Enigma Bikes

dw300

Guys, I'm about to start a new job after being made redundant 18 months ago, and I'm looking into a new bike. I must say that I'm definitely swayed towards the longevity and styling of Ti bikes.

It would be great to buy British, so Enigma looks like the preferred company to buy from. It'd be nice to hear some feedback about them, the buying experience, and the service .. particularly if you can't make it to their premises for fitting, which I'm assuming is all built into the price?

I'm just wondering is there a good time of the year to get a good deal from them? Or are they just flat out building for the whole year?

Thanks.

giant_man

They do have sales now and then, I think without looking at their web site, they have one on now. Or go and see them, great english company.

Hoopdriver

I do not know about their sales and when they have them, but I know from personal experience they are a great English company and a pleasure to deal with. Highly recommended.

cal_stewart

http://spinmyride.com

Also a UK TI builder

bigpikle

ring them and see what they have - they are very friendly and Jim will sort you out something. Worth checking the clearance section of their website as they often have bargains there. Last time I spoke with them the lead times for bespoke builds was quite long but I bet they'll have some good 'off the peg' options available. Get down there and ride a few, including their steel options, and see which you prefer!

I should declare an interest as I have 2 Enigmas

jordan_217

I shortlisted the Echo on my new bike wishlist and when it was time to start getting serious I called Enigma and spoke to Jim directly. It was obvoius immediately that Jim is very knowledgeable and knows his bikes. No question is too trivial and no request too much hassle. After a few calls regarding sizing, spec, etc I decided to book a days holiday and drive down to Enigma HQ nr Eastbourne in East Sussex.

Prior to the visit I sent Jim a bike fit report and he indicated a 56 in most of their frames would be spot on. On arrival I was introduced to the team and had a look at their full range of bikes/frames which they have on display in the office. Jim explained about each frame, their characteriscs and then after a cup of tea it was time to use the bikefitting.com jig and take various measurements. After a quick check we confirmed a 56cm frame with a 100mm stem and 42cm bars would be ideal. Jims own Echo was then set up accordingly whilst I got changed, ready for a test ride.

I was given directions for a test ride and off I went. Within the first mile I was grinning like a school kid, the Echo just felt perfect. After a one hour ride I was completely sold on the bike. There was no doubt where my money was going.

Upon my return I started to discuss spec, pricing, finish etc. Its really nice when you can literrally spec each aspect of the bike direct with the company. For example, one of the display bikes had just been built up for the upcoming Bespoked Bike Show in Bristol, it had a really nice polished Ti headset which wasn't being offered at the time. After a cheeky request to Jim, it was soon on the order list. I then spent ages being indecisive about the finish I wanted. To help me and find inspiration Jim took me down to the workshop and showed me bikes and frames in various stages of their build. Pure bike porn!

I decided to keep it simple and go for a brushed, naked Ti finish with mirror polished decals (to go with the polished headset). I made Jim a cheeky offer on the list price which he accepted and a deposit was paid there and then. I was told my bike would be delivered in 5-6 weeks. Usually qiucker but as previously mentioned, they were preparing for Bespoked.

A week before the agreed delivery date I got a call which started with the dreaded words "theres a slight problem with your frame". Dreading the worst I went into a quiet room at work and Jim went on to explain the order had been misread and instead of having a brushed frame with mirror decals I had a mirror polished frame with brushed decals (a £500 extra usually). Jim explained I could keep the frame like that with no additional charge, or delivery would slip a few days while the 'problem' was corrected. In all honesty I seen the mirror polished frame in the showroom but couldnt afford or justify the £500 up charge. I had a think about it and went ahead (obviously!).

The complete bike was delivered on the agreed date, perfectly packaged and only requiring adjustment of the stem, bars and seat post. It looked amazing!

Ive had the bike six months now and I can only describe it as perfect. I look forward to every ride.


I have had one issue with the bike - the headset (something out of Enigmas control) had developed a loud creaking noise, probably a bearing failure. A quick call to Jim and a new bearing cartridge arrived the next day. Problem solved. I was even offered return shipping if I couldnt carry out the work myself.

So to summarise, if you want to get an Enigma then definitely give Jim a call, even if you don't buy directly from them I'm sure they'll be more than happy to answer any questions and give you advice on sizing, spec, etc.

I would whole heartedly reccommend Enigma and their bikes.

dw300

Excellent info so far guys, especially Jordan and Colin's (via email) lengthy posts. Appreciate those, and it kinda shows the company is worth talking about. Jordan any chance of a photo of your bike? The mirror finish with brushed logo must look great!

I live in Belfast, so travelling and accommodation will mean a flight which will significantly add to the price of a bike, money I'd rather just spend on the bike!

I'll have to give them a call. Plenty of time till I save a bit of cash anyway!

jordan_217

dw300 wrote:

Excellent info so far guys, especially Jordan and Colin's (via email) lengthy posts. Appreciate those, and it kinda shows the company is worth talking about. Jordan any chance of a photo of your bike? The mirror finish with brushed logo must look great!

I live in Belfast, so travelling and accommodation will mean a flight which will significantly add to the price of a bike, money I'd rather just spend on the bike!

I'll have to give them a call. Plenty of time till I save a bit of cash anyway!

No probs:

http://photobucket.com/enigma_echo

mike6

I have had an Enigma Eclipse for three years and it is superb. It was a sale frame/fork combo. It arrived very well packaged and beautifully built.
I contacted Enigma regarding the headset fitting and they were a pleasure to deal with.
I ride my Enigma Summer and Winter and it still looks like new. The beauty of titanium.

dw300

jordan_217 wrote:

dw300 wrote:

Excellent info so far guys, especially Jordan and Colin's (via email) lengthy posts. Appreciate those, and it kinda shows the company is worth talking about. Jordan any chance of a photo of your bike? The mirror finish with brushed logo must look great!

I live in Belfast, so travelling and accommodation will mean a flight which will significantly add to the price of a bike, money I'd rather just spend on the bike!

I'll have to give them a call. Plenty of time till I save a bit of cash anyway!

No probs:

http://photobucket.com/enigma_echo

Wow!

Looks fantastic .. £500 is a lot of cash for the polish .. but if it lasts maybe it I can justify the per-year cost ..

I love the little details they put in, like the logo near the dropout, and their Ti seatpost clamp.

dbb

the only thing that i can add to the posts above is that if you ever have a warranty issue - they will look after you.
my effusion frame was replaced this year after i found a crack in the frame. there was no hesitation and they offered for me to send the bike and they would re-build it for me, even though i only purchased the frame and forks from them originally.

Eyorerox

You must go to Enigma if you want one of their bikes. Being fitted by the person who is going to build your bike is an important (essential) part of the whole experience. I did that for my custom lugged steel bike.

napoleond

jordan_217 wrote:

I shortlisted the Echo on my new bike wishlist and when it was time to start getting serious I called Enigma and spoke to Jim directly. It was obvoius immediately that Jim is very knowledgeable and knows his bikes. No question is too trivial and no request too much hassle. After a few calls regarding sizing, spec, etc I decided to book a days holiday and drive down to Enigma HQ nr Eastbourne in East Sussex.

Prior to the visit I sent Jim a bike fit report and he indicated a 56 in most of their frames would be spot on. On arrival I was introduced to the team and had a look at their full range of bikes/frames which they have on display in the office. Jim explained about each frame, their characteriscs and then after a cup of tea it was time to use the bikefitting.com jig and take various measurements. After a quick check we confirmed a 56cm frame with a 100mm stem and 42cm bars would be ideal. Jims own Echo was then set up accordingly whilst I got changed, ready for a test ride.

I was given directions for a test ride and off I went. Within the first mile I was grinning like a school kid, the Echo just felt perfect. After a one hour ride I was completely sold on the bike. There was no doubt where my money was going.

Upon my return I started to discuss spec, pricing, finish etc. Its really nice when you can literrally spec each aspect of the bike direct with the company. For example, one of the display bikes had just been built up for the upcoming Bespoked Bike Show in Bristol, it had a really nice polished Ti headset which wasn't being offered at the time. After a cheeky request to Jim, it was soon on the order list. I then spent ages being indecisive about the finish I wanted. To help me and find inspiration Jim took me down to the workshop and showed me bikes and frames in various stages of their build. Pure bike porn!

I decided to keep it simple and go for a brushed, naked Ti finish with mirror polished decals (to go with the polished headset). I made Jim a cheeky offer on the list price which he accepted and a deposit was paid there and then. I was told my bike would be delivered in 5-6 weeks. Usually qiucker but as previously mentioned, they were preparing for Bespoked.

A week before the agreed delivery date I got a call which started with the dreaded words "theres a slight problem with your frame". Dreading the worst I went into a quiet room at work and Jim went on to explain the order had been misread and instead of having a brushed frame with mirror decals I had a mirror polished frame with brushed decals (a £500 extra usually). Jim explained I could keep the frame like that with no additional charge, or delivery would slip a few days while the 'problem' was corrected. In all honesty I seen the mirror polished frame in the showroom but couldnt afford or justify the £500 up charge. I had a think about it and went ahead (obviously!).

The complete bike was delivered on the agreed date, perfectly packaged and only requiring adjustment of the stem, bars and seat post. It looked amazing!

Ive had the bike six months now and I can only describe it as perfect. I look forward to every ride.


I have had one issue with the bike - the headset (something out of Enigmas control) had developed a loud creaking noise, probably a bearing failure. A quick call to Jim and a new bearing cartridge arrived the next day. Problem solved. I was even offered return shipping if I couldnt carry out the work myself.

So to summarise, if you want to get an Enigma then definitely give Jim a call, even if you don't buy directly from them I'm sure they'll be more than happy to answer any questions and give you advice on sizing, spec, etc.

I would whole heartedly reccommend Enigma and their bikes.

Cut the cr@p, where's the pictures?!

Eyorerox

http://photobucket.com/enigma_echo

ugo.santalucia

Do they only do sloping frames for people with short legs and big tummies who can't bend or they also have a model with a horizontal top tube?

wastegate86

Some great info guys
Just bought myself a winter bike buy is absolutely love an enigma Ti for the summer

jordan_217

NapoleonD wrote:

Cut the cr@p, where's the pictures?!

A few posts up! Long shift was it?!

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Do they only do sloping frames for people with short legs and big tummies who can't bend or they also have a model with a horizontal top tube?

Yawn

Hoopdriver

When I bought my Enigma - it was a bespoke frame - Mark Reilly was kind enough to let me photograph the frame-building process. Here is he story and pics:

http://my-bicycle-and-i.co.uk/2011/my-n ... cle-and-i/

and here:

http://my-bicycle-and-i.co.uk/2011/the- ... ebuilding/

Evil Laugh

Deleted

MattC59

I've got Enigma Esprit, have a look in the 'your road bikes' forum under (believe it or not) Enigma Esprit. They're pretty much busy all year, but mines a slightly modified version of the Esprit, made in Eastbourne in about 5 weeks. The Far East versions can take a bit longer, due to shipping.

I highly recommend visiting them in Eastbourne, they're very helpful guys.

Having seen the Spin bikes in the flesh, they're not a patch on the Enigmas. (I did a lot of research when selecting mine)

dw300

Thanks for the read Hoopdriver. The picture you paint of the company certainly makes me want to give my money to people that take as much pride as they do. I don't really need the bespoke one-of-a-kind bike, I'm in it more for the practicalities and quality of the product, but getting a bespoke fit seems like the thing to do if you're going to spend that much money.

Matt .. I've seen your thread. It's one of the main reasons I've been considering Enigma, as yours is one of the finest examples I've seen. If you're going bespoke, or riding an 'unusual' or 'exclusive' bike for want of better words, then you would far rather lean towards the classy Enigma branding, rather than the entirely classless Spin branding. Spin on This? Please .. are they all 15 years old? :roll:

So, has anyone got an Excel? I read a review of it in comparison to the Echo, both fantastic apparently, but the Excel is another level up in terms of comfort and performance. I'm not sure if the guy is a friend of the company, or 'sponsored' in some way .. although he did point out a few things about the Echo that on paper are better than the Excel, so he wan't entirely just raving about the latter.

jonny_trousers

All great to read! I have a major crush on the Esprit (horizontal top tube for Ugo) at the moment and would like to think I could save up enough to consider ordering one next year.

milleman

Jordan217, your bike looks lovely-isn't the frame prone to scratching though?

Have a VN zephyr bit really fancy an enigma next year as well!, preferably one with an integrated Ui2 set up.

Monty Dog

Cal_Stewart wrote:

http://spinmyride.com

Also a UK TI builder

Frames are designed in UK but made in China - Enigma is only UK ti builder

Garry H

Monty Dog wrote:

Cal_Stewart wrote:

http://spinmyride.com

Also a UK TI builder

Frames are designed in UK but made in China - Enigma is only UK ti builder

I thought that only applied to custom builds though, stock sizes are still made in China? I believe Justin Burls also builds in UK for custom.

Garry H

dw300 wrote:

Matt .. I've seen your thread. It's one of the main reasons I've been considering Enigma, as yours is one of the finest examples I've seen. If you're going bespoke, or riding an 'unusual' or 'exclusive' bike for want of better words, then you would far rather lean towards the classy Enigma branding, rather than the entirely classless Spin branding. Spin on This? Please .. are they all 15 years old? :roll:

+1 I was put off Spin as soon as I saw their branding. I would have thought that a company trying to sell Ti bikes would have a bit more class about them.

jordan_217

milleman wrote:

Jordan217, your bike looks lovely-isn't the frame prone to scratching though?

Have a VN zephyr bit really fancy an enigma next year as well!, preferably one with an integrated Ui2 set up.

Not really, it doesnt look as pristinely polished as it did 6 months ago but it's still looking nice. I give it a regular clean with car shampoo and wipe over with a micro fibre cloth and that brings it up well.

TBH if it still looked shop new then I wouldnt have been riding it enough

Also, not all Enigma Ti frames are fabricated in the UK. Mine was off the peg and made in the far East then sent back to the UK for polishing, bead blasting and building up. Eventually the whole Enigma range will be built here but welding Ti isn't easy apparently and there's not many frame builders over here that can do it.

I would love the romantic notion that my bike was completely made in England/Britain but it isn't and I really dont see that as a negative. When I queried the origin of the frame with Jim he basically said that if it was a lower standard than the ones built here then they wouldnt get an Enigma sticker put on them. That'll do for me! Please don't let that put you off considering one though.

MaxwellBygraves

Do any of you guys know if it's possible to get disc brake droupouts added on their road frames?

Garry H

MaxwellBygraves wrote:

Do any of you guys know if it's possible to get disc brake droupouts added on their road frames?

I suspect that the answer would be yes. Reilly's a very accomplished builder and adding a disc brake dropout to a frame isn't exactly that big a deal.

dw300

I'm not being funny here .. but do you think there's any way that we could get some sort of deal from them by ordering as a group? They're bound to save something on manufacturing and shipping several frames all at once (if not bespoke builds) .. not to mention a larger order of group-sets etc from their distributors. Or is that just wishful thinking?

Maybe a previous customer could put in a good word for us? They're bound to want to increase their brand awareness on a heavily used forum like BR.

ugo.santalucia

MaxwellBygraves wrote:

Do any of you guys know if it's possible to get disc brake droupouts added on their road frames?

I am only aware of 1 rear hub for disc with 130 mm road spacing... All others are MTB/cross specific at 135 mm... Worth considering it