State 4130 All-Road: A Comfortable and Capable Gravel Bike at an Unbeatable $899

State Bicycle Co. has been defying the industry norm for years by offering some of the most cost-effective bikes in the market. The brand, initially known for its stylish and affordable fixies, has since broadened its range to include carbon race and all-road bikes that are designed for serious competitions.

Typically, most leading bicycle brands base their designs on aluminum, carbon, or titanium. Lower-end components have been receiving “wireless” upgrades and adjustments that reduce weight and marginally enhance performance, but also drive up prices.

While State Bicycle Co. has expanded its offerings to cater to more serious riders, it remains true to its roots by providing affordable options, including steel frames. The brand’s pricing does not elicit scoffs from first-time bike buyers, prompting them to look elsewhere or turn to department stores.

State promotes its 4130 All-Road chromoly steel bike as its most versatile bike to date, offering a wide range of customizable components and wheel options, starting at just $899. It’s refreshing to see a sub-$1,000 bike that promises to excel in bikepacking, commuting, and all-road adventures, but there must be tradeoffs compared to bikes that cost $400-500 more.

I spent several weeks testing the base drop-bar model of the 4130 All-Road on singletrack, gravel, road, and bike paths.

In summary: The State Bicycle Co. 4130 All-Road is a comfortable, highly capable, and versatile bike for casual riders. While there’s room for improvement, there’s also plenty to love, especially at this price point. Additionally, the bike is easily upgradeable.

State 4130 All-Road Basics

The State Bicycle Co. 4130 All-Road comes with a chromoly steel frame featuring multiple mounting bosses, ideal for attaching fenders or other accessories. The standard fork has four mounting bosses on each leg, while the frame includes attachment points at the top of the rear triangle and two bottle cage mounts inside the front triangle. The spacious front triangle can accommodate two bottles and additional packs or accessories with ease.

I tested the base model of the 4130 All-Road, with all components bearing the State brand. This is noteworthy because you can replace nearly any part of this bike, from the drivetrain or fork to rims, tires, and handlebars, to suit specific needs or preferences. However, this will increase the cost.

The 4130 All-Road offers the option of 650b or 700c wheels, with buyers also being able to select both for an additional charge, essentially creating a two-for-one bike right from the start.

I opted for 650b wheels, as I felt they would be more versatile for various riding conditions. While the wheels are tubeless capable, they come fitted with Vittoria Barzo 2.1-inch tires, which are not tubeless.

The bike comes equipped with a State-branded 1×11 drivetrain with a 42t chainring, an 11-42t cassette, and State-branded mechanical disc brakes.

State 4130 All-Road First Impressions

Straight out of the box, the State All-Road 4130 looked impressive. Mine was in the rugged Raw Phosphate color, which essentially exposes the raw metal with visible weld burns, adding an edgy flair. Although there are cleaner color options available, I appreciated the raw and distinct finish, and the promise of developing a unique patina over time.

Assembling the bike was straightforward, albeit without including any tools. A pedal wrench and a few hex keys were sufficient to put it together within minutes. However, my brake cables required significant adjustment. Apart from that, it was ready to ride out of the box. Note that you would need professional assembly to take advantage of State’s warranty.

Compared to frames with larger diameters, the frame itself felt quite thin due to the heavier steel. While the bike’s weight was palpable while moving it around, it wasn’t excessively heavy for the material and build. Overall, the bike looked great and seemed capable.

State Bicycle Co. 4130 All-Road Ride Review

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