When creating the retro-inspired Echo, Creme's developers weren’t able to plunder the firm's heritage for inspiration because, well, it doesn’t have one. What they have done however is create a frame that wholeheartedly follows the retro steel mantra. You might not know much about Tange, but as one of Japan’s oldest high-end steel manufacturers (established in 1920) its tubing is the equal of the more recognised Reynolds of Birmingham, or Milan’s Columbus.
Tange’s Prestige tubing was introduced in 1984 and soon found its way onto many range-topping tour machines of the day. Mountain bike pioneer and frame builder par-excellence Tom Ritchey’s legendary Logic tubing came about from a collaboration with Tange – it was a modification of Prestige and is still one of the most highly regarded steel tubesets today.
- Highs: Beautifully appointed frame with a similarly lovely ride
- Lows: Woeful brakes and average drivetrain performance
- Buy if: You want a classic quality steel race bike that won’t break the bank
The geometry is classic mid-80s race bike stuff. Our large test bike featured a 570mm seat tube and 573mm top; the head angle is steep by modern standards at 74 degrees, and it's paired with a 73-degree seat. The fork is a classic chromed steel lugged affair with an investment cast crown and is beautifully finished. The lugged steel frame makes the Creme look a far more expensive proposition than it actually is.
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The fork is a thing of beauty, but the brakes are objects of fear if you're not careful
The ride was truly impressive – you're in no doubt that you’re riding a classic shaped bike, with the long ride position being capped at either end by great contact points. Up front the combination of Ritchey Classic stem and bar gives the stiffness of a modern clamp and oversized bar, and the mid-compact drop shape too. The ‘Classic’ of the name refers to the chrome-like mirror polish finish, which means the bike looks ‘right’.
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