RJM

You get to tell people you are riding a "Columbus Sprit Tube" bike. Apparently it is a huge deal.

Lazyass

I'm talking about you obsessing over a couple of ounces. We've had enough of that, don't ruin the thread. You seem to think Spirit isn't so good because the Richey might be a hair lighter. And going by your own words, since they don't weigh the exact same they should not feel the same. You can't compare Logic tubing to Spirit because Ritchey doesn't make the specs public. The only thing you know is advertised weight.

WalksOn2Wheels

Dude, this thread was ruined from conception.

rms13

despite what Wabi say, Steel is Steel as in on the bike nobody can tell the difference between 4130 chromo and higher end expensive stuff. My Soma Smoothie build was lighter than their complete bike without even trying. I built it with 5800 and Vuelta wheels and grand total cost me $1300. Yes there are slight differences in different types of steel, the main being weight. Re-reading the Wabi site they are claiming sub 4 lbs for their frame AND carbon/alum fork so that is not bad and yes it is less then Ritchey or Gunnar. I'm going to guess the frame only isaround 3 lbs 3 oz which puts it almost near Wraith and Rodriguez frames. Swap out the fork for full carbon and build it up it right and it could be 16 lbs or less

rpenmanparker 

You totally misunderstand. I'm on your side on this one. I'm saying if you don't believe in lower weight and are praising a bike that isn't so light, what is the point of paying for the Spirit tubing. It isn't doing anything for you. The whole point of expensive tubing is to lighten the bike. If you don't care about that, why have that tubing, especially since it isn't really making the bike so light anyway.

rpenmanparker 

If that is true, I take it all back. If the frame is in the low 3s, then the Spirit tubing is doing its job. Somebody posted the frame was 4 lb. These days that means just the frame usually.

I see it now. Yes, that is impressive. 3.9 lb for the frame AND fork. And the fork must be heavy with that aluminum steerer. And IMO that is worth $1,100. But that kind of frame does deserve better components.

rms13

They really should list the weight of the frame itself like everyone else. I actually was considering this frame when I bought my Soma along with Ritchey and Gunnar. If I realized it was that light for the price they probably would have sold a frame to me haha

Lazyass

Cyfac says their Spirit frame weighs 1500g (3.3lbs). Costs over $3000 with the fork. I would assume the Wabi weighs about the same. No one can tell me that frameset is overpriced, handmade or not.

rpenmanparker 

Yeah, assuming a good ride, that beats Ritchey all to hell.

But to get back to Lazyass, this is a good lesson. Whether you care about the light weight or not, isn't the point. We can agree to disagree about that. At least the frame reflects the tubing it was made from. I like a universe that makes sense.

Lazyass

Group hug?

rpenmanparker 

No, you're right about that. Reading the fine print on the Wabi site was a revelation. That is a very good deal. I wonder what he wants for just the frame. I would rather put a better fork on it if I were going to buy it

But just so you don't think I have totally flipped my position, I could build a 14.0 lb bike out of that frame without even breathing hard or 14.8 lb with pedals, cages and comuter stuff.

RPK79

I did not put my stamp of approval on this thread.

rpenmanparker 

Don't get cocky!

RPK79

I haven't weighed my '03 Fuji Roubaix Pro w/ 853 steel with my newer wheels, but I expect it weighs less than this build, has nicer components, and cost me half as much. I guess if it was the 90's this would be a sweet frameset.

Inpd

So if we all agree the frameset is pretty decent, can we get back to the components. Why are people saying the Microshift groupset is rubbish? This review Review: Microshift Centos 10spd groupset | road.cc says they are pretty decent, comparable to 105s.

Has anyone ridden this bike (i.e. the build not the older frameset) or found a review of one?

rpenmanparker 

Nobody seems too excited about this build. I think it sucks. But what would your Fuji cost today?

rpenmanparker 

For one thing 105 is 11-speed. As is Rival now.

Lazyass

My '98 Lemond Zurich 853 was the smoothest riding steel frame I've ever had, and I've had a lot. Pretty sure the frame weighs close to 4lbs, not that I cared.

AlmostTrick

Nice bike.

RPK79

They no longer make it in steel (2003 was the last year) or call it the "pro", but the Roubaix 1.0 with 105 is $900 at PB.

Fuji Roubaix 1.0 LE Road Bike - 2015 Performance Exclusive

It has basically the same MSRP as it did 13 years ago.

BoSoxYacht

$1100 for a 3.3lb frame is a joke,

Performance has aluminum framesets for $299, and they come with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee.

rpenmanparker 

I'm sure you're right, but keep in mind it wasn't the steel. It was the way the steel was used.

Lazyass

Thanks for that important contribution to the thread.

BoSoxYacht

Steel bikes are overweight, and overpriced.

Fact

FrozenK

The tubing does influence how a frame feels when riding. How it is used of course makes a difference, but triple butted tubing will ride smoother than straight gauge. I've ridden cheap steel (Surly's 4130 straight gauge) fancier steel (Gunnar) and old Tange Prestige. The nicer steel rides better -although that "rides better" is completely subjective.