Newly built up Genesis Equilibrium, after a couple of weeks/250 miles of use
I already had the forks, bars, stem, most of the groupset and some wheels, so this was a cheap build but the result is a great ride (for me).
Points I like:
- External headset and ample head tube mean I get the 15mm drop from saddle to handlebars that Cyclefit prescribed without too many spacers. I chose an FSA Orbit XL2 mtb headset because of greater stack height and don't mind any slackening of the angles, but do not see any slackening on my measurements compared to the Genesis geometry chart.
- The Ultegra 6600 shifters just work better than the 6700 that I have on a couple of other bikes and you can fit brake and gear cables without delving into the insides of the shifters. Ok you have the washing lines out front but the gears always seem to work.
- This is my first triple - I am now a triple convert. I could do 90% of the time on the middle chain ring, but getting to that steep hill at the end of the ride is a lot less daunting (even at 30*28 rather than 34*28)
- A big like is £240 for the 725 frame - this has to be a best buy on a steel frame
- The cheap Tektro brakes seem fine (but may change to softer OBE pads).
Dislikes - not too many:
- Tig welding, a lot uglier than fillet brazed or lugged but then the price reflects that and I do not think there is any performance hit
- Only mudguard mounts, no rack mounts
I know this is still a new toy but currently it is the first bike I pull out of the shed even in preference to the recently rebuilt carbon audax. It passes the "just wants to be ridden" test.
