For the past two years, I’ve enjoyed riding my Wabi Classic 42 cm. I don’t have a name for it, but I describe it as “My blue bike that looks like a toy,” even though it is a serious road bike and great for commuting.
This is my favorite bike, the bike I use when I want to have fun, go fast and feel like I can keep up with anyone else on the road. Tiny and powerful, it is a bike I can ride for 20 + miles and not feel like it’s taken all of my energy to do so. It’s the kind of bike that immediately changes your attitude when you’re having a bad day and the kind of bike that has people ask you where you go it. It’s also the kind of bike I carefully lock up or bring inside since I’d be very upset if it ever got stolen. It’s put into heavy use during the spring and summer on my commutes and on recreational rides around the city.
Specs:
Model: Wabi Cycles Classic 42 cm
Purchased: June 2013
Miles ridden: Strava says I have 1850 miles, but I know I have biked much more. Probably 2000+
Gearing: 44 x 17, single speed. One gear is fine since there aren’t many hills around
Weight: ~17 lbs of steel and components, it is very light compared to my other bike
Pedals: Platform MKS Sylvan Touring Bicycle Pedals, since I can use a variety of shoes with it, and I don’t see the need for clipless pedals. These were purchased separately for about $35.00.
Tires: Changed stock tires to Continental Road tires in 2014
Seat: stock ladies saddle, will upgrade to a newer bike seat eventually
Rear rack: None, since there is no room for one. I use my messenger bag or cycling backpack to carry supplies.
Lights: Enough room on the handlebar to mount front lights, I have a tactical flashlight with a flashlight holder mounted to it. The seatpost has room to mount a rear light, but I usually have a light clipped to my backpack and one on my helmet for rear lighting.
Speed: I average 13-15 mph on this bike and have recorded myself as going as fast as 27 mph downhill, 22 mph “hammering” on a flat stretch of road or a steady 19 mph keeping up with traffic on busy roads when I am brave enough to take the lane.
Price: $750, a great value
At the time, I wanted another bike in case my main hybrid commuter bike was in the shop for repair. I wanted a fast bike, it had to be light so that I could easily lift it onto the train, and be maneuverable enough in heavy traffic. This bike fit all of these requirements.
If I was running late to catch the train, I knew I could pedal fast enough to make it in time and still be able to lift the bike up the stairs while catching my breath.
Why Wabi?
Since I’m short (5’0″) my options for road bikes were limited but I wanted to find a stylish road bike which could be used as a commuter bike. There were many options from the big name brands, but after reading around the internet, Wabi kept being mentioned. Even though it was a single speed bike, and I had never ridden one before, I thought it made sense since the bike would be lighter and more efficient.
I looked at www.wabicycles.com and was immediately drawn to how simple and beautiful the bike was, especially the turquoise blue color. Due to my height, the only option that made sense was the 42 cm model. I wasted no time and contacted Richard Snook who owns Wabi Cycles. Richard was very helpful in helping me decide on the build of the bike. Our conversations over email and phone focused on my physical measurements, riding style, and my desire to bike long distances. He suggested I get a stem riser so that my handlebars could be more upright and that a 44 x 17 gear ratio would allow me to comfortably climb hills in the suburbs while maintaining a good cruising speed in flat Chicago. He also answered any questions I had about bike sizing and not being able to test ride the bike before purchasing. My fears aside, I placed the order through the website soon after our final discussion.
My biked arrived packed in a big cardboard box. I only had to figure out how to put on the front wheel and the pedals I had purchased. The first ride was a short ride around the block. Richard told me that since I was used to riding a hybrid bike, it would feel like upgrading from an old SUV to a Porche. He was right as I was instantly impressed by its speed and somewhat unsure if I had bought a bike that was too fast.
After a few rides, I got used to its speed and I took it to my local bike store and made some minor adjustments to the seat and handlebars. Since then, I haven’t had to perform many adjustments or maintenance on this bike and it has been a very reliable ride.
Final Verdict
Everything about this bike is awesome and feels good, especially the effortless pedaling and steering. Since the bike is so responsive, I can confidently negotiate traffic, easily avoid potholes and be fast enough so that I can make all the green lights before they turn red on the road. Overall, this is a fantastic bike and it fits my commuting and recreational biking needs. You will see me riding this bike for many years to come.
