hamfoh

https://www.wabicycles.com/Lightning-SE-offer.html

hairnet

I have decided that I want to get a Wabi so I can start riding fixed again seriously and I can't decided between the Lightning aluminum or SE. There are still aluminum ones available in my size. It's a tough choice, I really like both of them. The aluminum one is a bit cheaper. The SE will be available in several weeks and in that time I should have the money.

I worried about the aluminum one because JDG makes it seem so damn fragile and I am curious about the oversized steel tubes on the SE. This or a Bare Knuckle

jdgesus 

just dont dent the top toob on both sides and u should be fine (even tho it dented from just tipping over)

hairnet

IDK if I can deal with that bright orange

calv

The SE looks awesome.

hairnet

I'm bad at deciding. Now I want the Special in burnt red

TejanoTrackie 

People under 5'-6" need not apply.

jdgesus 

neither should ppl over 6'5"

yummygooey

i should buy jdg's old wabi from him. it fits me now.

jdgesus 

lol

hairnet

The 61 they have is about the smallest I can ride. My SR looks to be pretty similar in geo. they at least have the same TT length, need to check the head tube.

spitfirees20

Oh my god. Your bike is literally the inspiration for my bike; I also have a wabi lightning, and check your pedalroom all the time for ideas. That's such a god damn bummer. So what happened, you dropped it, the top tube got a dent, then the whole bike was foldable? I'm so confused. The frame tubing does seem super thin, and I already have a small dent on the top tube even though I've only been riding it for 2 months. Should I be worried that the bike is just going to fall apart on me at some point?

jdgesus 

yeah, pretty much.
was hit last year from behind, thumb sized dent on one side (prob from handlebars). not a problem
last month, it fell after being leaned against the wall, another thumb sized dent on opposide side.

started getting noodle-y feeling (could see the top toob flex), frame builder buddy said "uh. no beuno"

rode home in anger, really pulling hard on the bars and being a general jack ass -- top toob it just kinda bent

the bike was really light tho. when i had the kinlin XR-200s (which i also broke) the thing was near 15lbs

the tubing is ultra-butted. thinnest walled tubing i've ever seen

hairnet

yo, send me your chain stays with the drop outs and I'll make you a bottle opener

davidatx

Been lurking around this forum a bit and figured I would sign up and see if I could get some input and opinions. I am trying to decide between this new Wabi frame and the Soma Rush. I see that the Wabi Lightning SE's geometry is a little more slack than the Rush, but not really that much...a degree here and there. Looks like the bigger difference is the chainstay on the Rush is quite a bit shorter. I am basing this on the assumption the Lightning SE will have the same geometry as the Lightning. I got a chance to briefly ride a Rush at my LBS today and it didn't feel as "aggressive" as I thought it might. Anyone have experience with both the Lightning and the Rush that might want to chime in?

hamfoh

I rode a Rush everyday for 8 months or so and really liked it, sold it because I have a problem.

Know a "guy" who had a wabi that dented at the slighest bit of pressure, it was aluminum though, so maybe the steel is real

Ultraspontane

After reading the last few pages, I'm glad I ended going with a Big Block instead of a Lightning.

TejanoTrackie 

I have both a 42cm (650c wheels) Wabi Lightning (original Scandium) and a 49cm (700c wheels) Soma Rush, and there is a definite difference in the feel and handling of the two frames. The Rush has a very stable and responsive feel to it, whereas the Lightning is somewhat vague. I especially notice the difference when climbing out of the saddle. The Soma moves straight ahead, wheareas the Lightning wants to weave. The ride is about the same on both frames, which is to say firm but not harsh. The quality of the Rush frame is first rate, and certainly as good as the new steel Lightning will be. Personally, I would go with the Rush over the new steel lightning, as there is no longer a big weight advantage with the steel Lightning. My complete Scandium Lightning is 3 lbs lighter than my Rush, but some of that difference is due to the much smaller frame and 650c wheels.

davidatx

Thanks for the detailed input. I almost pulled the trigger on the lightning last night. Maybe I need to hold off and get more opinions like yours. I did like the test ride with the Rush at my LBS. However, with the difference in geometry, how comfortable is the Rush for longer rides on the street? Not training rides per se, as I feel if I was to do that I should just get a proper road frame, but perhaps 20-30 mile rides here and there...how does it feel?

hamfoh

used to do 20-30 miles on the rush all the time. it's a non issue

calv

Man, the way TT makes the Rush sound is awesome. Soma must've really hit the spot with that one.

palu

I would think riding two different frame sizes with two different wheel sizes, then comparing the two is a bad idea.

TejanoTrackie 

I never ride the Rush less than 20 miles non-stop, and have ridden it over 50 miles numerous times. Even on the worst chipseal pavement, it absorbs all the nasty high-frequency vibrations. Of course, it helps having a good saddle and comfortable bar setup. Also, I always ride the Rush with padded cycling bibs and an application of Bag Balm to sensitive seating areas of my posterior.

hamfoh

I feel like they would've sold a lot more if their only two colorways weren't white and khaki green

calv

Definitely.