One man’s joy at owning a custom-built Enigma road bike
For customer Jonathan, a visit to the shop on a gloomy November day planted the idea of a custom-built bike.
He wanted a stylish, comfortable and lightweight bicycle for long distance rides. Something really classy that would make cycle touring with luggage as easy as it could be.
Already a convert to the British brand Enigma, producers of exquisitely handmade steel and titanium bikes, Jonathan wanted to take it to the next level with a custom build perfectly designed to fit his own geometry.
A conversation with Adrian teased out the details of his dream bike. He wanted comfort and the best possible components for lightness and ease of use.
Loyal to the Enigma brand
Enigma bikes had already proved their worth to Jonathan:
“I loved the previous off-the-shelf Enigma I’d bought from Red Kite Cycles – how well finished it was, always cleaning up to look brand new, and very comfortable to ride. What’s more it survived a mega-crash without any cracks.”
Like choosing from an a la carte menu, Jonathan began with Enigma Echelon disc custom frameset and added some of the best quality components on the market.
The order sheet reads as follows:
- Campagnolo Super Record EPS groupset with razor sharp electronic shifting,
- ENVE handlebars and stem
- Mavic Cosmic SLR 32 DCL wheels (a mid depth super stiff and light carbon wheel set)
- Frame finish in satin bead finish for a really clean and uncluttered aesthetic.
The most important element of the customisation process for Jonathan was a proper bike fit by Adrian. This is the personal set up whereby micro-adjustments are made to set up of the stem, handlebars, pedals and seat to ensure the bike is totally attuned to a rider’s physique and style of riding.
His first impressions . . .
“Amazing! Like owning a Lambo or Ferrari but cheaper! It really is the pinnacle of engineering. Riding titanium felt more forgiving and more comfortable than carbon, and my view looks classier too.”
In October he completed a ride from Birmingham to a party in Looe, Cornwall with two twenty-something co-riders. Although it was rain free, they had to contend with a fierce headwind across the Somerset levels. Every half day the change in landscapes along with different local accents created an experience far superior to travelling by car.
Jonathan observed: “The Enigma’s rather understated in appearance but engineering perfection – maybe more of a Bentley than a Ferrari or Lambo. A few people have spent a while looking at it and commented ‘nice bike but why the mudguards?’, especially when I was on top of the Joux Planes last summer in 35 degree C July heat!”
How would he sum up his new custom build?
Understated, clean and efficient
Thinking about a custom built bike?
Why not make an appointment for a personal bike consultation.
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