Genesis Bicycles: 2025 touring, gravel and adventure models

I travel with one of these today, and until a few years ago, Vero also happily owned a Tour de Fer. One of the most active brands in the cycle touring and adventure bike market is the British Genesis. Let's take a look at the models and price list of Genesis touring bikes, reviewing the 2025 range that includes the adventure, gravel, and touring series.

There are many exciting new features this year from Genesis. In particular, the Vagabond model doubles, but there are also surprises in the other series when compared to 2023, the previous year this article was updated.

Overview of Genesis Touring Bikes

The Newbury brand has made its way in recent years among the most productive in the field of travel and adventure bikes, and in Italy, many enthusiasts have been attracted to the British models.

Among those who were convinced, we include ourselves: Vero traveled with the Genesis Tour de Fer 20 for over two years before switching to the Bombtrack Beyond 1. Today, the writer travels with a solid Genesis Longitude, for which, as promised, I have finally done a specific review.

In reality, the British brand presents a complete range of cycle touring, gravel, and bikepacking adventure bikes that make this company one of our favorites, even if the advantage of the very competitive quality/price ratio has diminished somewhat in recent years, also due to Brexit and the euro/pound exchange rate.

In short, it seems quite clear that we love this brand, we don't hide it, and for this reason, we have included several of their models in the lists created over the years to give you some small purchasing advice:

• in the list of the best touring bikes, until recently we could only include the Genesis Tour de Fer 20, the one owned by Vero, but from this year, given the significant changes in the TdF, we have chosen the 30, which is closer to the "old" TdF20;
• among the adventure bikes for bikepacking, we have included the Vagabond, but the Longitude is no less if you are looking for an off-road bike with a flat handlebar;
• and among the gravel bikes, the Croix de Fer could not be missing: if you are a steel lover, step forward!

The following are all the Genesis Bikes that I believe are comfortable for traveling. There are the touring bikes, in addition to the Tour de Fer 20, also the cheaper Tour de Fer 10, the Tour de Fer 30, and from this year, also the new top-of-the-range Tour de Fer 40, but there are also other adventure bikes such as the faster and more responsive Croix de Fer (again 10, 20, and 30 plus other models). These more cycle touring and road bikes are joined by the Vagabond models, which, as mentioned before, doubles this year, and the Longitude: both wink at off-road.

The cheaper CDA (10, 20, and 30) and the more luxurious Fugio and Datum belong instead to that limbo created with the advent of gravel bikes.

Update February 2025 The information you find below is updated to February 2025 and may be outdated or missing when you read it. If you do not find the information you are looking for, come back to visit us in a while, and we are sure you will find your answers! In the meantime, you can always access the official Genesis Bikes website.

Tour de Fer: the Cycle Touring Mule

It is the most comfortable series and suitable for long trips with bags. A true tireless mule that can take you to the end of the world in serenity. This year, it is available in four models with the introduction of the TdF40 as the top of the range and significant changes throughout the series, which comes standard with racks and mudguards. The available models are:

• Genesis Tour de Fer 10
• Genesis Tour de Fer 20
• Genesis Tour de Fer 30
• Genesis Tour de Fer 40

Genesis Tour de Fer 10: Economical and Solid

The Genesis touring bike with the most attractive quality-price ratio. The Tour de Fer 10 is the cheapest of the Tour de Fer models, but still suitable for those who want to start traveling seriously without spending too much. The evolution of this model has seen it go from being a bike with a drop bar to a double model with a drop and flat handlebar, and from this year to the single model with a flat handlebar, with very agile gears to climb anywhere.

The double-butted Genesis Mjölnir steel frame, the wheels with 36 steel spokes, and the mechanical disc brakes indicate that this bike winks at those seeking solidity and reliability even over medium/short distances. The gear shift, as on all Tour de Fer models, moves from the triple to the new Shimano CUES 18v 2x9 with a metric development shorter which remains similar to the previous one. The color is also renewed, going from the classic black to a more natural greenish.

The 700x40c tires widen a bit as the general trend dictates and indicate that this Genesis touring bike is suitable for those who love not too challenging routes and mainly on asphalt but are not afraid to tackle some simple dirt roads, such as the cycle paths and cycle routes of central and northern Europe.

This model is ultimately ideal for those who want a bike that can become a faithful and lasting travel companion, to start traveling and push a little beyond the boundaries of the classic ride around the house.

Genesis Tour de Fer 10 2025

Genesis Tour de Fer 20: born for long distances

The bike with which Veronica spent three fantastic years, also riding #noplansjourney in Italy and Europe for a year, although at the time the bike was very different and perhaps more similar to today's TdF30, if only for the presence of a flat bar instead of today's drop handlebar.

Compared to 2023, it is a very different bike: the fork geometry, the drop handlebar, the groupset, the wheels. In short, little remains of the old model and certainly if you are looking for the same quality, you should look for a higher-end model. But let's see what's new.

Let's start with the groupset which goes from the solid Shimano Deore with the triple and 10 sprockets to an always good Claris 2x8, losing a bit in the range and especially in the most agile gear. The frame is no longer in Raynolds 725 steel but in the more basic Mjolnir and the rims go from the guarantee of the excellent Sun Ringle Rhyno Lite to the Amplitude G50 which I admit I don't know. The included accessories are the AtranVelo front and rear racks while the Shutter Precision hub dynamo that powered the B&M lighting system is no longer present, although the predisposition for cable routing and fenders remains.

The brakes are mechanical disc and the tires are the smooth Vittoria Randonneur Tech 40mm while the drop handlebar with a slight flare (opening outwards of the ends) guarantees greater comfort. For completeness, you can read the complete review of the 2018 TdF 20 here, which, as emphasized, has changed a lot and is definitely more similar to the current TdF30 since then.

In short, the Tour de Fer 20 is the ideal bike for those who want to tackle great journeys but don't want to spend too much for a drop handlebar touring bike. The price, logically, compared to last year's TdF20 model, has also decreased by about €300.

Genesis Tour de Fer 20 2025

Genesis Tour de Fer 30: traveling without compromises

As mentioned, the TdF30 has taken a bit the place of the previous Genesis Tour de Fer 20 both in terms of components and price range and is therefore quite revamped compared to last year. In this case, the big differences are the switch from dropbar to flat handlebar and the double crankset instead of the triple.

These changes align it with what was and remains the mission of this bike according to Genesis: to take you on a journey even around the world. The Shimano CUES transmission with the double, the Sun Ringle Rhyno Lite rims, the hub dynamo that powers the B&M lights combined with the presence of racks and fenders as standard make this truly a bike ready to go out and start. The presence of the flat handlebar makes it even more appealing in my eyes even if often those who travel long distances now prefer the drop handlebar.

The beauty of this bike is its versatility because stripped of racks and fenders it can be used on the secondary roads behind the house for some day trips or a weekend of bikepacking on the dirt roads of our peninsula like a gravel bike but more comfortable.

Genesis Tour de Fer 30 2025

Genesis Tour de Fer 40: A New Frontier for Travel

Since last year, this is the new flagship of the Tour de Fer series and is ready to take you almost anywhere, although compared to the TdF30 it is a bit more designed for speed and less for those who are slow and seek climbs at the risk of coronary issues. Jokes aside, the double crankset and the Tiagra 2x10 drivetrain with a 30-34 (the TdF30 has a 30-39 and the TdF20 a 30-40) as the easiest gear ratio is not for those who do 20% climbs loaded like a mule.

In the rest of the setup, it is very similar to its younger sibling, except that it has a dropbar handlebar instead of a flat one, quality TRP Spyre C brakes, and more powerful lights. This is also an elegant bike with an explorer's soul. If you plan to travel the world without doing trails or impossible routes, this model could be for you.

Genesis Tour de Fer 40 2025

Croix de Fer: Tradition Made Gravel

This is the most iconic series from Genesis Bikes, a steel gravel bike with models for all tastes and budgets. The five available models are:

• Genesis Croix de Fer 10
• Genesis Croix de Fer 20
• Genesis Croix de Fer 30
• Genesis Croix de Fer 40
• Genesis Croix de Fer 50
• Genesis Croix de Fer Ti

Genesis Croix de Fer 10: Entry-Level Steel Gravel Bike

The gravel bike, before the concept of gravel was born! Genesis has been producing the Croix de Fer long before gravel bikes became fashionable and continues to do so according to its concept of a gravel bike: solid, no-frills, for everyone.

The Croix de Fer 10 model is the entry-level of the Genesis steel gravel range, but still suitable for those who want to start exploring the dirt roads around their home or embark on a short trip. In this case, there is a flatbar variant, even more economical due to the presence of slightly less expensive components.

The frame is made of Genesis Mjölnir double-butted steel, the wheels have 32 steel spokes, and the brakes are mechanical disc (hydraulic on the flatbar). The Shimano Sora 2x9 derailleur on the dropbar model and CUES 1x9 single chainring on the flatbar, while the 700x45mm tires are tubeless-ready and the attachment system remains the classic QR. This Genesis gravel bike is suitable for not too challenging routes or for those with decent legs who want to explore dirt roads or not too rough gravel.

The presence of numerous eyelets, including on the fork, allows it to be adapted and turned into an excellent travel companion, both in bikepacking and with the classic touring setup.

Genesis Croix de Fer 10 DropBar 2025

Genesis Croix de Fer 10 FlatBar 2025

Genesis Croix de Fer 20: For Those Starting to Get Serious

An all-around gravel bike, not just on paper. This Croix de Fer 20 is truly suitable for everyone. Unfortunately, the price has risen considerably in the last two years, but it mounts quality and solid components.

The major differences with its younger sibling are two: the presence of the Shimano Tiagra groupset with 20 speeds instead of 18 and GRX derailleurs, the Japanese company's gravel-specific groupset, and the Reynolds 725 steel used for the frame, a guarantee of quality and durability.

The rest is quite similar, with 32-spoke steel wheels and mechanical disc brakes, the 2x10 drivetrain, and 700x45mm tires, also compatible with 650B wheels. The quick release (QR) ensures compatibility with your older wheels for use, for example, in bike-to-work commuting. Yes, because this bike is truly versatile and you can push it on trails and dirt roads around the globe, but at the same time, it will be comfortable for riding to work meetings in the office. This year's color is a classic black.

Genesis Croix de Fer 20 2025

Genesis Croix de Fer 30: Let the exploration begin

By now, you'll have understood that the Croix de Fer is a steel-framed gravel bike with versatility in its DNA. The 30 model climbs another step compared to its sibling CdF20, moving from the mixed Tiagra groupset to the full GRX gravel groupset. The gear range remains the same with a 10-speed cassette, which combined with the double chainring at the front, ensures finding the right pace on any slope.

The frame remains Reynolds 725 steel, while another innovation not to be underestimated is the presence of the 12mm thru-axle on both wheels, for more stability and safety in off-road riding. The brakes have also undergone an upgrade in their migration to Shimano, moving from mechanical to hydraulic.

The rest is quite similar to the CdF20 model, with 32-spoke steel wheels, 700x45 tubeless-ready tires (valves are also provided). Again, eyelets are not lacking all over, allowing you to travel far and wide with this bike, perfect for you if you want to go beyond the usual routes and take it far.

Genesis Croix de Fer 30 2025

Genesis Croix de Fer 40: New horizons

If the Croix de Fer series is a classic from the British company, the last three models I present below are recent introductions to keep up with the market. In particular, the Croix de Fer 40 was born in 2021 and represents an evolution of the most successful model, the CdF 30. While the frame remains light Reynolds 725 steel, the components are enhanced by the presence of the full Shimano GRX gravel groupset with 1x12 single chainring to lighten the whole thing.

With GRX, the CdF40 features flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes, more powerful than mechanical ones. The wheels remain Amplitude G100 with a 26mm internal width to accommodate even generous tires, although the 45mm Maxxis Rambler TRs are fitted as standard. The rest remains the same as the cheaper model, with 12mm thru-axle wheels and eyelets scattered all over the frame and fork, to adapt the bike to any setup you want. A bike designed for those who love the classic riding feel of a steel bike but do not want to give up the most advanced technologies.

Genesis Croix de Fer 40 2025

Genesis Croix de Fer 50: Gravel for performance

Like the Croix de Fer 40, the 50 model also originates in 2021 and introduces what is perhaps a novelty for the British company: a bike made for adventure but designed also and especially for performance. An underdog that stays away from prying eyes but under the seat, it certainly makes itself noticed.

Unfortunately, the choice of past years to use Reynolds 853 steel for the tubes, air-hardened and heat-treated without welding, which translates into greater resistance to yielding and greater impact resistance, was evidently not a winner, and they returned to the classic and valid 725, while the fork remains in carbon to lighten the total weight of the bike and give it greater flexibility.

The internal cable routing allows you to easily add a telescopic seatpost or a dynamo, while the standard groupset remains the now classic 24-speed GRX with a truly wide gear range. The remaining components remain the same as the 40 model with WTB ST rims with an internal width of 23 to accommodate even generous 40mm WTB Riddler tires, wheels equipped with 12mm thru-axles and eyelets scattered all over the frame and fork. The attention to weight and the introduction of the carbon fork give a clear indication of the segment to which the CdF50 is aimed: if you are someone who loves unsupported adventures and riding hard and fast, then this racehorse is designed for you.

Genesis Croix de Fer 50

Genesis Croix de Fer Ti and 931: build your lifetime gravel bike

The complete bikes of the Croix de Fer series are ready for adventure, but if you are looking for the bike of a lifetime and want to explore indestructible materials, Genesis also offers frames that you can assemble as you please.

In addition to the basic 725 steel frame, you can also purchase those made of special materials: titanium and Reynolds 931 stainless steel.

Both of these frames have amazing characteristics and are combined with the carbon fork. Internal cable routing, predisposition for wheels with 12mm thru-axle and tolerance up to 47mm are the peculiarities of these jewels to be filled with the components you like best.

The price becomes demanding, but they are frames for life that can take you anywhere forever.

Genesis Croix de Fer Ti frameset 2025

Genesis Croix de Fer 931 stainless steel frameset 2025

Genesis CDA: Gravel for Everyone

Affordable, rideable, fun: the CDA series is designed to get almost anyone on a gravel bike, although there are also bikes for the more demanding and affluent. The two remaining models, after the discontinuation of the CDA 30, are:

• Genesis CDA 10
• Genesis CDA 20

Genesis CDA 10: Off-Road at a Price

Genesis is certainly not a brand that has made aluminum bikes its hallmark, but if you want to start riding a gravel bike without spending a fortune, the CDA series is the reference. There are no updates on this CDA 10.

Once again, the high value for money is maintained. The most affordable model is the CDA 10, offered in both double and single chainring versions. Both feature entry-level groupsets (Shimano Claris and MicroShift respectively), steel forks, and significant gear ratios that make these bikes ideal for commuting or easy flatland excursions.

The setup is completed with soft and smooth 37mm tires, mechanical disc brakes, and a slightly flared (8°) gravel handlebar.

Genesis CDA 10

Genesis CDA 20: For First Explorations

The more advanced model of this CDA is the one for you if you want to start exploring your limits. The aluminum frame provides the right responsiveness and speed to push this bike on asphalt, but the generous tire size and geometry allow it to go beyond and perform more than adequately on dirt roads and gravel paths.

Compared to the CDA 10, it features a 2x9 Shimano Sora or a 1x11 microShift drivetrain, while the other features remain the same, with 37mm tires, quick-release wheels, mechanical disc brakes, and a flared drop handlebar. There are plenty of eyelets, more or less everywhere, to attach bags, cages, and bottle holders. Still an excellent price.

Genesis CDA 20

Genesis Fugio: More Than Gravel, Less Than Adventure

A series designed for those who want to ride in the middle ground. Between gravel and adventure, between easy forest roads and technical singletracks. If you're looking for compromise at any cost, these bikes are calling. The three models available are:

• Genesis Fugio 10
• Genesis Fugio 20
• Genesis Fugio 30

Genesis Fugio 10: Adventures for Everyone

Available in two models, the Fugio 10 is the entry-level adventure bike from Genesis, featuring an aluminum frame and a carbon fork. If you don't plan to go to remote countries and areas (aluminum and carbon would be difficult to repair in Nepal or Angola!) and you're willing to accept that your bike won't last forever, this model is perfect for your adventures. Light, high-performing, and suitable for all terrains.

The Fugio 10 features a 1x10 microShift groupset, while the model with SRAM Apex1 1x11 is no longer offered. The wheels are 27.5" (650b). In short, with this bike, you can really consider tackling any terrain, and it performs best on dirt roads and mountain trails.

Genesis Fugio 10

Genesis Fugio 20: A Unique Bike

In the case of the Fugio 20, among the two different models present in the past, only one has survived, the one with an aluminum frame and more economical components, probably to make room for the expansion of the Vagabond series as we will see below.

The Fugio 20 model is a bit more advanced than the 10, equipped with a mixed SRAM Apex 1x11 groupset completed by a Prowheel crankset and with 27.5" Shining Tubeless Ready rims, mechanical disc brakes with 160 mm rotors, and a carbon fork.

The paintwork is done by hand for each bike, always resulting in a unique finish.

Genesis Fugio 20

Genesis Fugio 30: Adventure with Style

The Fugio 30, like the previous two models, was also available in two different variants, but today a choice has been made and only the aluminum model has survived.

The flagship of this series is equipped with the SRAM Apex 1 1x11 groupset with hydraulic disc brakes, 27.5" Shining DB-X25 rims with 2.1" Vittoria Mezcal tires. Although the telescopic seatpost has not been included on the aluminum model (while it was present on the discontinued steel model), it is evident that the Fugio 30 is a bike that loves off-road and performs best on trails and even technical routes, perhaps set up for bikepacking to explore the most adventurous trails.

An aluminum alternative to the Vagabond.

Genesis Fugio 30

Genesis Vagabond: "Monstercross" is an Understatement

If there is a Genesis bike designed for traveling and going just about anywhere, especially off-road, it's the Vagabond. This year, moreover, it doubles to offer even more choice.

• Genesis Vagabond 10
• Genesis Vagabond 20

Genesis Vagabond 10: Adventure in its Blood

A monstercross that's a bit mountain bike and a bit gravel road. Its geometry, the use of steel for both the frame and the fork, the presence of generously sized 2.35" tires, and the single chainring with a 48t rear "pan" allow this model to fit into that category of bikes designed for bikepacking and tackling any terrain. If I have to make a comparison, I would compare it to the Salsa Fargo or the Bombtrack Beyond: comfortable, slow but manageable, safe.

As mentioned, this year the Vagabond doubles, and in the base model, the Vagabond 10, it features a ten-speed single chainring microSHIFT drivetrain. The disc brakes are the reliable Tektro Spyre-C mechanical, while the color is a classic and always current cream.

The only flaw, from my point of view, is the drop handlebar (which I don't particularly like for traveling) but which here is positioned on a stem with a 17° angle to make the riding position even more comfortable.

Genesis Vagabond 10 2025

Genesis Vagabond 20: A Wandering Master

The flagship model for bikepacking from Genesis. A bike that can go anywhere and do it without shaking you up. The features are quite similar to its younger sibling, the Vagabond 10, with standard 27.5" wheels on the smaller sizes (XS and S) and 29" on the others. The drivetrain in this case is a SRAM Apex single chainring 1x12 with a 34t chainring and the easiest 50t sprocket, truly suitable for any slope. Of course, if speed is your mantra, look elsewhere!

The brakes in this case are hydraulic instead of mechanical, while the wheels remain with 12mm thru-axles (148mm at the rear). In short, if you had to bet on just one horse for your travels from here to eternity, this could be the winning one. The 2025 color is a dark pink that's a bit too bold for my taste.

Genesis Vagabond 20 2025

Unfortunately, I also found out that my Genesis Longitude, a truly exceptional bike and an untamed thoroughbred, is no longer produced by Genesis. I understand the choice, as it's a very particular bike, a rigid travel mountain bike, but I'm especially sorry because this absence makes the world of bikepacking bikes with flat handlebars even more bare and makes it increasingly difficult to find models with these geometries.

So, these are the Genesis gravel, adventure, and touring bikes, a company that has made adventure its trademark. Did you know them? If you own one, which one is it and how do you like it?

Happy pedaling and happy biking!