If you’ve spent any time looking for a new bike lately, you’ve probably noticed everything is getting weirdly expensive and way too complicated. Carbon fiber this, integrated proprietary cockpit that. It’s a headache. That’s why the State 4130 All-Road has become such a cult classic. Honestly, it’s just a rugged, chromoly steel frame that doesn't try to be a spaceship.
It’s a bike. It goes on dirt. It goes on pavement. It doesn't cost five grand.
State Bicycle Co. released the 4130 All-Road as a response to the "gravel" craze, but they didn't lean into the racing side of things. Instead, they built a tractor. A very handsome, surprisingly agile tractor. Whether you're looking at the 700c "commuter-friendly" build or the chunky 650b tires that look like they belong on a mountain bike from 1994, the vibe is the same: durability over data points.
What is the State 4130 All-Road anyway?
Basically, the State 4130 All-Road is built around a double-butted 4130 chromoly steel frame. Why steel? Because carbon cracks if you drop it on a rock and aluminum can feel like riding a jackhammer on washboard roads. Steel has this specific "spring" to it. It’s compliant. When you’re forty miles into a ride and the gravel turns into fist-sized chunks of limestone, you’ll be glad you have a frame that absorbs some of that chatter.
The geometry is what I’d call "relaxed-aggressive." You aren't hunched over like a Tour de France pro, but you aren't sitting bolt upright like you’re on a beach cruiser either. It strikes a balance. You can ride it all day without your lower back screaming at you.
One of the coolest things State did was the "shifter" situation. They use a proprietary 1x11 drivetrain. It’s simple. One chainring in the front means there’s no front derailleur to get jammed with mud or drop your chain when you’re shifting under pressure. The 11-42t cassette in the back gives you enough range to climb steep fire roads, though you might spin out if you’re trying to go 30mph down a paved hill. But let's be real—who is racing this thing? You’re out there for the views and the beer at the end.
The 650b vs 700c Debate
This is where people get tripped up. State lets you choose your wheel size, or you can get both for a small upcharge.
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If you’re mostly riding to work and hitting the occasional light trail, the 700c wheels with thinner tires are faster. They hold momentum. But the 650b wheels? That’s where the State 4130 All-Road really finds its soul. Putting 2.1-inch wide tires on this bike turns it into a monster truck. You can run lower tire pressure, which means more grip and a much smoother ride. It’s the difference between feeling every pebble and floating over them.
Real World Durability: Is it actually "All-Road"?
I've seen people take these bikes through the Arizona Trail and I've seen people use them to deliver Uber Eats in NYC. It handles both. The frame is covered in "bosses"—those little threaded holes for racks, fenders, and bottle cages. You can turn this into a full-on bikepacking rig or a grocery getter.
The weight is the only real trade-off.
Steel is heavy. A fully built State 4130 All-Road is going to clock in somewhere around 27 to 29 pounds depending on your setup and frame size. If you’re used to a 17-pound road bike, this is going to feel like a tank. But weight only really matters when you’re climbing. Once you're moving, the momentum of a steel bike is actually kind of nice. It feels planted. It doesn't get blown around by crosswinds as much as a feather-light carbon bike does.
The Brakes: The Elephant in the Room
Let's talk about the mechanical disc brakes. Most high-end bikes use hydraulic brakes. They’re powerful and easy to squeeze. The State comes with cable-actuated (mechanical) discs.
Some people hate them.
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"They don't have enough stopping power," they say. Well, sort of. Mechanical brakes require a bit more hand strength and they need to be adjusted more often as the pads wear down. But here’s the flip side: if you’re in the middle of nowhere and a hydraulic line leaks, your ride is over. If a brake cable snaps on a mechanical setup, you can fix it with a $5 cable and a multi-tool in ten minutes. For a bike meant for adventure, mechanical brakes actually make a ton of sense.
Why it beats the "Big Brand" gravel bikes
You could go buy a Specialized Diverge or a Trek Checkpoint. They are incredible machines. But you’re also going to pay for the marketing, the R&D, and the fancy logo.
State is a smaller crew out of Tempe, Arizona. They’ve kept the price point of the State 4130 All-Road remarkably low—usually under $1,000. For a bike with a through-axle frame and decent components, that’s almost unheard of in 2026. Most entry-level gravel bikes from the big brands still use "quick release" skewers, which are outdated and less stiff. State giving you thru-axles at this price is a massive win for wheel alignment and disc brake consistency.
Customization is the Point
Most people who buy this bike don't keep it stock. It’s a canvas.
- Saddle Swap: The stock saddle is... okay. Most people swap it for a Brooks B17 or a Specialized Power saddle pretty quickly.
- Tires: State ships them with decent rubber, but throwing on some Panaracer GravelKings or WTB Resolutes changes the personality of the bike instantly.
- Carbon Fork: State offers a "Monster Fork" upgrade. It’s carbon, it has even more mounting points, and it sheds a couple of pounds off the front end. If you have the extra cash, get it. It damps vibration better than the stock steel fork.
Managing Expectations
Is it perfect? No.
The paint can chip if you’re hard on it. The stock pedals are basically "test ride" pedals that you should throw in the bin immediately. And if you’re a "weight weenie" who obsessed over every gram, you will probably find yourself looking at more expensive titanium or carbon options within six months.
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But for the rest of us? The people who want to explore that dirt path that turns off the main road? The people who want a bike that won't break if it tips over in the garage? The State 4130 All-Road is the sweet spot.
It’s about the "smiles per gallon" metric. It’s fun. It’s a bike that encourages you to be a little reckless. Jump a curb. Ride through a puddle. Take the long way home through the park. It can handle it.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you’re leaning toward pulling the trigger, don't just click "buy" blindly.
First, check the size chart carefully. State bikes tend to run a little large. If you are between sizes, almost everyone recommends sizing down. A smaller frame is easier to flick around on trails, and you can always get a longer stem if you feel cramped.
Second, decide on your wheels. If you live in a city with crappy potholes, get the 650b wheels. The extra air volume in the tires acts like suspension. If you live somewhere with smooth gravel roads and lots of flat pavement, go 700c.
Third, budget for a professional assembly. Unless you are a confident mechanic with a torque wrench, pay a local shop $80-$100 to build it. They’ll make sure the derailleurs are indexed perfectly and the brakes aren't rubbing. It’s the best money you’ll spend to ensure the bike actually lasts.
Finally, get a frame bag. This bike looks "correct" when it's loaded up with gear. Even a small top-tube bag for your phone and some snacks makes the whole experience better. Go ride. Stop worrying about your average speed and start worrying about how much dirt you can get on the downtube. That’s what this bike was made for.
Check your local listings or the State website directly; they often run "warehouse deals" or seasonal colors that disappear quickly. Once a specific colorway is gone, it’s usually gone for good, which gives these bikes a bit of a collector feel without the pretentious price tag.