The new damping has massively improved the Genius but its new characteristic has markedly changed the ride dynamic. Most notably the bike sits much higher in the stroke at similar pressures to the stock damper and therefore affects certain cornering situations because of the higher bottom bracket ride height. The fork is sitting very slightly steeper too although we measured it at 66º on the button, which on paper seemed about right for the amount of travel on offer. Whilst diving into hard fast terrain there is no issue on the ride shape of the bike with the newer damping but I feel there’s definitely room for it to be slacker, although I’d like to try first before making a judgement on this idea. And although the bike is now better damped there was still some clatter from the rear which I’d would like to eliminate.
The plus side however is improved damping. Up front the new cartridge has given a well–slated product a totally new lease of life. The Fox 34 can now punch into pretty much anything without losing its legs. The hold characteristic I feel is now marginally better than a RockShox Pike but less sensitive and it’s going to take a tough test against the BOS to work out a winner. Up hill is never an issue and the simpler more crash resistant shock lever works a treat. And after all it’s partly because of its all–round ability that we have pursued these changes.
The new rear Float X has improved the bike but I felt it needed a touch more resistance in the can, the kind of force off which lift can be generated from the ground. That clatter deep into the stroke doesn’t help matters so ill be looking to get more end–force in the damper. However what I most like about the new set–up is how much easier it is to work the ground and generate lift. And even though the bike (size large, I’m 6’ 1”) is slightly too small and too steep it’s far more absorbing and has a better connection to the trail and all the shapes it throws at you.
In terms of geometry the new ride height still needs tackling however and with headset off–sets of –1º or –2º on their way from Works Components we’ll aim to get the bike sat correctly. We’ll also be trying some new units from Cane Creek in the future.
With these changes the bike is greatly improved, it has great potential and looks fantastic… but then it should be all these things out of the box. Phase 2 in the next issue.
SPECFrame: 170mm Carbon with Fox Nude/Scott Custom shock
Fork: Fox 34 Float Air Kashima CTD Custom
Wheels: Syncros 28H
Tyres: Schwalbe Hans Dampf Trail Star front/Rock Razor Pace Star rear
Shifters: SRAM X01
Chainguide: E13 XCX
Rear derailleur: SRAM X01
Crank: SRAM X1
Cassette: SRAM X01
Seat: Syncros Ti
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Handlebar: Syncros Carbon 760mm x 35mm
Stem: Syncros 35mm
Headset: Syncros
Brakeset: Shimano XTR 203/180mm
Sizes: S M L
Cost: £5799 or £3699 frame only
