Genesis is only a couple of years old but is maturing nicely, with a good range of UK-designed bikes for all types of cycling. For 2008 there’s a couple of new MTBs – here’s the low-down.

iO ID (£899.99srp)

There’s hub gearbox bikes popping up all over the place. Last year Genesis introduced the singlespeed iO, and this year takes things a step further by fitting Shimano’s Alfine 8spd hub. The hub is more commonly found on bikes destined for city bikes so it’ll be interesting to see how the hub copes with the demands of XC riding. The frame is made from Reynolds 725 tubing and is disc-only for clean lines. The spec comprises a Shimano Hone 32t chainset, RockShox Recon forks, Shimano Deore disc brakes and Continental Mountain King tyres.

Altitude 3.0 (£1299.99srp)

We tested the previous range topper Altitude 2.0 some time ago, and loved the solid spec, confident handling and respectable value. The company has added a higher specced model to the range, the Altitude 3.0. The Reynolds 853 frame has been modified slightly to accept longer travel 130mm forks and the cables are now routed along the down tube. For the £1,299.99 price you get a RockShox Revelation 409 Dual Air U-Turn fork with Motion Control, a full complement of Shimano Deore XT components with the new Shadow rear mech, DT X455 disc rims and Continental Mountain King tyres. The frame is available separately for £349.

Core 40 (£899.99srp)

Again pushing up the price envelope, the Core 4.0 gets a higher spec built around a revised triple butted 6069 aluminium frameset and slimmer seat stays for slightly more ride comfort.

Vapour (£699.99srp)

The cross season is well underway, if you’re that way inclined. The Vapour cross bike hasn’t changed much, with just a Shimano Tiagra HTII chainset the only spec change.

See the whole Genesis range at www.genesisbikes.co.uk.