The Genesis Croix de Fer 40 in Depeche Mauve is the sophisticated, high-performance "elder brother" of the CdF family. While the CdF 30 is built for durability and value, the 40 takes a leap into high-tier gravel racing and premium touring. The "Depeche Mauve" finish is a deep, metallic purple-grey that feels more "understated luxury" than "off-road brawler," giving the bike a distinct, boutique aesthetic. Underneath that classy paint is the legendary Reynolds 725 Chromoly frame, which for 2026 has been refined with updated internal routing ports that make adding a dropper post or a dynamo light system easier than ever.
The standout feature of this build is the transition to the Shimano GRX 1x12-speed ecosystem. By ditching the front derailleur, Genesis has created a bike that is significantly quieter, lighter, and more capable of handling mud-clogged trails. Paired with a massive 10-51T cassette and GRX 820-level hydraulic brakes, the Croix de Fer 40 offers mountain bike-level climbing gears with the sleek ergonomics of a road bike. It’s a masterclass in versatile engineering, ready to tackle a 200km desert race or a wet February commute with equal poise.
Specifications Breakdown
Frameset & Fork
Frame: Reynolds 725 Heat-Treated Chromoly, Internal cable routing, Dropper post ready, 12x142mm Thru-Axle, Threaded BB.
Fork: Amplitude G100 Chromoly, 12x100mm Thru-Axle, Triple-pack mounts, Internal dynamo/brake routing.
Headset: Genesis Integrated, 1 1/8" - 1 1/2" tapered.
Handlebar: Amplitude G100 Flare, 16° Flare (Width: 420mm–460mm depending on size).
Stem: Amplitude G100, +/- 7°.
Seatpost: Amplitude G100, 27.2mm.
Saddle: Madison Flux Switch.
Drivetrain & Brakes
Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX RD-RX822, 12-speed with chain stabilizer.
Shifters: Shimano GRX ST-RX820-LA, 12-speed (Integrated dropper post lever for left hand).
Brakes: Shimano GRX BR-RX820 Hydraulic Disc.
Rotors: Shimano SM-RT70 Centre Lock, 160mm (Front and Rear).
Cassette: Shimano CS-M7100 (SLX), 10-51T, 12-speed.
Crankset: Shimano GRX FC-RX610-1, 40T chainring.
Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB-RS501, Threaded.
Wheels & Tires
Wheelset: Amplitude G100, 26mm internal width, Tubeless Ready, 32H.
Hubs: KT T20 - RR615, 32H, Center Lock.
Tires: Maxxis Rambler 700x45c, Tubeless Ready, EXO Casing.
Approx. Weight: 11.2 kg (Size Medium).
Key Highlights
Shimano GRX 1x12 Performance: This drivetrain offers the best of both worlds. The 10-51T range gives you a massive 510% gear range, meaning you have a lower gear for steep, technical climbs than most traditional 2x setups, without the complexity of a front derailleur.
Dropper-Ready Cockpit: The left-hand brake lever (ST-RX820-LA) is specifically designed to operate a dropper seatpost. This allows you to drop your saddle height on the fly for steep descents without taking your hands off the hoods.
Reynolds 725 Steel: Often called "the sweet spot" of steel, 725 is heat-treated to allow for thinner tube walls. It provides that legendary "springy" steel ride quality while keeping the weight competitive with many aluminium adventure bikes.
Integrated Versatility: The 2026 frame features "Beautiful on the Inside" cable ports. These custom ports allow you to run dynamo cables, electronic shifting, or dropper post housing through the frame for a clean aesthetic that doesn't sacrifice serviceability.
Massive Tire Clearance: Rolling stock with 45mm Maxxis Ramblers on 26mm wide rims provides a huge contact patch. This setup is designed to be run tubeless, allowing for incredibly low pressures that turn washboard gravel into a smooth velvet carpet.