Is an Entry Level Gravel Bike Any Good?

I got my hands on a State 6061 All Road to see if an entry level Gravel Bike is any good?
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What do you think of this State Bike: bit.ly/3MIG4i9
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Dustin Klein: Working Artist, Lifestyle Cyclist, Maker.
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#gravelbike #GravelBikeReview #DustinKlein

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Become a Channel Member: bit.ly/EBD_Insider

[@dp5383]

Man... I remember when $1400 was an expensive bike.

[@Chiro75]

No kidding. $1400 doesn’t scream entry level budget bike to me. Crazy

[@jameszanghi3564]

Idk this bike seems over priced to me. I have a Marin dsx gravel bike and it has a carbon fork and hydrolic discs. I think$1400 isn’t a budget bike just the bike he is reviewing is bad

[@learning2simrace]

It still is!

[@TheIggyTech]

@@jameszanghi3564 the DSX is a flat bar, which yeah basically you can snag hydraulic brakes on at anything over $1000. Drop bar bikes seem to be really stingy about hydros, you'll only find them at around $1500+ and even then, if you buy from a bigger brand only at 2k or more. So unfortunately this is kinda typical for a $1400 drop bar gravel bike these days.

[@geoffersmaher]

amen to this. wasn't even that long ago this was carbon tarmac base model territory

[@DmitriGordon]

Ron’s bike is a freaking work of art.

[@PaintingTableVideos]

My $750 Poseidon X gravel bike is beyond amazing for what you get.

[@twylaingerson5945]

I second that emotion! Also, the low gear ratio on the Poseidon is great with a 38 tooth upfront and a 48 on the back making hills easier.

[@Spork123able]

I want one

[@emmber19]

I built one from the frame up and I'll third this--it's a really versatile frame. TA or QR compatible, carbon fork, decent tire clearance, etc. It also has really aggressive (think road bike) geometry compared to most "gravel bikes" which is great news for riders like me who prefer sharper handling.

[@suspiciousstew1169]

As a State 6061 owner I agree, $1400 is a lot but I managed to get mine used for $440, although it needed a little bit of work - the owner probably took it to the mechanic whenever it had obvious problems and didn’t know how to do maintenance on it

[@GeekonaBike]

I'd heard the breaks were weak, but in my experience breaks just only slow you down

[@theymademepickaname1248]

break: separate or cause to separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain. brake: a device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, typically by applying pressure to the wheels.

[@boronizer848]

@@theymademepickaname1248 Just changed my post because of that 🤣

[@bam11891]

Hate to brake it to you

[@ArteUltra1195]

Everybody thats buying this 11kilo, off-brand groupset mechanical braking 1400$ bike is getting ripped off

[@suspiciousstew1169]

@@ArteUltra1195 i sure as hell didn’t buying it used for $440 + the groupset is fine, i’m going to be chilling on the last 4 gears 90% of the time anyways maybe im just accustomed to sub 1k bikes idk

[@rumandrebellion]

I have this bike, with the adventure fork option. The stock brakes nearly killed me, so I upgraded to Juin-Tech cable hydros and compressionless housing. MUCH better. Then I had the opportunity to do a five-day, 430-mile solo bikepacking trip, so I went on an upgrade spree. New wheels, cassette, chainring, cranks, bars, saddle, dropper. This bike rips now, and the parts that I didn't upgrade -- frame, fork, shifters and derailleur -- performed great on my trip, and continue to do so. Very impressed with the frame & fork, and surprised that the drivetrain components work so well. Eventually I'll upgrade myself into a whole new bicycle (and have fun doing so), but I have no regrets about buying the State, it's a solid bike and an incredible bargain.

[@derekeaton1728]

Completely agree. Love the frame and fork but the wheels are garbage broke 15 spokes in less than a year.(though state was nice nought to replace a wheelset at one point but still looking to upgrade components

[@manofsteel110]

Do I need to replace the brake lines if I get those? It looks like I do.

[@rumandrebellion]

@@manofsteel110 You don't need to, but I upgraded mine to Yokozuna compressionless housing

[@Demdere]

Dustin. So happy to see you covering brands like State. I have a 4130 all-road and LOVE it to death. Oh also, thanks for being you and making content! I always get a smile on my face when your channel comes across my feed.

[@mxaexm]

“Solo is a journey…adventure ..etc” awesome quote!

[@laurenbowen6307]

Love to see love on budget bikes!!! I rode my “cheap” gravel bike for the 1st time in a year today & had the best freaking ride!!! TY!

[@codyd4764]

The music in your videos is always killer but I gotta know...what cover of When Doves Cry is this?!

[@nuj1261]

Bought one of these as my first "proper" bike and it's one of the best purchases I've ever made. Can't recommend it enough as an entry point into gravel cycling.

[@trcsf334]

Had a State single speed a few years back, I believe from their 4130 line. An absolutely amazing bike for under $500, highly recommended. Moved to a much hillier city than NYC, so unfortunately had to part with it. This video has me considering one of their geared options, they seem to have really expanded their line.

[@jamesmckenney9517]

Got a new 2nd tier Giant Contend AR for $1400. Marketed as a all road bike. Threw some 38mm Reneherse tires on there as tubeless, changed out the pedals to clipless and man.. it’s light and fast. I love it

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

My mid-90's Trek Mountain Track steel mountain bike is "good" for gravel. It rips on trails. I'd like to believe that we've come along far enough to assume that something costing 10X as much would be good too. Having said that, I just dropped $2K on a magnesium framed VAAST A/1 GRX, so there's that. 😂

[@ryanjohnson4193]

I found one recently I love it use as a commuter.

[@oldfatslow1764]

My wife is rocking the State AXS gravel bike. She loves it. Fun. Less than 2 bills. And while I agree with you that the Paul Klampers are BA, a pair is almost 25% of the cost of the bike. Maybe some TRP Spyre's instead (90% same stop, way less bucks).

[@iamlyam79]

It’d probably be good to upgrade to compressionless housing to make the braking better than spending $400 on brake calipers.

[@boronizer848]

But isnt it normal, that the brakes are a little soft at the beginning. My bike man says, it needs about 300km to make them stop good.

[@jacobatherton8339]

I agree. compressionless housing and a proper break in with the pads would do a lot for this bike.

[@rainerausserer9212]

thank you for your awesome videos mr klein! who did the „when doves cry“ cover? i love it

[@mhilde7744]

You never disappoint! Gr8 post! Groovey music as always!👍

[@Madmaverick101]

Where did you get a reggae version of When Doves Cry? Love the vids, and the soundtracks accentuate the coolness!

[@dafiltafish]

This channel is pure vibes, I've been binging it all weekend.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Glad to hear it!

[@tevemullins8156]

Thanks for the extras Player‼️ Appreciate you‼️🤙

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

You are the GOAT Teve!!

[@duckmanduckfairy8010]

Great info and maybe some different pads or calipers may take care of that issue!

[@marcokalle2452]

Nice and honest review Dustin! 👌🏾 what are your thoughts about those Vittoria tires by the way?

[@simonwatkins9431]

If the Clampers are a little over the budget a set of Tektro Hy Rd calipers and shimano pads are a big improvement.

[@davidbaggs7593]

Bike and rider intros felt like a sick video game selection screen haha loved it!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Dig that!

[@stevewalker3702]

I have the Nimitz Class, or steel frame, 4130 All Road. It's heavy. The brakes are not good. After a fair number of miles to bed in the pads and a cable adjustment, they went from bad to adequate. Upside the bike is really comfy and I really enjoy riding it.

[@milanb.6022]

Cable outers! Brakes on my Topstone were useless until i changed the outers to compressionless, even after upgrading to spyres

[@PumpkinVillage]

Nice adventure and a good crew. Pretty good looking bike too. Take care, Al

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Thanks, you too!

[@barryjacobs9137]

Concerning the brakes,did you bed them in properly before your ride. That could be some of the problem.

[@grintalcycles8266]

Ron has his own river? With a trail by it? Awesome!

[@hunterlivingston3390]

Your music selection is so good.

[@armandovargas5434]

Do you know what song this is? Been trying to figure it out

[@danieldotter6077]

this channel is supremely entertaining

[@sl0m0_]

Who did this When Doves Cry cover I need to listen to it every day

[@noredcr]

Other than the brakes I’ve been extremely satisfied with mine. Bike rips and handles very well.

[@vintagesteel]

For any of you wondering I own the State 4130 road and it is a really solid bike if you're into steel frames. I paid $625 all said and done then I put over $600 into it in upgrades and it rides amazing now. The upgrades are necessary if you want to have a fast reliable bike. Have owned it for 9 months now, have put thousands of miles on it and have taken it on several multi-day tours and it's been great. 22.5 pounds but I could get it to sub 20 if I wanted. Classic road frame geometry - it's tall with a short wheel base and feels punchy in the climbs but a bit squirly in the descents and somewhere in between on the flat. It has front and rear mounting points for racks which I like personally. Im not a beginner and I would definitely recommend these bikes if you're on a budget.

[@andreluissilva869]

Upgrade the brake housing to compressionless before upgrading the calipers

[@jazzfan7491]

Couple of weeks ago bought a Giant Revolt 2 for $1350 so I was very interested in this video. Have had a couple of Domanes in the past (most recent one was a 2014, pretty good bike, carbon/Ultegra/rim brakes) and was pretty curious to check out some new tech like tubeless, discs, fatter tires, etc. The Revolt is pretty similar to the bike you tested here, i.e., aluminum/carbon forks, but derailleurs are Sora, crank is 2x FSA. So far I like it. In a year or two I might upgrade. By the way, your videos are amazing, among the best I've seen on KZbin, and I'm in the movie biz, so allegedly I know something about this. 🤣

[@OriginalGabriel]

Got my Vaya GX (SRAM Apex, GX shifter, bomber BB7s, tubeless i19 rim's, etc) for under $1400 (in 2017); steel, but only 8oz heavier than that one, and has been able to handle everything I've thrown at it.

[@WALSRU]

Built up a State 6061 frame on the cheap with a Microshift group and TRP brakes. It RIPS!

[@Sapoguapo]

I have a 4130 all road. Love it…… except the brakes. Though, after many miles, and adjusting I’ve gotten the brakes to work a little better. Still planning on upgrading at one point

[@kad1017]

I bought one last year and put 850 miles on it before tossing it. The top tube sticker should be the first clue. How often do you see a sticker like that on a bike that’s not sold at Walmart? If you plan to push this bike’s limits off-road I’d suggest you don’t waste your money. But even if you just want the gravel look and plan to stay on pavement the brakes are unsafe. TRP Spyres are an excellent budget brake upgrade and are a huge improvement on the braking issue, or should I say, non-braking issue. I don’t know how they can even sell a bike that stops that poorly. I rode it hard and even raced cyclocross on it. I got really tired of all the issues and realized by the time I upgraded it to something that would work for me I could have just bought a better bike in the first place. There are many bikes that are way better for not much more money. Don’t fall for all the marketing hype from State Bicycle Company like I did. If you want a cheap bike to cruise around the neighborhood go for it but don’t pretend it’s a good deal for a decent gravel bike. It just simply isn’t.

[@djbayr9516]

Ron is a national treasure. Never lose him!

[@platypushatstand]

When Doves Cry, nice track, RIP Prince.

[@immolatewarlock6542]

My gravel bike wasn't much more money - an Orange RX9 Pro and I love it. I have a full sus and an expensive road bike but if I could only keep one it would be the gravel bike. Also Ron Lewis is my spirit animal.

[@kenny_kaos]

And thru axle front and rear, not to shabby

[@Nelsonomous]

Sean with the NF420 shirt 🙏

[@jonkemp1]

The gears are made by sensah. Great vid!

[@JBake09]

Shooooowee. Can’t believe it isn’t approved for use in the setting it was intended. Pretty great

[@elijahheadrick1389]

I have the 6061 All-Road as well, and the brakes are not the best thing in the world lol. 100% worth adding compressionless housing though, much better!

[@kevinthomson6324]

My mechanical disk brake story. Super steep decent with a stop sign at the bottom of the hill. My lack of confidence in the braking had me riding the brakes all the way down. Let’s just say half way down the hill I had completely burned up my front brakes. Couldn’t even touch them. The rest of the ride (45kms) due to ear shattering brake squeal.

[@jojag5]

Bikes in the $1400 USD range being described as "entry level" will never not be insane to me.

[@jonamcc]

those the ombraz with transition lenses? expert play.

[@ORNGcarrot]

66,6k subscribers. I say that’s pretty much bang-on perfect!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I think so too!

[@theymademepickaname1248]

Hail Satan!

[@Schlem]

@@theymademepickaname1248 ...Respect women!

[@davidmurphy9151]

youll be able to stop on four benjamins with those pauls.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

🤣😂 well played!

[@HennessyPatrick]

Those warning stickers come on every Wal-Mart/ box store bike lol

[@Tony247_v2]

Got cut off at the end of the live chat,... stay safe!! Have a great weekend... ✌

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Thanks Bud! You too!

[@leonschirmer4388]

What's the name of the song playing at 4:55? Been trying to figure out the name but no luck so far :( Super nice groovy vibe!

[@fernfloyd]

Wow! The single track part of your guys' ride looked amazing! Can I come visit you, ride with everyone of you guys, and have a great time? :)

[@MrThejunkman]

They also tell you to set it up professionally because it’s how you get the warranty. If you don’t want a warranty, then it doesn’t matter haha

[@LikeACactus]

Very concerned about repair, maintenance, replacement of proprietary components. Grizl is barely more expensive but Shimano components means any bike shop can service relatively easily.

[@suzianto281]

Straight vibes

[@madcapper6]

Looks like a great bike for the $$ but sorry the warning label is a deal breaker for me. That's just bad for business. $400 more for the Grizl seems like the way to go.

[@kevinthomson6324]

It’s a bad sign when your buddies show up with hard tails and suspension bikes and your on a gravel bike. You instantly think I’ve made a mistake haven’t I ?

[@MrJonas2255]

I don't know if spending $550 on Paul brakes makes sense on a $1400 bike lol. For $550 you might as well just buy Shimano GRX and go hydro and get rid of the junky State (Sensah) STI's

[@ditto1958]

Any idea who makes the “State” branded components?

[@BIIIKES]

Before I even watch this, check out the Polygon Bend R5. (What I ride). $1500, dropper, GRX 810, etc. I don't see a better value out there.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Never heard of this brand before. The Bend R5 is a smart set up for the price.

[@BIIIKES]

@@EverythingsBeenDone I have some content on my channel as well. They make frames for other companies, and then started making their own bikes as well. $1550 Bend R5 gravel bike (GRX 810, GRX hydraulic brakes- 650b 47 WTB Ventures), $2400 Strattos S8D (carbon frame, Ultegra groupset) road bike and their MTBs are some of the best bang for your buck out there. Great review of the State gravel bike too! More of these, please. Shows anyone can get into the gravel game without taking a second mortgage!

[@korling99]

On the Santa Cruz, what’s the metal frame that is attached to the front fork?

[@MrLoungist]

Philosophical brakes. I’m ded.😂

[@bderris]

Spent about that much on my DeVinci Hatchet with a 2 x 9 Sora group. It's been a great gravel bike.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

smaaaat

[@firoosagung4696]

the groupset looks like sensah srx pro

[@noahhupe1]

It is. Just rebranded for State

[@Samyouel5]

Snakebby a staple now.

[@SeanKWhite-lk5zf]

Warranty has been properly voided!

[@Jamarkus_Delvonte]

The best budget peasant bike is trek caliber at 12k.

[@gwynnlyell2539]

Enter b rakes and it’s a good bike.

[@faceus]

People are going crazy to know what cover of When Doves Cry is this?? ❤

[@giorgiozampieri4352]

It better be good because I am waiting for a Cube nuroad ex, though it is way better specd for 1500

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

You are gonna be stoked!

[@y.annick161]

whats the first song? :)

[@davidvolland7250]

canyon also says in the descriptions on tHeir website that their off road bikes are not for off road use and only for the road

[@xtrainerchronicles2085]

I finally figured out a solution for them brakes

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

what did you come up with?

[@benjamintribble129]

If I’m spending 1400 I’m snagging the giant revolt sns

[@marvinkamei7007]

cable disc brakes too much spring pressure, like v brakes you can get that hydrau feeling

[@nickhaas3310]

State bike components are made by Sensah I believe.

[@vmxd]

I have Poseidon Redwood, love it. Priced under 1000 :)

[@twylaingerson5945]

Yah, brakes are good, gears are lower which offset the heavier weight. Also, it’s a looker.

[@JM-sn2xl]

@@twylaingerson5945 how much does a Poseidon weight?

[@daishanx]

​@@JM-sn2xl mine was 28lbs.

[@vmxd]

@@JM-sn2xl mine was 29 lbs size large, but after I changed tires and went tubeless, replaced chain ring it went down to 25. Also after all the upgrades I did now it weights 18 lbs. I have carbon fork \ 700c hunt wheels \ sram eagle gx group set \ juine tech hydro cable actuated breaks

[@JM-sn2xl]

@@vmxd holy shit, that's super light.

[@darren1366]

Who’s the band in this video please

[@artycul8artycul869]

That’s a $2000+ dollar bike in Australia…not a cheap bike!

[@marcocabral4838]

Dang 1400 bike and you suggested Paul brakes?! 😂 I mean I get it! Gotta love those Klampers but I thought you’d say something a little more affordable. Ehhh what the heck, save all that might as well splurge in some sweet brakes 👌

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

TRP is a good choice too. But if I could pick anything...Im just sayin

[@justpedal65]

Yokozuna Ultimo. Nuff said I have a 2019 Giant Toughroads Aluminum, upgraded with these brakes, Hunt Gravel All Season Wheels, and GRX 800 series mech and 1x crankset. Neat thing bout these awesome brakes is they allowed me to use a spare set of 105, 11 speed brifters I had in my spare parts bin. My favorite bike hands down...even over my Ti hardtail. Long W.B. (1053), long stays (450), and lots of stack (damn near 600). It retailed for $1365 and was pretty comfy as stock. Best upgrade besides the wheels is the FSA K-Wing AGX carbon bars. Carbon comes into it's own when cantilevered. Carbon frames crack teeth (basically a bridge truss)...cantilevered carbon components are butter.

[@Casual_BackPacking]

That's like a budget race gravel bike

[@themississippikidful]

Wow very surprised of the outcome , i thought this is going to be funny to watch it blow apart 😄 but it is a 1400 dollar bike not a 500 .

[@michaeljaquet5144]

Is “join” the same as “subscribe”? A curious mind in curious. Thanks for the review.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This has all the info you need: bit.ly/EBD_Insider

[@m4rcel022]

I got myself a Focus Atlas 6.7 for 1500€ its more than i need

[@augsadventures870]

What is the difference between the 2 tire options?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

They are two different wheel sizes. Each one can serve a different purpose.

[@millecentmartinezsalcedo7006]

Are you tray the Poseidon bike (red wood )

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

not yets

[@pedrokozlakowski6440]

A 1000usd bike is basically what I ride...and this is me being generous on the exchange rate..

[@jamesr1689]

Those brakes probably just want bedding in a bit. I googled Paul Klampers and I can't tell if that was joke now, they cost nearly half as much as the entire bike

[@jacobs9305]

AYO SEAN !!

[@CsekeD]

If a 1400$ bike is entry level, then what's my trusty hungarian made Csepel Rapidalu that came with a Shimano Sora groupset and brakes, and I've upgraded the handlebar, and some smaller bells and whistles? I have ~750$ in it :DDDDD

[@markifi]

nice! i have the royal 3 star, it's single speed. cost me 36 thousand forints :) (27 for the frameset, 8 for the donor bike, negligible other stuff and i'm not counting the 10 thousand per piece rubber as those are consumables)

[@masturchief]

I thought I’d try to get back into cycling but $1400??? I’m just gonna build a new PC 😂

[@markifi]

don't do it! you can still build wonderful bikes under 500 dollars. my csepel royal 3 star single speed road frameset cost 50 dollars equivalent, bought an old bike for 20, transferred the old parts, now i have a shimano 600 set without the shifting of course for about 180 dollar equivalent and i've put thousands of miles on it already touring europe and it's one of the comfiest bikes i've ever had. also totally silent. i've just last week bought a trifox x16ta frameset for 200 dollars shipped new on sale. there's a component shortage but no shortage of frames, so buy a frameset and hunt around for some affordable used parts instead! also a couple months time l-twoo (weird brand, might be good, who knows) comes out with their affordable midrange hydraulic brake gravel groupset. you could keep an eye on that too. sram and shimano now seem to ask ludicrous prices. the component shortage will unfortunately only end by the end of 2023

[@eliau5482]

You can get almost any steel frame you want at under $550, especially used. A nice tubeless wheel set with sealed hubs, tapered spokes, and quality rims can be built under $275. Then you just need a bar and stem for $100. Shimano puts their 105 groupset on sale for $350 once a year. There are also great chinese groupsets coming out, just don't buy ones with bad components, mix and match brands. That would drop your cost in half. Then you also got the option of decent chinese carbon frames for under $500, and some vintage/new steel frames for under $300 if you look hard. You can build a beautiful bike between $750-$1200, with most of the components being no compromise in quality. It's a big difference in ride, speed, and comfort, well worth it.

[@ChrisCapoccia]

So basically a competitor to Salsa Journeyer with fewer mounting points?

[@peters6661]

I see State went hunting for a positive review after Cyclingtips absolutely hated it

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

THis was my honest take

[@peters6661]

@@EverythingsBeenDone I believe it is. You had the same basic criticism that they did: brakes and levers.

[@stitchilalu]

Upgrading to Paul calipers makes it like a $2k bike though... Hmm

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I approve this! Plus you'll have those brakes for the rest of your life!