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The conventionally 26in iO remains a firm favourite on UK trails(Image credit: Russell Burton)
Genesis IO(Image credit: Russell Burton)
A Reynolds 520 and cro-mo mix make the iO a lively ride(Image credit: Russell Burton)
UK-designed Genesis bikes have always keyed in very well to riding trends on this often offbeat island. The iO singlespeed is on the money for stripped-down singletrack fun. (CN test )
Ride & handling: Fast and forgiving – shows you don't need big wheels for big fun
Point-and-shoot agility is good in the tight stuff, with a
At just 24.7lb, the Genesis is quick to get up to speed and can sneak
Frame: The bike equivalent of a mod suit
The main frame triangle is UK-designed Reynolds 520 steel with a clean traditional look under the metallic brown paintwork. Details such as the reinforced head tube, gussetted down tube and rear facing dropouts with tension screws are well executed. Singlespeed-only mounts mean no untidy empty cable slots.
Add Crud Catcher-style mudguard bosses, ample rear tyre space and a forward-facing seatpost slot and you’ve got the bike equivalent of a mod suit: clean cut, sharply tailored and distinctively English.
Equipment: A decent selection, plus frame is upgrade-ready
Kit selection is a mixture of proven favourites and own-brand components. The long double-butted chromoly rigid fork makes this bike a steep learning curve but keeps it light, lively and low maintenance. It's long enough to swap for suspension without altering steering too.
Shimano brakes, 1/8in chain and freewheel give proven reliability and the Continental Mountain Kings are great all-round tyres. 26in wheels mean a far broader range of upgrade options for tyres, wheels and forks.
