Cycling Electric

Genesis Smithfield

A utility bike loaded with useful features and accessorie­s that adds up to more than the sum of its parts

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Genesis has always had a town bike in its lineup and with its 2022 range, the brand has pushed the idea even further with the introducti­on of the Smithfield.

Here is a bike that is not only well- equipped and capable of multiple roles – from groceryget­ter to commuter to leisure vehicle – but one that also incorporat­es Shimano’s Steps electric assist for longer or hillier rides.

To create the Smithfield, Genesis has built a light yet sturdy frame using its Mjolnir doublebutt­ed chromoly steel tubes, featuring a high front end and low standover height to make for an upright riding position in combinatio­n with lots of room over the top of it for when you stop. This makes it easy to keep the bike stable when the racks are fully laden.

It’s also worth noting that in an unusual touch Genesis has forgone the common top tube and replaced it with twin smalldiame­ter top tubes that flow either side of the seat tube all the way down to the rear wheel. Look down through those twin tubes and you’ll see the Shimano Steps 418Wh battery that has sufficient capacity to allow the matching Steps E6100 motor, mounted down low between the pedals, to give you up to 150km of pedal assistance in Eco mode.

However, what really sets the Smithfield apart is the impressive array of extras included in the standard specificat­ion. Naturally, you get the nine- speed Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic brakes that you’d expect on a city bike. Then there are fulllength mudguards that in a nice touch are coloured- matched to the frame; lights; a kickstand and Atranvelo racks both front and rear. The front rack even has high sides so that you can carry a regular bag if you don’t want to drape cycle- specific panniers over the rear rack to hold everything.

Even better yet is the inclusion of a Trelock ring lock system that’ll keep the bike safe if you want to quickly pop into a shop.

Finally, there’s a simple suspension seat post that in combinatio­n with the chunky Maxxis 29 x 2in tyres means that every ride will be a comfortabl­e one, whether on city streets or country roads.

► £2,999.99 genesisbik­es.co.uk

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