bowzette

I also have a 650 wheel lightning. With front and rea brakes, pedals, cage and drop bars, and Rolls saddle it weighs 16 lbs. It is a rocket and doesn't beat me up on Texas rough chipped sealded, wash board roads. My other bikes are a geared custom steel and a Lynskey Ti Helix. The Wabi scandium is just as smooth and a ton cheaper. But I,ve been riding the Wabi mainly for long, hard road rides through rollers and not casual rididng in town. The Classic should be more durable and subject to more abuse. I take as good a care of my bikes as I can and short of crashing out the frame the scandium will hold up fine for me and is 2-3 lbs lighter. You might ask Richard why he discontinued the scandium frame for light steel. Was is cost or low sales? Every thing I've read about the scandium frames have been positive from owner.

fixin2ride

I've only heard positive things about the scandium lightning and from what I understand, that bike is what put wabicycles on the map. If you have an opportunity to grab one I'd definitely go for it. Also keep in mind Richard has a new bike he's yet to unveil. https://www.wabicycles.com/LRE-road-bike-info.html

95strat

Well, I just place an order with Richard for a Special. Unfortunately it won't be in until mid October. I'd rather wait and get what I want. In the mean time I'm ride a MTB or the roads:-/

bowzette

I think you will be pleased with the Special.

fixin2ride

I had to wait about a month as well for my Special. The wait will definitely be worth it. The Special is an amazing ride I know you'll love it.

jankdc

Is it because of the wheels? I got an email stating that he won't have new wheels in stock until October.

95strat

That's funny, he was putting together wheels while I was talking to him today on the phone. The frame size I need was out of stock. I'm average height which equals the most popular frame sized ordered, 55cm. Richard did say all the wheels he has in stock are going on customer bikes. He's just out of stock for folks ordering wheels only. I'm sure he'll be back up on inventory soon.

I must say Richard's customer service is incredible. He answered all my questions and his very personable over the phone.

palu

Quick question for you guys. I've been on my Wabi for 2 years now and it's a great bike. But last summer, I tried putting on some 32's and while it cleared the frame and fork, it rubbed on the brake caliper (the very top of the arch). Spoke to Richard, but couldn't get it to clear using more high-clearance calipers. The tires are Panasonic Pasela 32's, which in measuring was at 30, so way smaller than indicated.

Anybody else have any experience with fatter tires in the frame? I really want to use this bike as a part time gravel/dirt race bike and was going to buy some 700x30 knobby tires (Schwalbe CX Pro), but rather not spend any more $$ trying to test fit tires in this frame.

TejanoTrackie 

Just looking at the bottom photo, you might be able to gain enough clearance for your Pasela 32mm tire by removing one of the washers on the brake mounting bolt and moving the caliper back towards the fork crown. However, I doubt you will be able to stuff a 32mm knobby in there, which will require a different fork with longer legs.

palu

Good thought, Tejano. However, I did try taking out a washer already and still rubs. I thought of maybe using a wider rim (like an A23) to spread out the tire more, thereby decreasing the height. I'm not sure if that will clear, but maybe with the combination of taking out a washer and using a wider rim will work. I also have a Paul Racer brake on order to see if that will help any.


Regarding the knobby, I may have to look for something with less tread. I was thinking since the tire is a 30, maybe it will fit with the knobs. If not, the next step is to get another bike or another fork. Leaning towards another bike, so I can have the Wabi as just an on-road bike and the other will be set up more for CX or gravel rides. Thinking about a Steamroller (used to have one a few years ago). Massive clearance on those frames.

TejanoTrackie 

If you are going to get another bike, why not get something with cantilever brakes so that you have unlimited choices in tire sizes, and don't have to worry about mud and dirt buildup between the tires and brakes ? How about a Surly Crosscheck or All-City Nature Boy SS ?

palu

I actually had a Cross Check. It was a good bike with a ton of clearance. Just never got along 100% with it for some reason. When I had a Steamroller, I liked taking it on dirt/gravel roads and loved the handling. The CC just felt "dead" to me. I'm unsure how to describe it, but just never connected with the bike. Could have been other factors, but ended up selling it. I may try others, like a Black Mountain Cycles cross frame or the All-City, but hesitant that it would end up feeling the same way. The CX races here are mostly either all dry or frozen solid. Hardly any mud, so massive clearance isn't crucial. Anyway, thanks again for your input.

TejanoTrackie 

Well, then if you want another Steamroller, save yourself some money and get a Kilo WT for $400, which is the exact same frame geometry as the Steamroller.

palu

I did look at the WT's when they first came out. Back when BD used to post almost every single day on every single bike forum I know, they (he) just rubbed me the wrong way. This may be a bit of the snobbish side coming out, but I wouldn't ever buy a BD bike personally. I've talked to the Surly guys and they're all pretty cool and they love to ride. They're also innovators, instead of just copying someone else's design. I'd rather support them (although they're really owned by QBP).

I'm also thinking of picking up a Steamroller fork to see if that will work. Steamroller fork is a bit longer at 375mm, so it'll slack out the angles a bit. Maybe if I can find one for cheap, I'll experiment.

erikiksaz

Guys, was there a recent price hike?

I was in the market to buy a wabi about three moths ago and I swear the pricing looked different.

thewilson 

Framesets seem to be the same prices but complete prices I do believe have increased. I'm going to assume this has to do with the new wheelset that they are using.

TejanoTrackie 

More likely just the reality of inflation. Wabis have always been screamin' deals IMO, especially when you consider that they are individually customized and come completely built and adjusted. So the Wabi Classic has increased $55 from $695 to $750, which is a great value even if the wheels were still the same. I bought a set of the new Wabi wheels last month before the price increased from $190 to $225.

Mr. Thompson

I spoke with Richard about this when ordering my Lightning RE frame last week. It's inflation and upgraded hardware. As TejanoTrackie commented, Wabi's are still screaming deals.

IAmSam

something makes me think that just about any bike maker/seller has had price increases over the past year...

fixieMan

I guess this is a no-no with regard to posting ethics, but I am trying to reach my fellow fixie fanatics. Anyone interested in picking up an essentially unused 61cm Wabi Lightning for 695? Wabi Lightning - Carbon Fiber and Scandium Single Speed (Fixie) Bike

Philasteve

Hey man, we have a specific thread for that called something like Craigslist and ebay finds. Also there is a market place too.

fixieMan

Thanks Philasteve, I'll post it there. For what it's worth, I thought the Wabi was awesome, it's just not the awesome custom Raleigh - now stolen - I keep trying to replace...

Philasteve

Yeah man no problem, post it in the marketplace too. That sucks about the stolen bike, luckily I've never had it happen to me. But i'm surprised the Wabi wasn't everything you hoped for. I don't have one but people seem to love them.

Rino

Wow, the Lightning SE is now available in orange (same as the original Lightning??), and another beautiful blue. I actually love orange on a bike, but although I sometimes have post purchase dissonance over buying the Classic instead of the Lightning SE, at least I don't have to worry about deciding between these two beautiful colours.

bowzette

I got the orange scandium Lightning. Saturday wore my Eddy M. orange jersey and orange band on socks. Some girls notice I was colored coordinated and I sure very "cute"-err for my age that is