Enigma updates Escape gravel bike with bigger tyre clearance and all the mounts

Enigma today launches its updated gravel bike for 2020, the Escape MKII.

The new bike is made from titanium, naturally for the British company that has specialised in titanium since it launched so many years ago, with a 3Al 2.5V custom-butted tubeset producing a claimed 1,395g frame weight in the smallest 50cm size.

- 22 of the best gravel & adventure bikes — super-versatile bikes that are at home on lanes, potholed streets and dirt roads

All tubing is size-specific to ensure a consistent ride quality across the size range. This is the sort of attention to detail we’ve only started seeing from the big bike brands so it’s impressive that Enigma is choosing to do it as well.

Since the original Escape launched in 2017, the gravel bike market has matured swiftly with the biggest focus being tyre width. The new Escape has increased tyre clearance with space for up to 700c x 45mm or 650b x 50mm tyres.

Cable routing has been updated to provide neater and clean lines, with external routing chosen over internal presumably for easier maintenance when riding in the back of beyond. The routing is adaptable for wireless, electronic Di2, 1x and 2x and redundant guides can be removed as necessary.

Naturally, for a British designed bike, the Escape has a full complement of eyelets for mudguards and racks. There are also three bottle cage mounts too.

A brand new carbon fork has been developed to increase the capability of the Escape. It’s called the CSix and comes in two versions, with or without Anything cage mounts. Each fork has internal routing for the brake hose and a dynamo hub, so it just comes down to how much carrying capacity you want. A fork with uncut steerer tube weighs a claimed 435g.

Enigma lets you customise the build to suit your preference and budget. It’s now offering Shimano’s new GRX groupset with double and single chainring options. SRAM and Campagnolo groupsets are also available.

The frameset costs £2,187, with custom geometry and/or finish costing another £300 each. Complete builds are detailed below:

• Enigma Escape GRX600 1x £3,499
• Enigma Escape GRX810 2x £3,899
• Enigma Escape Force AXS 1x £4,799

“The Escape draws on 14 years of titanium manufacturing experience and product evolution. As a rider coming from an MTB and touring background, I’ve particularly enjoyed testing and developing the Escape on the bridleways of the South Downs, seeing the original version prove itself on tours and endurance races worldwide. The updated model refines a successful formula for an even more versatile ride, suitable for a huge range of tyres, groupsets and to fit any size of rider. We’re proud to offer the Escape MKII as part of our 2020 range,” says Brand Manager Richard Lambert.

More info at www.enigmabikes.com