Enigma Echo Sizing

SFT

I'm keen on an Echo, but am a bit confused regarding the sizing. I'm 5'8" and the size recommended in the geometry section here http://www.enigmabikes.com/bike/bike-enigma-echo.html would indicate that I would need a size 56.
Compared to other bikes a 56cm top tube would normally be to big for me (my other bikes have a 54 or a 55), so is there anything different about the geometry of the Echo that would explain this?

Does anyone else have an Echo in a 56 who is a similar height to me? how is it?

Thanks

MattC59

Quick answer.......... I've no idea. But, I'm going to be in the market for an Enigma later in the year, so I'd be interested in any replies.

Where are you based ? Enigma are down at the Bespoken Bristol bike show this weekend, why not stop by and talk to them. Or give them a call, I'm sure they'll be able to help (just not this weekend).

jordan_217

I'm expecting mine to be delivered next week. I'm 5.11" and am getting a 56 with 110mm stem. I'm inclined to say a 56 may be too big for you at 5.8" based on my sizing but I'm proportionally average, you may have a longer reach, torso etc.

I'd say phone/email Jim at Enigma. He's extremely helpful and nobody knows these bikes like he does.

The frame itself is sublime, clean welds and well finished. I test rode Jims own bike with a Capag Chorus groupset, Ksyrium Elite wheels and Enigma finishing kit. I was instantly blown away by how smooth it was even on rough surfaces. It didn't have the instant acceleration/responsiveness as my current bike (Scott CR1) but it still felt nimble and just seemed to glide up to speed and then urge you to keep pressing on.

I finally understand what people mean when they say a Ti frame has a different feel to carbon frame, which is probably a marmite thing. I like it! I wanted to test a steel frame but there wasn't one available to ride. That's on my to do list for another time.

It was my first experience of a Ti road bike and for me, it just felt spot on. I spent a hour on the bike and felt myself smiling the whole time. I paid a deposit there and then.

As a comparison I test rode a CAAD10 the week before and even with a largely DA groupset I was quite underwhelmed. There was lots of road buzz from the backend but it did feel very light. I really wanted to like the bike but thought my Scott was better in every respect.

I can't wait to take delivery of my Echo....

HTH

MattC59

Jordan, did you go down to Eastbourne to see the guys at Enigma, or did you go to a dealer ?
M

clx1

I am 5' 7" and my Echo is a 53 with a 100 mm stem.

jordan_217

MattC59 wrote:

Jordan, did you go down to Eastbourne to see the guys at Enigma, or did you go to a dealer ?
M

I travelled down to Eastbourne, yes. I initially phoned and spoke to Jim with basic questions about the frames and then went away to think about it. He was so helpful and approachable I just decided to go to him directly. It was worth it, everyone was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Nothing was too much hassle. I even got to have a look round the workshop - they were prep'ing for this w'ends Bespoked show. Wow!

I had a Retul bike fit report from last year which I emailed to Jim in advance of my visit. He speculated then that a 56 would be spot on. On the day one of the guys took some measurements and confirmed a 56 would be fine. The test bike was then set up for me and it felt perfect straight away.

It definitely added that extra sparkle to the buying experience. I'll be able to email you some pics next week if you want? Will have rode it too

MattC59

jordan_217 wrote:

MattC59 wrote:

Jordan, did you go down to Eastbourne to see the guys at Enigma, or did you go to a dealer ?
M

I travelled down to Eastbourne, yes. I initially phoned and spoke to Jim with basic questions about the frames and then went away to think about it. He was so helpful and approachable I just decided to go to him directly. It was worth it, everyone was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Nothing was too much hassle. I even got to have a look round the workshop - they were prep'ing for this w'ends Bespoked show. Wow!

I had a Retul bike fit report from last year which I emailed to Jim in advance of my visit. He speculated then that a 56 would be spot on. On the day one of the guys took some measurements and confirmed a 56 would be fine. The test bike was then set up for me and it felt perfect straight away.

It definitely added that extra sparkle to the buying experience. I'll be able to email you some pics next week if you want? Will have rode it too

Definitely send me some pics. I'll PM you my email address.
I'm off down to Eastbourne over Easter (a lot of old people yes, but my Mrs inherited a house in the downs) so I'm going to try to persuade her that it's a good idea for me to call in at Enigma. I'm taking my road bike, so perhaps I'll call in as part of a ride
(she'll never know !!!)

SFT

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm in Edinburgh so won't be able to get down to the show.

looks like 53 or 55 would be better for me. shame as there is a 56 on ebay:(

nathancom

SFT wrote:

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm in Edinburgh so won't be able to get down to the show.

looks like 53 or 55 would be better for me. shame as there is a 56 on ebay:(

I am also waiting for an Echo next week, think I have made my girlfriend sick of hearing about it and I am also in Edinburgh so have done everything over email. Jim and Mark have both been really helpful. I would get in touch with them, Ti frames feel fantastic - personally I don't see the appeal of CF in comparison to Steel and Ti.

giant_man

You need to go on different types of frames to differentiate between them. Carbon is a wonderful material, and every carbon frame feels different. Steel feels different to titanium of course, I don't like the feel of titanium but steel is wonderful.

nathancom

giant man wrote:

You need to go on different types of frames to differentiate between them. Carbon is a wonderful material, and every carbon frame feels different. Steel feels different to titanium of course, I don't like the feel of titanium but steel is wonderful.

It's just a personal preference like I said and it isn't very rational, though CF has always felt a little too deadened for my liking. As a material I can see the huge benefits (stiffness vs weight) in it for making bike frames but I think you should always choose based on what will make you happiest to ride.

I agree steel is amazing, would recommend it to anyone.

giant_man

It depends how many frames you have ridden. You say deadend, I can see that as I have also been on carbon frames that feel a little dead (mention no names) but there again i have been on carbon frames that feel so good - so alive - with such good handling that it gets you thinking you don't need to think about any other material. Steel is a similar story, if you want a frame that feels lively and gives you feedback, get your leg over a steel frame.

We're all different mate, thank God, it would be a boring old world if we were all the same eh?

jordan_217

giant man wrote:

We're all different mate, thank God, it would be a boring old world if we were all the same eh?

Well said that (Giant) man!

giant_man

SFT wrote:

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm in Edinburgh so won't be able to get down to the show.

looks like 53 or 55 would be better for me. shame as there is a 56 on ebay:(

Just make sure you get the right size! Don't get too hung up on the Retul fit, Mark and Jim know their stuff and Enigma is a nice company to spend money with imo, they will make sure you get the right size.