With a slogan like “Excellence Begins Here”, there was no way we could pass up the chance to review the Genesis V2100 mountain bike. This $149 full suspension, 26″ bike has it all – aluminum frame, at least one disc brake, Shimano drivetrain, and even a padded seat. As an added bonus, it includes a full set of front, rear, pedal, and wheel reflectors, so you can be in compliance with local vehicle codes. That’s not something we usually find on the typical full squishy mountain bike, but we don’t usually shop for bicycles where most people buy diapers and groceries.
Before anyone gets concerned about the shipping weight of over forty pounds, don’t panic. Actual weight of the Genesis V2100 is in the 36-37 pound range, depending on the accuracy of your scale. It wouldn’t be too much work to bring that down a bit by swapping the heavy steel riser bar for an aluminum one. Of course, any weight savings from the bar swap would be offset when it comes time to replace the pedals (after about two rides or less), as they seem to have earned a reputation as the cheapest pedals ever. We did note that in online reviews, the average owner spent an additional $80 or more to get their bike in working order. Incorrectly installed tubes lasted only until they were inflated. Luckily, this happened at home for most owners. Trailside, it would be a bit cumbersome to fix a flat on the Genesis V2100, since it isn’t equipped with quick release axles at either end. So bring a box wrench with you wherever you go. Don’t count on an open end or adjustable wrench, as these nutted axles don’t have the best hardware either.
Some riders incorrectly assume that a lightweight wheel with a low spoke count is difficult to keep in true. Yet a poorly assembled wheel with uneven spoke tension is far more likely to have issues. That’s why the majority of new owners reported that their Genesis V2100 was delivered with bent wheels, right out of the box. This may have been done on purpose, to match the out of true Promax disc brake rotor. The brake can be adjusted, and may offer a fair amount of braking power, but it’s difficult to locate replacement parts, as most brake shops don’t carry pads for the very bottom of the barrel components like this. Speaking of which, be prepared to spend time messing with the drivetrain. Although it’s from Shimano, the 3×7 shifters and derailleurs have more than enough slop that your LBS may simply refuse to work on it, knowing they will never be able to get it to shift smoothly and consistently.
When it comes time to hit the trail, the effectiveness of the coil spring suspension on the Genesis V2100 caught a lot of owners by surprise. Advertised as 80mm (3.14″) of travel, most couldn’t get more than one inch of movement. Having a non-progressive spring rate means that it’s unlikely they’ll ever get the full travel out of either end. Compression isn’t adjustable, and rebound is exactly what one might expect from a spring. Out back, the four bar linkage looks the part, but the actual path of travel is an arc that wants to move the wheel forward as it goes upward. This results in poor handling, as the wheel cannot track over rough surfaces properly.
After paying a bike shop to replace the broken parts, plus a tune-up, wheel true, and a new set of tubes, as well as the parts that wore out prematurely, most buyers of the Genesis V2100 were probably close to what they would have spent on an entry level hardtail for unpaved surfaces. Given the lack of functionality of the Genesis V2100’s rear suspension, this actually makes a lot more sense. Plus, buying a bike at your LBS allows you to get fitted for the proper frame size. More than one review indicated a longer post or stem was needed, neither of which addresses the fact that the frame is a “one size fits most”.
If you want a quality bike that fits you, with components that work as intended, do not expect to find it at WalMart. There’s a reason bikes with fully functional brakes and shifters cost more than typical department store and X-Mart bikes. You don’t need an expensive bike to enjoy cycling, but don’t be fooled into thinking a cheap one is worth the money either.
– Brian
where can I find parts for this bike? I need a front rim
The only good thing about these bikes that I like are the shumano derailleur, the tires, and the grips. My friend has one of these bikes and I’m trying to trade him tires lol.
Since you own this bike, there’s a very good chance that you have never heard of a bike shop. They carry all sorts of odd bits and pieces for bicycles, and may even have a 26″ front rim with disc brake hub. But if your Genesis V1200 needs a new rim, now may be a good time to consider cutting your losses and sell it for scrap instead.
How did I ever miss this article? It’s awesome!
Genesis “The Walgoose” of the future.
OH Snap, it has a disc front and a v brake rear! Get outta town! That is awesome! If only it had pegs it would be the total Pedro velo, making all sorts of Napoleon Dynamites envious! Don’t forget to vote for Pedro by the way 😉
I had one of these bikes a few years back. I just had to get another one. I got another today and I LOVE it!!! There was just a couple things that was loose… But after getting a allen wrench, I was able to tighten up everything.
People like to trash talk this inexpensive bike, but i have owned one for 2 years, and short of buying a more comfy seat, have had no problems with. I ride mostly dirt and gravel backroads and trails in oregon. I figure if it does break, i can shell out another hundred fifty for a new one rather than several hundred to repair a thousand dollar bike. Just my worthless opinion though. Happy trails.
I totally agree here. I’ve been an owner for over 2 years and have only had to do normal maintenance and fixing. I don’t feel like I overpaid the $299. I got at least another year or so Before I’m fully satisfied of its usage.
Thank You for you’re opinion on this bike. You made a lot of sense. Everyone seems to be trashing this bike. I’m going to look at what my local Wal-Mart has and maybe Costco.
I agree with you’re last comment about the $1000.00 bike fix…..Jim
I own the V2100. I love the suspension on it. I can hardly feel the bumps of the road, or on the trail. My only concern is not knowing how to replace the pads on my front break, like most models, I have a disc break in front.
Got 700 miles on mine new seat and tires are all I have done . shifts fine for my needs and it didn’t cost as much as a used car
My wife bought me this bike and i love it. I rode it to and from work and was worried I would wear my thighs out. But I didnt. The shifting is awesome, the shocks worked great. It is a little heavy to carry up stairs but other than that its a great looking and handeling bike.
I too started out on a bike of this price. However, you get what you pay for. After 100 miles my rear hub became so loose that it was pretty much un-ride-able.
I found a cheap 26″ frame off of PricePoint.com and built my own bike after that. Ride a bike you have built or one of a higher quality and you will realize how terrible bikes of this caliber are. Sure, anything that gets you riding is a plus, but as mentioned before you get what you pay for.
I ride a 855 Pro Flex I bought in 1998. The bike is still AWESOME! I just bought my 14 year old the v2100. He absolutely loves it and he beats the complete shit out of it. So far so good and it’s been jumped over a couple 10+ foot gaps and seen moderate downhill action. My favorite part is when he crashes it or whips it on the ground I’m not saying FUUUUUCKKK that’s expensive!!!
I got one of these the other day, and, I admit I’m not a bike expert. But I did ride a lot of bikes when I was a kid. For the average joe who is on a budget, this bike kicks ass. I love it. I’m not out to spend $1000 bucks on a bike unless it is 3 or 4 times better than this bike, and by that, I mean can I go 3 or 4 times faster with the same effort? 3 or 4 times better performance, comfort, etc? Will it last 3 or 4 times as long? Will the repair costs be 3 or 4 times less?
I’m not sure any bike in this class can say that. When it comes down to it, only two things really matter. 1. Are you having fun? 2. Can the fun be sustained within reason? The answer with this bike is yes, and yes, and all at an affordable cost.
I don’t even know where to start. Did you even TOUCH this bike before you reviewed it?? This review just seems like a rehash of a bunch of other reviews, by the average owner who may or may not know the first thing about adjusting a bicycle to keep it tuned up.
If you buy a bike from anywhere other than a bike shop, IT WILL NEED TO BE ADJUSTED. That’s not because it’s a bad bike, it’s because whoever put it together was a minimum wage stock room employee. Get it tuned up before riding it, and you will be fine. It’s a great bike for the money, and I wish it’s Kent International twin on Amazon wasn’t +$35, because then at least it wouldn’t be looked down upon for being a Walmart Special.
No, I did not touch this bike. Although whenever my wife drags me to WalMart, I make it a point of taking pictures of the bikes that are assembled incorrectly. It’s a fun game.
This is a bad bike. It’s hardly even a bike, really. It’s a mess of cheap parts masquerading as a bicycle. Poorly designed suspension, with a shock that would make Newton cringe (see Newton’s Third Law). It has a drivetrain that many bikes shops simply won’t touch. They’re not snobs, they just know that no amount of time or skill will make loose and sloppy components work well.
If you cannot afford a decent new bike, get a decent used bike. There is no possible way a company can sell a bike with a proper drivetrain and working front and rear suspension for $150. It’s junk. Crap. Garbage. And those are the polite words I have for it.
Taking pictures of bikes assembled poorly at Walmart is fun..
I’m betting your wife is a proud woman.
Bad review on a decent bike.Ive owened GTs,Haros,Redline and even a diamondback in my days.All I remember is it was pricey and I still jump this bike like it was the name brands.unless your going to race and need the best,don’t hate on this bike
Don’t be mad is your opinion and don’t mean nothing fool
You’re a fool for thinking Walmart bikes are decent bikes. Sure they are cheap, heavy, made with really crappy components, and can get you from a to b. But, being assembled improperly is half the battle when buying a “Big Box Brand” bike. That if you are not an avid cyclist with basic bike skills can cost you as much as the bike to get repaired. So why even bother if you want a bike that you can ride and will last more than a few rides before having catastrophic failure.
Watch these when you get a chance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3eUfZuo5Bg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3vI2bYhCrk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtbj4V5x4U8
I got my V2100 at a second hand store for $75 a few years ago and love it. So far the only thing that has happened is a flat tire and needs gears adjusted. I’ve rode all kinds of bikes, (Panasonic, Kia, Huffy, Cannondale etc.) this bike is great
I had gotten my drivers license suspended a few years ago and this is the bike I used to get to and from work, I was working two jobs at the time, and to get to church, basically for almost 2 years this was the only transportation I had. I did have to buy some new pedals and I always carried my allan wrench because the handle bars would often get loose, other than that this was a dependable bike, I even had to outride a German Shepard one morning. All you people criticizing this bike because it needs repairs are out of touch with reality, everything man made sooner or later will need to be reapaired or retrofitted, from a Powerstroke Diesel engine in a Ford to a Cummins Diesel engine in a Frieghtliner truck. My legs had never been so muscular in my life than the time I rode my Genesis mountain bike, I was in pretty good shape and my body didnt care if the bike was from Wal Mart.
Bobby’s got a point.. It comes down to the mechanics of it all. You can pay $40 to $80 to have a bike specialist tune your Trek, or you can use common sense and carry a few tools and do it yourself. For simple transportation – I think this bike does the job.
Now, if you plan on riding down Pike’s Peak, even the $1600 bike fall apart.
where can I find parts for this bike? I need a front rim
The only good thing about these bikes that I like are the shumano derailleur, the tires, and the grips. My friend has one of these bikes and I’m trying to trade him tires lol.
Since you own this bike, there’s a very good chance that you have never heard of a bike shop. They carry all sorts of odd bits and pieces for bicycles, and may even have a 26″ front rim with disc brake hub. But if your Genesis V1200 needs a new rim, now may be a good time to consider cutting your losses and sell it for scrap instead.
How did I ever miss this article? It’s awesome!
Genesis “The Walgoose” of the future.
OH Snap, it has a disc front and a v brake rear! Get outta town! That is awesome! If only it had pegs it would be the total Pedro velo, making all sorts of Napoleon Dynamites envious! Don’t forget to vote for Pedro by the way 😉
People like to trash talk this inexpensive bike, but i have owned one for 2 years, and short of buying a more comfy seat, have had no problems with. I ride mostly dirt and gravel backroads and trails in oregon. I figure if it does break, i can shell out another hundred fifty for a new one rather than several hundred to repair a thousand dollar bike. Just my worthless opinion though. Happy trails.
I totally agree here. I’ve been an owner for over 2 years and have only had to do normal maintenance and fixing. I don’t feel like I overpaid the $299. I got at least another year or so Before I’m fully satisfied of its usage.
Thank You for you’re opinion on this bike. You made a lot of sense. Everyone seems to be trashing this bike. I’m going to look at what my local Wal-Mart has and maybe Costco.
I agree with you’re last comment about the $1000.00 bike fix…..Jim
I own the V2100. I love the suspension on it. I can hardly feel the bumps of the road, or on the trail. My only concern is not knowing how to replace the pads on my front break, like most models, I have a disc break in front.
Got 700 miles on mine new seat and tires are all I have done . shifts fine for my needs and it didn’t cost as much as a used car
My wife bought me this bike and i love it. I rode it to and from work and was worried I would wear my thighs out. But I didnt. The shifting is awesome, the shocks worked great. It is a little heavy to carry up stairs but other than that its a great looking and handeling bike.
I ride a 855 Pro Flex I bought in 1998. The bike is still AWESOME! I just bought my 14 year old the v2100. He absolutely loves it and he beats the complete shit out of it. So far so good and it’s been jumped over a couple 10+ foot gaps and seen moderate downhill action. My favorite part is when he crashes it or whips it on the ground I’m not saying FUUUUUCKKK that’s expensive!!!
I got one of these the other day, and, I admit I’m not a bike expert. But I did ride a lot of bikes when I was a kid. For the average joe who is on a budget, this bike kicks ass. I love it. I’m not out to spend $1000 bucks on a bike unless it is 3 or 4 times better than this bike, and by that, I mean can I go 3 or 4 times faster with the same effort? 3 or 4 times better performance, comfort, etc? Will it last 3 or 4 times as long? Will the repair costs be 3 or 4 times less?
I’m not sure any bike in this class can say that. When it comes down to it, only two things really matter. 1. Are you having fun? 2. Can the fun be sustained within reason? The answer with this bike is yes, and yes, and all at an affordable cost.
I too started out on a bike of this price. However, you get what you pay for. After 100 miles my rear hub became so loose that it was pretty much un-ride-able.
I found a cheap 26″ frame off of PricePoint.com and built my own bike after that. Ride a bike you have built or one of a higher quality and you will realize how terrible bikes of this caliber are. Sure, anything that gets you riding is a plus, but as mentioned before you get what you pay for.
I had one of these bikes a few years back. I just had to get another one. I got another today and I LOVE it!!! There was just a couple things that was loose… But after getting a allen wrench, I was able to tighten up everything.
I don’t even know where to start. Did you even TOUCH this bike before you reviewed it?? This review just seems like a rehash of a bunch of other reviews, by the average owner who may or may not know the first thing about adjusting a bicycle to keep it tuned up.
If you buy a bike from anywhere other than a bike shop, IT WILL NEED TO BE ADJUSTED. That’s not because it’s a bad bike, it’s because whoever put it together was a minimum wage stock room employee. Get it tuned up before riding it, and you will be fine. It’s a great bike for the money, and I wish it’s Kent International twin on Amazon wasn’t +$35, because then at least it wouldn’t be looked down upon for being a Walmart Special.
No, I did not touch this bike. Although whenever my wife drags me to WalMart, I make it a point of taking pictures of the bikes that are assembled incorrectly. It’s a fun game.
This is a bad bike. It’s hardly even a bike, really. It’s a mess of cheap parts masquerading as a bicycle. Poorly designed suspension, with a shock that would make Newton cringe (see Newton’s Third Law). It has a drivetrain that many bikes shops simply won’t touch. They’re not snobs, they just know that no amount of time or skill will make loose and sloppy components work well.
If you cannot afford a decent new bike, get a decent used bike. There is no possible way a company can sell a bike with a proper drivetrain and working front and rear suspension for $150. It’s junk. Crap. Garbage. And those are the polite words I have for it.
Taking pictures of bikes assembled poorly at Walmart is fun..
I’m betting your wife is a proud woman.
Bad review on a decent bike.Ive owened GTs,Haros,Redline and even a diamondback in my days.All I remember is it was pricey and I still jump this bike like it was the name brands.unless your going to race and need the best,don’t hate on this bike
Don’t be mad is your opinion and don’t mean nothing fool
I got my V2100 at a second hand store for $75 a few years ago and love it. So far the only thing that has happened is a flat tire and needs gears adjusted. I’ve rode all kinds of bikes, (Panasonic, Kia, Huffy, Cannondale etc.) this bike is great
I had gotten my drivers license suspended a few years ago and this is the bike I used to get to and from work, I was working two jobs at the time, and to get to church, basically for almost 2 years this was the only transportation I had. I did have to buy some new pedals and I always carried my allan wrench because the handle bars would often get loose, other than that this was a dependable bike, I even had to outride a German Shepard one morning. All you people criticizing this bike because it needs repairs are out of touch with reality, everything man made sooner or later will need to be reapaired or retrofitted, from a Powerstroke Diesel engine in a Ford to a Cummins Diesel engine in a Frieghtliner truck. My legs had never been so muscular in my life than the time I rode my Genesis mountain bike, I was in pretty good shape and my body didnt care if the bike was from Wal Mart.
Bobby’s got a point.. It comes down to the mechanics of it all. You can pay $40 to $80 to have a bike specialist tune your Trek, or you can use common sense and carry a few tools and do it yourself. For simple transportation – I think this bike does the job.
Now, if you plan on riding down Pike’s Peak, even the $1600 bike fall apart.
You’re a fool for thinking Walmart bikes are decent bikes. Sure they are cheap, heavy, made with really crappy components, and can get you from a to b. But, being assembled improperly is half the battle when buying a “Big Box Brand” bike. That if you are not an avid cyclist with basic bike skills can cost you as much as the bike to get repaired. So why even bother if you want a bike that you can ride and will last more than a few rides before having catastrophic failure.
Watch these when you get a chance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3eUfZuo5Bg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3vI2bYhCrk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtbj4V5x4U8