Genesis Croix De Fer 60 (2026 – ) review

By maintaining the iconic, skinny-tubed profile of the heat-treated Reynolds 725 steel frame, Genesis has made its electric gravel bike look almost indistinguishable from an analogue one. The ultra-compact Mahle X20 rear hub motor sits unobtrusively in the rear wheel, while the compact 171Wh Mahle eX1 battery is integrated into a bottle cage slot without cluttering the frame silhouette. Internal cable routing and a lightweight carbon fork complete an understated aesthetic that will appeal to traditionalists and modern tech enthusiasts alike.

The Croix de Fer platform is already a big-hitter in the Genesis lineup as an analogue bike, and is renowned for its neutral, endurance-focused geometry. Thankfully, the electric 60 model maintains that winning formula. You sit in a relatively endurance-focused position, and combined with the flared Amplitude gravel handlebars, you get decent leverage when navigating tricky off-road trails or cruising on open tarmac. One thing we will say is that the flared bars do seem quite vast on the small frame, and we found it much easier and more comfortable to sit on the hoods for the majority of our riding.

Practicality is where the Croix de Fer shines brightest. Unlike an aggressive, race-focused gravel bike it comes with frame mounts for full-length mudguards, front and rear pannier racks, and multiple water bottles. There is also generous clearance for up to 47mm wide tyres, (less if you run mudguards) but this allows for a decent choice of tyre for extra traction or a narrower, faster rolling tyre for tarmac-focused riding. And at 13.6kg, the Genesis is light enough to lift onto car racks or carry up steps, making daily living surprisingly easy for an e-bike.

Genesis uses a Mahle XS drive system. This comprises a rear hub motor, delivering up to 65Nm of torque through a bottom-bracket-mounted sensor. We found it reacts almost instantly and naturally to your pedalling input. When the motor is turned off or you pedal past the legally required 15.5mph cut-off, the motor decouples but not without zero drag. The battery, however, is where things get a little interesting. The Mahle XS uses an external 171Wh bottle-cage mounted battery. By its estimations you can get up to 60km (37 miles) of range per charge. In our riding we scored a little less than that, but the terrain we tested it on probably doesn’t lend itself to a hub-driven e-bike. Shifting duties are meanwhile handled by a 2x12 Shimano GRX RX820 drivetrain, providing a broad spread of ratios for steep climbs – which you’ll need if you’re heading up something like Ingleby Incline and the motor tops out. Matching GRX hydraulic disc brakes deliver decent lever feel and confident, powerful stopping under heavy load or in wet weather.

The springy, natural flex of the Reynolds 725 tubing combined with a vibration-damping carbon fork produces an enjoyably smooth ride quality taking the harsh sting out of potholed roads. Off-road it’s predictable and can tackle some pretty rough bridleways and gravel tracks. Because the extra weight of the motor system is mounted low the bike handles predictably without feeling top-heavy or sluggish. We found it tracks securely through loose corners and stays stable at speed, instilling maximum confidence across mixed surfaces.

Charging the 171Wh battery takes just a couple of hours and costs mere pennies on a standard home energy tariff. Standard bicycle components mean routine maintenance such as replacing brake pads, chains, and tyres. The good news is these can be handled by any local bike shop without specialist e-bike surcharges. However, heavy electrically-assisted use on grit and mud will require regular chain cleaning and replacement of wear-and-tear items to keep the drivetrain in top condition.

Genesis' steel frames have an historically good reputation for durability and longevity, supported by robust welding and rust protection. The Mahle X20 e-system has equally established a strong record for reliability and weather-sealing, even with an external battery. Sadly (or perhaps not so sadly!) we didn’t get to ride the bike in wet and muddy weather to fully test this claim. Paired with Shimano's workhorse GRX gravel components, the Croix de Fer 60 is built to withstand year-round exposure to rain, mud, and road salt without skipping a beat.

Genesis supports the Croix de Fer 60 with a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and fork, giving owners complete peace of mind over the core structure. Electrical components are covered under Mahle’s standard two-year warranty, with software updates and diagnostic checks available through the dedicated Mahle SmartBike mobile app.

The specification list includes a Shimano GRX 2x12 groupset, Maxxis Reaver tubeless-ready tyres, and convenient Mahle eShifter buttons mounted directly on the handlebars to change assistance modes without removing your hands from the controls. While it includes all the mounting eyelets you could want, factory-fitted mudguards, racks, and integrated lights are not included as standard at this price point and must be purchased separately.

The Genesis Croix de Fer 60 is the ideal choice for cyclists who want to extend their range, flatten daunting hill climbs (if not the one we tried it on!) or commute effortlessly without sacrificing the authentic look and feel of a traditional, steel-framed drop-bar gravel bike. It delivers an exceptional mix of comfort, practicality, and subtle electric performance turning any journey into a pleasure. And at £4,499 (at the time of writing) it’s at a reasonable price point, although if you prefer something with a bit more power, then there are other options out there for similar prices, just not necessarily with steel tubing.