I have started the process of customising my Wabi Special from Wabi Cycles. I have replaced the front tyre with a Continental Grand Prix 4000S. I plan to replace the rear tyre when my new freewheel, chain and chain ring arrive.
The original tyres on the Wabi Special were Kenda Koncept tyres. My previous experience with Kenda bicycle tyres had not been particularly good, so I was keen to replace them. According to my wife’s digital kitchen scales, the Kenda Koncept tyres weighed in at 221 grams, with the Kenda tube at 94 grams.
The Continental Grade Prix 4000S weighed in 213 grams, while the Vittora Ultralight tube I fitted was 82 grams. Curiously, a second set of identical Continental/Vittoria tyres/tubes weighed at the same time tipped the scales at 217 grams and 92 grams respectively. I have saved the heavier tyre/tube set for fitting to the rear wheel.
In retrospect, the Kenda Koncept tyres actually were pretty good value and quite okay as OEM equipment. The difference in weight is only 20 grams comparing the Kenda tyre/tube set with the lightest Continental/Vittoria tyre/tube set. The road feel of the Continental tyres was not noticeably superior to the Kenda tyre either. Unless you are a serious weight weeny, the Kenda Koncept tyres are quite okay as OEM equipment. Wear them out and then replace them with your favourite set of rubber. For me, the Kenda Koncept tyres will be used on a new bike build, Project Beetlejuice.
Continental Grand Prix 4000S fitted to Wabi Special
I have fitted the Selle Italia SLS Kit Carbonio Flow saddle to my Wabi Special. There was nothing wrong with the original saddle from Wabi Cycles, but I use the Selle Italia SLS Kit Carbonio Flow saddle on my other bikes, so I have also fitted it to my Wabi. More info on the saddles is here. I am planning to use the OEM saddle also on Project Beetlejuice.
Selle Italia SLS Kit Carbonio Flow saddle on my Wabi Special
For more posts on my Wabi Special, explore the Bloke’s Lens Tigger tag, or Bloke’s Post Tigger tag.