Back in May, we launched an occasional series of features called Gravel Gear, which was all about the gravel bikes that you’ve built and use.
This time we’re featuring this fantastic looking build from Gravel Union reader Gideon Thomas
My Genesis Croix de Fer is a new addition to my collection and is a bike I’ve had the pleasure of picking the parts for and putting together myself, albeit with a lot of help. It’s not in any way a dream-build. It is definitely a bike built with time, budget and availability in mind, but undoubtedly it was an experience filled with joy, frustration and a hell of a lot of learning.
The build comprises a 2017 @genesisbikesuk Croix de Fer (CdF) frameset,with the awesome @ryanbuildswheels Factotum Gravel Wheels and @wildernesstrailbikes Resolute 42 tyres.
I fitted @shimanogravel GRX/Tiagra mix groupset (Tiagra 4700 shifters, GRX 400 everything else) and extra juicy @kmcchaineurope Orange-black chain.
I’m slowing down using @trpcycling Spyre C post-mount cable disc brakes and perch on a @fabriccycling Scoop Elite Shadow saddle. For some extra colour ‘pop’ I fitted BW Rock Garden pedals and orange added extras, including some awesome @salsacycles bar tape.
I’ve learnt so much about bikes in the last few months and feel proud of myself for putting together the bits that I have done. The build process has raised my confidence and my knowledge and that to me is huge!
I’ve already been out on a few rides on this one and it absolutely flies! I really like the CdF because of its reliability. I feel as though I can go anywhere and do anything on this bike. It soaks up the terrain like nothing else (I guess that will be down to the steel tubing) and I don't have to worry about anything when I'm riding it.
I've ridden some aluminium gravel bikes and they are great, but with the CdF I feel more in control and it seems more sure-footed. With the addition of the two-by chainset (which is a tiny bit retro now, maybe?), I'm a little more confident on the climbs as well.
I think my favourite part of the build is actually having the chance to use some gravel-specific wheels. I love the feel of 650b and I'm not sure I'll ever go back to 700c. We'll see.
For next time, I would definitely look at bar/stem combos which I have not done this time and the only slight downside of the new build is that the bars feel a little narrow and the stem isn't quite how I'd like it to be. Apart from those things, I love it!
Thanks to @teddybinglescyclery for the help and advice, and to Wayne at @tailwindcyclery for doing the final build and sorting out my shortcomings.