Author
Bob Myaing
State Bicycle Co. has grown tremendously from its humble beginnings as an urban bike maker putting out affordable single speed models in 2005. Today, the brand's catalog extends to a wide variety of everyday commuter bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes, and even a klunker style mountain bike. Their frames are built with a large portion of their own OEM (original equipment manufacturer) components too—including entire drivetrains—a tactic that allows State to offer surprisingly well-equipped bicycles at competitive retail prices (think $400 versus $4,000).
Recently, the Arizona-based brand put heads together with the National Park Foundation, official nonprofit partner of the federally operated National Park Service, to create a limited-edition collection of bicycles, bike bags, and cycling kit in colorways inspired by America’s most majestic natural environments.
Following its charter by Congress in 1967, the Foundation has worked to build private support for our national parks in addition to forging partnerships that both protect and enhance them (read more about its mission here). This collaboration with State is part of that effort, and an unspecified portion of proceeds from each sale in the collection will support the National Park Foundation’s valient efforts.
The collection benefits cyclists too, of course. For riders that don’t want to stick purely to the pavement, the Joshua Tree Edition 4130 All-Road($990) is a Swiss Army knife for two-wheel adventures. Its 4130 Chromoly steel frame is a dependable workhorse that gains comfort on bumpy rides when paired with the high volume tires rolling on the 650b-sized wheels. State even provides the option to purchase the bike with larger diameter 700c wheels suitable for narrower tires if your habits are more gravel racer, or urban adventurer, than bikepacker.
Both the frame and fork sport a healthy dose of braze-ons for bolting on cargo racks, bottle cages, and even fenders. Prefer to hand pick every component? Pick up a frameset for just $500 and build your own dream rig!
The cruisier State x NPF Klunker($500) comes in two limited paintjobs that celebrate both Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks with eye-grabbing palettes. Where the Klunker lacks in modern bike technology, it makes up in classic style and simplicity. There aren't any finnicky derailleurs to adjust or brake pads to replace—just fat tires and fatter grins when the rear coaster brake skids tires around turns. The Klunker even comes with a five-year warranty on the frame and fork, so you better believe it can handle a rough and tumble joy ride or two.
Lastly, pavement-leaning riders have the choice of State's Glacier Edition 4130 Road($650) or the Redwood Edition Core-Line ($400) for single speed cruising around town.
But if you can’t commit to a whole new bike, the collab collection also includes special edition riding apparel as well as a small handlebar bag that comes in five different colorways to complement current ride. Every purchase beneifts our national parks and kits you up at the same time—it’s a win-win!
Published 08-24-2021
