Disclaimer: Bikexchange is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through the links on our site.

State Bicycle Company Review: Why Do They Stand Out in the Cycling World?

By Rebecca Bland   /  Last updated - December 29, 2023

state bicycle co logoThe State Bicycle Company was founded in 2009 and aims to get more people on bikes by providing fun bikes to ride.

Primarily known as a fixie bikes brand, they have also brought city bikes, track-style bikes, geared bikes, and a wide range of components and apparel to market. They aim to produce high-quality but affordable cycling goods that anyone can use. They are keen only to put out products that they would use themselves.

They work unusually by releasing each bike as a limited edition, producing a limited amount, and once they’re gone, that’s it. The brand has previously launched a racing team, supports grassroots cycling, and encourages ordinary people to find joy in cycling. This ethos and high-quality bikes have led to the State Bicycle Co reviews being so positive.

Their warehouse and headquarters are currently in Phoenix, Arizona, but they have distributors across the US and the world, including the UK and Europe.

What Makes State Bicycle Co. Stand Out?


pros of state bikes

  • State Bicycle in-house components

It is uncommon to see a famous bike brand use its own component line, including whole groupsets and individual components, pedals, handlebars, and frames.

  • Great visual coverage

In our opinion, State Bicycles has mastered the art of visual expression (much like Surly bikes). Their bikes are well photographed, which works great for advertising & marketing.

Back in the day, people preferred to see the bikes in person or relied heavily on ratings and reviews, but we believe that State Bicycle Co. has made significant improvements in getting the bike’s feel to the customers.

  • Plenty of unique thematic models

State Bicycle Co. has many thematic models with unique colorways that stand out on the road. Many of these thematic bikes result from collaborations that SBC has established with other brands, organizations, and foundations.

If you like riding a head turner and answering questions about your bike, State Bicycle Co. will enable you to do that.

Current Collaborations


state collaborations

National Park Foundation

This collection with the National Park Foundation celebrates the USA’s National Parks. A park inspires each bike, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these bikes goes towards the funds that help protect the parks and keep them preserved.

Grateful Dead

The State Bicycle Co. partnered with the band Grateful Dead to produce a collection of themed apparel and accessories. Each piece has an iconic symbol from the band’s history incorporated in the design.

Astronaut Collection

NASA and our Outerspace feats inspire the State Bicycle Co. Astronaut Collection. The collection contains clothing and components for your bike, each adorned with oil-slick or space-inspired designs.

State Bicycle Co. Model Range


State Bicycle co bikes

  • Core Line
    $399 Single speed & fixie bikes
  • 4130 Steel
    4130 Chromoly steel frame
  • Klunkers
    26″ knobby tire, cruiser frame, BMX handlebar
  • City Bikes
    Commuter bikes for a leisurely spin
  • 6061 Black Label
    6061 ultra-lightweight aluminum
  • 7005 Undefeated
    7005-grade aluminum, ESSOR USA carbon fork & steerer tube
  • Offroad Division
    Gravel, all-road, adventure

State Bicycle Core Line Review


state bicycle co core line review

Endless value – Clean finish & single-speed with a flip-flop hub

Price: $399

The Core Line is the essence of the State Bicycle Co.

It takes what they’re known for best and improves upon it affordably. All Core Line bikes are priced at $399, which helps make cycling more accessible. The Core Line was built with this primarily in mind – making cycling affordable and accessible to people who otherwise might not be able to buy a bicycle.

But a low cost doesn’t mean that the quality is low with State Bicycle Co.; in fact, it’s far from it. For $399, you can buy a steel-framed bike with quality components and a flip-flop hub. This hub makes it possible to change between riding fixed gear or freewheel. In addition, it is finished with stylish Vans (yes, like the shoes) grips and a five-year warranty.

Best Single-Speed & Fixie Bikes of 2024: Top Streamlined and Stylish Choices

Single-speed and fixed gear bikes have a long history going back to the early 19th century and for a long time were ...

These State Bicycle single-speed bicycles come in several varied paint schemes so you can personalize your riding experience. Whether this is your first bike investment or you’re looking for a cheap run-around bike, you should undoubtedly consider the Core Line.

Read this review on Reddit to find out how the Core Line performs after a year of regular usage.

Who Should Get the Core Line?

These bikes are great for first-time cyclists or even experienced riders looking for another bike to add to their stable.

An ideal run-around bike or something for running errands. Affordability doesn’t detract from the quality of the build.

  • Durable & vibration reducing steel frame
  • Flip-flop hub
  • Vans grips
  • 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Size Recommendations

XS 5’0″ – 5’4″
S 5’4″ – 5’7″
M 5’7″ – 5’11”
L 5’11 – 6’2″

Buy Core-Line

State Bicycle 4130 Review


state bicycle co matte black 5

4130 refers to a Chromoly steel grade on the frame & fork.

  • Price range: $460 – $990
  • Chromoly steel frame
  • Light-weight components
  • Double-butted tubing.

There are many types and styles of bikes in this line, including State Bicycle Co 4130 road bikes, single-speed commuter bikes, and women’s fixie bikes, to name a few.

Each bicycle in this range comes with sealed hubs, perfect for those of us who prefer to do as little bike maintenance as possible! Sealed hubs are essentially fit and forget hubs, so you won’t need to regrease them or worry about splines and that sort of thing for many years.

They also come with lightweight components, such as the State Bicycle 4130 road bikes, including lightweight wide wheel rims that can accommodate tires up to 32mm wide.

Best Steel Gravel Bikes in 2024: Comfort and Simplicity Combined

Image source: allcitycycles.com Steel is most definitely real according to plenty of current bike manufacturers, ...

Additionally, double-butted tubing means these bikes are solid, durable, and are paired with a magnificent array of colors and paint schemes.

As with any other line of bicycle, State Bicycle Co. runs a limited amount of bikes in this range and once they’re sold out, retire them for good. So if you want one, you had better act fast!

These bikes are still affordable, with prices starting at $459. In addition, there are multiple types of bikes on offer in this range, so they have something to suit all riders, whether you’re a die-hard roadie that wants a quality steel frame or a gravel rider that wants to take their ride off-road.

Buy 4130 Series

State Bicycle Black Label Bikes


state bicycle black label bikes

6061 refers to grade of ultralight aluminum frame

Price range: $700 – $1,400

The State Bicycle 6061 Black Label range is a range of aluminum bikes, denoted by the 6061 tags.

6061 is a type of lightweight aluminum, first used in aeronautical operations and now used by bicycle builders and frame manufacturers throughout the world. These bikes are often responsive and comfortable while also incredibly durable and able to withstand knocks and bumps.

This range is home to many a great bike, including the State Bicycle 6061 Black Label V2 track bike, which comes without brakes and is designed for racing on the velodrome. The State Bicycle Black Label V2 is the second version of their ultra-popular Black Label bikes, with some minor improvements made to the frames and designs.

Like many of their other bikes, the State Bicycle 6061 Black Label reviews are mainly positive, with customers expressing how comfortable and agile their bikes are. But, again, they are pretty cheap too, so that’s always a bonus with your consumer base!

Bicycle Frame Material Guide: Aluminum, Carbon, and Steel and Titanium Examined

Down here you'll get a brief overview of some of the pros and cons of each bike frame material. Throughout time, ...

Another positive from this range is the State Bicycle 6061  Black Label weight. The frames weigh between 5lb 3oz for a size 49cm and 5lb 11oz for a size 62cm. This frame is incredibly lightweight and means the bike retains its agility and excellent handling even after adding the components.

Like other ranges, there are some fantastic color choices to be had. These include the ULTRA-LIMITED “1-RUN” colorways, only made once, so if you are keen to have a unique build, this is an affordable place to start.

Great for track riders or gravel bike/all-road riders looking for their first aluminum or competition bicycle.

Buy 6061 Black Label

State Bicycle Klunker Review


state bicycles klunker

Part beach cruiser, part mountain bike, part BMX

Price range: $420 – $500

The State Bicycle Co. Klunker range is something for the quirky riders. The bikes are a mashup of single-speed, mountain bike, and cruiser bicycles, all together in one neat package. So whether you’re a fixie rider or a leisure rider that likes to cycle down at the beach – or at least pretend like you are, then there is a Klunker bike for you.

With quality steel frame construction and stylish grips and paint jobs, there’s not much to dislike about this range from State Bicycle Co.

They are retro-inspired but with modern components and frame-building techniques. You can get the best out of both worlds this way – style and quality. All Klunker bikes are available below $500, which sticks to the brand’s accessibility and affordability ethos.

Best Klunker Bikes of 2024: Old-School Cool Revived

The origin story of mountain biking and Klunker bikes begins around the ’60s and early ‘70s with some unrelated yet ...

Is the Klunker for anyone?

Not everyone can pull off the style of this bike. The designs are whacky, and you’ll certainly turn heads, but these bikes are versatile and are as much at home at the beach as they are on the BMX pump track or riding to the shops – the opportunities are endless.

Buy State Klunker bikes

State Bicycle City Bikes


state bicycles city bikes

State street bicycles are equipped with fenders and a rack on the front.

Price range: $390 – $580

The State Bicycle Co. City bikes are just that – city bikes.

People have differing opinions on what makes a bike a city bike. Still, we think that the title is best given to bikes that can attach luggage and are comfortable enough to be used without the need for lycra or specialist clothing.

The State Bicycle Company City range contains bikes with two primary frame styles, the ‘Dutch Style’ with the dropped top tube to make more of a step-thru frame, and the step-over frame looks more like a regular road bike. In addition, they have created bikes with relaxed geometries and a choice of either single-speed or 3-speed gearing.

Best City Bikes to Commute, Shop for Groceries or Run Errands in 2024

City bikes are designed for recreational cyclists who want to do short trips on paved roads. Visiting friends, ...

This combination of geometry and gear choice makes them a perfect sidekick for riding to class or the grocery store, particularly the Elliston Deluxe model, which comes with front and rear racks for baskets or panniers. Once again, the range is affordable and stylish, with the most expensive model coming in at under $600.

The City range is perfect for anyone who wants a bike to get around on. We’re talking about getting to college, working, and the grocery store. It’s a bike but stripped back to the bones. The State fixies are about the basics of cycling, getting you from A to B with minimal fuss. So if you’re after a new way of getting around town, these bikes are perfect.

Buy State City bikes

State Bicycle Undefeated series review


state bicycle undefeated

7005 – Grade Aluminum Frame, Essor USA carbon fork & steerer tube

Price range: $999 – $2,899

The Undefeated series features two race-ready bikes with double-butted Y9 aluminum alloy frames and Essor USA carbon forks. One model is a fixed-gear track bike, the other a disc road bike. 

The road model is fitted with a 1×11-speed drivetrain, wide 28mm tires, tubeless-ready wheels, and Tektro mechanical disc brakes, making it ideal for all your city road rides. 

Conversely, the track model is stripped-down with lightweight v-brakes, a single-speed drivetrain with flip-flop capability, 25mm tires, and compact aero drop bars, ready for full-power riding. 

The Undefeated frameset can also be purchased and set up with your own choice of components; it’s the perfect beginner’s racer for all your competition needs. 

Buy Undefeated series

State Bicycle Off-Road Division


state off road bikes

6061 aluminum, 4130 steel

Price Range: $899 – $2,599

Although more known by their bikes for paved roads- State Bicycles has recently taken a successful leap into the world of gravel roads. At an affordable price, you can find a variety of gravel bikes that not only look good – but perform in a matter they are designed for. There’s a lot that the All-Road gravel bikes are capable of with their knobby tires and gravel geometry,

The 4130 is the steel fork, steel frame option with wide tire clearance up to 2.1″  on 650b wheels. The 4130 is the more versatile of the two, with better off-road ability up to moderate singletrack trails. On the other hand, you have the 6061 aluminum race-ready gravel bike with a max 47mm tire on the 650b wheelset and a lightweight carbon fork. Additionally, you can choose slick 700c tires up to 38mm wide if you want to go faster on the pavement.

  • 700c & 650b wheel compatibility
  • 5 different 4130 specs + 3 6061 specs

To Whom?

Bikepackers, commuters, bike messengers.

Buy State Gravel bikes

Parts & Accessories


State Bicycle Co. All-Road 1 Group-Set

Flip-flop hub, derailleur, shifters, cassette & chain, cranks, brake rotors

State bicycles produce their own components, which has helped them through a worldwide shortage of parts due to the pandemic. You can purchase the frameset for any of State’s bikes and spec it with a complete groupset costing just $350. Otherwise, their parts can act as replacements or upgrades to existing components on your bike. 

Regarding accessories, the brand has its own lights, locks, maintenance tools, helmets, water bottle cages, and bike bags. Riders can purchase all the gear needed for safe riding and secure storage from State Bicycle Company’s selection of high-quality, affordable accessories. 

Shop In-house Components

Clothing & Apparel


state bicycles clothing

State has a complete line of cycling clothes and apparel to complete the selection of bikes and bike-related products. These products include comfortable clothing such as jerseys and bib sets, gloves, caps, shoes, and socks.

Additionally, State sells a full selection of regular street clothing with unique designs and long-lasting materials, including sweaters, hoodies, shorts, jeans, and t-shirts. 

Shop Clothing & Apparel

FAQ


Are State Co. Bikes Good?

Yes, State Bicycle Co. bikes are good. Their products offer excellent value-for-money thanks to the use of both third-party and in-house components. In addition, since their founding in 2009, they have improved the quality and design of their bikes greatly, making them a significant competitor in the sub-$2000 market.

Where is State Bicycle Company from?

State Bicycle Company is from the USA. Currently, their headquarters is in Arizona, with a Rideshop located close to the HQ in Tempe. Although based in the US, the brand has distribution in the UK and Europe, making it a truly international company.

Are State Bicycles Made in the USA?

No, State bicycles are not made in the USA. State Bicycle Company outsources its manufacturing to factories in China and Taiwan, as do most US bike brands. However, they assemble their bikes and maintain their stock supply in the ride shop in Tempe, Arizona. 

Who Owns Statebike?

Mehdi and Reza Farsi own State Bicycle Company. In 2009, the two Farsi brothers and a third partner and high-school friend, Eric Ferguson, founded the company. Today, it is co-owned by the brothers, of whom Reza is the Chief Operations Officer and Mehdi the Chief Brand Officer.

Visit StateBicycle.com

About the Author

Rebecca Bland

Based in the UK, Rebecca began cycling as a means to get to work and hasn’t looked back. Now combining her passions and working as a freelance cycling writer, she enjoys road cycling, time trialing, and mountain biking. She also blogs on rebeccabland.com She specializes in writing about cycling brands, bicycle reviews, and best-of reviews.
Bikexchange
Logo