Wabi lightning now available as a 650cc
 

I just noticed that the wabi lightning is available as a 650cc. I recall a couple people who wanted one but couldn't get it in a small enough size. 5'3" and under riders rejoice! That's not me, but hazah for all you vertically challenged types. And thanks for making this 5'7" dude feel tall haha

aaaand

http://www.wabicycles.com/custom_painting.html

and shiiiiit. I just noticed he raised his prices too... :/

Yeah I saw that too. Sob. I'm gonna have to go down there...

when you do, find out why! I don't see any changes that would justify it

I use to have a classic before I sold it to fund my custom frame. However, I still go by his shop to pick up some parts for friends or myself, especially straps. Whenever, I'm down there always has something new up his sleeves (polished special for example). I remember the last time I was there, probably a week or two ago, I believe he did mention something about raising prices. Next time I'm there, I'll make sure to ask.

The economy sucks, costs are going up, prices need to go up to justify. If you look at just about any of the big manufacturers, you see price increases. Trek had a pretty big mid-year price increase this year and Cannondale, because they absorbed the cost increase last year and kept prices steady, will have a bigger price increase on the 2012 bikes. As much as 300 dollars on some of the higher end road and mountain bikes. Sucks, but it's a fact of life.

So using the same economy sucks argument: then there's going to be even less people buying these bikes after the price increase :) oooh the balance.

IDK. I'm inclined to think that Wabi's prices were on the low side when compared to other comparable products, and think the new pricing is still very reasonable. The only reason I didn't buy from them in the past was that they didn't offer any frames that were small enough for me. Now that they do, I'm going to give it serious consideration.

DO ETT! I was lusting over a special for a good amount of time, but I couldn't justify having such a nice bike when I could (and did end up) building a road bike.

If only the lightening came in something other than pumpkin orange!

It's also available in black.

Yes, like TT mentioned, it comes in black also. IMO, the new pearl black looks better than the flat one it use to be. You should check out the full polished version of the special. It looks amazing.

yes, but black isn't really my thing either... I think if I ever come across a used wabi I'll probably take the bait... (crosses fingers)

and his pricing for custom colors is drastically lower than it used to be.

I love the champagne bike now, but if I'm going to drop $1k I kinda want to build it all up myself.

Just pulled the trigger on the 650c wheel model (42cm) in black. Had a whole bunch of detailed questions and Richard got back with me immediately on them. Added a pair of Exostar Look clipless road pedals @ 50% off on sale for $25. Shipping is only $30 via FEDEX. Total spent is $955. This will be the first bike I've ever owned with 650c wheels and a horizontal TT that I can stand over in bare feet. Also first ever bike with bullhorns, since the TT is short enough not to require a short bmx stem. I'm ordering it with a 90mm stem initially, and then will exchange it for a longer stem if need be. According to Wabi, the 650c model weighs only 14.1 lbs w/o pedals, which if remotely true is simply amazing, especially because the tires are clinchers and the rims are aluminum. There are some neat details, such as the smaller 650c wheels using only 28 spokes, instead of 32 spokes on the 700c wheels, and the use of lighter double-butted spokes, unlike most of the other brands in this price range which use straight gage spokes. I'm getting it fixed, 46 x 15 with front brake only. In case you're wondering, that gearing is the same as 46 x 17 with 700c wheels. The only thing I plan on changing are the stock crappy Kenda tires, which is the only substandard component on this bike. This is Christmas on the 4th of July ! :)

42cm? How tall are you? My girlfriend has been looking for a road bike to fit her for a while and even the 45cm panasonic I picked up was just a tad too tall so this is kinda what I'm hoping will end up working out for her (though will take her a while to buy a $1k bike heh).

I'm 5' 3" with a 28" inseam, and this bike is actually a bit small for me. According to Wabi, the standover is 700mm (27.6") and the top tube is 500mm (19.7") measured c-c. Note that Wabi sizes their frames c-c, so a 42cm frame is more like 45cm c-t, similar to the situation with the Kilo TT.

short people: just get a mini velo

Hahahaha

Tall people, there's a sale on brains at Walmart.

Ohh darn I shouldve sold mine on here rather than Craigslist. I let mine go for pretty cheap. $250 for a classic with everything but wheels.

problem?

Boston Bruins are Stanley Cup Champions. Have a nice day.

congrats?