Wabi Classic thoughts

[DarrinNYC]

I miss my Serotta single speed so much, I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on a Wabi Classic. Anyone here own one? I love to hear feedback from other Wabi Classic owners.

[p nut]

I had one for 10 years. I bought it back when Richard Snook was running the show. Prior to it, I had a Surly Steamroller.

Excellent bike. I purchased the stock build. It felt much more lively than the Surly and much lighter. The only components I changed was the headset, but only because I had a King laying around. And the saddle and handlebars.

The biggest tire I could fit was a 30mm. 32’s fit, but only when the brakes off (which I never did).

Geo was more road than track, which was perfect for me. I’m not sure if they’ve changed the geo (doubt it).

I’d buy it again, if I were looking for a SS/FG.

[Turkle]

Just posting to say that I want one of these so bad. I would have to sell a bike to make it work though. Hmmmmmmmmmm

[Alistair]

I want a Special with the chrome lugs so bad.

[eippo1]

A friend has one that he got almost a decade ago. I put it together for him and thought it was a nice bike. He used it for commuting for years until his commute changed. He still has the bike and won't get rid of it though he rarely rides it. Perhaps he will as his kids get more into going on rides, though.

[Wunder]

I have a Wabi Classic, bought 9 or 10 years ago when Richard ran the company. Great bike. As noted it is built as a proper road bike that is fixed rather than a track bike and that's exactl what I wanted. Mine clears a measured 32 no issue (brakeless in back, Tektro R540 I think in the front [51mm reach, it's what Richard recommended).

I bought mine as a frameset plus (headset, BB, crank, stem, brake caliper) and then added my own handbuilt wheels, bars, seatpost, saddle, pedals. This is an older picture with 28s but as said it has 32s now (Soma supple vittesse labeled 33).

Added two more pictures. One with 32mm gatorskins and another with 28mm Clement Stradas (measured 30). I'd argue the Wabi Classic is actually the prettiest bike I own.

[Wunder]

Found three more pictures. This is clearance at the fork with a 25mm GP 4 Season, 27mm Vittoria Pave, and 32m Gravelking slick (after riding crushed limestone). All worked fine but I think I had to deflate the 32 a little bit to clear the brake caliper.

[p nut]

Interesting. I found a picture from 2013 when I tried Paselas in 700x32. It cleared the fork crown but rubbed on the top of the calipers. Tektro 540’s.

[Wunder]

Originally Posted by p nut

Interesting. I found a picture from 2013 when I tried Paselas in 700x32. It cleared the fork crown but rubbed on the top of the calipers. Tektro 540’s.

Yeah hard to say, maybe the rims? I have Pacenti PL23s on this bike (18mm internal, 23 external). If you were running a narrower rim it might cause the tire to sit a little taller. Personally I've had no trouble with 32mm Gatorskins, 32mm Gravelking slicks, or 33mm Soma Supple Vittesse on road or packed gravel.

[DarrinNYC]

Originally Posted by Alistair

I want a Special with the chrome lugs so bad.

I'm getting a 60cm, black Classic with chrome lugs!! What size frame are you? I've been working directly with the owner of the company, and I'll see if he has any chrome lugged bikes in your size. Black and purple are the two frames he had chrome lugs on. Let me know!!!

Darrin