Genesis Equilibrium project

london-red
london-red Posts: 1,266
edited May 2012 in Your road bikes
I've decided to move to steel, and the Equilibrium seemed a brilliant place to start.

First impressions are that it will make me very happy indeed (aesthetics only, obviously) but will provide updates as and when the build progresses.

genesis.jpg

Latest pic - some tan handlebar tape and taking the top of the steerer will see me right...

Nearly-there.jpg

By the way, I've been riding this for six months or so - probably put about 2,000 miles on it. Love it.
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Comments

  • FransJacques
    FransJacques Posts: 2,148
    Good start, do you have any budget for Campagnolo, that would compliment the small diameter tubes and especially the colour.

    That red is very much like 'Nag's Saronni red - google PRSA. The blue version was for Zable on Milram and that's called PRZA. Those 2 and the white are gorgeous.

    Campy's carbon or aly cranks just rock on small diameter steel. Think skinwall tyres as well.

    The yellow Colnago C40 is a good template to use.
    When a cyclist has a disagreement with a car; it's not who's right, it's who's left.
  • london-red
    london-red Posts: 1,266
    Cheers. I'm limited by budget unfortunately, and will have to settle for swapping most of the components over from my Bottecchia.

    I need a shiny silver seat post, stem and seat collar and some long drop brake calipers. I also might treat myself to a Chris King headset, but other than that it's a straight swap...
  • FransJacques
    FransJacques Posts: 2,148
    Chris KIng = waste of money. Headsets are not prone to pitting like they were back in the 70s/80s since today they're all cartridge barings.

    Honestly, get a nice Dia Compe or a Campagnolo. I think Record is only £45 or so at Ribble.
    When a cyclist has a disagreement with a car; it's not who's right, it's who's left.
  • london-red
    london-red Posts: 1,266
    Yeah, you might be right. I do hear good things about them though, and I'm shallow enough to be impressed by their looks...

    Any specific recommendations - Campag is out of stock. My second choice to CK was FSA Orbit.
  • FransJacques
    FransJacques Posts: 2,148
    Make sure it looks nice. I agree that one of the pleasing things to the eye about the CK headset is that both cups have a nice semi-circular shape to them so the top and the bottom are the same and compliment each other. Shimano HSs are more like flying saucers.

    I'd check out CRC or wiggle or Ribble with a lot of pictures and get something in black or silver that looks like 2 'plump' circles which will complement the black and white decals of your frame.
    When a cyclist has a disagreement with a car; it's not who's right, it's who's left.
  • london-red
    london-red Posts: 1,266
    Cane Creek S3 - £23 from Chain Reaction. Bingo.

    You should be charging savings commission :wink:
  • Evil Laugh
    Evil Laugh Posts: 1,412
    Saronni is PR82 btw.
  • london-red
    london-red Posts: 1,266
    Evil Laugh wrote:
    Saronni is PR82 btw.

    http://www.cyclefit.co.uk/colnago-master-xlight

    Wow. Now that's a bike 8)
  • FransJacques
    FransJacques Posts: 2,148
    Evil Laugh wrote:
    Saronni is PR82 btw.
    Ah, the year of his stripes, thank you thank you, me memory was suffering there.

    Now that picture isn't very good b/c the bar shape is just plain ugly and the Concor saddle doesn't look that great - Rolls was always prettier. And more comfy to sit on.

    The headset should be silver, not black, and finally the step should be gunmetal with Colnago pantographed into it.

    THEN it would be perfect!

    £1799 is a joke. Even a few years ago that frame was £899 with a carbon fork. Colnago or morel likely, the distributors, are making a killing on that.

    London Red, see what I mean about the Campy crank? They are the nuts on red steel bikes. Also, note the chain, don't scrimp on a sheit black chain, a gold or silver KMC jobby looks fantastic. Let us know how you get on.
    When a cyclist has a disagreement with a car; it's not who's right, it's who's left.
  • tonye_n
    tonye_n Posts: 832
    London-Red wrote:
    Cheers. I'm limited by budget unfortunately, and will have to settle for swapping most of the components over from my Bottecchia.

    I need a shiny silver seat post, stem and seat collar and some long drop brake calipers. I also might treat myself to a Chris King headset, but other than that it's a straight swap...
    I've got a silver Genesis alu seatpost from my Equilibrium 2010 if you fancy buying off me. Used for about 3 months before swapping out. Also got Silver compact bend/shallow-drop handlebar to go with it.
  • london-red
    london-red Posts: 1,266
    tonye_n wrote:
    London-Red wrote:
    Cheers. I'm limited by budget unfortunately, and will have to settle for swapping most of the components over from my Bottecchia.

    I need a shiny silver seat post, stem and seat collar and some long drop brake calipers. I also might treat myself to a Chris King headset, but other than that it's a straight swap...
    I've got a silver Genesis alu seatpost from my Equilibrium 2010 if you fancy buying off me. Used for about 3 months before swapping out. Also got Silver compact bend/shallow-drop handlebar to go with it.

    PM sent.
  • london-red
    london-red Posts: 1,266
    London Red, see what I mean about the Campy crank? They are the nuts on red steel bikes. Also, note the chain, don't scrimp on a sheit black chain, a gold or silver KMC jobby looks fantastic. Let us know how you get on.

    Yeah - and pretty similar to Sram Rival, which is nice.
  • tonye_n
    tonye_n Posts: 832
    London-Red wrote:
    tonye_n wrote:
    London-Red wrote:
    Cheers. I'm limited by budget unfortunately, and will have to settle for swapping most of the components over from my Bottecchia.

    I need a shiny silver seat post, stem and seat collar and some long drop brake calipers. I also might treat myself to a Chris King headset, but other than that it's a straight swap...
    I've got a silver Genesis alu seatpost from my Equilibrium 2010 if you fancy buying off me. Used for about 3 months before swapping out. Also got Silver compact bend/shallow-drop handlebar to go with it.

    PM sent.

    Replied.
  • jonny_trousers
    jonny_trousers Posts: 3,588
    Mind if I ressurect this one? I've been planning to build up one of these as a winter bike/commuter myself for months, but have been waiting to see what Genesis will be offering colour-wise for the 2012 frameset (not being a fan of the 'cherry red'). I now hear they will not be changing the colour and so, with it being such a good value frame to begin with, I'm thinking of getting it resprayed straight away. Anyone know where I might be able to pick up the Equilibrium decals as I would quite like to keep it legitimate(ish)? I'll be using the Centaur groupset, Deda Black Rain fork and Easton EA50s from my Fratello for the build so am thinking of going for that black & white combo.

    How did your build go LR?
  • daviesee
    daviesee Posts: 6,386
    Another hijack..... :oops:

    I am considering hitting the buy button on a winter bike.
    Jonny - Why are you considering the Equilibrium when you already have a Fratello?

    Edit:- Never mind Jonny, I found the other thread. Is the Fratello that relaxed that you wouldn't consider another?
    None of the above should be taken seriously, and certainly not personally.
  • jonny_trousers
    jonny_trousers Posts: 3,588
    The Fratello's a really nice ride Davie, but it's way too relaxed for what I am after. I think it's definitely more suitable for long distance, audax riding than fast training rides. Having researched pretty much every off the peg steel frame available in the UK I keep coming back to the Equilibrium as being the perfect compromise.
  • daviesee
    daviesee Posts: 6,386
    Thanks Jonny.

    Quandary time for me.
    For tax reasons it is more beneficial to buy a complete bike which is where the Fratello comes in. I think the Equilibrium is just what I need but cannot find a dealer that does Genesis and Campagnolo (I want to keep things Campag for maintenance/switching/tooling purposes.
    Possibly a third option will appear but the other obvious, Enigma, ends up being over budget.
    Then again, I don't race so relaxed may be fine. Hmmmmmmm.
    Maybe I will be able to organise a trial run.......

    Thanks again anyway.
    None of the above should be taken seriously, and certainly not personally.
  • jonny_trousers
    jonny_trousers Posts: 3,588
    The Fratello is a fantastic bike and it would serve you well as a tackle-anything year-rounder, but the frame really is a bit of a gate. As I’m sure you know already, the highest spec off-the-peg Equilibrium comes with 105, and when I test rode it through Evans I was a little underwhelmed by the finishing kit (which is one very big reason why I have chosen to build my own). I'm sure you could find an independent willing to build you one up to your spec, though.

    The other option you could consider is a Condor Acciaio. The reviews are rarely more than good/average, but what do reviewers know anyway? It’s got a pretty similar geometry to the Equilibrium and I’m sure you could work something out with clip-on mudguards. If you are happy with no less than a 56.5cm top tube then Tokyo Fixed’s Wide Open kitted out with Sram Apex get’s very good reviews. Or how about treating yourself to a Roberts?

    You mention a tax benefit to buying a full build: does this mean you are self-employed and that you can claim more buying that way? I’m self-emplyed and have yet to discover what I can claim or not on my commuter, so any advice would be appreciated.

    Cheers!
  • daviesee
    daviesee Posts: 6,386
    Jonny_Trousers wrote:
    You mention a tax benefit to buying a full build: does this mean you are self-employed and that you can claim more buying that way? I’m self-emplyed and have yet to discover what I can claim or not on my commuter, so any advice would be appreciated.

    Cheers!

    The trouble for me is trying to stay with Campagnolo. I am sure I will have less trouble in the future (re swapping parts and having tools) but it's causing hassle to get a complete Genesis. The bike shops round here seem to be tied to selling stock from there regular suppliers. My Dad had a shop so I know how minimum orders can stop special requests.

    You are correct about being self employed. If you are (or anyone else) then you need to read this:-
    http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/eimanual/eim21664.htm
    and
    http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/eimanual/eim21668.htm

    My "designated cycle to work days" are Monday to Thursday :wink:

    Oh! And as I am on the flat rate VAT scheme, VAT can be claimed back on any single invoice (complete bike) over £2000. i.e. There is no point in buying a bike for £1500-£1600 when you can buy one for £2000 and claim @ £400 back :P

    When you consider what MPs claim for you have to really :twisted:
    None of the above should be taken seriously, and certainly not personally.
  • jonny_trousers
    jonny_trousers Posts: 3,588
    Thanks for that! I will read through those links! I'm actually going to be joining flat rate VAT soon too. A new 2K bike you say? Hmm... :D

    I'm guessing you are in the French speaking part of Scotland, but De Ver Cycles down here where I am looking to get my Equilibrium sorted deal in Campagnolo and Genesis (it would be a pretty damn flash Equilibrium for 2 grand though). I can check out if they would do you a Campag specked build if you would like?

    If I was spending 2K on a steel bike i would definitely be paying a trip to Roberts.
  • daviesee
    daviesee Posts: 6,386
    Thanks Jonny.

    I tried the Roberts site but it has crashed.
    I didn't know De Ver did Genesis and it is not in their bike build configurator so please ask. I could phone though :oops:
    You will be surprised how quickly a build can escalate.
    Frame & fork - £400
    Centaur groupset - £420
    Stem - £54
    Bars - £42
    Headset - £48
    Seatpost clamp - £18
    Brakes - £36 (Campag brakes don't reach)
    Cassette - £78
    Wheels - @ £600

    Total build £1696. It can be done cheaper but that is my starting spec. As you can see, I may as well spend £2000. Savings could be made on the wheels and other slight downgrades but why bother?
    None of the above should be taken seriously, and certainly not personally.
  • airbusboy
    airbusboy Posts: 231
    daviesee wrote:
    Savings could be made on the wheels and other slight downgrades but why bother?

    Love it. :D
    'Ride hard for those who can't.....'
  • jonny_trousers
    jonny_trousers Posts: 3,588
    Yeah, I noticed the Roberts site was down. Seriously though, you should be able to get an absolutely gorgeous, completely bespoke bike through them for your 2 grand. Also, do go check Enigma's clearance section - some very sexy machines to be had there.
  • tonye_n
    tonye_n Posts: 832
    daviesee wrote:
    Thanks Jonny.

    Quandary time for me.
    For tax reasons it is more beneficial to buy a complete bike which is where the Fratello comes in. I think the Equilibrium is just what I need but cannot find a dealer that does Genesis and Campagnolo (I want to keep things Campag for maintenance/switching/tooling purposes.
    Possibly a third option will appear but the other obvious, Enigma, ends up being over budget.
    Then again, I don't race so relaxed may be fine. Hmmmmmmm.
    Maybe I will be able to organise a trial run.......

    Thanks again anyway.
    Epic Cycles will probably do you a custom build of Genesis Equilibrium with Group of your choice.
    www.epic-cycles.co.uk
    01885 410641
  • jonny_trousers
    jonny_trousers Posts: 3,588
    Well I've bitten the bullet! I went in to De Ver Cycles and ordered the frame only and they are then going to send it off to Colour Tech to be painted to my specifications before building it up with my Fratello bits and bobs.

    Maurice at De Ver is an absolute gem and the frame cost me only the tiniest amount more than the cheapest internet price I've found. I mentioned decals to him and he reckons Colour Tech will be able to copy the Genesis Equilibrium ones if I wanted, but now I am wondering if I should go for something else entirely. He even cheekily suggested I use De Ver's own ones, which might be fun.

    Regarding your desired build Davie: Maurice says they can create you a Campag Equilibrium and ship it up to you no problem at all. He even offered to put the Equilibrium frame up on the internet bike builder tool for you.

    More news when mine's done.
  • daviesee
    daviesee Posts: 6,386
    Jonny_Trousers wrote:
    Regarding your desired build Davie: Maurice says they can create you a Campag Equilibrium and ship it up to you no problem at all. He even offered to put the Equilibrium frame up on the internet bike builder tool for you.

    More news when mine's done.

    Cool!

    Look forward to hearing about the finished product.
    None of the above should be taken seriously, and certainly not personally.
  • jonny_trousers
    jonny_trousers Posts: 3,588
    Just to say that Maurice at De Ver mentioned in an email today that the Equilibrium frame and fork set is now available on their bikebuilder thingy.
  • daviesee
    daviesee Posts: 6,386
    Yeah. Saw it and had a play.
    I've had the all clear from my accountant today so it's the dream build instead of budgeting out of my own pocket.
    The Equilibrium build was a bit cheaper than the Fratello but I get a cycle fit and someone to moan at face to face if it goes wrong with the Condor. Decisions, decisions........
    I looked at the Roberts but they start at £2k so no doubt my budget would rise yet again.
    more sites to visit now........
    None of the above should be taken seriously, and certainly not personally.
  • daviesee
    daviesee Posts: 6,386
    Just an update:-

    Maurice was great with a good understanding, excellent customer service and superb pricing.
    If you are wanting a custom build phone him. Chances are it will be cheaper than doing it yourself!
    I went with the Fratello though due to local service.
    Build:-
    Fratello in orange with Chorus and hand built wheels (Mavic Open on Record with DT spokes) and all black finishing to make that orange POP!
    Looking forward to see it complete next week :P
    None of the above should be taken seriously, and certainly not personally.
  • jonny_trousers
    jonny_trousers Posts: 3,588
    ^Sounds awesome! I've seen the Fratello in orange and it looks great. I don't know how the Reynolds 725 of the Equilibrium will compare, but the Dedacai of the Fratello is fantastic at just bouncing across any rut or pothole the road has to throw at it.

    My frame has arrived at De Ver and I'm popping in on Tuesday to finalise colour. I know it's a little unimaginative, but I am thinking of thick, glossy black with white decals. It's just a colour combination I have always liked on steel bikes. But then again, the 2011 Equilibrium 10 is already in glossy black. Turqois?

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