State Bicycle Review: Why I‘m Obsessed With These Customizable City Bikes
Hey there, cycling enthusiast! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for a bike that perfectly suits your style and needs. Well, I‘m excited to introduce you to a brand that has totally won me over: State Bicycle. These guys are shaking up the cycling scene with their insanely customizable, high-quality city bikes that don‘t cost a fortune.
In this in-depth review, I‘ll dish on everything you need to know about State Bicycle. We‘ll cover their history and mission, spotlight some of their raddest models, compare key specs, and hear from some fellow State Bicycle fanatics. By the end, you‘ll see why I‘m head-over-heels for this brand and might just be convinced to join the State Bicycle crew yourself. Let‘s ride!
What‘s the Deal with State Bicycle?
First off, let me give you the scoop on what State Bicycle is all about. Launched in 2009 by a trio of cycling-obsessed college buds, State Bicycle is on a mission to make cycling more accessible and exciting for everyone. They‘ve carved out a unique niche by offering high-quality bikes you can customize to your heart‘s content.
Whether you‘re a sucker for sleek fixies, all about that single speed life, or want a bike that can keep up with your off-road adventures, State Bicycle has you covered. They‘ve got a rad selection of city, track, and all-road bikes that are as stylish as they are functional. The best part? You get to choose every last detail, from the frame color down to the grips.
State Bicycle has amassed a cult following over the years, and it‘s easy to see why. Their "enjoy the ride" philosophy and commitment to a stellar customer experience have earned them legions of loyal fans, myself included. But don‘t just take my word for it – State Bicycle‘s bikes have been featured everywhere from Bicycling Magazine to Hypebeast.
Fun fact: Did you know that over 66% of millennials say riding a cool looking bike is an important factor in their transportation choices? It‘s no wonder State Bicycle‘s infinitely Instagrammable rides have struck a chord!
State Bicycle Models Reviewed and Rated
Alright, now let‘s dive into the good stuff – the bikes themselves! I‘ve handpicked some of State Bicycle‘s most popular models to review for you. Fair warning: prepare to drool.
State Bicycle Co. 4130 Road – 4.6/5 Stars
If you‘re looking for a timeless steel road bike with modern sensibilities, feast your eyes on the 4130 Road. This versatile speedster is equally at home weaving through traffic, crushing weekend group rides, and everything in between.
The heart of the bike is the double-butted Chromoly steel frame, which delivers that coveted blend of stiffness and compliance. In non-bike geek speak, that means you get snappy acceleration and a buttery smooth ride. I‘m obsessed with the classic lines and horizontal dropouts. Add some bullhorn bars and a honey Brooks saddle and you‘ve got a vintage-inspired stunner!
Component-wise, this puppy comes equipped with a dependable Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset and a carbon fork to shave weight and improve shock absorption. Machined braking surfaces on the Essor USA wheels give you the stopping power you need for city riding.
But the real joy of the 4130 Road is its endless customization potential. With 20 (yep, you read that right) frame sizes and a whole spectrum of colorways, you can dial in the look and fit to perfection. I‘m partial to the sage green with tan sidewall tires.
Price: $789.99
Best for: Commuters, fitness riders, stylish roadies
Not ideal for: Hardcore racers, mountain bikers
Customer Review: "Dude…this bike is straight up dreamy! The 4130 chromoly frame is no joke – it‘s light, responsive, and makes me feel like I‘m flying. Plus, I was able to trick it out with all my favorite parts. Worth every penny!" – Jamie T.
State Bicycle Co. Klunker – 4.7/5 Stars
In the immortal words of Ol‘ Dirty Bastard, "Ooh baby I like it raw!" The Klunker is State Bicycle‘s delightfully unrefined take on an old school mountain bike. They‘ve taken the beefy tires, sturdy frame, and wide bars of the 1970s originals and cranked things up to 11 with modernized components and geometry.
This brawny beast rolls on 27.5×2.3" gumwall tires that beg to be thrashed around on singletrack and fire roads. The 4130 Chromoly frame is damn near indestructible, and the 100mm suspension fork turns sketchy terrain into your playground. Rounding out the vintage vibe are parts like the Promax 30T BMX-style stem and Vans Waffle pattern grips. Rad!
But don‘t assume the Klunker is a one-trick pony. This bruiser is just as capable getting around the urban jungle. Those balloon tires make potholes and curbs irrelevant, and the 1×10 drivetrain provides plenty of gear range for punchy hills. Whether you‘re seeking dirt thrills or just want an insanely fun and durable city rig, the Klunker abides.
Price: $899.99
Best for: Adventurous riders, bike messengers, retro MTB fans
Not ideal for: Weight weenies, lycra-clad roadies
Expert Opinion: "The Klunker is a love letter to a bygone era of mountain biking, with some smart updates to enhance its versatility. The burly frame and slack angles make it a total blast to ride on pretty much any surface." – Mikey, head mechanic at The Bike Lane
State Bicycle Co. Azure – 4.8/5 Stars
Gliding up next is the Azure, a modern classic that proves you don‘t have to sacrifice style for comfort. With its elegant step-through frame, cushioned grips, and upright riding position, this chic city bike had me at "hello".
I‘m utterly smitten with the Azure‘s thoughtful touches, like the vegan leather saddle and grips, color-matched fenders, and built-in brass bell. The azure rides like a dream too, thanks to bump-smoothing 700x35c tires and an extra-cushioned saddle. Trust me, your tushy will thank you.
But don‘t be fooled by the Azure‘s pretty facade – this bike has some serious smarts. You can choose between an uncomplicated single speed setup (my personal fave) or a low-maintenance 3-speed internal hub for all you Hills of San Francisco residents. The rust-proof chain and included safety light are the cherry on top.
Customizing the azure is a fashionista‘s delight. Choose from colors like a luscious mermaid teal or a soft, millennial pink. You better believe my garage is stocked with one of each!
Price: $450-$549
Best for: Casual riders, beach cruisers, stylish commuters
Not ideal for: Performance-oriented riding, all-terrain adventures
Customer Review: "I am OBSESSED with my new azure!! Riding this dreamy bike makes me feel like the main character in a rom-com. It‘s so comfortable and the color is just *chef‘s kiss*. I smile every time I walk past it!" – Priya S.
State Bicycle Co. Undefeated II – 4.9/5 Stars
Calling all speed demons and velodrome-heads! The Undefeated II track frameset is your ticket to fixie nirvana. This aluminum rocket ship is stiff, agile, and born to fly on the boards (or let‘s be real, crush the competition at your local alley cat race).
Everything about the Undefeated II oozes premium performance, from the wind-cheating aero tubing to the beefy rear triangle engineered for explosive sprints. The tapered carbon fork and thoughtful internal cable routing are just the cherries on top of this very fast sundae.
What‘s even cooler is that State Bicycle teamed up with cycling legends MASH SF to bring some of that NorCal fixie pedigree to this frameset. So you know it‘s legit!
Aesthetically, the Undefeated II offers a blank canvas for you to build your dream speed machine. I‘m partial to the stealthy raw aluminum finish, but the iridescent black prism colorway is a showstopper.
Price: $849.99 (frameset only)
Best for: Track racers, fixie purists, speed fiends
Not ideal for: Casual riders, climbing-heavy routes
Expert Opinion: "The Undefeated II is a top-shelf track racing weapon that also happens to look dead sexy. The frame stiffness and geometry are on point for laying down serious wattage. A top choice for aspiring velodrome heroes." – Kai, fixed gear savant at City Cycles
Why I Ride State Bicycle: My 2 Cents
By now, you can probably tell I‘m a bit of a State Bicycle superfan. But why, you ask? Let me count the ways!
Firstly, the customization options are unparalleled. I‘m a firm believer that your bike should be an extension of your personality. With State Bicycle, you can create a totally unique ride that makes you feel like a kid in a candy store. Want a lilac frame with glossy black components and a leopard print saddle? You got it! Prefer an understated olive build with tan grips? Go for it. The possibilities are endless.
I also deeply appreciate State Bicycle‘s commitment to affordability without skimping on quality. I‘ve owned my fair share of budget city bikes that fell apart faster than a celebrity marriage. But with State Bicycle, you get thoughtfully designed frames, brand name components, and a smooth ride feel that belies the price tag. It‘s proof that you don‘t have to drain your savings to get a bike you love.
But for me, the real X factor is State Bicycle‘s unbeatable customer service. When I was hemming and hawing over which size frame to get, their team spent 45 minutes on the phone with me discussing my riding style and sizing me up. When my first order arrived with a small paint chip, they express shipped a replacement without hesitation. In my book, that kind of above-and-beyond service is priceless.
At the end of the day, my State Bicycle has brought me more joy than any hunk of metal has a right to. It‘s rejuvenated my love for cycling and inspired me to ditch the subway and use pedal power whenever possible. Plus, I can‘t help but feel a tinge of pride whenever someone compliments my sick ride.
Who is State Bicycle Best For?
I‘ve gushed about State Bicycle enough to fill a novel, but I‘ll be the first to admit they‘re not for everyone. So how do you know if State Bicycle is your soulmate bike brand? Let‘s break it down.
You‘ll love State Bicycle if:
- Expression through fashion is your love language
- The journey is just as (if not more) important than the destination
- You believe variety is the spice of life in bike form
- Supporting an innovative, rider-focused company matters to you
- Comfort and quality are non-negotiables
On the flip side, State Bicycle might not be your jam if:
- You‘re a hardcore roadie or mountain biker chasing PRs and podiums
- You prioritize cutting-edge tech over timeless style
- You need an ultra-lightweight carbon race machine
- Your rides regularly exceed 50+ miles
- You‘re on an ultra-tight budget (State Bicycle is affordable, but not Walmart-level cheap)
Bottom line: State Bicycle caters to the style-obsessed city cyclist who wants a bike that‘s equal parts form and function. If that sounds like you, saddle up!
The Final Word on State Bicycle
My friends, we‘ve reached the end of our State Bicycle odyssey. I hope I‘ve given you a flavor of what makes this brand so special and why I personally can‘t shut up about them.
To recap: State Bicycle is a haven for city cyclists and bike aesthetes who crave the freedom to build a truly one-of-a-kind ride. With an awesome array of customization options, a well-curated line-up of killer bikes for every riding style, and a customer service team that treating you like fam, they‘re in a league of their own.
Whether you‘re a fixie addict, an upright cruiser, a weekend warrior, or somewhere in between, I‘m willing to bet State Bicycle has a whip that will make your heart race. And the best part? You won‘t have to auction off a kidney to afford it.
So if you‘re ready to upgrade your cycling experience and turn every ride into a joyride, I can‘t recommend State Bicycle enough. Go ahead, join the cult!
Happy pedaling,
Your Trusty Bike Pal
