Published reviews Fixed Gear Gallery Gear Junkie Fixed Gear Gallery (650C) Bike Rumor Cycling for Beginners
"I've been out a half dozen times on my Lightning and have to say, "less is more." I had recently been riding a high end, very expensive aluminum cross
bike with a big name brand splashed all over the frame. Even with a carbon fork, it was stiffer than a brick and extremely uncomfortable.
That cross frame alone cost as much as my Wabi Lightning complete bike. But the Lightning is faster: less weight and less fatigue have meant faster
times on some of my measured rides even with only one gear. Its slightly smaller diameter tubes give me a feel for the road that reminds me of the old
steel frames I used to use way back. Except that the Lightning is way lighter. In fact the frameset weighs only 4 oz more than my carbon road frame
(which cost about 4x as much.) It has almost identical geometry to my carbon bike so that it handles like a good road bike should. (this was one of the
main reasons I picked the Wabi over some other options.)
I'm used to frames that look like moving billboards. But the Lightning is so clean that its got to be more aero. Except people keep stopping me to ask
what that cool looking orange bike is.
From a happy customer- thanks"
David, TX
Wabi Lightning owner
bike with a big name brand splashed all over the frame. Even with a carbon fork, it was stiffer than a brick and extremely uncomfortable.
That cross frame alone cost as much as my Wabi Lightning complete bike. But the Lightning is faster: less weight and less fatigue have meant faster
times on some of my measured rides even with only one gear. Its slightly smaller diameter tubes give me a feel for the road that reminds me of the old
steel frames I used to use way back. Except that the Lightning is way lighter. In fact the frameset weighs only 4 oz more than my carbon road frame
(which cost about 4x as much.) It has almost identical geometry to my carbon bike so that it handles like a good road bike should. (this was one of the
main reasons I picked the Wabi over some other options.)
I'm used to frames that look like moving billboards. But the Lightning is so clean that its got to be more aero. Except people keep stopping me to ask
what that cool looking orange bike is.
From a happy customer- thanks"
David, TX
Wabi Lightning owner
"I received my new Lightning last Thursday and opened the package very carefully and there it was "THE BIKE".
It was even better looking than on your website, especially the paint job is looking very fine and the colour is perfect.
It was easy to assemble.
Unfortunately it was very very bad weather in Copenhagen on both Thursday and Friday so it was not until this morning that I took my first ride on the
bike and I must tell you that I am more than satisfied - it was fast, smooth and very easy to ride.
I AM VERY SATISFIED."
Kai, Copenhagen
Wabi Lightning owner
It was even better looking than on your website, especially the paint job is looking very fine and the colour is perfect.
It was easy to assemble.
Unfortunately it was very very bad weather in Copenhagen on both Thursday and Friday so it was not until this morning that I took my first ride on the
bike and I must tell you that I am more than satisfied - it was fast, smooth and very easy to ride.
I AM VERY SATISFIED."
Kai, Copenhagen
Wabi Lightning owner
"I just wanted to let you know that I received my new bike and it's AWESOME. After a test run around the neighborhood Wednesday night, I rode it to
work and around town yesterday...
Right out of the box, I could see things would be different with the LIGHTNING. This bike is exciting... and that says a lot.
Paul, NC
Wabi Lightning owner
work and around town yesterday...
Right out of the box, I could see things would be different with the LIGHTNING. This bike is exciting... and that says a lot.
Paul, NC
Wabi Lightning owner
"It’s been about 3 weeks or so since I bought my Wabi Lightning through your site and I am enjoying it immensely. The transition to your fixie was like
entering a whole new world. I just wanted to say thanks for building great product at a solid price, and that you’ve shaved many minutes off my daily 15
mile commute each way. It’s effortless.
The bike couldn’t be lighter and it has prompted me to cut a few pounds off my own weight so I can match appropriately. It handles great, is stiff where
you want it, forgiving where you need it but most of all it’s REALLY fast and my new favourite pastime is smoking spandex-clad $5000 triathlon race bikes.
Smug mode is set permanently to ‘on’ when they see an orange blaze go by in an astounding LACK of decals. So in summary – thanks man, the bike is
legit."
Andy, VA
Wabi Lightning owner
entering a whole new world. I just wanted to say thanks for building great product at a solid price, and that you’ve shaved many minutes off my daily 15
mile commute each way. It’s effortless.
The bike couldn’t be lighter and it has prompted me to cut a few pounds off my own weight so I can match appropriately. It handles great, is stiff where
you want it, forgiving where you need it but most of all it’s REALLY fast and my new favourite pastime is smoking spandex-clad $5000 triathlon race bikes.
Smug mode is set permanently to ‘on’ when they see an orange blaze go by in an astounding LACK of decals. So in summary – thanks man, the bike is
legit."
Andy, VA
Wabi Lightning owner
Richard at Wabi Cycles is extremely professional and helpful. Very knowledgeable about his products and is also quite patient with assistance and
answering my questions during the time I was researching the products and before I made a final decision. Very highly recommmended as a merchant
and wonderful products too; much better than anticipated, I am very happy with all aspects of this transaction!
Savio, Australia
Wabi Lightning owner
answering my questions during the time I was researching the products and before I made a final decision. Very highly recommmended as a merchant
and wonderful products too; much better than anticipated, I am very happy with all aspects of this transaction!
Savio, Australia
Wabi Lightning owner
Richard, My new Lightning arrived yesterday and far sooner than I'd expected. Everything was in perfect shape after its long trip to New Jersey and my
new bike went together very quickly. The quality of the Lightning was far above my expectations and it is very evident that every component was
selected with great care (& IMHO far above my well- regarded Swobo Sanchez).
Paul, NJ
Wabi Lightning owner
new bike went together very quickly. The quality of the Lightning was far above my expectations and it is very evident that every component was
selected with great care (& IMHO far above my well- regarded Swobo Sanchez).
Paul, NJ
Wabi Lightning owner
"I am liking it more and more. My other fixies seem slow and uncomfortable compared to the Wabi. You nailed it! The fixed-gear thing in general has
reinvigorated my interest in cycling over the past couple years. And a good bike like the Wabi makes it all the more fun."
Stephen, MN
Wabi Lightning owner
reinvigorated my interest in cycling over the past couple years. And a good bike like the Wabi makes it all the more fun."
Stephen, MN
Wabi Lightning owner
"Been riding the new Lightning for a week now and it is everything that was promised, it will be my daily commuter from now on. You said that the
standard cogs would be OK on even moderate hills and I must say that I prefer the 16 instead of the 18 round here. But then again Toronto isn’t famous
for its mountains. Someday I hope to be in a more interesting area with it and really see if it climbs like it accelerates. The bike is great, I said when I
ordered it that it was the 1st bike I had ever bought unridden, only based on the reviews, and I am in no way disappointed in the service or the
performance. You can tell, very happy guy."
Andy, Toronto
Wabi Lightning owner
standard cogs would be OK on even moderate hills and I must say that I prefer the 16 instead of the 18 round here. But then again Toronto isn’t famous
for its mountains. Someday I hope to be in a more interesting area with it and really see if it climbs like it accelerates. The bike is great, I said when I
ordered it that it was the 1st bike I had ever bought unridden, only based on the reviews, and I am in no way disappointed in the service or the
performance. You can tell, very happy guy."
Andy, Toronto
Wabi Lightning owner
"I wanted to give you some feedback on the Lightning. In short, it's amazing. After riding my road bike for the last year and averaging around 16.5 mph
on my rides (per my Garmin), I went out on those same rides with my Lightning and was averaging closer to 18 the entire trip. It's so much easier to
keep a higher rpm with the gearing, and with the bike being so light. I couldn't be more pleased.
Thanks again for the great product and the wonderful service. The bike is everything I hoped for and more. "
Rick, WI
Wabi Lightning owner
on my rides (per my Garmin), I went out on those same rides with my Lightning and was averaging closer to 18 the entire trip. It's so much easier to
keep a higher rpm with the gearing, and with the bike being so light. I couldn't be more pleased.
Thanks again for the great product and the wonderful service. The bike is everything I hoped for and more. "
Rick, WI
Wabi Lightning owner
"My web access at motel is no good - having a day off and have found wifi at paneras - yesterday i took the lightening for a ride- with the pack - around
15 $5000 cervelos etc- i had no problem and many riders were dumb struck! i powered up the hills and cruised in the 18-20s - i must say i was very
impressed and really enjoyed the experience - just pedal and ride- nothing to worry about- the fit is superb.. probably the best fitting bike I’ve had -
because most stock are either 49 or 52 ct- yours is 51.. like the cervelo- it is a comfortable bike with the scandium- not at all harsh like alu- the geometry
is great- not too twitchy yet aggressive enough for long dist riding..
i did about 50 miles .. but yesterday.. was a short day.. good job Richard- for the price what can i say- i was riding with a guy from michigan who rides
single speed mountain bikes and i swear he was more excited than me and i can get pretty excited.. lots of great comments about the colour and will
send you a pic of my rabobank s-works orange shoes when i change the pedals."
Rick, Ottawa
Wabi Lightning owner
15 $5000 cervelos etc- i had no problem and many riders were dumb struck! i powered up the hills and cruised in the 18-20s - i must say i was very
impressed and really enjoyed the experience - just pedal and ride- nothing to worry about- the fit is superb.. probably the best fitting bike I’ve had -
because most stock are either 49 or 52 ct- yours is 51.. like the cervelo- it is a comfortable bike with the scandium- not at all harsh like alu- the geometry
is great- not too twitchy yet aggressive enough for long dist riding..
i did about 50 miles .. but yesterday.. was a short day.. good job Richard- for the price what can i say- i was riding with a guy from michigan who rides
single speed mountain bikes and i swear he was more excited than me and i can get pretty excited.. lots of great comments about the colour and will
send you a pic of my rabobank s-works orange shoes when i change the pedals."
Rick, Ottawa
Wabi Lightning owner
"Hello Richard,
61 miles on the Wabi Lighting,
go ahead and put it on the
books! Tour De Cure Long Beach
was a great ride with some
monster hills. A lot of riders
were in shear amazement that I
was keeping pace, passing and
working them on the hill. The
Wabi Lightning is a rocket ship
that just doesn't quit.
This is some great engineering"
Kurt, CA
Wabi Lightning owner
(pictured on right)
61 miles on the Wabi Lighting,
go ahead and put it on the
books! Tour De Cure Long Beach
was a great ride with some
monster hills. A lot of riders
were in shear amazement that I
was keeping pace, passing and
working them on the hill. The
Wabi Lightning is a rocket ship
that just doesn't quit.
This is some great engineering"
Kurt, CA
Wabi Lightning owner
(pictured on right)
"Just completed a 150 mile century plus....on my Lightning. The more I ride, the more I appreciate the geometry. Short chainstays provide amazing
acceleration and power to the rear wheel, while the slack head angle allows a smoother tracking ride that isn't skittish on the road."
Rick, WI
Wabi Lightning owner
acceleration and power to the rear wheel, while the slack head angle allows a smoother tracking ride that isn't skittish on the road."
Rick, WI
Wabi Lightning owner
"The Lightning handles just like the Solo Velo but rides more smoothly. It is much lighter, of course, and accelerates in a more sporting fashion. So
now I have two fixed-gear road bikes, both purveyed by Richards from California. It is remarkable that you were able to optimize the design in
modern materials, have it produced in quantity, and market it at one-third the price of my one-off custom of eight years ago.
Nicely done!"
Jim, OR
Wabi Lightning owner
now I have two fixed-gear road bikes, both purveyed by Richards from California. It is remarkable that you were able to optimize the design in
modern materials, have it produced in quantity, and market it at one-third the price of my one-off custom of eight years ago.
Nicely done!"
Jim, OR
Wabi Lightning owner
"Got my lightning Tuesday afternoon. Ridden it every day and love it more and more with each ride! Its fast and stiff. The bike was easy to unpack
and set up. Your sizing guide was right on. I'm a big fan of the lack of bling on the bike, nice and subtle. All in all, a very good product from ordering
online, dealing directly with the owner, fast cheap shipping, easy assembly, and best of all, the great ride!!
Spreading the Wabi name in eastern Iowa one ride at time"
Bob, IA
Wabi Lightning owner
and set up. Your sizing guide was right on. I'm a big fan of the lack of bling on the bike, nice and subtle. All in all, a very good product from ordering
online, dealing directly with the owner, fast cheap shipping, easy assembly, and best of all, the great ride!!
Spreading the Wabi name in eastern Iowa one ride at time"
Bob, IA
Wabi Lightning owner
"Richard, WOW! Bike was on my porch when I got home. Was able to assemble it with ease (nice packing job). Initial impression after first ride
was that it exceeded my expectation. Your sizing guidance was spot on, in particular the reach to the bars. It seems to literally jump when I
stand up on the pedals. Can't believe how light it is. Fit and finish is very impressive.
Also, I found your personal service and attention to customer service impressive in this day and age. It was a lot more fun dealing with you than
my cable company! I know I'm gonna turn some heads on this bike and I look forward to referring the jealous to you and Wabi Cycles!"
John, PA
Wabi Lightning owner
was that it exceeded my expectation. Your sizing guidance was spot on, in particular the reach to the bars. It seems to literally jump when I
stand up on the pedals. Can't believe how light it is. Fit and finish is very impressive.
Also, I found your personal service and attention to customer service impressive in this day and age. It was a lot more fun dealing with you than
my cable company! I know I'm gonna turn some heads on this bike and I look forward to referring the jealous to you and Wabi Cycles!"
John, PA
Wabi Lightning owner
"Thanks for getting my new Classic frameset out so quickly. I've had a few weeks now to bond with the frameset and to compare it to my
Lightning. You sure sell some great bikes. The Lightning quickly became my favorite ride when I got it several months ago. The weight,
acceleration, and feel of it were far superior to either of my other aluminum bikes. The weight and acceleration was also superior to my steel bike
and the feel/ride was actually close to it.
I bought the classic to replace my steel bike and one other aluminum bike and was looking forward to comparing it to the Lightning. Now I have
two "keepers". The Classic does ride ever so slightly softer than the Lightning. It just feels comfortable and fast. These are fantastic bikes, all
my other bikes are busy collecting dust now and the big decision every day is, do I take the Classic or the Lightning? Thanks for the bikes and the
great service Richard."
Gary, AZ
Wabi Classic and Lightning owner
Lightning. You sure sell some great bikes. The Lightning quickly became my favorite ride when I got it several months ago. The weight,
acceleration, and feel of it were far superior to either of my other aluminum bikes. The weight and acceleration was also superior to my steel bike
and the feel/ride was actually close to it.
I bought the classic to replace my steel bike and one other aluminum bike and was looking forward to comparing it to the Lightning. Now I have
two "keepers". The Classic does ride ever so slightly softer than the Lightning. It just feels comfortable and fast. These are fantastic bikes, all
my other bikes are busy collecting dust now and the big decision every day is, do I take the Classic or the Lightning? Thanks for the bikes and the
great service Richard."
Gary, AZ
Wabi Classic and Lightning owner
"Richard,
Sorry I've not had a chance to follow up since I purchased the Lightning last week. Between a hectic schedule and the bad weather, today was
the first time I've really been able to put it through its paces... and all I can say is WOW! What a terrific ride. I'm absolutely thrilled with the bike -
it's exactly what I wanted. I love the way it feels - far better than I had hoped for. I can't wait to hit the pavement again tomorrow!
Anyway, I wanted to thank you for the your time and effort you invested in helping me find the right bike. I really appreciate it and honestly I
couldn't be happier. I'll certainly be an evangelist for WABI cycles!"
Bill, CA
Wabi Lightning owner
Follow up note: I wanted to reiterate that I absolutely love my new Lightning. Now that I've put a few hundred miles on it, I can say that it's the most
comfortable, responsive, and fun bike I've ever owned. I'm having trouble coming up with a reason to keep my Specialized Tarmac around these days - I
never seem to want to ride it!
Sorry I've not had a chance to follow up since I purchased the Lightning last week. Between a hectic schedule and the bad weather, today was
the first time I've really been able to put it through its paces... and all I can say is WOW! What a terrific ride. I'm absolutely thrilled with the bike -
it's exactly what I wanted. I love the way it feels - far better than I had hoped for. I can't wait to hit the pavement again tomorrow!
Anyway, I wanted to thank you for the your time and effort you invested in helping me find the right bike. I really appreciate it and honestly I
couldn't be happier. I'll certainly be an evangelist for WABI cycles!"
Bill, CA
Wabi Lightning owner
Follow up note: I wanted to reiterate that I absolutely love my new Lightning. Now that I've put a few hundred miles on it, I can say that it's the most
comfortable, responsive, and fun bike I've ever owned. I'm having trouble coming up with a reason to keep my Specialized Tarmac around these days - I
never seem to want to ride it!
Merchant Ratings reviews from Wabi customers
I'm proud of the level of customer service that Wabi Cycles gives its customers, so it's nice to also see that it's appreciated with positive customer
feedback to Yahoo's Merchant Ratings surveys.
I'm proud of the level of customer service that Wabi Cycles gives its customers, so it's nice to also see that it's appreciated with positive customer
feedback to Yahoo's Merchant Ratings surveys.
Received my Lightning a couple of weeks ago but bad weather kept me off the road. Now having ridden a couple of times, I’m wondering when I’m
going to ride my high-priced carbon geared bike again!
Problems? Mainly the wrench. I’m more of a wine drinker -- can you do a version with a corkscrew? On the other hand, I left it in my jersey and
washed it -- still looks great!
Daniel, TX
Wabi Lightning owner
going to ride my high-priced carbon geared bike again!
Problems? Mainly the wrench. I’m more of a wine drinker -- can you do a version with a corkscrew? On the other hand, I left it in my jersey and
washed it -- still looks great!
Daniel, TX
Wabi Lightning owner
Customer testimonials
"This is my review of the Wabi Lightning with about 600 miles on the bike. First time buying a bike via the web and the entire process was
effortless. The owner of Wabi was available by phone and was very helpful regarding size and model info etc. The bike arrived quickly and was in
perfect condition taking only minutes to setup. Wheels were true, bike was ready to ride. I chose the Lightning due to the scandium frame. Having
weighed the bike in a shop I can say that the advertised weight is quite accurate. The bike rides smoothly and is stable on down hills pedaling like
mad. The wheel set has been problem free and I am 200lbs and spend a lot of time out of the saddle when climbing. The components all work
well. No need to upgrade any parts at all. The paint (orange) is high quality and when I asked for touch-up paint it was sent immediately. It has
been a great bike and I am considering a Classic now that the frame can take wider tires for varied road conditions."
George, CT
Wabi Lightning owner
effortless. The owner of Wabi was available by phone and was very helpful regarding size and model info etc. The bike arrived quickly and was in
perfect condition taking only minutes to setup. Wheels were true, bike was ready to ride. I chose the Lightning due to the scandium frame. Having
weighed the bike in a shop I can say that the advertised weight is quite accurate. The bike rides smoothly and is stable on down hills pedaling like
mad. The wheel set has been problem free and I am 200lbs and spend a lot of time out of the saddle when climbing. The components all work
well. No need to upgrade any parts at all. The paint (orange) is high quality and when I asked for touch-up paint it was sent immediately. It has
been a great bike and I am considering a Classic now that the frame can take wider tires for varied road conditions."
George, CT
Wabi Lightning owner
"Dear Wabi Cycles,
With over 600 miles in the saddle I just wanted to let you know how happy I am with my Wabi Lightning. It's still a sweet looking bike and I get
quite a few questions from fellow cyclists. The Lightning climbs like a monkey and is pretty quick off the stop line. It doesn't bomb down the hills,
but my commute rolling average tends to be the same as my road bike. I bought the bike to add some variety to my commute. Some days I ride
my road bike and others my Lightning. All in all, a pretty sweet ride."
Jeff, WA
Wabi Lightning owner
With over 600 miles in the saddle I just wanted to let you know how happy I am with my Wabi Lightning. It's still a sweet looking bike and I get
quite a few questions from fellow cyclists. The Lightning climbs like a monkey and is pretty quick off the stop line. It doesn't bomb down the hills,
but my commute rolling average tends to be the same as my road bike. I bought the bike to add some variety to my commute. Some days I ride
my road bike and others my Lightning. All in all, a pretty sweet ride."
Jeff, WA
Wabi Lightning owner
Customer testimonials and product reviews of the Wabi Lightning bike
1.888.732.7030
"Hi Richard,
Now that the ice is off the roads I have been out on some long training rides and what an unexpected pleasure! The ride is plush compared to
my race bike (carbon Trek), so responsive yet stable. I'll be putting lots of miles on this one, perfect for Gran Fondo training.
Thanks again for making such a great bike."
Orrie, Canada
Wabi Lightning owner
Now that the ice is off the roads I have been out on some long training rides and what an unexpected pleasure! The ride is plush compared to
my race bike (carbon Trek), so responsive yet stable. I'll be putting lots of miles on this one, perfect for Gran Fondo training.
Thanks again for making such a great bike."
Orrie, Canada
Wabi Lightning owner
"Richard,
Sean S, the proud owner of the orange lightning here in New York, getting back to you. I love this bike, it is not only much faster but also more
responsive than the other bikes I've owned. I've made some pretty crazy moves through crowded tightly packed streets without any difficulty.
She is so light that I have a much easier time riding, in fact, when I got it we went with a 45/15 chain ring size so I could have the 3:1 ratio that
I'm used to. Now I'm thinking I could have gotten away with an even larger gearing ratio, although she is plenty fast now.
Did the 52 Mile Five Boro Bike tour on it on 5/1 - killed it."
Sean, NYC
Wabi Lightning owner
Sean S, the proud owner of the orange lightning here in New York, getting back to you. I love this bike, it is not only much faster but also more
responsive than the other bikes I've owned. I've made some pretty crazy moves through crowded tightly packed streets without any difficulty.
She is so light that I have a much easier time riding, in fact, when I got it we went with a 45/15 chain ring size so I could have the 3:1 ratio that
I'm used to. Now I'm thinking I could have gotten away with an even larger gearing ratio, although she is plenty fast now.
Did the 52 Mile Five Boro Bike tour on it on 5/1 - killed it."
Sean, NYC
Wabi Lightning owner
"Thanks again for such a great bike - I preach your gospel to all that will listen."
Will, NYC
Wabi Lightning owner
Will, NYC
Wabi Lightning owner
"Everything about this bike looks and feels like a quality piece of machinery. I commend you on such an amazing product that is far beyond what
I thought possible from a bike. Thanks once again for your great product, great help, and great deal!"
Emilio, PA
Lightning owner
I thought possible from a bike. Thanks once again for your great product, great help, and great deal!"
Emilio, PA
Lightning owner
"The Lightning truly is a great bike and very responsive, very comfortable and fun to ride. I enjoy riding it as much or even more than my all
carbon Trek."
Lou, MN
Lightning owner
carbon Trek."
Lou, MN
Lightning owner
Richard,
I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that I am in love with this bike. Holy Cow, is it a dream! It is just so damn fun to ride. You
really have created something special here. You can consider me a long term customer I can promise you that. I would also like to say that I
really do appreciate your personal attention and concern for great customer service.
Chris, IL
Lightning owner
I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that I am in love with this bike. Holy Cow, is it a dream! It is just so damn fun to ride. You
really have created something special here. You can consider me a long term customer I can promise you that. I would also like to say that I
really do appreciate your personal attention and concern for great customer service.
Chris, IL
Lightning owner
Hey Richard -
Just wanted to follow up with a note of thanks along with a side order of awestruck regarding my Lightning order. What a fantastic new ride!
Your attention to detail, experience in balancing component selections, and the overall experience you have wrapped around being a Wabi
owner continues to impress.
Thanks so much for your help and insight. You have made me a very happy rider again.
Be good,
Robert, TX
Lightning owner
Just wanted to follow up with a note of thanks along with a side order of awestruck regarding my Lightning order. What a fantastic new ride!
Your attention to detail, experience in balancing component selections, and the overall experience you have wrapped around being a Wabi
owner continues to impress.
Thanks so much for your help and insight. You have made me a very happy rider again.
Be good,
Robert, TX
Lightning owner