Enigma variations - help me spec up my new bike.

GyatsoLa

In a matter of weeks I hope to be the proud owner of a new steel Engma Ethos steel frame with S&S coupling.

http://www.enigmabikes.com/ethos.html

I'll be building it up next month and I'd appreciate everyones advice and input. The bike will be my main winter riding and travel bike - for use in long day rides, cyclesportifs and lightweight credit card touring. It'll come travelling with me in Europe and possibly Japan, so I am looking for a solid reliable set up that won't cost too much and will keep the weight down. So far I'm looking at:

Frame: Enigma Ethos with coupling

Fork: Enigma Etape fork (520g weight)

Wheels: DT Swiss RR rims on Hope cartridge hubs (built by Dewi at cyclewales.net) - c. 1600g for the pair.

Groupset: Shimano Ultegra 6700.

Chainset: Shimano Ultegra triple (I'm used to triple, but tempted also to go compact as it may be more robust and reliable?)

Bottom bracket: Shimano Ultegra (yes I know, boring).

Handlebars: FSA Omega compact, or 3TT Ergonova Pro or similar

Stem: Easton EA50 or similar

Seatpost: Not sure, maybe Thompson Elite.

Headset: Hope or FSA Orbit X or Woodman Saturn (depending on price).

Saddle: Fizik Arione (or may be tempted to go for a Brooks)

Tyres: Krylions?



BTW, I've posted before re. individual items - previously Ultegra was recommended as best for a travelling bike (more ubiquitous parts and reliability, and bar routing to keep space for bar bag). The handlebar recommendations were from a posting I made last week.

Monty Dog

3T bars are nicer shape/lighter than FSAs and would recommend that you go for the 3T stem too - it just looks better. I wouldn't for a Brooks from a weight perspective and having to pack it away wet and opening the case to find a mouldy heap. I'd also try and get hold of some Ritchey cabling couplings from the Breakaway to enable you to seperate the cables. I'd also seriously consider Nokon or i-link cables - they are more flexible and adaptable - particularly for packing the bike.

redddraggon

Headset should be Chris King

balthazar

All good, I look forward to seeing it. I'll echo Monty's comments above; also, I'm one of the many happy Arione sitters. I'm no fan of the fancy cables – Nokon and similar – but I take the point that they may make packing easier.

One note – I think Shimano's hubs are representative of their finest engineering; it's a bit dismaying to see them always left out, intentionally. Hope are fine, but I'd have chosen Ultegra or Dura-Ace..!

GyatsoLa

I forgot about brakes!

Thats one place where I think there is room for some bling and to move away from the big S.

The Planet X Ultralights look nice:

http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/aca ... _Pair.html

Yes, Nokon cables I think. A Chris King headset would be lovely too, might be a bit pricey...

redddraggon

GyatsoLa wrote:

A Chris King headset would be lovely too, might be a bit pricey...

Ebay.

I paid £40 for mine

Monty Dog

FSA Orbit Xtreme headset - just as durable as the King for half the price if you shop around.

JamesB

some thoughts on your setup:

Fizik Arione +1 great saddle most comfortable I`ve used

barbag, can be fitted with Campag cables, just make sure enough gap / cableing left for bar mount area (I know you`ve opted for Shimano)

Wheels Hope Pro 3 Hope build with Open Pros are excellent, and are provided with spare spokes that owner can use as replacements--heavier though than your build but strong wheels

Krylions I`ve found to be very good , light and grippy; 25mm version is comfy too

Compact probably less hassle, just use a wide range block

+1 for FSA Orbit headsets XLII very reliable, and if needs be just get spare set cartridge bearings when needed

GyatsoLa

Thanks for the feedback.

Any recommendations for brakes?

tenor

Good spec and great frame choice.
As you have chosen Shimano stick with the triple - much better range of close ratio gears and a better chain line in the middle ring for the cruising gears. It is the most versatile performance choice - particularly if you are intending challenging rides.
Avoid the Brooks unless you already have good experience with these, but also do not be tempted to choose a saddle on the basis of weight - comfort is the only criterium and a very personal choice.

alan_sherman

Stick with shimano Ultegra brakes for best performance - this is a year round bike so you want reliability and good stopping power

DubaiNeil

tenor wrote:

As you have chosen Shimano stick with the triple - much better range of close ratio gears

I'm with Tenor, stick to the triple for the variety of riding you are planning. I have a Shimano compact on my road bike and find the drop/climb between the compact front rings an annoyance.

The drop to the smaller chain ring means you end up spinning wildly as you have just lost 32% of the gear inches with a single change! On any single rear gear change (based on the fairly standard 12-25 rear cluster) you wouldn't alter the gearing by anymore than 12% (and this is the change from 17t to 19t)

To alleviate this I tend to either grind away in a higher gear than I would prefer to avoid a change at the front, or change down at the front and 2 - 3 rear changes simultaneously - which takes some planning on my part!

Neil