The Genesis Croix de Fer, the Bee ;)

A very simple but effective steel frame, with QR wheel, BSA threaded bottom bracket, standard headset, good tire clearance and bomb proof reliability.

Made from Reynold 725 Tubing

Here's some explanations about : 

Reynolds 725
(1080-1280 MPa)

Classic seamless Chromoly (as above) but heat-treated to boost tensile strength. Think of it as Chromoly on steroids. It’s heated to around 1600F whereby a structural change in the steels’ crystal lattice occurs (a stronger, more uniform orientation), whereupon it’s then quenched (cooled rapidly) to lock-in the structural change. As it’s stronger we can away with using less of it so thinner butts are the order of the day here, helping to achieve a lighter overall frame weight and livelier ride without compromising strength.

So I started looking after the best choices in the various components, for my personal needs !

That’s the main point when you try to make your best possible bikes for your needs and to your funding capabilities.

I’ll try to develop the various combinations I found and how they suits me.

Genesis Croix de Fer 2018 Frame set

Reynolds 725 chromoly tubing
Size L 

Wheels
Shimano RX 31, CX wheels, very sturdy, reliable and affordable. 
Most Shimano wheels are under rated by most, they’re not the sexier but most of their choices are very smart.

For instance the hubs are still cup and cones, easy to maintain, compliant with my weight, the freehub is still made of steel (can’t bear aluminum, eaten by steel cassettes…)

The transmission, with the drop bars the choice is quite restricted because of the brifters… That’s were some nice readings helps, especially the table from Zinn, with the various data on the different transmissions.

I found the best balance for my touring/gravel bike with the following : 

Previous generation Tiagra 4600 triple levers, 10 speeds and with the traditional MTB 1.7x leverage, so rear 9s MTB derailleurs are compatible, in this case a simple and effective Alivio T4000, with 45 teeth total capacity.

French made Stronglight Impact Triple crank set, yes triple !!!
Fitted with 24/34/46 gears, that means with an 11/32 cassette, huge capabilities, from climbing to Touring.

Front Tiagra triple derailleur.

Because of the brifters, the brake are limited to cable actuated ones, the fully mechanical ones are definitely scarce for large riders … The best choice remains, yet for me, the TRP HY/RD.
The Juin Tech are quite nice too, but feels “light” when compared to the TRP.

This way we manage to have huge range in gearing and nice braking power.

To attain such a broad capability would be to go for full hydro brakes and mega range 9x42 cassette, that would mean a mere 2000$ for the package … almost twice the whole Croix de fer !!! And imagine paying about 200€ just for changing the gravel eaten cassette …

Then I found a very nice drop bar with the Ritchey Ergo Max, these a very comfy, with a large palm rest and a good rise to get a very nice position on the bike.

The saddle is the over proven B17 from Brooks.