And now for something completely different (we’ll return to the Volare range later).
Described to RCUK as “a bit of technical showpiece bike” by Genesis main man, Albert Steward), this latest incarnation of the popular all-rounder features the rarely-reported Shimano Alfine Di2: an electronic hub gear.
Its use sparked all sorts of challenges for Steward and his colleagues: engineering their own impressively simple push fit, seat-post mounted battery unit, for one. Another? How about incorporating a shell for a Shimano BB86 press fit bottom bracket, largely to accommodate internal cable routing (the sleeve of an external, BSA bottom bracket left no room for the cable)? An elegant engineering solution to a largely aesthetic problem. Nice.
Other firsts for the Day One, a machine built around a Reynolds 853 frame, include slick tyres: a response to an evolving customer base, whom Genesis believe are now most likely to use their steeds for road-bound adventures. Oh, and we heard whispers of a belt drive version, perhaps as early as model year 2015. You read it here first.
The Genesis Day One Alfine Di2 will cost £2,199.99 and will be sold in five sizes from 52cm to 60cm. Other models include the Day One Alfine 8, built around a Reynolds 520 frame, with a mechanical, eight-speed Alfine hub and Hayes CX Expert mechanical disc brakes, priced at £999.99, and the entry-level Day One Disc, a single-speed machine with the same Hayes disc brakes as its sister.
