Genesis has lifted the lid on a new adventure road bike range for 2016. The Datum range will consist of three models starting from £1,799 as well as a frame only option. Each Datum gets the same full carbon chassis, hydraulic disc braking and, thanks to some clever thinking, room for a 45mm mudguard around the standard 33mm tyres.
Frame Highlights
Look in front of the rear wheel of any Datum and you'll see a cutout from the seat tube area - it's a pretty common sight nowadays thanks to its supposed aero gains but it's something Genesis has done for another reason. Instead, Genesis made the slice to boost tyre and rack clearances to the spec mentioned previously whilst maintaining a sensibly short 420mm chainstay length.
Cable/hose routing is nicely done, even at the fork
Elsewhere Genesis has chosen to use a slender 27.2mm seatpost, a BB86 press-fit bottom bracket shell, and a quick release rear end, that's in contrast to the stout tapered carbon fork at the front with its burly 15x100mm thru-axle. All cable routing is internal and the frames are Di2 ready including space for a seatpost mounted battery. Each Datum will be available in five sizes ranging from extra small to extra large.
Genesis Datum 10 - £1,799
The cheapest way to get your leg over this new model is the Datum 10, and at £1,799 the spec is looking smart - just like the 'paintbox red' finish. There's Shimano's new 4700 Tiagra 10-speed groupset, a suitably wide cyclocross derived wheelset from Fulcrum and Tektro's mechanically actuated HyRd hydraulic brakes. The same 33mm Challenge Strada Bianca tyres are used throughout the range, these include a puncture protection strip and have a 355g claimed weight. Each Datum also arrives with the same own-brand RandoX flared handlebar which essentially is a hybrid of a modern compact drop bar and a traditional rando handelbar.
Genesis Datum 20 - £2,099
The next Datum in the range slips over the two grand mark and loses its red paintwork in favour of a stealthy black finish, the same finish you get if you purchase the Datum as a £999 frameset. Braking is now handled by Shimano RS505 hydraulic discs and these are paired up to a full 11-speed Shimano 105 transmission. Aside from that it's basically the same story as the Datum 10.
Genesis Datum 30 - £3,199 (not photographed)
For those with heavier wallets and a craving for electronics there's the Datum 30 which, its white finish aside, also includes an Ultegra Di2 electronic groupset and an upgrade to Shimano's RS805 discs.
We can't wait to give one a try!
Australian pricing is to be confirmed.
