Many in the U.S. have not heard of the Enigma brand of bicycles, but the British brand has been hand making bikes for the past decade in Hailsham, East Sussex, England. The small company is entering the U.S. market this year, introducing themselves at the Interbike 2016.
The British company of 10 people hand builds bikes from titanium and steel, with "stock" or custom geometry, made to order. Their paint facility is in-house and can produce lustrous finishes like the Union Jack paint scheme of the Ecroix gravel/cyclocross bike they brought to display at Interbike 2016.
The union jack paint scheme points to the bike's origin © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The Ecroix (the name comes from the French word for cross: croix), is available in both Columbus Zona steel (as pictured), or 3/2.5 Al/V titanium alloy. If one so desired, Enigma can build a frame with 6/4 Ti alloy as well, but the frameset would be extraordinarily expensive I was told.
Beautifully welded of Columbus Zona steel tubing with lusterous custom paint. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The frame set is described by Enigma as a "gravel adventure bike," but a quick look at the geometry suggests there's nothing to prevent an owner from racing cyclocross, with "standard" angles, 43cm chainstays and a 4.7cm fork rake.
Enigma of the UK's Ecroix gravel/cyclocross bike. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
Enigma doesn't currently have a dealer network in the U.S., which means customers can pick up a frame by ordering direct, with stock or custom geometry, delivered in about 90 days. Delivery will be handled though British Cycle Imports.
Although U.S. pricing may change, the Ecroix sells in the UK for £1,680 / $2180 USD for the steel frameset option, while a titanium version surprisingly doesn't command much of a premium at £1873 or $2431.
Weight for a 56cm steel frame is 2.35kg, or about 5.2 pounds.
Enigma is also relatively unique in that it offers a frame building workshop in its facility for students who want to learn how to build bicycle frames.
See more from our ever-growing look at new cyclocross and gravel tech from Interbike 2016 here.
More info: britishcycleimports.com and enigmabikes.com
Enigma Ecroix Cyclocross / Gravel Bike Photo Gallery:
Shimano hydraulic brakes slow down the British racing machine. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
