By admin, on October 15th, 2011
 - Wabi Lightning Bicycle
Wabi Cycles is a bicycle company based in Los Angeles, which specializes in fixed-gear/single-speed bicycles. We reviewed their steel Wabi Classic fixed-gear bicycle about a year ago, and were really impressed. So, we were really excited to recently have the opportunity to review Wabi’s super-light Wabi Lightning bicycle. This article will be our preliminary Wabi Lightning review where we’ll review the Wabi Lightning’s components, and we’ll follow-up with a detailed riding review soon.
Wabi sells their bikes through the internet, so the first thing to mention is that the bike was very carefully shipped with about every bit of it wrapped in a protective covering. The Lightning emerged from these in pristine condition, and its “Dreamsicle Orange” finish really looked like a million bucks, and it felt extremely light lifting it out of the box, weighing approximately 15 pounds.
Wabi Lightning Specifications
One major part of that light weight is that the Wabi Lightning has a scandium frame and a carbon fiber fork which is painted to match the frame. As I mentioned, the paint job is great, with only two Wabi decals that are minimal and look nice, giving the bike a very clean look overall.
 The Wabi Lightning frame rides on Kenda K191 Koncept 700x23c tires with kevlar beads, mounted on Jalco rims with machined sidewalls connected by stainless spokes to Joy Tech sealed hubs. While Wabi allows you to choose different gearing configurations, my review bike is set up in the standard configuration of at 46t Andel crank connected with a gold bicycle chain to an 18t Andel fixed cog in the back. Since the Wabi comes with a flip-flop rear hub, I asked Wabi to add an optional freewheel also so I could ride the Lightning in single-speed mode also.
 Again, Wabi allows you many configuration options, but my standard configuration Lightning came with a plain “racing” saddle and bullhorn handlebars. The handlebars have top-mount Tektro brake levers connected to Tektro caliper brakes.
The Lightning comes standard with front brake only (since fixed gear riders don’t need a rear brake), but since I knew I’d be using the bike in single-speed mode a lot, my review model has the optional rear brake also (the stainless steel clips to hold the rear brake cable can be removed, leaving the top-tube clean).
So, the Wabi Lightning has a nice set of components and is a great looking bike that feels as light as a feather. Be sure to check back with us soon for our next Wabi Lightning review of the Lightning’s ride characteristics. In the mean time, you can find more information about the Lightning on the Wabi Cycles website. UPDATE: Since this article, we have now published our Wabi Lightning Riding Review.
Other Articles of Interest:
* Wabi Classic Review
* Wabi Classic and Wabi Lightning Updates
* Road Cycling Accessories
* Night Cycling for Beginners
By admin, on August 10th, 2011
 Schwinn World Market Bicycle
It’s been a while now since my preliminary Schwinn World Market review, where I reviewed the basic specifications of the World Market bicycle. Since that time I’ve had a lot of opportunity to become more familiar with the World Market. So now I’m ready to present my riding review of the Schwinn World Market bike.
Schwinn World Market Bike Riding Review
Let’s start with the way the Schwinn World Market feels: without a doubt, the World Market has the most upright riding position of any bicycle that I have ridden. To some extent you can see that from the pictures – the way the handlebars come out to meet you, along with the sloping top tube because of the more compact frame geometry. No doubt, you will not feel hunched over on the World Market. I let a friend of mine who has tennis elbow issues try out several of my bikes, and he said the World Market was much easier on his arms, and he enjoyed riding it. The padded handlebar grips also help make things easy on your hands.
I n addition to the upright position, the World Market has a bit of a cushy road feel, due to: (1) the front suspension fork, (2) the suspension seatpost, (3) the cushy saddle with springs, and (4) the 700x38c tires. These items really take the sting out of bumpy roads and trails, though turning/handling feels a bit cushy also: think of the World Market as a luxury car in bicycle form, and not a sports car. You could easily make the World Market a bit more sporty by switching to a rigid seat post and a seat that is a little less plush, but for cruising around town in comfort the World Market is in good form as it is.
Shifting is smooth with the World Market’s 7 speed internally geared hub. As with all internally geared hubs, it is nice that you can shift without pedaling if you forget to downshift before a stop light or sign. The range of gears seemed to be well suited to the bike, and allowed me to stay seated on most of the hills I encountered. I was also pleased with the brakes, which consistently brought me to a quick stop (even on fast downhill runs).
As for the accessories that come with the World Market, the bell was useful and worked just as it should, and the rack on the back with its accompanying bag were nice and functional too. Also, the fenders and chainguard did a good job of keeping me clean.
And let’s not forget about fun. The upright position and plush ride of the World Market makes it a great bike for riding in town or exploring paths and gravel trails. You might even find yourself whistling while you pedal!
The Verdict
The Schwinn World Market is a great bike for those looking for a commuter bicycle or town bicycle with a very upright riding position and a smooth, comfortable ride. For more information on the Schwinn World Market, check out the Schwinn Bikes Website.
By admin, on August 2nd, 2011
 SE Draft Lite SE Bikes has a wide range of BMX bikes, several different fixed-gear urban bikes, beach cruisers, and a single-speed 29er mountain bike that Cycling For Beginners reviewed earlier this year in our SE Stout review. I recently picked up an SE Draft lite single-speed bike/fixed-gear bike to review. While it’s too early for a full review yet, I wanted to go ahead and share my preliminary SE Draft Lite review below.
SE Draft Lite Bicycle Specifications
The SE Draft Lite’s frame and fork are made of high-tensile (Hi-Ten) steel, which is a bit heavy but certainly sturdy. The frame has mounts for one water bottle and also has mounts for fenders, should you decide to add them. If you decide to remove the brake cables for fixed-gear riding, the bike can perform bar spins (the clips that hold the brake cables are removable).
The SE Draft Lite comes with Kenda Kwest 700x28c tires riding on wheels with Alex DC-25 double-wall rims and SE’s own brand high-flange hubs. The rear wheel has a flip-flop hub with a 15t fixed gear on one side and a 16t freewheel on the other.
 Draft Lite Flip-Flop Hub As the name implies, simply remove the wheel and flip it the other way to change between fixed gear (which does not allow coasting) and single-speed (which does allow coasting). The crank is SE’s own 42t crankset, that is color coordinated with the bike.
The Draft Lite comes with front and rear dual pivot caliper brakes with quick release, and “2 finger” brake levers. The handlebar is SE’s 40mm riser bar, with SE Racing winged grips. The Draft Lite has an SE brand saddle and pedals with cages and clips. The Draft Lite has an MSRP of $359, but you can often find the Draft Lite on sale for much less.
Overall, the SE Draft Lite is a simple and good looking bike. I’ve enjoyed riding the bike so far, and will provide a more detailed riding review after I’ve had the chance to ride the bike a bit more. In the mean time, you can find more information about the SE Draft Lite on the SE Bikes web site. UPDATE: You can see my riding review here: SE Draft Lite review.
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SE Draft Single BMX Bike Dirty Gold 56cm
SE Draft Single Bike Dirty Gold 54cm
By admin, on July 27th, 2011
 Fuji Nevada 29er 1.0 Mountain Bike
The Fuji bicycle company produces a full line of bicycles of every type (road, mountain, hybrid, cruisers, kids, etc.). While the Fuji bike company traces its roots back to a Japanese bicycle company started in 1899, the company is now headquartered in the United States.
I recently picked up one of the newest additions to the Fuji lineup, the Fuji Nevada 29er 1.0 mountain bike, which is one of a handful of multi-gear 29er mountain bikes on the market for under $700. While it’s too early for a full review yet, I wanted to share a first look at this economical 29er with my preliminary Fuji Nevada 29er 1.0 review below.
Fuji Nevada 29er 1.0 Mountain Bike Specifications
 Fuji Nevada 29er Mountain Bike The Nevada 29er’s frame is made of aluminum, which helps the bike feel relatively light for the size it is, and comes with two sets of water bottle mounts. The Nevada’s fork is a SR Suntour XCR suspension fork with 100 mm of travel (for the beginners, that’s about 4 inches of cushion), and the fork has a mechanical lockout switch that allows you to flip a switch and keep the fork rigid, which keeps you from losing energy when riding on roads and paths, and while climbing hills. The white frame and fork give the bike a nice clean look.
The main advantage for 29ers is their ability to roll over roots and other bumps a bit better than mountain bikes with 26 inch tires. The Nevada 29er has 29”x1.95” Kenda tires riding on Fuji’s own brand rims and hubs.
The Nevada 29er has a mix of Shimano components, with 24 speeds in all — 3 rings on the crank (what the pedals turn) and 8 gears on the “cassette” on the rear wheel. The shifters are Shimano Alivio trigger shifters.
Braking is performed by Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes, using Shimano brake levers. The Fuji brand riser handlebars look nice in matching white. The saddle and seat post are also Fuji’s own.
I’ve been out on the Nevada 29er a few times, and have been enjoying the bike so far. I’ll post a detailed riding review after I’ve had a little more time to get familiar with the bike. Until then, you can view more information about the Fuji Nevada 29er 1.0 on the Fuji Bikes website. UPDATE: We’ve now posted our Fuji Nevada 29er 1.0 riding review.
 Fuji Nevada 29r 1.0
Other Posts of Interest:
By admin, on July 26th, 2011
- Torker KB2 Kickback Bicycle
A while back I posted my preliminary Torker Kickback review which discusses all of the components and specifications of the Torker KB2 Kickback bicycle. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to put the Torker through its paces and really get to know the bike better. So with that background, I’ll share with your my Torker KB2 riding review.
On the road the Torker Kickback rides just like an urban bike should. While it is certainly no lightweight, the KB2 feels sturdy and strong, and the substantial 700×38 tires help to take the edge off of bumps and potholes. Turning is predictable, and I found the grips and handlebars to be comfortable, while at the same time giving the bike a Spartan look that says “why bother stealing me” (a good thing for an urban bike). The saddle looks nice, and rides o.k., but I would have appreciated just a little more padding.
 Torker Kickback Bike Of course, one thing everyone is interested in is shifting with the Torker KB2′s Kickback 2 speed Sturmey Archer hub. As you may recall from my earlier Torker KB2 review, shifting gears on the kickback hub is accomplished by pedaling backward slightly until the hub clicks into the other gear (just before the coaster brake engages).
The kickback shifting takes a little getting used to, but soon you get the hang of it. The hardest part for me to get used to is that the Kickback shifts gears every time you apply the coaster brake, but with a quick kick back it’s easy enough to get back to the gear that you want. It’s certainly handy to have an extra gear without the need for cables and shifters and the maintenance that goes with that (and no cables for vandals to mess with or for others to accidentally damage while parking bikes outside).
The coaster brake on the Torker Kickback does its job as well as any coaster brake does. While it’s generally fine for mostly flat riding, if I were commuting in a hilly city I’d probably make use of the brake mounting holes that the KB2 has and install a front brake for quicker stops down hill.
As I mentioned in my other article, the fact that the brake and shifting are all done by the hubs gives the Torker KB2 a nice clean look similar to a fixed-gear or single-speed bike. It can look even cleaner if you decide to take the chainguard off, however since I liked to use the Torker as my “hop on” anytime bike, I kept the chainguard on and it did its job protecting my pants. The KB2 also has mounting holes for fenders to stay clean when it’s wet.
The Verdict
The KB2 is perfect for use as an urban commuter or bar/cafe hopping bike. It’s not designed to be a lightweight road bike, nor a fancy “cycle chic” bike, but the KB2 is a simple, low maintenance bike that you can hop on and ride, then lock up outside in any weather. And the extra gear is a useful bonus that adds to the fun. The Torker KB2 has an MSRP of $499, and you can find more information on the KB2 on the Torker website.
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