Enigma Etape Headset Bearings: Read the Fork and Bearing Labels
Enigma Etape headset bearings have separate upper and lower entries in Epic Cycles' specification: 41.0mm with 45/45 angles above, and 52mm with 45/45 below. Preserve those exact labels. Replacing 41.0 with a familiar IS42 designation would add an equivalence that the examined source has not established.
Enigma Etape headset bearings beside the fork description
The Enigma Etape tapered steerer entry says 1⅛–1.5 inches. That describes the named steerer, while the bearing entries describe different parts of the steering assembly. Do not substitute a steerer diameter for a bearing measurement because both appear in the same technical section.
A complete headset enquiry also needs the actual assembly identified. A package name does not establish the contents of every replacement kit, and the two bearing entries do not enumerate seals, covers or other hardware. Readable markings and the frame's identity are more useful than an assumed standard name.
Keep brake information attached to the fork
The dealer describes an Enigma Etape carbon fork with monocoque construction, carbon dropouts and an alloy thread. It separately lists a flat mount and a maximum 160mm rotor. That Enigma Etape fork rotor limit is expressly a fork entry, not evidence of an identical rear-frame limit.
An Enigma Etape flat mount fork description also does not provide every adapter or fastening requirement for a proposed brake. Ask for the applicable fork and brake instructions when identifying an actual arrangement. This comparison contains no steering or brake installation procedure.
Confirm which frame and fork are being discussed
The catalogue listing is Enigma Etape - ReadyToRide Bike. Its Frame/Fork/Headset label names a package, but does not independently establish the applicability of the dealer's current technical table to each local frame. Obtain that confirmation rather than assigning the dealer's bearings to every catalogue configuration.
The photographed historical rim-brake Etape is useful context for the model name's earlier life. Its fork is not the dealer-described disc fork, and the image cannot authenticate either hidden bearing. A shared name across those records is a reason to identify the assembly precisely.
The Enigma topic separates these component questions, while the brand overview describes the wider range. Keep upper bearing, lower bearing, steerer and fork brake provision as distinct entries in a supplier enquiry.
FAQ
Does the upper entry say IS42?
No. The examined dealer table prints 41.0mm and 45/45.
Does the fork's 160mm maximum specify the rear brake?
No. It belongs to the fork description in this source.
Can the photograph identify a replacement bearing?
No. Its historical context does not expose or measure the relevant parts.
Sources
Epic Cycles dealer specification (https://epic-cycles.co.uk/enigma-etape) (read 5 November 2026).
Photograph credits and permissions
Photograph 1
Original title: Clean Etape
Creator: Martin Thomas (humbert15); creator URI: https://www.flickr.com/photos/martin_thomas/
Copyright notice: Embedded sRGB IEC61966-2.1 colour-profile notice: Copyright (c) 1998 Hewlett-Packard Company. This is colour-profile copyright, not photographic authorship.
Original source URI: https://www.flickr.com/photos/martin_thomas/8420157395/
License / permission: CC BY 2.0 Generic
License / permission URI: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Modification notice: Original JPEG bytes retained without crop, recompression or colour edits. EXIF and all embedded data preserved. EXIF/XMP identify Aperture 3.4.3; original Enigma/Etape tags and embedded sRGB profile remain. Earlier editing is unassessed.
Source disclaimer: Historical source-identified Enigma Etape with rim brakes. Photograph and upload dates do not establish bicycle production year. Brand and historical-model context only: not the current linked frame package, disc/UDH design, dimensions, parts, fit, condition or compatibility proof. No endorsement or warranty is implied; other rights may apply.