Genesis Flyer SIngle Speed

adoall

Hi

any owners of this or anyone with some as experience want to weigh in

need a bike for short work commutes (all less than 10k on flat)

would like mudguards and rack, but also the option to go for occasional longer fitness cycles.

the simplicity of the flyer attracts me and the drops etc. also the challenge. Have ridden a fixed many years ago

madness at my age (50s)?

thanks

JoeFloyd

pretty sure the flyer comes set up with front and rear brakes, and a single speed freewheel (with the option of running a true fixed gear)*. single speed/fixed is great for commuting, unless you have a serious climb along the way, and even then it would need to be a tough gradient to be of major concern for the stock gear size If anything, you might find the gear is too light for faster sections of your journey.

*I see the latest flyer is disc brake, so I'm not sure if there's an option to run it fixed. The older rim brake model had a flip-flop rear wheel, giving the 2 options.

a single speed is fine for longer recreational solo rides - but might be an issue if going on group rides with folks who have a selection of gears for mixed terrain.

gn3dr

I bought one for the purposes of the odd commute to work but embarrassingly I haven't actually used it yet. Seems pretty well built though.

Squidgy Black

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120708663#Comment_120708663

Yep the new disc version only comes single speed, if it was me I’d be looking for one of the older rim brake ones with the flip flop hub. The only issue is the tyre clearance is fairly tight with mudguards, you’re probably looking at 28mm or 30mm at a push, compared to the new one which fits up to 42mm I think

mh_cork

I have a rim-brake Flyer. Its a great bike, and cheap to run. It can just about fit 28 mm tyres with mudguards. I can also fit a rack, I think it is a tortec ultralite rear rack. But the rack wont fit on one of the seat stays due to the brake, I have to use a p-clip. I've done a couple of 200km solo rides on it, but its obviously not a bike to bring out on a group ride.

The new disc based Flyer can handle much larger tyres, easier to fit mudguards and a rack too.

If you are looking at other single-speeds / fixed, be aware that some are based on track bikes, which would have a more aggressive geometry than the Flyer.

wersal gummage

I have the genesis Flyer "gravel bike" if that's same or similar? Single speed.

Have it about a year.

Probably overpriced really.

No real problems with it as such, have been commuting on it for about a year as my work location is not suitable for storing any of the good bikes.

I find the cranks pretty awful, just constant creaking etc.

Also I never used single speed before and hadn't really thought about what a puncture would mean, in terms of wheel off with Allen keys, chain adjustment etc.... Basically a fair bit of a faff if not something you're used to, but got used to it quickly enough.

billyhead

Hi folks.

Are there any recent owners of this bike that could provide feedback on it. It would be used for a short commute with a small hill on the journey. I'm considering it for its low maintenance and also I feel a single speed bike would be good for building up strength and fitness.

magicbastarder

someone from this parish only recently did 105km on one around NCD. you can probably make a fair stab at who that was.

Wishbone Ash

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123358461#Comment_123358461

…..and on solid tyres too!

Wishbone Ash

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123358298#Comment_123358298

Ideal commuting bike. I have solid tyres on mine so virtually no maintenance or worries. It's fine 95% of the time but on gradients over 10% are tough going. There is also the 'spinning out' on descents so hard to keep up on a group ride. My gearing is 48/16 (3:1). Front and rear rim brakes with the option of flipping the rear wheel to ride fixed.

MojoMaker

I'd say 48/16 is tough on climbs a lot less than 10% 😅

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123358298#Comment_123358298

I have one, switched the rear disc for a cog so running it fixed. Grand bike but I'm in the country now so it's not seen much action the last 3 months. I found it comfy, and could keep a decent speed with the comfy tyres but if I don't start using it more it will be up for sale shortly.

gn3dr

I have one too, the green rim brake model. Would be perfect for a commute. Mine has the flip flop hub also but I have only ridden it fixed. Good for pedaling style and makes you feel like you have had a proper workout.

fiacha

I ride an old singlespeed Langster, but similar setup to the Flyer. Front/Rear breaks, 42/16 gearing. I'm 49 and over 115kg. No problems with multi-hour rides and (short :D) climbs. I love it. If I had to replace it tomorrow, I'd probably go for the Flyer.

Underpinner

Ride fixed or singlespeed about three months of the year. I’m on 48x16 atm but if I was hitting real hills I would consider 48x18. Genesis make good bikes.