[HandsomeRyan]

Obviously the 2 of us are not going to agree. I'm speaking as a guy who doesn't own a car and bike commutes everywhere he goes. The smallest tire I own is a 28mm on my "road bike" and the rest of my bikes run larger tires than that. 23mm tires are great for speed but you will get flats with them 10 times as often as running commuter appropriate tires. Changing a tire when you are already late for work is not fun.

Commuting is not about speed, commuting is about utility.

This thread has 232 pages of pictures of bikes ridden by people who actually commute and you'll notice the vast majority of them
• run large tires
• have relaxed geometries
• run racks and panniers
• have fenders


Good luck whatever you decide.

[Industry_Hack]

No one has to agree. You've latched on to the word "commute", which is fine. He just wants a simple bike to get from point A to point B and back again. Read what he's posted.

As to 23mm tires getting flats ten times as often as other tires, that's pure conjecture.

[mediageni.us]

Originally Posted by HandsomeRyan

Not trying to be rude, it's late and I've been up all night but -The term "commuter bike" generally means a bike capable of larger (often more puncture resistant) tires and racks to carry stuff. Focus on utility rather than aesthetics.

Why do you think this bike would offer superior "ride quality" for a commute? Tight "track" geometry is great for the track but it offers no real advantage for utility cyclists such as commuters.

FWIW- I wouldn't buy one of those Wasabi bikes simply because they don't list specifics for their components. Who made the "sealed bearing hubs" and rims or "cold forged aluminum crank"? At least BD is up front about what shiny bits are being bolted to their frames.

I'd like to add to the list- the Raleigh One Way is a tight little unit. Brooks saddle, canti brakes, fenders, forward facing dropouts.

You should really read this page. It covers the frame geometry and material pretty well. Oh, hubs are JoyTech, cranks are Andel.

[TxCyclist]

What about oso bikes?

osobike.com

Based on the specs. how do you think it compared to the Wabi?

[mediageni.us]

Originally Posted by Dean

What about oso bikes?

osobike.com

Based on the specs. how do you think it compared to the Wabi?

Red Delicious to Granny Smith. There's nothing inherently wrong with the OSO, but it comes down to personal preference. You're not getting much for a $200 premium over a BikesDirect bike though.

It's a steel single speed with a coaster brake, and it seems like an effort to capitalize on the popularity of single speed bikes. There's nothing special about it, and it's probably a perfectly functional bike. Considering that Big 5 sells coaster brake cruisers for $99, you have to wonder what the margin is on this bike. And the "Buy Now" all over the site is annoying.

As far as comparing it to the Wabi, that's not totally fair, since they're aimed at different buyers. I read the whole Wabi site, spoke with Richard on the phone for over an hour, and then spent some time Googling the company. Wabi Cycles are designed by someone that has been riding fixed gear bikes since the 70's, and has extensive experience in product development. He freely admits that he's not concerned about sales volume. Rather, it appears that he designed a bike for someone that appreciates a quality build and doesn't mind paying a bit extra for a better bike. Does that make sense?

[mediageni.us]

Originally Posted by HandsomeRyan

FWIW- I wouldn't buy one of those Wasabi bikes simply because they don't list specifics for their components. Who made the "sealed bearing hubs" and rims or "cold forged aluminum crank"? At least BD is up front about what shiny bits are being bolted to their frames.

He's added a page with the components list.

By the way, the Raleigh is a sweet looking bike. Do you think that the blue paint and honey saddle/bar tape would look better with black components, or stick with the silver?

[TxCyclist]

I'm in the market for a new singlespeed commuter and was eying the KHS Urban Uno. Just under $700 MSRP.

KHS Bicycles :: Flite 100

[mediageni.us]

That frame hurts my eyes, and makes my aesthetic sensibility weep. Other than that, it would be a nice bike. Just an ugly frame.

[TxCyclist]

I like it. You just don't like the hard slant top tube frame style?

[mediageni.us]

The proportions are too much like a BMX or MTB frame. I like my top tube more horizontal, and my seat stays more vertical. But the color scheme is sweet.