Featured Fixie
Wabicycles.com
See the Wabi Cycles Lineup
Wabi Classic
Wabi Lighting
Wabi Special
Imagine having the expert knowledge and insider contacts to hand pick the best quality components from around the world and put them together to create the quintessential fixed-gear at a bargain price. You don’t have to imagine what that bike would be like anymore because Richard Snook, founder of Wabi Cycles in L.A. has already created it. In the below interview we pick Richard’s brain to better understand Wabi’s unique riding experience and the direction of the fixed-gear industry.
Where does Wabi Cycles fit into today’s landscape of fixed-gear bikes?
The Wabi line is geared more to the cyclist than it is to the spin off trend from the messenger bike craze. They are made for distance riding, but still with a lively response to pedalling inputs, agile in traffic, etc. From a quality standpoint, they are above the options generally available in the bike shops- higher level frames and wheels especially
Who is the ideal rider for a Wabi? beginner, established rider, etc?
There’s no real issue with level of cyclist. If someone is on a budget and can’t or won’t spend over $400- 500 on a new fixed gear, that’s one thing. But while the Wabi’s appeal is to the enthusiast cyclist, there’s no reason a beginner can’t ride one as well. They won’t be able to fully appreciate the quality of the ride until they get some miles in their legs, but after they do that, they have a bike that they can ride for years and won’t need to do the trading up routine.
What are one or two things about a Wabi that really makes it unique?
I mentioned above the frame and the wheels. Most of the fixed gears out there from $350- 900 use 4130 cromoly or similar material in the frame, and they are often built around a track, or track inspired, geometry. That works well on the track, but again, for distance riding on roads, the road racing frame design is much more comfortable for hours in the saddle. I use Reynolds 725 tubing, which is more expensive, but is lighter (my steel fixies run under 19 lbs, compared to 21- 25 lbs. for other steel models) and more responsive. There’s a liveliness to the frames that is hard to define, but is a joy when you ride. And then I also offer a scandium tubed model that weighs under 16.5 lbs! I am not aware of any other fixed gear out there that approaches that weight. The Specialized Langster, an alu framed fixie, weighs in at over 20 lbs.
Wheels: my philosophy is that lighter wheels equate to a more responsive and fun to ride bike, fixed or geared. The rotating weight is more important for performance. The Wabi’s wheels are 1750g/set, and are at least half a pound lighter than what comes on other fixies. The trend to deep V’s and Aerospokes makes no sense for a rider interested in performance. They are heavier and harsher riding. Many people like the looks, and that’s fine, but from a “fun to ride” perspective, I’ll take the lighter, more compliant wheels every time.
How much do Wabi’s sell for?
They sell for $675- 925. The Classic (tig welded 725 tubing) is $675, the Lightning (scandium tubing) is $825 and the Special (725 lugged and brazed frame) is $925
How have you seen the fixed-gear industry change over the last two to three years?
Lots of focus on aesthetics- colored rims and other components is the main thing. Not so much focus on the technical aspects
Where do you see the fixed-gear industry going in the next two to three years?
Beating each other up on price, more than likely! More of the same, I think, with an emphasis on the looks
What are some commons mistakes you see among people new to riding a fixed-gear?
There are really 2 main things to think about- how to start from a stop if you use toe clips or a clipless system, and to remember to not stop pedalling when the bike is moving! Especially that last one. But most people learn quickly about both of those and it becomes natural in a short period of time.
What would you say to somebody on the fence about trying a fixed-gear?
If you have the option to try a friend’s bike out, great. If not, and you have the desire, go for it. In a worst case scenario you can convert to a freewheel. But keep in mind that the better/lighter the bike, the easier it is to use a single geared bike in various terrains. Climbing on a beach cruiser is not fun, but climbing on a Wabi is!
Big Shot Bikes
Fort Collins Colorado is known as the home of Colorado State University, many fine micro brews, and as the stomping grounds of legions of enthusiastic cyclists. So it was not a shock when Big Shot Bikes came on our radar. Big shot has eye-popping styling that can be customized to your preferences starting at a reasonable $365. Big Shot offers:
- Thousands of color combinations
- Three choices of handle bars
- Choice of fixed or free wheel
- Ability to customize your bike on-line
- Shipping for $34
Send us your favorite pics of fixies we have to see at: contactatfixedgeardotnet
Featured Fixie (Archive)
Wow, what a stunner! This fixed-gear is from Lay-luh in Seattle. Simple yet elegant, hope to see some close-ups soon.
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