sdimattia

Beautiful bike you got there.

Wheels took about 6 weeks but this was back in June 2020 at the height of the shortage due to COVID. Other times I’ve ordered wheels it took about 2 weeks. Same as Universal cycles. Expect UC throws in a spare spoke of each length and the wheel comes taped for free.

Lazyass

Cool, thanks

baristabaker

Hi All! Been itching to pull the trigger on the Wabi Thunder! Watched a couple of YT reviews and I'm stocked. Just a worried about being dinged high import duties and taxes(Canada). But what are your thoughts?
Been looking for something bombproof and can handle everything I can throw at it including fenders, racks and even child carriers to take my son out for trail rides!
Thank you and happy riding!

jay4usc

pull the trigger and buy one. You won’t have any regrets. Another option you have is the All City Super Professional SS

baristabaker

Thanks looking to finalize it soon! You def hit it, I was debating between the Wabi and the AC Super Pro. The AC is available at my LBS where Wabi needs to be shipped so it's a tough toss-up.
Both will cost me around the same $$. But head to head considering build quality, geometry and spec wise, Wabi all the way no?

jay4usc

I think they are very similar in build quality and very close in geometry. I know the AC Track bike and the Wabi Classic has an identical geometry. Unsure with the Thunder and Super Pro. I do prefer the disc brakes over the Cantilever brake but that’s just personal preference. Why don’t you start a thread on the Fixed Gear board and get everyones opinion. We maybe a little bias here since we are all Wabi owners on this thread lol. If Thunder is in stock jump on it bc they are selling out fast.

sdimattia

If they made the Thunder in my size (42cm), I'd buy it in a heartbeat. As far as an all around bike, it's great. Check out some of the videos here: https://www.youtube.com/user/TimsTechBlog

You mentioned throwing a kid's seat on, I think he has a video on that. If you go with the Wabi, you won't regret it. It's a much more classic, nicer bike than All City. I have nothing against AC, I also have a Nature Boy set up for winter/wet riding. I only bought it because it comes in my size. If I had the option of a Wabi Thunder, I'd have bought that instead.

jay4usc We are a lot biased

baristabaker

Thanks for the tips jay4usc and sdimattia for the tips. I'm looking to pull the trigger real soon. Just want to be absolutely sure before I pull the trigger. BTW love the red powder coat on your classic and how you guys take your shots!!

baristabaker

Did you also recommend upgrading the rims/tires? I know it comes with the standard Kenda tires which seems fine but looking for something decently fast on the road and have no problems on occasional plowing through gravel. Thanks!

jay4usc

definitely upgrade the tires. Kenda you get with the bike sucks. Maybe Gravel King tires? All depends on type of road you will be riding.

sdimattia

definitely the tires like jay4usc said. The rims are actually some of the nicest stock rims that come on a bike. I having the 650c 20/24h rims on one of my Classics and they've held up with no problems, curb hopping and hitting potholes. I would assume Wabi's 32h CX wheels are just as, if not more durable.

And of course, if you get the Wabi, we want pictures!

jay4usc

One recommendation when you order your bike is to also order a set of extra wheel bolts and a seat binder. These are very inexpensive must have extra set laying around because your LBS won't have these in stock if you ever need them.

jay4usc

The only negative thing with the wabi wheels sold with the Classic is that they are very narrow. Inner width is 12.6mm and outer width 18.2mm. Wheel builder and Velomine on sell wheels that are 17.5 inner and 23.5 outer which mirrors the wheel sets sold with the Wabi Thunder. I’m running 28 gators and they are measuring in at 25mm with these wheels.

baristabaker

Thanks for the tips! Should let you know the outcome pretty soon!

Lazyass

FYI. Their next shipment of Specials is supposed to come in early June and it's first come first serve. They said it's a small shipment so if somebody wants one they ought to check their website every day. The copper color looks nice. They won't have Classics and Lightnings until late summer at least.

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=wabi%20cycles

Lazyass

I run Challenge Paris-Roubaix 27c and they measure 27.6 on my Sub-15 wheels which are also narrow.

I also highly recommend that tire. Super smooth ride and they're very light.

jay4usc

From what I have read those tires actually run wide. If you put those on wider rims they measure 29-30mm

sdimattia

I run Panaracer Paselas 650cx25 and 28 which measure accurately on the 650c Wabi wheelset. I've crashed too many times running 700x23 and 25mm gators, taking sharp turns at 20+ miles an hour (and occasionally in the rain)

Lazyass

Well they measure 27.6 so yeah that's wide lol

baristabaker

Finally pulled the trigger on a Thunder. It's a waiting game now, thanks for all the help!

wabi_damon

thanks for the order. We'll try to get it out soon.