State Bicycle Company Thunderbird. © Clifford Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
State Bicycle Company is a six-year-old company based in the Southwest, which carved their niche in single-speed and fixed gear bikes. They sell their bikes customer direct via their website or through over 400 dealers worldwide. Over the years they have branched out into road, off-road and city bike riding.
Last year, State Bicycle Company added two cyclocross bikes to their off-road division, bringing their offerings to full-scope without forgetting their roots in the single-speed movement. Naturally then, both cyclocross models are single-speed, though the Thunderbird that we received for review is convertible to geared should the rider be interested in venturing to the dark side.
The State Bicycle Company Thunderbird Verdict:
State Bicycle Company’s mix of components and gearing works well for the intention of the Thunderbird as an entry level bike to speed around on mixed terrain. A relatively low gear, wide tires with a mixed terrain tread, and disc brakes make for a fun ride on rolling terrain. I would prefer a lower bottom bracket (even if road bike low) and ever-so-slightly faster steering, but those are my personal preferences. I can understand the weight barrier to meet a price point, so if you’re shopping for a single-speed ’cross bike to have fun on, and maybe race occasionally, this could be a good place to start. There aren’t many other choices of dedicated single-speed cyclocross bikes in this price category, especially if you want disc brakes.
It’s also an ideal bike for the indecisive. Curious about singlespeeding? Need a bike for SSCXWC 2016? But need gears for most of the year? The Thunderbird can convert from geared to single with just a $25 rear derailleur hanger. With a little elbow grease and a few spare parts, think of it as getting two bikes for the price of one.
State Bicycle Company Thunderbird. © Clifford Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The State Bicycle Company Thunderbird Vital Specs:
MSRP: $999
Weight: 22.3 lbs. full bike, with 13.1 lbs. without wheels.
Frame: 6061 Aluminum Frame
Fork: Carbon Fiber
Brakes: Avid BB5 Disc Brakes
Bottom Bracket: Eccentric
Cockpit: Ritchey Components Comp
Levers: SRAM S500
Tires: Kenda Small Block 8
More info: statebicycle.com
