Cycle '08: Subtle changes, new models for Enigma road bikes

Eulogy, Elle, Elite and prototype full carbon Eikonic

Ben Atkins/Cyclingnews.com

Published: October 24, 2008 at 8:00 am

Enigma has abandoned the extended seat tube of its range-topping Eulogy as a standard feature for 2009, citing reasons of practicality and transportation. The integrated mast visually set it apart from most other titanium frames, though, so Enigma will still offer it as an option. The Eulogy also gets beefier bespoke titanium dropouts for extra rear end stiffness which are also used throughout the Enigma range .

Enigma has always offered a women’s specific model through its bespoke ‘Lab’ service but will now add it to the stock range for 2009. The Elle features a distinctly shorter and more sloping top tube as well as a slightly taller head tube than the rest of the range in keeping with most women’s typically longer legs and shorter torsos. As before, the Elle is also still available made to measure.

Titanium is undoubtedly Enigma’s favoured material but there are a few notable exceptions such as the TIG-welded Elite frame made from Columbus Niobium steel. Enigma has moved production of the ferrous frame in-house and while the majority of the company’s titanium frames have semi-integrated head tubes, the Elite has a more traditional external headset.

The enigma elite proves that steel is still real. : the enigma elite proves that steel is still real. - Ben Atkins/Cyclingnews.com

The Enigma Elite proves that steel is still real

Array

In addition, Enigma displayed a full carbon frame called the Eikonic. This model is still in prototype form, though, and Enigma will decide on production once it has gauged customer opinion.

The carbon fibre enigma eikonic isn't yet in production but it might be soon depending on what the company hears from the public. : the carbon fibre enigma eikonic isn't yet in production but it might be soon depending on what the company hears from the public. - Ben Atkins/Cyclingnews.com

The carbon fibre Enigma Eikonic isn't yet in production but it might be soon depending on what the company hears from the public

Finally, Enigma continues to extends its in-house brand of accessories. The company’s own brand stem is available painted in the same colour as the frame – as seen on the Elite bike – and has also been mirror-polished by special request. New for this year is a full titanium stem and flat mountain bike bar.

Enigma is expanding its accessory range to include a pair of titanium mountain bike bars. : enigma is expanding its accessory range to include a pair of titanium mountain bike bars. - Ben Atkins/Cyclingnews.com

Enigma is expanding its accessory range to include a pair of titanium mountain bike bars