GeroC

Hello Bikeforums.net!

After doing research on SS/Fixed bicycles these past few days, I am down to two options:

1) Wabi Classic
2) Wabi Lightning

I am still debating if paying the extra ~$175 on the Lightning for its Scandium frame is worth it over the Classic's Reynolds 725 frame? I am leaning more towards the Lightning because of its weight, frame design (looks bulky) and the black color option, but both are still significantly lighter than my current bike. I like the steel frame of the classic because its ability to absorb the bumps on the road (NYC & Boston have some horrible roads).

I currently have a Linus Sport 3 speed, but going to sell it because it is really heavy (32.4lbs) and I want to get back into the fixed gear scene (previously had a Republic but sold it due to its low-grade components and cheap feel/ride).

I use the bike as a commuter to school (6 miles/day).

Any help on my final decision would be great. I usually do not post on forums because I find my answers through reading several threads on a variety of forums. But I was not able to find lots of threads on these two options.

prooftheory

Buy the lightning. You won't get buyer's remorse for that amount and if you get the classic you will start thinking about whether you should upgrade before too long. Regardless, just get the bike and ride it rather than spending too much time debating it. It will be better than the republic no matter what.

yummygooey

The Lightning is very cool. Get it.

rithem

I still think a fatter tire (25 or 28 and dialing tire pressure) is better solution to road chatter suppression than worrying about frame material. Aluminum doesn't rust, but cheap a** Aluminum weld can fail (rarely but plausible, steel is likely, in most cases more durable overtime ... pros and cons is the name of the game.

I'll stand by tire selection as my advice and leave the frame material niggling to others. my 2¢.

GeroC

Thanks prooftheory for your quick respone! Great point on buyer's remorse.

dddavid

+1 for the Lightning. But ...

do you have a safe place to store/lock it when you're in class?

GeroC

Yes, locking it wont be an issue.

cc700

buy the lightning and two nyc forgettaboutit locks.

GeroC

How likely will the scandium frame fail overtime?

prooftheory

As long as you aren't using it as a tricking bike it won't fail ever.

jdgesus 

the lightning inspires me everytime i ride.

i would buy as a frameset and build up.
not of a fan of the stock parts, BUT YMMV, ETC, BBQ, OMFGHI2U

GeroC

Nope, just for commuting and joyrides.

GeroC

Dont really have the time due to grad school for building a bike at this moment. Need a complete.

rithem

Like prooftheory says it depends what you are doing with it ... I've ridden the same columbus 7005-T6 triple butted Al (not scandium) Cinelli road bike since 2003 with no issue, and a columbus Lobular (similar to scandium) Orbea cross bike which I have beaten the piss out of since 2007 with no issue, it even has a few small dents, still no issue.

I will emphasize this point: keep in mind that these type of Aluminum frames go through a heat treatment process post welding and all welds and Quality Control are not alike. That said I wouldn't worry too much. Buy the bike that you like the mo$t.

TejanoTrackie 

All of the components are decent quality except the tires, which I replaced on mine. Quality of the parts is similar to bikes like a Surly Steamroller, which do not have any crappy components. The nice thing about Wabi is that you can customize it for fit and gearing to suit you, almost like a custom build. The ride on the Lightning is not your typical harsh aluminum, but more like steel, but still plenty stiff to be responsive, and it's crazy light. As to the frame durability, I'd expect it to last almost indefinitely, provided you don't have a bad wreck.

GeroC

Thanks all for the great replies. I appreciate all the information.

Definitely going with the Wabi Lightning.