Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
Reload this Page >

Wabi Classic Alternative Build/Complete Bike

Notices
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Wabi Classic Alternative Build/Complete Bike

Old 08-09-21, 04:53 AM
  #1  
netjack
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Wabi Classic Alternative Build/Complete Bike

Coming from a duhon uno and wanted to get into a single speed. Given, I like the more relaxed/up-right seating position, my research has led me to the Wabi Classic. Unfortunately, they're OOS and their price point has jumped up a couple hundred $$ so I'm looking for alternatives.

Total budget is <$1000 all in. Either complete or actually interested in doing a build (I have saddle, pedals, and grips).

Can anyone make any good suggestions or point me in the direction?
netjack is offline  
Old 08-09-21, 09:55 PM
  #2  
jay4usc
Live Healthy
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 417

Bikes: Wabi Classic

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 183 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times in 92 Posts
Originally Posted by netjack
Coming from a duhon uno and wanted to get into a single speed. Given, I like the more relaxed/up-right seating position, my research has led me to the Wabi Classic. Unfortunately, they're OOS and their price point has jumped up a couple hundred $$ so I'm looking for alternatives.

Total budget is <$1000 all in. Either complete or actually interested in doing a build (I have saddle, pedals, and grips).

Can anyone make any good suggestions or point me in the direction?

cant go wrong with the Wabi. Check eBay, Craigslist and offer up daily, they always pop up. If you live in SoCal, there’s a few for sale on Craigslist right now.
jay4usc is offline  
Old 08-10-21, 01:57 AM
  #3  
Lazyass
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minas Ithil
Posts: 9,173
Mentioned: 66 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2432 Post(s)
Liked 638 Times in 395 Posts
Road geometry with nice tubing at that price range, I really can't think of any equal alternative myself. If Wabi didn't even exist I'd probably order a Gunnar Street Dog which would cost more. Wabi found a good niche there.
Lazyass is offline  
Old 08-10-21, 04:22 AM
  #4  
netjack
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Thoughts on 6061 Black Label v2? It's $700 vs $950 for wabi classic.
netjack is offline  
Old 08-10-21, 09:34 AM
  #5  
Broctoon
Super-duper Genius
 
Broctoon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Muskrat Springs, Utah
Posts: 1,713
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 768 Post(s)
Liked 984 Times in 508 Posts
Originally Posted by netjack
Thoughts on 6061 Black Label v2? It's $700 vs $950 for wabi classic.
I've never ridden either of these, but based on the frame materials, I'd take the Wabi over the Black Label every time.

We don't have a crystal ball, but I suspect 30 years from now the steel Wabi will still be considered a classic. That plain-Jane aluminum from State is nothing special, and in 30 years it will still be just that. Decent bike, but nothing special.
Broctoon is offline  
Likes For Broctoon:
Old 08-10-21, 09:41 AM
  #6  
TejanoTrackie 
Veteran Racer
 
TejanoTrackie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,757

Bikes: 32 frames + 80 wheels

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1331 Post(s)
Liked 763 Times in 431 Posts
Originally Posted by netjack
Thoughts on 6061 Black Label v2? It's $700 vs $950 for wabi classic.
Aluminum vs. Steel. Apples and Oranges.
__________________
What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman

Originally Posted by Dcv
I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
TejanoTrackie is offline  
Old 08-10-21, 10:33 AM
  #7  
jay4usc
Live Healthy
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 417

Bikes: Wabi Classic

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 183 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times in 92 Posts
Originally Posted by netjack
Thoughts on 6061 Black Label v2? It's $700 vs $950 for wabi classic.
Steel!
jay4usc is offline  
Old 08-12-21, 03:39 AM
  #8  
netjack
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Looks like I'll be waiting a while for the wabi classic to come back in stock!
netjack is offline  
Old 08-12-21, 03:45 AM
  #9  
netjack
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
What about this? This is the only place I can find Surly Steamroller in stock:

https://roadbikeonline.com/products/...r-SS-Bike.html
netjack is offline  
Old 08-13-21, 04:23 PM
  #10  
Rolla
Guest
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,269 Times in 1,439 Posts
Originally Posted by netjack
What about this? This is the only place I can find Surly Steamroller in stock:

https://roadbikeonline.com/products/...r-SS-Bike.html

I think it's odd that they have five sizes of 2017 Steamrollers in stock. Also, realize that they are located in Malaysia. That's not to suggest that this makes them untrustworthy, but any international purchase involves more risk than buying domestically. If they accept PayPal or another payment method that offers buyer protection, use it.

Last edited by Rolla; 08-13-21 at 04:29 PM.
Rolla is offline  
Old 08-13-21, 06:27 PM
  #11  
netjack
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Ya I might pass on the SS
netjack is offline  
Old 08-14-21, 08:44 AM
  #12  
netjack
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Heat check on this with all the extras?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ssenger_banner

I'm not sure if it'll fit given I'm 5'9 and S-C tube is 56cm. Owner says he's 5'8" and fits him fine.
netjack is offline  
Old 08-14-21, 04:02 PM
  #13  
sdimattia
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: NY
Posts: 307

Bikes: Wabi Classic, Bombtrack Hook, Bombtrack Tension, Vitus Substance

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 156 Post(s)
Liked 86 Times in 56 Posts
Originally Posted by netjack
Heat check on this with all the extras?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ssenger_banner

I'm not sure if it'll fit given I'm 5'9 and S-C tube is 56cm. Owner says he's 5'8" and fits him fine.
Height is a good indicator but by no means a 100% guarantee the bike will fit you. One person's 5'8" could be drastically different from your 5'9". Are they long limbed? Short inseam? If you can size it out in person, that'll be your best bet. Also, it's got a quill stem instead of a threadless fork so your ability to raise and lower the handlebars will be limited by the stem.

If it fits you, it looks like a nice bike though.

Also, you've got 3 threads going asking about different single speeds. If you consolidate to one thread, it'll be much easier to help you with the bikes you're interested in.
sdimattia is offline  
Old 08-14-21, 07:52 PM
  #14  
jay4usc
Live Healthy
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 417

Bikes: Wabi Classic

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 183 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times in 92 Posts
Originally Posted by netjack
Heat check on this with all the extras?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ssenger_banner

I'm not sure if it'll fit given I'm 5'9 and S-C tube is 56cm. Owner says he's 5'8" and fits him fine.
don’t waste your money on the Kilo. Here’s a white Wabi Classic on eBay a size 52, it’s located in College Park Maryland. At 5’9 that should fit you

https://www.ebay.com/itm/15456702259...AAAOSwNYhhFU7L
jay4usc is offline  
Old 08-15-21, 03:54 AM
  #15  
netjack
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Yea I've pinged the guy. He's hoping for $800 on this (he listed on FB too). It's a 3hr ride for me and for $900 I can get a brand new one so let's see...
netjack is offline  
Old 08-15-21, 10:05 AM
  #16  
jay4usc
Live Healthy
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 417

Bikes: Wabi Classic

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 183 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times in 92 Posts
Originally Posted by netjack
Yea I've pinged the guy. He's hoping for $800 on this (he listed on FB too). It's a 3hr ride for me and for $900 I can get a brand new one so let's see...
a framed just popped this morning but it’s a size 55.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Practically...-127632-2357-0
jay4usc is offline  
Likes For jay4usc:
Old 08-15-21, 10:43 AM
  #17  
Senrab62 
It's the little things
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 779

Bikes: Too many, yet not enough

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 279 Post(s)
Liked 326 Times in 147 Posts
Originally Posted by jay4usc
a framed just popped this morning but it’s a size 55.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Practically...-127632-2357-0
If my size, I'd probably consider. Might get lucky on price with the auction format.
Senrab62 is offline  
Old 08-15-21, 10:45 AM
  #18  
netjack
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Yea I saw it's closer to those 6'. Sadly that's not me.
netjack is offline  
Old 08-15-21, 10:52 AM
  #19  
Senrab62 
It's the little things
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 779

Bikes: Too many, yet not enough

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 279 Post(s)
Liked 326 Times in 147 Posts
Originally Posted by netjack
Yea I saw it's closer to those 6'. Sadly that's not me.
I'm a little over 6' and that frame would be a full size or two, too small. Aren't you 5'9"? That's typically 54-56 range, depending on TT length.
Senrab62 is offline  
Old 08-15-21, 10:58 AM
  #20  
netjack
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Yes I am. According to Wabi's size chart that puts me squarely in the 52cm frame. 55 is 5'10-6'1 which is you, no?
netjack is offline  
Old 08-15-21, 11:32 AM
  #21  
Senrab62 
It's the little things
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 779

Bikes: Too many, yet not enough

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 279 Post(s)
Liked 326 Times in 147 Posts
Originally Posted by netjack
Yes I am. According to Wabi's size chart that puts me squarely in the 52cm frame. 55 is 5'10-6'1 which is you, no?
Nah, I'd have like a foot of seatpost length. Based on my current bikes and their TT length, I'd squarely be on a 58. I even have a couple 63cm bikes, because the TT works better. On a 55, I'd need 120-130mm stem which is very long for a road bike in my opinion.

Do you have a current bike set up the way you like? I'd measure TT length for fit, versus their guide which gives general guidance, with lots of variables.
Senrab62 is offline  
Old 08-15-21, 11:41 AM
  #22  
jay4usc
Live Healthy
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 417

Bikes: Wabi Classic

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 183 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times in 92 Posts
Originally Posted by netjack
Yes I am. According to Wabi's size chart that puts me squarely in the 52cm frame. 55 is 5'10-6'1 which is you, no?
im 5’ 9 and my current bike is a 52 but have ridden a size 55 Wabi and I can go either size. Have you measured your inseam? Check Wabi website about taking your measurements.

Last edited by jay4usc; 08-24-21 at 04:30 PM.
jay4usc is offline  
Old 08-15-21, 11:54 AM
  #23  
TugaDude
Senior Member
 
TugaDude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,504
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 586 Post(s)
Liked 612 Times in 447 Posts
I have no idea of the current availability but I'd look for an All City Big Block and never look back.
TugaDude is offline  
Likes For TugaDude:
Old 08-15-21, 12:18 PM
  #24  
jay4usc
Live Healthy
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 417

Bikes: Wabi Classic

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 183 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times in 92 Posts
Originally Posted by TugaDude
I have no idea of the current availability but I'd look for an All City Big Block and never look back.
another good option.
jay4usc is offline  
Old 08-15-21, 12:51 PM
  #25  
Senrab62 
It's the little things
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 779

Bikes: Too many, yet not enough

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 279 Post(s)
Liked 326 Times in 147 Posts
Originally Posted by jay4usc
im 5’9 and my current bike is a 52 but have ridden a size 55 Wabi and I can go either size. Have you measured your inseam? Check Wabi website about taking your measurements.
Inseam, or standover is not most important in my opinion. TT length is most important, in my experience for best fit.

I'd measure CTC TT of a bike that feels comfortable, and use that as a reference point. 57-58 is my sweet spot, usually.
Senrab62 is offline  
Likes For Senrab62:

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.