Genesis’ Datum platform of bikes forms the raciest offering in the brand’s ever-increasing adventure stable, with the Datum 30 model sitting as the second option in a four-tier range.
The Datum is still presented as a road bike by Genesis, albeit an adaptable one, able to conquer both smooth rolling roads and a modest bit of the rough stuff too. The Datum is, in Genesis’ words, ‘As UK-a-road bike’ as you’ll find.
Sounds good – ideal, even – but how does that translate on paper?
It’s all in the detail. Contour lines on the Datum stem.
Below the 30 are the Shimano Tiagra-equipped Datum 10 and 105-equipped Datum 20, while above it is an Ultegra Di2-specced version, which leaves the Datum 30 with the logical bridge of a mechanical Ultegra groupset, assembled on the same carbon frame at the heart of each model.
Needless to say the bike has been given a 50/34 compact chainset and an 11-32 cassette, which should aid the rider in keeping on top of their gear in more ‘adventurous’ terrain.
There are other pointers that indicate the bike’s identity too. Shimano BR-RS805 hydraulic disc brakes have been employed, with 160mm (f) and 140mm (r) rotors, for a reliable stopping force, while the Fulcrum Racing DB sport wheels have been dressed with a portly 32mm Clement Strada USH tyre; a width more than suitable for gravel.
The handlebars adopt a slightly splayed profile too, which is distinctly un-aero, but gives a little more stability and better handling up front, as well as extra leverage when pedalling out of the saddle.
Splayed handlebars.
The frame itself is as you’d expect for an adventure-skewed road bike. With a deeply sloping top tube, lengthy chainstays, long wheelbase and tall head tube, the Datum has all the hallmarks of a relaxed frame. Long, hard – but comfortable – miles in the saddle are what this bike was made for – not tight criterium circuits.
That being said, certain frame details belie this bike’s identity as a road bike rather than a touring bike. The fact that it is carbon, for starters, is a sure sign that – while it can no doubt handle a knock – the Datum isn’t built for all-out comfort and robustness. The carbon will provide a natural kick and zest of life, as will the extra stiffness upfront that will come as a result of the tapered headtube.
With it’s lack of pannier mounts the frame will force the user to travel light with bikepacking bags at most, however extra bosses on the undercarriage of the downtube provide room for extra storage capabilities, be it in the form of a tool keg, water bottle, or else, while both the fork and rear triangle sport the mounts required for mudguards.
Extra mounts for extra storage.
The routing is entirely internal, and done very neatly too with precise entry and exit points around the headtube junction, rear stays, and fork. This keeps the bike looking clean, neat and fast – another indication about its character.
On the face of it, the Genesis Datum 30 should live up to the experience that its on-paper spec describes: A road bike, but with a very definite lean in the direction of adventure and comfort.
We’ve got the bike on a long-term test, and with a series of rides and events planned to test the bike to the full, we’re looking forward to reporting back with ongoing reviews as our experiences develop.
