$1,345.00
Wabi Special
The Special is our lugged frame option with that unique look and feel of lugs that can go more vintage or modern depending on how you build it.
Our Summer 2020 colors are Autumn Copper, a orangish copper, and Sandstone Silver, a light, golden silver. Custom colors for a $250 upgrade are also available as an option. See more info below.
Get the latest here on lead times for builds and when we'll get new inventory.
| RIDER HEIGHT | FRAME SIZE | STANDOVER HEIGHT |
| 5'4 - 5'7 | 49CM | 30.2IN |
| 5'7 - 5'10 | 52CM | 31.3IN |
| 5'10 - 6'1 | 55CM | 32.5IN |
| 6'1 - 6'3 | 58CM | 33.6IN |
| 6'3 - 6'6 | 60CM | 34.8IN |
Description
BUILT FOR THE PURIST
For many cyclists, the ultimate bicycle starts with a high quality steel frame, using low temperature brazing and lugs to join the tubes. Lugged steel bike frames offer a road feel unlike any other design, but not all lugged steel frames are created equal.
The Wabi Special uses a fully hand-brazed frame, built by specially trained frame builders in Taiwan. The difference in the Wabi Special is that these builders are trained by one of the top hand-built frame builders from Japan.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
The retro vibe of the fully lugged, Reynolds 725 frame is like nothing else you'll find - especially at this price. The workmanship (clean joints, mitering of the tubes, drop outs seamlessly integrated into the stays) is outstanding, and the resulting ride is buttery-smooth, with amazing stability.
PICK YOUR BUILD
Every Wabi is assembled to order, so you can have drop bars, riser bars, bullhorns, compact drops, all at no extra charge. Tell us what gearing you want, upgrade your wheels or tires, or let us know about anything else you've seen on a Wabi (or another bike) and we'll build your bike the way you want it.
For Summer 2020, the Special is available in Autumn Copper and Sandstone Silver. For custom colors, see our topic on how to choose a color. Put the color in your checkout comments. You can also choose your component colors as black (with black chain) or silver (with gold or silver chain).
SOLID SPECS
- Fully lugged, brazed construction for the ultimate ride
- Reynolds 725 double butted, heat treated tubing
- Lightweight, responsive wheels (1725g/set)
- Total bike weight of about 19.7 lbs (55cm size)
- Road racing inspired frame design for a fast but comfortable ride
- 700c wheels and flip-flop hubs
- 46/18 freewheel (default on drive side) and fixed cog.
- 28mm Kenda tires (fits up to 32mm wide tires)
Looking to customize gearing or a brake or crankset upgrade? Contact us at support@wabicycles.
Components
| Crankset | Andel RSC1-7102 | |
| Bottom Bracket | TH BB-7420ST, 68/103 sealed | |
| Headset | Tange Seiki RDC-82 Threadless | |
| Stem | Leadtec LCS-7091, 4 bolt, 0 degree rise | |
| Seat post | Kalloy SP-248D, 27.2mm, 250mm long | |
| Brakes | Tektro R540 calipers w/ Jagwire cables | |
| Chain | YBN S20G2, gold, 1/2'x3/32' | |
| Lock Ring | Joy Tech BC1.29X24 /UCP | |
| Fixed Cog | Andel FW-710S CNC | |
| Freewheel | Cold-forged Long Yih 3 pawl |
Individual components subject to change. Ask us if you need confirmation on specific items.
SIZING
We highly recommend review our sizing page before purchasing. We recommend looking at both your height and your actual inseam / standover height. The guide below can also provide some general guidelines.
| RIDER HEIGHT | FRAME SIZE | STANDOVER HEIGHT |
| 5'4 - 5'7 | 49CM | 30.2IN |
| 5'7 - 5'10 | 52CM | 31.3IN |
| 5'10 - 6'1 | 55CM | 32.5IN |
| 6'1 - 6'3 | 58CM | 33.6IN |
| 6'3 - 6'6 | 60CM | 34.8IN |
You can also find a complete geometry chart on our tech / geometry page.
FAQ/IMPORTANT LINKS
Check out our FAQ/Knowledge Base for most questions.
Assembly. Note that our bikes come 90%+ assembled and most customers can assemble themselves. This saves you the time and cost of taking the bike to a bike shop for assembly.
Upgrade options explained. This will help explain the upgrades in the dropdown menus and well as other options that are not on the menu.
Steel
We use Reynolds 725 and Columbus Spirit. These higher quality grades of steel allows us to use less of it, so you get a lighter, more responsive frame.
E.D Coating
Our steel frames are E.D. coated to act as a rust preventative and a primer. This high-performance rust inhibitor is applied inside the frame and out.
design
Wabi frames are road-designed with upright angles, and short wheelbases, which creates comfort, efficiency, and predictable handling. Our road frame design gives you an agile and fast ride.
Details
We love the detail of our frames. You'll find cast-brazed dropouts, machined head tubes, brazed seatpost collars, bottle cage eyelets, and brazed forks.
United StatesI’ve been loving my time with this bike. Customer service was fantastic. They answered all my questions quickly and thoroughly. Thanks for all your help!
United StatesLove riding my Wabi Special fixed gear. Nothing better than lugged steel. It has quickly become my go to bike for everyday riding.
CanadaThe bike meets its reputation for fit and finish. It rides nicely. Steering is a little twitchy, but it should be. Delivery via USPS to Canada was slower than anticipated, likely due to COVID and moving across the border. Packing was impecable. Came as two boxes - frame preceeded the wheels by over a week. Assembly was easy, but would have liked to see recommended torque settings for bolts. Spontanious complements from onlookers while riding - the copper metalic is gorgeous.
United Statesgood customer support prompt answers to questions throughout the purchase timeline bike looks great copper color is awesome and very retro
SpainMy Wabi Retro is the beast in my N+1 collection. I must admit now, that I love my "Carbon Weapon" for the mountains, really long flats, and all the roadie accouterments that accompany that scene. However, when it come to "PURITY" on a bike, a 725 steel bike; nothing is comparing,....I AM SORRY?! (I am running a White Industries 16 tooth free wheel), so I don't do fixie. Nonetheless, once you ride a Wabi Retro, (and for me, now approaching 2000 km plus), words don't do justice in regards to what those boys at Wabi Cycles are cooking up! ONCE AGAIN, YOU GUYS AT WABI CYCLES;......well done!! end-of-message