value

The colour purple may not be to everyone’s taste

Genesis has had adventure as a core focus since its 2006 beginnings, and the Tour de Fer has been a stalwart of its range for much of that time.

Gravel riding has grown exponentially since Genesis arguably introduced the first gravel bike – the wildly popular Croix de Fer – but more traditional long-range tourers remain popular.

Like the best touring bikes , the Tour de Fer aims to capture the essence of packing up and heading for the wilderness in a stripped-back yet absolutely feature-loaded package.

A Reynolds 725 steel frame – strong, dependable and relatively light – is at the heart of the bike.

The frame features a threaded bottom bracket shell, mudguard eyelets, front and rear rack mounts, three sets of bottle cage bosses and provision to carry three spare spokes, which are included in the package.

The fork is made from chromoly steel and has a straight 1 1/8in steerer, and both the frame and fork have quick-release dropouts rather than thru-axles.

Shimano fits out much of the Tour de Fer’s spec. The shifters and drivetrain are the Japanese powerhouse’s workhorse Tiagra offerings: a triple chainset has the low gears to winch a fully loaded machine up the steepest inclines; a 10-speed cassette offers low maintenance, consistent shifting even when you haven’t had a chance to clean it on tour as much as you would at home, and smallish jumps between gears.

The brakes are TRP’s cable operated Spyres – they’re not as powerful as a hydraulic setup, but braking is consistent and sufficiently powerful.

The external headset is a simple removable ball-and-race type, which is easy to clean and regrease without an extensive collection of tools.

The Tour de Fer rolls on solid-to-a-fault equipment – Sun Ringlé Rhyno Lite rims that used to be found on mountain bikes, wrapped in dependable Schwalbe Marathon tyres. The Marathon range is synonymous with continent-crossing durability and incredible puncture resistance.

Strong, plain-gauge spokes are laced to Shimano FH-M6000 rear and DH-UR700-3D front hubs. Yes, you decoded that correctly, there really is a dynamo hub. It powers Busch + Müller’s IQ-X front light and Secula rear light.

Regular finishing kit is Genesis branded: a 27.2mm in-line seatpost, 100mm stem, saddle and a 16-degree flared bar that measures 42cm at the hoods.

Extra equipment from Genesis includes the full-length mudguards and two of the supplied bottle cages – the third is a Monkii Cage from Free Parable.

It’s a brilliant adjustable cage that has been used to carry a bottle of wine, a small Thermos and a container of meths for the burner packed elsewhere.

The front rack is a Tubus Tara low-rider style while the rear is an AtranVelo Tour 365 with a sprung clip and a 27kg capacity.

Genesis Tour de Fer 30 geometry

Genesis tour de fer 30 ride impressions.

From the first pedal turn, there’s a stability and a purpose about this bike that the 15.6kg overall weight helps supply.

It doesn’t feel heavy though, it’s nimble and handles extremely well. Not once did it feel twitchy or unpredictable regardless of how much or little weight was hanging off it.

The gearing is intended to allow steady climbing and rapid yet controlled descending – you don’t want to be engaging banzai mode when you’ve got kit for two weeks strapped around you.

I never felt the momentum getting away from me, and the TRP brakes were consistent throughout testing.

The brake choice or the basic headset may seem odd, but every last component on this bike is pitched at long-term high mileage and ease of servicing.

Spare brake cables are easier to carry than bleed kits for hydraulic systems, and to service the headset you only need an Allen key to remove the stem.

The steel frameset is chosen for much the same reason. Should the worst happen, you have a chance that a welding shop anywhere in the world might be able to get it running again. Try that with aluminium, titanium or carbon…

This bike won’t carry you to records on your local Strava segments, but it will be there for your more considered rides and is built to go the distance.

While not as capable off-road as the best gravel bikes , canal towpaths and smooth forest trails are well within the Tour de Fer’s capability.

If you have a longing for week-long continental tours or even packing your life up and heading off around the world, this could well be the bike for you.

Equally, if you’re looking to reduce car use, four panniers will allow you to carry the week’s work clothes, gym kit, lunch and your laptop comfortably.

The dynamo lights provide year-round, charge-free lighting and you can even add supplementary power banks or USB chargers.

Genesis Tour de Fer 30 bottom line

Genesis’s Tour de Fer 30 is a prime example of how touring bikes are a utilitarian dream.

At a sniff the wrong side of two grand, it’s still great value and it’s a bike that brings massive potential for exploration and future fun-filled riding.

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