Genesis Equilibrium 20 road bike review

With the exception of the titanium flagship, the Ti, Genesis’s Equilibrium range are all steel. For the Equilibrium 20, Genesis and Reynolds have done a great job in keeping the weight under 21lb, not bad for a rugged all-rounder.

Frameset

Reynolds 725 is a modern tubeset that undergoes a heat-treating process making it stronger, meaning wall thicknesses can be reduced without compromising the frame’s structural integrity. The TIG-welded construction is functional rather than pretty, but the retro-looking, skinny, straight tubes and graphics give it a nice, clean look.

Genesis specs a carbon fork with an alloy steerer; a steel one would be too heavy. The geometry is more relaxed than a race bike, with a 72° head angle across all the sizes.

Components

The Equilibrium 20 uses Shimano’s 10-speed 105 groupset. Its compact chainset and 12-28 cassette provide a good spread of ratios for both the sportive rider and the commuter.

The only exception is the brake calipers.

To create clearance for mudguards and 25c tyres, non-series 57mm-drop calipers have been used. The longer caliper arms mean extra flex, and with the budget, moulded one-piece blocks, braking performance is not as sharp as it could be. But, in the greater scheme of things it’s not a big deal.

Wheels

The original Shimano 105 hubs are laced to Alex Race 18 rims, a classic 32-hole box rim. These are sturdy rather than speedy for every-day, all-conditions riding the Equilibrium will most probably be subjected, as well as its traditional aesthetic.

They are shod with Continental Grand Sport 25C — tough £30 tyres that roll well and don’t pick up flints. Unlike some of the others in this test — notably the Condor — the Genesis has acres of clearance giving it that extra bit of versatility.