Okay, chaps, let’s talk bicycles. Specifically, let’s talk about that sweet spot where urban utility meets killer aesthetics – the territory masterfully occupied by the likes of State Bicycle Co. Since bursting onto the scene in 2009, State has carved out a formidable reputation for delivering stylish, customisable, and commendably affordable fixed-gear and single-speed steeds that just look right cruising city streets. They captured the zeitgeist of minimalist urban cycling, blending performance with personality.
But what if you’re looking for something like State, but… different? Maybe you want a slightly different flavour of cool, a unique component set, or perhaps you just like exploring the landscape of awesome gear (we know we do here at The Coolector). Fear not, fellow appreciators of fine two-wheeled design, for the world of stylish urban bikes is broader than you might think. We’ve donned our cycling caps, adjusted our chinos, and curated a list of 10 brands delivering similarly covetable rides that capture that State Bicycle Co. spirit of simplicity, style, and urban adventure.
Here are ten brands hitting the mark for style-conscious urban riders:
1. Pure Cycles
Arguably one of the most direct comparisons to State, Pure Cycles (recently focusing its fixed/single-speed line under the Pure Fixt banner) nails the colourful, customisable, and accessible urban bike brief. Born from a similar desire to get more people on simple, stylish bikes, they offer a fantastic range of fixies and city bikes that don’t break the bank. Expect bold colourways, reliable components, and that all-important flip-flop hub for choosing between fixed-gear purity and single-speed cruising. Effortless cool for the concrete jungle.
2. Fyxation
Hailing from Milwaukee, Fyxation brings a slightly more rugged, perhaps industrial-chic vibe to the urban cycling game. They pride themselves on durable builds designed to withstand the rigours of daily city riding, without skimping on the aesthetics. Their Eastside model is a perennial favourite, embodying their ethos of tough, stylish, and versatile single-speeds. With a strong focus on quality components and practical design, Fyxation offers a robust alternative for riders who demand both form and function.
3. Retrospec
If value-packed style is high on your agenda, Retrospec deserves a serious look. They offer an impressively wide array of bikes, including a strong showing in the fixed-gear and single-speed categories, often at price points that are hard to ignore. From sleek, minimalist track-inspired bikes to more relaxed, vintage-style cruisers, Retrospec makes stylish urban cycling incredibly accessible. They frequently feature eye-catching designs and colour combinations, ensuring you can find a ride that matches your personality without emptying your wallet.
4. 6KU Bikes
Another champion of affordable urban style, 6KU specialises in lightweight aluminium track and urban bikes that offer a heck of a lot of bang for your buck. Known for their clean lines, deep-v rims, and often vibrant colour options, 6KU bikes have a distinct performance-oriented aesthetic that appeals to those looking for a fast, agile city ride. Their Urban Track bike is a prime example, delivering a sleek, responsive experience perfect for darting through traffic or enjoying a swift weekend spin.
5. Brooklyn Bicycle Co.
While perhaps better known for their classically styled, multi-geared city commuters, Brooklyn Bicycle Co. absolutely shares the same DNA when it comes to appreciating timeless design and urban practicality. Their bikes exude a certain sophisticated charm, often featuring thoughtful details like leatherette saddles and grips. While they lean more towards comfortable upright cruising than aggressive fixed-gear riding, their commitment to building beautiful, reliable bikes for city life places them firmly in the same style-conscious category as State. Think effortless metropolitan elegance.
6. Priority Bicycles
Priority Bicycles takes a slightly different path, focusing on ultra-low maintenance machines primarily featuring Gates Carbon Belt Drives instead of traditional chains. What they share with State is a dedication to simplifying the cycling experience with clean design and urban focus. No grease, no rust, minimal fuss – just smooth, quiet riding. Their Ace model offers single-speed simplicity (with a flip-flop hub for fixie fans), while other models incorporate internally geared hubs. For the rider who values innovative tech alongside minimalist aesthetics, Priority is a seriously cool contender.
7. Linus Bike
Inspired by the golden era of French and Italian cycling but designed with Californian sensibilities, Linus Bike delivers pure vintage charm. Their bikes often feature simple, clean lines, relaxed geometry, and classic colour palettes. While heavily focused on comfortable city cruising (often with optional racks and baskets), the underlying design philosophy – creating beautiful, functional bikes for everyday journeys – resonates strongly. If you favour classic, almost cinematic style for your urban adventures, Linus offers a distinctively cool alternative.
8. Aventon
Aventon actually cut its teeth in the fixed-gear scene, launching with the popular Mataró frame back in 2013 and even sponsoring a successful track team. While they’ve since become a major player in the e-bike market (and make some seriously slick ones), their design language still retains that sharp, performance-oriented edge honed in their fixie days. You can still find non-electric options, and their history gives them credibility in the simple, stylish urban bike space. They represent an evolution, blending performance roots with modern tech and aesthetics.
9. Wabi Cycles
For the rider seeking a step up in refinement and performance within the fixed-gear/single-speed realm, Wabi Cycles is a name to know. Specialising in lightweight, high-quality steel frames built with performance geometry, Wabi offers a more purist, enthusiast-focused experience. Their bikes are elegantly understated, focusing on ride quality and craftsmanship over flashy colours (though custom options exist). It’s a more considered purchase, perhaps, but delivers a sublime ride for the discerning fixie connoisseur.
10. All-City Cycles
Occupying the more premium end of the spectrum, All-City Cycles creates absolutely beautiful steel bikes dripping with style and thoughtful details. While offering geared options across road, gravel, and commuting, they have deep roots in the single-speed and track world with iconic models like the Big Block (track) and the versatile Super Professional (often built as a single-speed). Their signature touches – custom dropouts, beautiful paint, quality tubing – appeal directly to those who appreciate craftsmanship and aren’t afraid to invest in a steed that’s as much a work of art as it is a mode of transport. Pure aspirational cool.
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