Enigma forum

Martin T

Nov 8, 07 - 11:18 AM

It's no good...

I just can't wait to take delivery of my Etape in January. I've tried everything...getting out on the mountain bike, drinking to excess, burying myself in work, even being an attentive husband and parent for crying out loud! But nothing seems to work. I'm desperate. Any tips for surviving the next six weeks? Good grief...can it really be six whole weeks?

Mike C

Nov 17th, 2007 - 8:18 AM

Re: It's no good...

I do sympathize, but consider my plight: I collected my drop-dead-gorgeous Etape from Enigma this morning, and when I returned home with it I discovered that my wife has decided she needs a couple of days of retail therapy - fair enough as I've gone and spent the equivalent of the next three mortgage payments on "just a pushbike!" as she puts it. Which means I'm stuck indoors on my own with my demanding eighteen-month-old son and his runny bottom. So I've got my dream bike just standing there in the kitchen as yet unridden - which is feels not unlike having Naomi Campbell in my bedroom and told that I can look but not touch

Brian Nicholson

Nov 18th, 2007 - 4:42 AM

Re: It's no good...

Hi guys.

I bought an Esprit frameset and my thought pattern is to train hard through the winter months so that come the spring time I can take my new machine with a top engine and show my beauty off I feel my fitness can justify it....I feel that this is a great way to stay motivated.

And it is also out of sight out of mind, and I spend some time surfing to see what I can finish it off with £££££££ to come.

Brian.

Martin T

Nov 26th, 2007 - 10:43 AM

Re: It's no good...

Nice perspective Mike. There's always someone worse off isn't there? Although you did have the bike to stare at and - without wanting to sound in any way inappropriate - stroke (go on! admit it!)

Big Ron

Nov 28th, 2007 - 3:15 PM

Re: It's no good...

Hey Martin,

Do you own Shimano STI levers? If so, take them apart, lose the return spring tool then try to reassemble them... that should keep you occupied until January

Or.........

Buy a book on Quantum Physics.... did you know that people who live on the top floor of a block of flats age quicker than people who live on the ground floor?.... something to do with gravity and time

Hang in there, January may seem to be light years away but if you move to the top floor of a block of flats you might get your Etape tomorrow.... if you move to floor 10,000

Martin T

Dec 1st, 2007 - 11:06 AM

Re: It's no good...

Thanks Ron - January actually feels alarmingly close now (jeez! christmas is this month!) so I'm slightly less desperate than I was. And faced with the choice of living on the 10000th floor or staying put in my lo-rise terrace and waiting that little bit longer I think I know what to do...(I know the Etape is a mere 19lb or something but just think of the hassle of carrying it up all those stairs if the lift ever broke down).

zebragonzo

Jan 10th, 2008 - 8:50 AM

Re: It's no good...

I feel that I ought to contribute to this thread. I'm picking up the new bike at the end of the month and I really can't wait. It's getting a full custom paintjob and I have the custom coloured saddle from fizik at home just waiting to be loaded on. I really want to know just how good it is actually going to look because I /know/ that ride quality will be phenominal (I know that because I used to have an Omega).

Enigma really needs to do something for those people who are waiting for new bikes as the anticipation almost hurts!

Martin T

Jan 14th, 2008 - 5:31 AM

Re: It's no good...

I know, it's agony isn't it? I'm on the home straight now, which means it's less time to wait but I'm thinking about it even more than I was in November...I actually woke up dreaming about it this morning. Sad really.

Brian Nicholson

Jan 15th, 2008 - 10:03 AM

Re: It's no good...

Well I have now got all the following bits to build onto my lovely Esprit Frame ;

Ritchey WCS 4 Axis Stem and Ritchey WCS bars, Ritchey WCS one bolt carbon seatpost, full dura ace groupset, Fizik Arione Wingflex saddle.

To buy ;

Enigma carbon bottle cages and HED Jet 60 wheels ( when enough in bank for wheels)

I will send picture to post on site when built up !!!!!!!!!!

Martin T

Mar 25th, 2008 - 3:57 PM

Re: It's no good...

At last I am the owner of a beautiful, bespoke Etape, currently sitting in my breakfast room oozing class and making me feel ever so slightly inadequate.

It took a hell of a long time to arrive -- discretion prevents me from saying exactly how long...let's just say 'very' -- but I can honestly say it was worth the wait even though I've only been out on it twice, and the first of those rides was short, very tentative and in foul weather.

This purchase was a leap of faith for me. I've not even ridden a bike with drop handlebars since I was a courier in London nearly 25 years ago now. Most of my riding since then has either been on my trusty old (15 years and counting) steel KHS non-suspension mountain bike or the full suspension Giant on which I've rediscovered my love for cycling and explored the South Downs Way over the past three years. But I wanted something special for long road rides, for the light touring I plan to take up and for dreamed of multi-national epics further in the future. So I took a deep breath, forced myself not to think too hard, and bought my Etape.

And it's gorgeous.

The weirdest thing is how well it fits. I've never had a bike the right size for me before (I'm 6'2" and quite long-limbed) so sitting on the Etape for the first time was a bizarre mixture of the familiar and the brand new. It just feels like mine, if you know what I mean. All the controls just fall into place when I make myself comfortable and I know I'd be happy and ache-free for many miles.

Then there's the weirdness of covering the ground so quickly. I thought I'd miscalibrated my computer at first but then I realised I really was going that fast -- uphill and down. I still feel knackered after a ride but for the same effort expended I've covered twice the distance. Like I said: weird. But wonderful too.

Already I'm getting the odd glimpse of what it's capable of -- the instant power transfer, the sharp handling, that zingy titanium feel that everyone bangs on about. I'm glad I went for the Zonda upgrade too -- they're incredibly light and stiff, not to mention rather attractive... Now I'm just thrilled at the prospect of getting to know what my new bike's capable of, of becoming a better rider with it, and deepening my relationship with this amazing sport.

Thanks to Jim and Mark for guiding me through the whole process so well, and for keeping me posted about the delays, which I know frustrated them even more than they frustrated me (well, at least as much anyway...). The whole thing's been a real pleasure, despite the delivery hiccups, which are already fading into insignificance.

Now, what's all this about a special area of the website for us Enigma owners?

Jim

Mar 26th, 2008 - 3:52 AM

Re: It's no good...

Hi Martin,

I'm so glad that you are pleased with the bike. It was a long time coming as many of the custom frames have been and for that we are really sorry. The volume of custom frames that we put through the factory was the reason for the delay but they are now getting back on top of the situation with delivery times coming down as a result.

We have literally hundreds of "off-the-peg" geometry frames available in stock in all models for delivery now and because we have always been able to deliver stock frames or bikes within just a few days it has been a bit irritating for those waiting for their custom orders.

However as I said earlier steps have been taken to improve the lead time for LAB designs. Despite the production efficiency improvements it is important for prospective customers of bespoke designs to realise that there will always be a waiting list for LAB builds, which will depend largely on the number and design complexity of those sold but the finished frames are worth the wait.

Jim

Martin T

Mar 26th, 2008 - 11:29 AM

Re: It's no good...

I've taken some pictures...

http://tinyurl.com/284746

Mike

Mar 27th, 2008 - 11:27 PM

Re: It's no good...

Nice bike, Martin!

I have also just bought an Etape (in Feb). Like you I am 6'2" and also went for the Zonda wheels! Also like you (this is becoming uncanny!) I've been whizzing around the South Downs on a full-suss mountain bike, and this is the first foray back on to a road bike for at least 25 years

I agree with everything you've said in your first post - it really is a superb bike.

Mike

Martin T

Mar 29th, 2008 - 5:37 PM

Re: It's no good...

Hey Mike, that's kind of uncanny eh? Which end of the SDW are you? If you're anywhere near Brighton we could start a Enigma Etape newby 6'2" club... :)

Mike

Mar 30th, 2008 - 3:34 AM

Re: It's no good...

I'm in Guildford, so I tend to ride the other end, Winchester, Arundel etc., but do get to the Chanctonbury bit down to Shoreham now and again. My favourite place to ride - never ridden there on a road bike, so definitley have some plans this year. Just waiting for it to stop raining ...... ;-)

Martin T

Mar 30th, 2008 - 2:54 PM

Re: It's no good...

I'll be heading Winchester way in a few weeks for a SDW charity ride I do every year. Nothing too heroic - it's over three days - but lots of fun. Looking forward to dusting off the springy bike for it. I agree with you about Chanctonbury etc being the best bit. One of the things I considered when I bought the Etape was whether I'd enjoy cycling so much on the road, having been thoroughly spoiled by the SDW for the past few years. But then I visited Jim & co and the rest is history...

Martin T

Apr 8th, 2008 - 2:02 PM

Re: It's no good...

Went for my first big ride on the new Etape yesterday. After drifting down the coast from Brighton for a while I ended up not too far away from Herstmonceaux so I dropped in on Jim & Mark, who were most hospitable and made me a blinding cup of tea.

Having listened carefully to their directions for the best route home, I messed them up completely and ended up badly lost in Eastbourne. Several frustrating circles later I found my way back to Polegate (which I'd passed through an hour earlier) and on to Jevington, Seven Sisters, Seaford and eventually home.

Even though I had to stop every mile or so near the end to relieve some excruciating cramps (I'm not as young as I used to be), I got home safe and sound -- five and half hours and 75 miles after setting off. It was the longest bike ride I've ever done and I'm absolutely certain I couldn't have managed anything like that distance on a lesser bike.

The more I ride it, the more I love it :)

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Author	Comment
Martin T Nov 8, 07 - 11:18 AM	It's no good... I just can't wait to take delivery of my Etape in January. I've tried everything...getting out on the mountain bike, drinking to excess, burying myself in work, even being an attentive husband and parent for crying out loud! But nothing seems to work. I'm desperate. Any tips for surviving the next six weeks? Good grief...can it really be six whole weeks?
Mike C Nov 17th, 2007 - 8:18 AM	Re: It's no good... I do sympathize, but consider my plight: I collected my drop-dead-gorgeous Etape from Enigma this morning, and when I returned home with it I discovered that my wife has decided she needs a couple of days of retail therapy - fair enough as I've gone and spent the equivalent of the next three mortgage payments on "just a pushbike!" as she puts it. Which means I'm stuck indoors on my own with my demanding eighteen-month-old son and his runny bottom. So I've got my dream bike just standing there in the kitchen as yet unridden - which is feels not unlike having Naomi Campbell in my bedroom and told that I can look but not touch
Brian Nicholson Nov 18th, 2007 - 4:42 AM	Re: It's no good... Hi guys. I bought an Esprit frameset and my thought pattern is to train hard through the winter months so that come the spring time I can take my new machine with a top engine and show my beauty off I feel my fitness can justify it....I feel that this is a great way to stay motivated. And it is also out of sight out of mind, and I spend some time surfing to see what I can finish it off with £££££££ to come. Brian. Email: bn3@blueyonder.co.uk
Martin T Nov 26th, 2007 - 10:43 AM	Re: It's no good... Nice perspective Mike. There's always someone worse off isn't there? Although you did have the bike to stare at and - without wanting to sound in any way inappropriate - stroke (go on! admit it!)
Big Ron Nov 28th, 2007 - 3:15 PM	Re: It's no good... Hey Martin, Do you own Shimano STI levers? If so, take them apart, lose the return spring tool then try to reassemble them... that should keep you occupied until January Or......... Buy a book on Quantum Physics.... did you know that people who live on the top floor of a block of flats age quicker than people who live on the ground floor?.... something to do with gravity and time Hang in there, January may seem to be light years away but if you move to the top floor of a block of flats you might get your Etape tomorrow.... if you move to floor 10,000
Martin T Dec 1st, 2007 - 11:06 AM	Re: It's no good... Thanks Ron - January actually feels alarmingly close now (jeez! christmas is this month!) so I'm slightly less desperate than I was. And faced with the choice of living on the 10000th floor or staying put in my lo-rise terrace and waiting that little bit longer I think I know what to do...(I know the Etape is a mere 19lb or something but just think of the hassle of carrying it up all those stairs if the lift ever broke down).
zebragonzo Jan 10th, 2008 - 8:50 AM	Re: It's no good... I feel that I ought to contribute to this thread. I'm picking up the new bike at the end of the month and I really can't wait. It's getting a full custom paintjob and I have the custom coloured saddle from fizik at home just waiting to be loaded on. I really want to know just how good it is actually going to look because I /know/ that ride quality will be phenominal (I know that because I used to have an Omega). Enigma really needs to do something for those people who are waiting for new bikes as the anticipation almost hurts! Email: en3rpdt@bath.ac.uk
Martin T Jan 14th, 2008 - 5:31 AM	Re: It's no good... I know, it's agony isn't it? I'm on the home straight now, which means it's less time to wait but I'm thinking about it even more than I was in November...I actually woke up dreaming about it this morning. Sad really. Email: mcrthomas@googlemail.com
Brian Nicholson Jan 15th, 2008 - 10:03 AM	Re: It's no good... Well I have now got all the following bits to build onto my lovely Esprit Frame ; Ritchey WCS 4 Axis Stem and Ritchey WCS bars, Ritchey WCS one bolt carbon seatpost, full dura ace groupset, Fizik Arione Wingflex saddle. To buy ; Enigma carbon bottle cages and HED Jet 60 wheels ( when enough in bank for wheels) I will send picture to post on site when built up !!!!!!!!!! Email: bn3@blueyonder.co.uk
Martin T Mar 25th, 2008 - 3:57 PM	Re: It's no good... At last I am the owner of a beautiful, bespoke Etape, currently sitting in my breakfast room oozing class and making me feel ever so slightly inadequate. It took a hell of a long time to arrive -- discretion prevents me from saying exactly how long...let's just say 'very' -- but I can honestly say it was worth the wait even though I've only been out on it twice, and the first of those rides was short, very tentative and in foul weather. This purchase was a leap of faith for me. I've not even ridden a bike with drop handlebars since I was a courier in London nearly 25 years ago now. Most of my riding since then has either been on my trusty old (15 years and counting) steel KHS non-suspension mountain bike or the full suspension Giant on which I've rediscovered my love for cycling and explored the South Downs Way over the past three years. But I wanted something special for long road rides, for the light touring I plan to take up and for dreamed of multi-national epics further in the future. So I took a deep breath, forced myself not to think too hard, and bought my Etape. And it's gorgeous. The weirdest thing is how well it fits. I've never had a bike the right size for me before (I'm 6'2" and quite long-limbed) so sitting on the Etape for the first time was a bizarre mixture of the familiar and the brand new. It just feels like mine, if you know what I mean. All the controls just fall into place when I make myself comfortable and I know I'd be happy and ache-free for many miles. Then there's the weirdness of covering the ground so quickly. I thought I'd miscalibrated my computer at first but then I realised I really was going that fast -- uphill and down. I still feel knackered after a ride but for the same effort expended I've covered twice the distance. Like I said: weird. But wonderful too. Already I'm getting the odd glimpse of what it's capable of -- the instant power transfer, the sharp handling, that zingy titanium feel that everyone bangs on about. I'm glad I went for the Zonda upgrade too -- they're incredibly light and stiff, not to mention rather attractive... Now I'm just thrilled at the prospect of getting to know what my new bike's capable of, of becoming a better rider with it, and deepening my relationship with this amazing sport. Thanks to Jim and Mark for guiding me through the whole process so well, and for keeping me posted about the delays, which I know frustrated them even more than they frustrated me (well, at least as much anyway...). The whole thing's been a real pleasure, despite the delivery hiccups, which are already fading into insignificance. Now, what's all this about a special area of the website for us Enigma owners? Email: hoob@mac.com
Jim Mar 26th, 2008 - 3:52 AM	Re: It's no good... Hi Martin, I'm so glad that you are pleased with the bike. It was a long time coming as many of the custom frames have been and for that we are really sorry. The volume of custom frames that we put through the factory was the reason for the delay but they are now getting back on top of the situation with delivery times coming down as a result. We have literally hundreds of "off-the-peg" geometry frames available in stock in all models for delivery now and because we have always been able to deliver stock frames or bikes within just a few days it has been a bit irritating for those waiting for their custom orders. However as I said earlier steps have been taken to improve the lead time for LAB designs. Despite the production efficiency improvements it is important for prospective customers of bespoke designs to realise that there will always be a waiting list for LAB builds, which will depend largely on the number and design complexity of those sold but the finished frames are worth the wait. Jim
Martin T Mar 26th, 2008 - 11:29 AM	Re: It's no good... I've taken some pictures... http://tinyurl.com/284746 Email: hoob@mac.com
Mike Mar 27th, 2008 - 11:27 PM	Re: It's no good... Nice bike, Martin! I have also just bought an Etape (in Feb). Like you I am 6'2" and also went for the Zonda wheels! Also like you (this is becoming uncanny!) I've been whizzing around the South Downs on a full-suss mountain bike, and this is the first foray back on to a road bike for at least 25 years I agree with everything you've said in your first post - it really is a superb bike. Mike
Martin T Mar 29th, 2008 - 5:37 PM	Re: It's no good... Hey Mike, that's kind of uncanny eh? Which end of the SDW are you? If you're anywhere near Brighton we could start a Enigma Etape newby 6'2" club... :) Email: hoob@mac.com
Mike Mar 30th, 2008 - 3:34 AM	Re: It's no good... I'm in Guildford, so I tend to ride the other end, Winchester, Arundel etc., but do get to the Chanctonbury bit down to Shoreham now and again. My favourite place to ride - never ridden there on a road bike, so definitley have some plans this year. Just waiting for it to stop raining ...... ;-)
Martin T Mar 30th, 2008 - 2:54 PM	Re: It's no good... I'll be heading Winchester way in a few weeks for a SDW charity ride I do every year. Nothing too heroic - it's over three days - but lots of fun. Looking forward to dusting off the springy bike for it. I agree with you about Chanctonbury etc being the best bit. One of the things I considered when I bought the Etape was whether I'd enjoy cycling so much on the road, having been thoroughly spoiled by the SDW for the past few years. But then I visited Jim & co and the rest is history... Email: hoob@mac.com
Martin T Apr 8th, 2008 - 2:02 PM	Re: It's no good... Went for my first big ride on the new Etape yesterday. After drifting down the coast from Brighton for a while I ended up not too far away from Herstmonceaux so I dropped in on Jim & Mark, who were most hospitable and made me a blinding cup of tea. Having listened carefully to their directions for the best route home, I messed them up completely and ended up badly lost in Eastbourne. Several frustrating circles later I found my way back to Polegate (which I'd passed through an hour earlier) and on to Jevington, Seven Sisters, Seaford and eventually home. Even though I had to stop every mile or so near the end to relieve some excruciating cramps (I'm not as young as I used to be), I got home safe and sound -- five and half hours and 75 miles after setting off. It was the longest bike ride I've ever done and I'm absolutely certain I couldn't have managed anything like that distance on a lesser bike. The more I ride it, the more I love it :) Email: hoob@mac.com