Even in their most basic form, mountain bikes – whether they look similar or not – vary wildly. For example, even if you ignore the obvious differences in frame material and transmission types, Genesis’s Longitude rigid 29er is very different from a rigid machine such as Cannondale’s Trail SL 29.
The Genesis is 38mm longer, three degrees slacker, and 20mm wider at the bars than the Cannondale in the equivalent size – dictating that their trail manners will be vastly different. So is (relatively) long-and-low, enduro-inspired geometry a viable choice for for ‘adventure’ bikes?
- Highs: Modern geometry and wheel pack really pay off
- Lows: Pretty heavy, weird bars and won’t easy take a suspension fork
- Buy if: You want a rigid all-rounder that will run and run
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With its slacked-out geometry (for a rigid bike), the Longitude's solidity doesn't preclude mischief
Given that the earliest mountain bikes came from long, low, steel cruisers and that physics hasn’t changed, we say: why not?
Built long and low from double-butted chromoly steel, our 19in frame Longitude offered a 638mm top tube ending in a 68-degree head angle. Why steel? On a bike that may find itself halfway up an Andean mountain loaded to the gunnels, it makes sense – a broken steel frame is much easier to mend than a frame made of anything else. A village blacksmith could probably do it.
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