Genesis have just released details of their 2017 range. There’s a whole lotta dropbar bikes in there but tucked away are a couple of interesting new mountain bikes.

Amidst the bearded bikepackers and the shaven legged road and cyclocross brigade lurks the new Genesis Tarn 29er and Tarn 27.5+ hardtail mountain bikes.

>>> Hardtail of the Year 2016 (VIDEO)

2017 Genesis Tarn 29er

2017 Genesis Tarn 29er

A double-butted cromoly frame sporting a 120mm RockShox Reba RL up front. It’s Boost front and rear. With Shimano brakes and gears it’s a well kitted out bike. Although the decision to go with a 2×11 drivetrain rather than a 1x system will be a bit of a head-scratcher to some, it’s no doubt all about having a HUGE gearing ratio for attempting some epic XC missions.

The 60mm stem and 760mm wide bars are (just about) on trend for a contemporary cockpit that can handle technical trail riding. A cromoly frame is never going to make for a light bike. Claimed weight  is 13.42kg (29.5lbs)

The geometry is surprisingly progressive for such an ostensibly sensible hardtail. Okay so the 68° head angle is pretty standard but the 465mm reach on a Large and a healthy BB drop of 55mm are some plenty encouraging numbers. The standover is very generous too.

Price is £1,599.

2017 Genesis Tarn 20 27.5″+

2017 Genesis Tarn 20 27.5″+

If you want more rubber than rim ie. you want a Plus bike over a 29er, then check out the new Tarn 27.5″+ bikes.

Bearing the same impressive geometry as the Tarn 29er (and quite possibly the same Boost-ed frame perchance?) the Tarn 27.5″+ sports a modern 1×11 drivetrain and a beefy RockShox Yari fork.

It’s a bit weightier than the Tarn 29er – that’ll be the 2.8in tyres and the 40mm wide rims then – the Tarn 20 weighs in at 13.96kg (30.7lbs). Oh and that KS dropper post will add more grams too.

This looks like a right old laugh of a hardtail. Although it does come with a bit of lofty price tag – £1,799.

2017 Genesis Tarn 10 Rigid 27.5″+

2017 Genesis Tarn 10 Rigid 27.5″+

Yep that’s a rigid fork. But check out the writing on the sidewalls of the tyres – 27.5 x 3.0! That should take some of the sting out of things.

The fork is made of carbon fibre which, although will make for minimal difference on proper trails, at least makes for a light front end.

The Tarn 10 Rigid 27.5″+ is the lightest of the Tarn range – unsurprisingly seeing as it’s missing a suspension fork and a dropper post. Claimed weight is 13.28kg (29.2lbs). It’s also the cheapest Tarn – £1,199.