COMMUNITY

ETAPE

Good morning Mark

I took the Enigma bike out yesterday for her maiden voyage and I really enjoyed our ride.  Here is where we went:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/59498774

Husband suggested a slightly shorter day out, but the route is one of the Perm Audax rides on the Isle of Man, and as the Enigma has been purchased for long distance ride, I might as well do one.  Besides the ice had melted and I am cycling an AAA AUdax ride each month, and this would be my December effort.

I had to adjust the saddle a number of times, but you know, the bike is simply wonderful, I was seriously thinking I had made a huge error getting a 54cm frame as the top tube seemed a long long way to reach, but with the saddle adjusted, a riser stem in place everything seems to work and fit properly.  NO numb hands anymore which is ace those oversized handlebars are very comfortable.  At one point on my ride out, I was caught up by a small peleton of cyclists out for a 50 miler, and had no problem keeping up with them for several miles until our ways digressed. The Enigma Etape fantastic.  So smooth, so light (even with a Carridace bag on the rear rack).

The balance is perfect.  I rode for about a mile (on a closed road section) with no hands which is always a good way to feel if the balance and weight ratios are excellent, for example I cannot do with with the Hetchins, I dont feel safe enough.  Its a very carasmatic machine and a real head turner as well.  So much did I enjoy this ride out, that I have to keep telling myself that I still love my Hetchins!

Thank you for your time with sorting out my bike, now the ice and snow has gone for now, I am enjoying my daily commutes again, especially as I am on the Enigma today for its first commute session.

Warm regards

Mary Watson

ECHO

Hi Mark,

Just to let you know the Echo you sold me is just absolutely superb.  It seems to go from zero to seriously flying in no time at all.  I am absolutely delighted with the final choice and can't thank you enough.  And you were definitely right about the Echo looking stunning, it is beautiful.  When I'm not riding it, I keep looking at it and picking it up as I can't believe it weighs as little as it does!  I've always enjoyed cycling, but now I'm really loving it again, it's rekindled that excitement every time I get on the saddle, even just for short 30 minute blasts.

I'm looking forward to taking it on it's first proper tour next year, I should be doing London to Paris and Brussels to Paris, and I can't wait!  All the best, I hope I get the chance to meet you again in the future,

Sincerely, Mike

Mike Lyall

EXTENSOR

Hi Mark,

I just wanted to show you what the Extensor you built up for me looks like. Sorry for the large file size, but I thought you could use it on your website forum or for any advertising purposes. I could not be happier. I am absolutely delighted. Thank you so much for your hard work on my behalf. I will enjoy riding this bike for the rest of my life.

All the best,

Ben James

ETAPE

Hi Mark
 
I have done just over 500 miles in the two weeks that I've been riding the bike,the last 3 days I did a short tour into the Yorkshire Dales 220miles with a strong head wind,lots of hills and fully loaded bike.The bike is a pleasure to ride in any conditions it feels as though i'm riding with double suspension its so smooth and easy to control.

I must say those rear drop outs look rearly great with the brake calipers fitted,everything fits nicely inside the frame.

I know you said how hard it was to get the front fork to take disc brakes,mud guards and a  front rack,I've fitted all three with no problems a job well done. 

John Bennett

ECHO

Hi,

Five months ago, after handing over my bank details in order to buy my Enigma Echo frameset, Jim Walker (with whom I was dealing with) asked me to send some feedback after I had tried it out. Well, after a thorough evaluation, here are my impressions:

Firstly, with regard to the buying process, I found it very satisfying to know that not only was I being advised by someone who was very familier with the product itself, but also that that person would actually put the stickers on my frame and therefore give my new 1100 pound frame some sort of meaningful quality control inspection before it was sent. This is comforting as I was handing over this amount of money for something that I had never actually seen.

The second pleasant surprise was that I didn't get ripped off for postage! For ten quid, I had a rather large box on my doorstep in twenty hours.

Upon first inspection, I had a strong impression of quality and attention to detail. It looked as great in my hands as it seemed in the pictures. Building up the bike was generally very satisfying, with smooth threads and quality fixtures. The only small fly in the ointment was that the bolt used to attach the lower gear cable guide fouled the bottom bracket by about a millimetre, once I'd figured out why I couldn't screw the BB in, a tiny washer fixed the problem. The fact that I can remember this small problem shows that the build was otherwise very straightforward.

As for the most important thing, the riding experience confirms that despite the high cost, I feel that the product represents strong value for money. It is very difficult to distinguish the contribution of the frame itself and the various individual components such as the Reynolds ouzo pro fork and Enigma branded seat post (with a superb clamp which allows very fine adjustment of the seat angle), but my impressions are that as well as being very stiff and positive, the most notable thing is that after 3 or 4 hours I am still comfortable and not cursing poor road surfaces. This is exactly what I had wanted to achieve in buying this frame.

Lastly, the well accepted durability of titanium and the knowledge that I will never have to wrestle with stubborn seatposts or bottom brackets mean that I'm quite sure that, barring disaster, I won't need a new bike frame for many years (maybe ever!), which meybe isn't exactly what the Enigma shareholders really want to hear!

Thanks, from a very satisfied customer.

Dave Fowler

ESPRIT

Now that i have put some miles on the bike i have to write and say how pleased i am with it. As you know cycling no longer comes easy to me but unquestionally you have gone a long way in emailing me to keep going. Marks attention to the design far exceeded my expectations - i always feel as though i am sitting in the bike rather than purched upon it. I am well aware that you had considerable difficulty in getting the build completed as i really cannot thank you both enough for all that you both have done for me.

wishing you both all the very best and kind regards

Ian

ELITE

Just to let you know – the bike arrived on the Monday before Christmas. Very happy with it – the quality of finish is fantastic, and the ride on the rough back roads around Aberdeen is really smooth. I’ll get a picture to you as soon as I get it somewhere suitably picturesque. Maybe at the top of the Cairn O’Mount road (the best climb close to Aberdeen at about 450m with a few 12-14% sections), but it definitely needs to warm up a bit first. 

Caragh McWhirr

ECLIPSE

Hi Jim

I've built up the bike and  I'm delighted with it - my build is about 8.5kg but it rides like a much lighter bike, and the triple chainset means I should be able to tackle some fierce climbs.  It's going to be my winter ride, so I'll certainly be putting it through tough testing conditions.

I've attached some photos so you can choose one to put in the owners gallery.

Once again many thanks for your expertise and above all your accessibility - I will cetainly recommend Enigma to cycling friends.

Regards

Richard 

ECLIPSE

Hi Guys,

Had a great time in the Pyrenees late last month on the Excel. You know,
that frame really comes alive at 110kmph!

Some pics attached.
Loving the frame,

Gavin

ETHOS

Mark, Jim,

Just to say thanks for sorting me out the Ethos so quickly. Put in over 800km in on it last week and it’s been faultless. Really impressed with the handling and ride quality, it’s just so comfortable to ride. Can’t wait to plan some more long distance rides just as an excuse to ride it!

Written a short piece on the bike for RCUK http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/gear-news/enigma-ethos-tourer-breaks-cover/5695.html

Cheers guys

David Arthur

ETAPE

Mark,

I have just got round to thanking you for my frame and let you know how absolutely delighted I am with it.
It is a real joy to ride.

It was put together by the beginning of July and then I had an accident with an 80 mph cricket ball at close range which made an enormous hole in my leg but fortunately didn't break the bone. I was off the bike for a month and am still having it dressed every few days.. What with that and the bad weather in August/ September I am only really getting out on it now (on fine dry days of course!).
All my cycling friends are very jealous and think it's fantastic.

Thank you so much.
I have attached a photo of the finished thing.

Gwen

EFFUSION

Hello Jim,

Just completed Land’s End to John OGroat’s in 7 days on the Effusion and it rode like a dream, so at least one of your bikes has done the whole country bottom to top. The next day we then set off from Covent Garden in London and rode to Brussels in 2 days covering a total of 1200 miles in 9 days and not one puncture

Attached is the photograph of the Effusion – the dream machine!!!!!!!!!!

Michael Prosperino

ECHO

Hi Mark

Attached a pic of my bike - I've reduced resolution for emailing it.
Bike is much smaller than it looks. The 650 wheels, short cranks, small
reach womens handlebar allow the proportions to be right. (And I even found
some nice womens pedals which are small and light too).

It's taken a while to build up, but given the weather hasn't been good, I
didnt mind. It rides very well, and I'm very pleased with it.
Thank you.

Regards

Gerry Goldsmith

ETHOS

Dear Jim,

Many thanks for the bottle cage.

I've done 1000 miles now (some in the snow) so have a review for you...

I defy anyone, anywhere to find a steel bike that rides as well and look as good as the Ethos. It is an inspiring example of design and craftsmanship. After only five miles, I was completely hooked. With a set of hand- built wheels and a decent Campag set-up, this bike feels like you could ride it all day, all night and all the next day again. Only experience, intelligence and creativity can yield a frame that is so comfortable but also so agile and nimble. Admittedly a composite frame, with more aggressive geometry would be quicker for short blasts but for a steel bike he Ethos is light and there is adequate stiffness to push very hard. In every occasion other than perhaps a time-trial sprint, the Ethos is the bike you pull out of the shed.

t really, really works.

Cheers to you and your team.

Barnaby

EFFUSION

I contacted Enigma directly because, before investing in a new bike, I really did feel a test-ride was essential. Luckily they had a correctly sized Effusion built up and the test ride was enough to convince me what a beautiful combination of comfort, speed and looks it was – I had to have it. 

I have owned my Effusion for 4 weeks now and that is long enough to reinforce my original test ride impressions and form some new ones. The specification is completed with an Ultegra group set, Ksyrium ES wheels and completed with Enigma accessories.
I bought the bike specifically for the National 24hr next year because I really wanted a correctly fitting, comfortable and fast bike. I have not been disappointed.

Test ride impressions

The ride is as smooth as a Jaguar’s especially on the rough Sussex road surfaces.

The bike does seem slightly faster than my carbon framed bike.

It really is an aesthetically pleasing bike of classic appearance.

The gear change of the Ultegra 10 speed remains faultless.

Having done 2-300 miles, a creaking developed when climbing out of the saddle. While checking the torque of the LH crank, one of the two screws was very loose and it sheared while being tightened to 14Nm. Mark replaced the crank without any fuss at all.

Most of you reading this will be familiar with Keith Bontrager’s famous expression ‘Cheap, Light, Strong – Pick two’. In the case of the accessories fitted to this bike perhaps this should read ‘Reasonable, Light, Strong – Enigma Accessories fulfill all three’.

Downhill in the wet, the bike inspires a feeling of confidence.

The titanium frame will maintain its ‘as new’ appearance for a long time.

I have no concerns fully recommending the Enigma Effusion to anyone considering a new ‘last a lifetime’ bike.

Simon Yates