A State Undefeated II bike. I found it for sale on FB Marketplace. It didn't come with brakes and WOW I had the hardest time getting used to it. After sticking to it over a weekend, I really enjoyed it but didn't trust myself in public without brakes. I swapped the dropped bars and 90mm stem for what I had lying around–a slight riser bar that came from my mountain bike. I threw on a cheap caliper brake (I wished I could have used my Ultegra calipers, but I didn't have flat bar levers that were compatible). It's the simplest bike I own (the cheapest, too), I am trying to get used to pedaling through turns without pedal strike, and it's quickly become one of my favorite bikes I've ever worked on.
I don't have the skill to skid, so I just have to really torque my knees to slow down. Any tips?
I tried to run 28mm tires on this, and it's a no-go, unfortunately. It would rub in the fork. I might be able to run 28mm on the rear, but I need a longer chain so I can run the wheel slightly further back.
I am digging the community here. I think I had the stigma of gatekeeping with some cyclists, and so far, it seems like people are pretty cool here.
by SPtheALIEN
3 Comments
Makes me wonder how inconsistent State bicycle Co is with their “labeling/branding” yet still is one of the most present (in numbers) bikes out there. Seriously they seem to change their lettering/fonts each year, or even with a different line of bike.
But all thoughts aside, skid with straps on your pedals.
FYI your chain is a bit slack at the moment already
sexy!!
https://preview.redd.it/6diwetsymaog1.jpeg?width=3464&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=99ef21f12cbbec5c2a098d85d2a1f1550d8755d1
Hello fellow Undefeated buddy, nice bike! Definitely smart to throw the brake on there. General rule is you want to get really comfy riding fixed and ride months/years without touching your brake before thinking about taking it off. I actually found I ride more carefully without one, but I rode 5+ years with one.
I prefer toe cages/double straps over clipless. I’m generally going on 30-40 min commutes/cruises so it’s not worth the extra pair of shoes. For skidding, it’s important to get up out of the saddle and move your weight towards the handlebars to take some of the weight off the rear wheel. Push down with your dominant leg in the back and pull up with the other up front. Practice some skip stops first where you purposely pop up the rear wheel an inch or two and lock your legs so you skid a tiny bit when you land.
Fixed gear is already a counter-culture within cycling, we make up a tiny percentage of people that ride bikes so the community is naturally more welcoming. If I see another fixed rider there’s always a nod/wave of mutual respect, and more often than not a conversation about bikes or parts if we get stopped at a light together. You may get roasted a bit online for a whacky setup but that will come with recommendations on how to improve your bike, no real hate.
Keep riding and eventually your brain will click. You won’t even need to think about what your legs are doing when rolling through turns or over obstacles. It’s a really fun, addicting, and different way to ride a bike.