Adventure road/gravel bike? Jamis Renegade exile or Genesis CDA 10 (2015)

[bungeejim]

Hi all,
I am looking for a bike to commute on (50% canal path, 50 % road) and something I can use on paths at the weekend.
I have seen two options to compare that i'm tempted by because of current pricing-
The new 'Jamis Renegade exile 2016' and 'Genesis CDA 10 2015'.
They both have very similar components, but the genesis has carbon forks.
The Jamis looks nicer and has tubeless wheels with 32 tyres (if that is any better for me?!)
I want a comfortable riding position and not sure if the Genesis is too cyclocross style with 42 tyres as well.

Genesis cda 10 2015
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/genesis-cda-10-2015-road-bike.html

Jamis renegade exile 2016
https://www.evanscycles.com/jamis-renegade-exile-2016-adventure-road-bike-EV245157

both £485 atm.

Which would you go for?
Thanks in advance
Jim

PS. I am a complete novice at bikes so if it sounds like I dont know a thing- you would be correct. Any advice welcome!

 

[MichaelW2]

For commuting you need it rack/mudguard compatible, so check for eyelets. Also rear disk brake on the horizontal chainstay is much easier to integrate with rack.

 

[Wafer]

Of the 2 I deff go for the Genesis.
Carbon fork and better brakes, I even prefer the way it looks.
CDA, like the Croix de Fer, is meant to be a general 'adventure' type bike rather than a CX. Tyres are the easy bit to change if you want something thinner.

 

[outlash]

I believe the CdA is essentially an Aluminium Croix de Fer so it'll be a comfy all-rounder, but it's no CX bike (which BTW, are generally nice bikes to ride as they tend to have quite an upright riding position). Both are nice, but Genesis don't make bad bikes.....

 

[EasyPeez]

CdA all the way for me. And that's not my brand bias speaking - the Jamis has crap brakes, a cheap fork and ugly decals. No contest, this one.

 

[bungeejim]

Thank you all for the advice i have gone for the Genesis!