TEMPE, Ariz. (BRAIN) — State Bicycle Company has classically shifted focus with its latest creation.
The 4130 Road is the fixed-gear company's first geared road bike, featuring a 1x8 drivetrain controlled with a classic downtube shifter. With a 44-tooth chainring combined with a 11-28t cassette, the bike's purpose is commuting and light recreational use.
"We wanted to offer a product for those who love the brand and look but need something with gears for their commute, and we think we definitely achieved that," said State Bicycle co-founder Mehdi Farsi.
The chromoly steel frame is designed to fit 25-35mm tires. The frame also can accept fenders for the stock 25mm tires, and luggage racks can be used front and rear. Offering a geared bike was a project 18 months in the making, Farsi said.
Much like its 4130 fixed-gear bikes popular with the Millennial and Gen Z crowd, State Bicycle wanted to continue the same approach with its entry into the geared world while keeping the price reasonable. A double-ring setup wasn't considered because it would "diminish the clean and unique aesthetic we were going for," Farsi said. The crankset is CNC machined, and brake levers and hubs receive a classic vintage look.
The 4130 Road lists for $549.99; State fixed-geared models are $459.99.
State Bicycle, headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, sells direct to the consumer from its website but works with a dealer network in the U.S. and abroad. Marketing the 4130 Road will fall in line with State's other models: social media and paid-search as well as product reviews through websites and publications.
"We expect all of these tools to come together in unison for this product launch," Farsi said. "We feel that this particular product, the 4130 Road, does have a wider appeal than some of our other launches, so we hope to cast a wider net and be a little more broad in our targeting."
The bikes are manufactured in China and ship 90% built. State Bicycle's Fixed Core-Line and Fixed Gear are the top selling models, but Farsi said the 4130 Road could top them "in the near future."
Farsi said despite the trade war with China, he doesn't anticipate raising prices. He said the company has the capability of manufacturing in Taiwan, "assuming a trade agreement with China falls through."
The bike is offered in two color schemes: black and metallic, and Americana. It comes in five sizes (49, 52, 55, 59 and 62cm). Weight is listed at 22 pounds, 10 ounces, including standard pedals, for the 55cm size.
