State Bicycle Co. has collaborated with the influential nineties American hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan for a limited edition line of bikes, parts, and apparel that celebrates Wu-Tang’s legacy... and so for tonight's Bike at Bedtime, we're taking a look at the Core Line x Wu-Tang model which was first launched back in 2017, and is the bike that put State on the map.
The Wu-Tang Clan were formed in New York City in 1992, and their debut studio album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was released in 1993; State has previously celebrated their 20 year anniversary and now has given its Black Label, Core Line, and Klunker all the Wu-Tang treatment, along with parts to match.
Built around a durable 4130 steel frame, the Core Line is said to provide a compliant ride, and also features seat stay rack mounts as well as eyelet mounts on the fork and cables for versatility.
The black-based bike features yellow hubs and decals, including the words from the expanded song title C.R.E.A.M, 'Cash Rules Everything Around Me', on the chainstay.
A flip-flop hub with a 16T freewheel and fixed gear cog allows the rider to ride fixed or freewheel. It has a gear ratio of 44x16. which is on the smaller side.
Front and rear caliper brakes are specced. You can choose between riser bars with Cult x Vans waffle pattern grips that are designed to keep you comfortable and riding hassle-free for years, or bullhorn or drop bars with bar tape.
Platform pedals and a synthetic leather saddle with steel rails finish off this bike.
The State Bicycle Co. x Wu-Tang Clan build is priced at $450.00 (~£335). For the frameset only, it’s $199.99 (£149).
Special edition Wu-Tang Clan parts and accessories including bar tape, a bar bag, saddles and a wheelset are also available, for those who want to show their love of all things Wu-Tang on an existing bike.
State’s sustainable clothing collection is also being sold in a matching theme for on and off the bike use, with technical t-shirts ($69.99, ~£52), jerseys ($79.99, ~£60) bibs ($89.99, ~£67) and caps ($19.99, ~£15) available. The collection uses Repreve fabrics, a polyester primarily recycled from water bottles.
statebicycle.com
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6 comments
Not the neatest of welds...and the pics make the paint job look a bit 'orange peel' in effect.
Sadly, all they got for sale in the UK is hipster single-speed / fixies. Which is a shame, as some of their gravel & road bikes look very interesting, and I suspect would go down a storm in the UK if import duties weren't so stupidly high.
Might be a mistake in the article here guys, it states the frame is made of 4130:
"Built around a durable 4130 steel frame, the Core Line is said to provide a compliant ride, and also features seat stay rack mounts as well as eyelet mounts on the fork and cables for versatility."
That is not the case, as firstly it's part of the Core Line and not the 4130 line and secondly the specs on state's website list it is "Durable Steel" AKA hi-ten plain-gauge YUK!
I'd be buying the frameset and removing the decals if I could get a 4130 for SS frame for £150. Not that I dislike Wu-Tang but I just don't think I could get away with it as a middle-class white man in his 40s with kids.
Wonder if the other parents would admire it as I wait to pick little Jimmy up from outside the school gates?
Literally thier Core Demographic!
Id be the other parent admiring the bike, as i am 41 with a child, and i fucking love Wu-tang!
Okay, I'll bite with your support.
If they upgrade the frame to 4130 and put "check out my gravel pit" on the chain stay instead they've got a deal!
"Take a look at the State Bicycle Co. x Wu-Tang Clan Core Line"
I'd really rather not.