Fully loaded Genesis Equilibrium Disc 20

shaunclaridge

1250 miles down and just wanted to give a shout out to Genesis on what a fantastic bit of kit this bike is for the money. I searched for over a year to find a "one do it all bike" for club rides, fast touring and ultra distance (audax ect) and I eventually went for the Genesis instead of some of the custom jobs I was looking at originally. For £1099 (I got an ex display) it was just impossible to ignore.

Bike is currently in Lejog mode as I set off for my second unsupported end to end in a months time. This time I am using full Apidura Bike packing kit which I tested over 100 miles of fairly disgusting weather yesterday....massively impressed with the system so far. Will need to use some compression dry sacks inside to save space and make everything water tight but the weight saving on a set up like this is unreal(which helps as Im more rugby player shaped than cyclist). The bike still feels great to ride even with all my luggage on there. The brakes are the semi hydraulic jobs that still have the cable activation and the performance yesterday in the wet with the bike loaded up really was assuring.... Im completely converted to the idea of discs for a touring bike in wet weather.

Then come summer the mudguards and wheels will go and be replaced for some lighter bits - and I will probably shed some of the layers of bar tape too!

Had the bike since before Christmas but have been winter training on a single speed so I have only just started doing century rides on it the last few weeks - I have to say it is so comfortable to ride compared to my previous aluminium Specialised.

Its not clean, and it doesnt care...this bike will be trusted to carry me on a few double century ride this year and then hopefully into the French mountains next year. Well done Genesis and Apidura for really well thought out kit!

arlowood

Great looking set-up.

However, am I not correct in thinking that the Equilibrium Disc has rear rack mounts? If so is there a reason why you've opted for the saddle/seat post mounted rear bag?

Also does your kit include a one-man tent for your unsupported ride or are you planning a B&B/YHA type trip?

shaunclaridge

arlowood wrote:

Great looking set-up.

However, am I not correct in thinking that the Equilibrium Disc has rear rack mounts? If so is there a reason why you've opted for the saddle/seat post mounted rear bag?

Also does your kit include a one-man tent for your unsupported ride or are you planning a B&B/YHA type trip?

Yep rack mounts are there if want them .... It will be b&bs each evening so no camping kit required.

Last time I used a carridice seat bag and I was originally intending on using panniers this time. Advantage for me of this stuff is that its light, really light....especially as you dont have the weight of the racks either. It also spreads the load round the bike so it feels much nicer to ride without all the weight sitting on the rear wheel. I also find it much more efficient through the air with everything down the middle of the bike. I can unstrap any of this stuff in seconds and also use it on my singlespeed or my commuter or any other bike I buy. It is also much more versatile as the bags can be used together or by them self depending on what kind of riding I am doing.

Down sides are that the rear sack does pick up some momentum when its windy and i get above 30mph...need to be wary of the speed wobble it can put into the bike at pace.

I guess the thing that really sold it is that I could also add rear or front panniers and still use all this kit too which would give me a huge capacity and really versatile touring setup.

Im just not really a fan of having panniers on my bike if im honest - Im prepared to pack very light and get the benefit of this system - you just need to be clever with packing! Compression dry sacks are great.