Kona Band Wagon or State Bicycle Co?

I'm looking to get a new bike and quite like the look of these two

Anyone had any experience with either?

Kona looks to have a far better build and less chance of you being ridiculed for hideously bad taste.

Both are pretty god awful though.

I actually like some of the builds state bikes pull off but they provide no info on their parts which creeps me out. Unless they have high operating costs they make a huge margin on those bikes when you compare it to wholesale prices of ready to go fixes at alibaba.

What did you end up getting? Interested to hear initial feedback if you got the Kona (definitely the one I'd go for)

The chunky headtube/skinny fork combination looks shite IMO. Carbon fork might fill it out better...

Nothing so far

Very new to all this having spent most of my adult life with mountain bikes

currently looking to build my own from an old frame

One word of advice; AVOID STATE BIKE CO like the plague! Speaking from personal experience here. No named parts, join in rims is covered by a sticker, pedals have fell apart. I'm getting rid of mine after 7 months of use. Bit naive of me to buy it but the blue frame and white wheelset lured me in. Go for a Dolan Pre Cursa for the money I'd say.

I ride a 2011 Band Wagon, may not be as cool as some other makes but its well built. I love it personally but bear in mind that this is my third Kona (did have a Stinky and Cindercone in the past for trail riding) so I am a bit partial to Kona as a brand.

Hi All

I'm about to hit the button on a Kona Band Wagon, but am pondering on what size to get. No dealers in my area, so can't test ride. I'm 6' with a 33" inside leg. Anyone have any experience with Kona sizing. I'm thinking I need a 56 or 58.

Thanks Andy

Go to any Kona dealership and ask their help (make sure it's a reputable shop).

Test ride similar sized bicycle and see which one feel more comfortable in term of reach (from saddle to bar).

hi andy - I bought a 2011 Bandwagon 6 months or so ago and went through a similar debate re 53 v 56 - I acually emailed Kona and they gave me some helpful advice - joe@konaworld.com - I am 5'11 and went with a 56cm which I find spot on

If you google a bit you'll find some Kona Sizing charts too I think

I emailed kona too, got a reply of 59"!!. I wasnt so sure and after much debate I ordered at 56". Recieved it friday and 56" is spot on for me. I have an inch clearance on the cross bar when off the saddle and the post is out of the top just the right amount. Thanks for your advice. Modding has started already! Anyone what a white saddle and some drop bars!!!!

Cheers Andy

@Jools - I have a State Contender that I've been very pleased with, it has named parts, and although not the lightest bike in the world, it rides really well.

I chose a Dolan Pre Cursa over a state, mostly for actual named parts and the black paint job.

I'm looking to sell the Dolan actually and will post an advert when I have posting privileges - PM me if you'd like to know more.

Mike's Bikes: The Contender from State Bicycle Co. Review - YouTube

I'm looking at the new State Contender, all the comments on State seem to say 'no-no' but is the Contender worth a rethink on the brand???

if there's doubt, don't go for it.

I emailed kona too, got a reply of 59"!!. I wasnt so sure and after much debate I ordered at 56". Recieved it friday and 56" is spot on for me. I have an inch clearance on the cross bar when off the saddle and the post is out of the top just the right amount. Thanks for your advice. Modding has started already! Anyone what a white saddle and some drop bars!!!!

Cheers Andy

Hi andy - any chance you still have the saddle ? Wiped out by a driver on Monday and need to replace various things starting with my original saddle which is now knackered

I'm also wondering about the State bycycles. Most people haven't tried them but they still say they're crap. Probably because they don't state what components they use...

I have a friend/colleague who swapped his Dolan for another friends State Bike Co. It was shit. Avoid like the plague

I have a friend/colleague who swapped his Dolan for another friends State Bike Co. It was shit. Avoid like the plague

Oh really. I ended up with a Dolan FXE, should arrive in a couple of days :)

My first foray into ss is a Band Wagon. Only had it 2 weeks but it puts a bigger smile on my face than my race bikes. I love it. Brooks leather bar tape and leather seat added and am about to change wheels to some handbuilts.

I've got a state bicycle (Matte Black) which is now a great little bike. I have however, had to upgrade the forks / headset / brake calipers / seat / front wheel / levers and soon the crank and rear wheel!!! I love my bike - but couldn't recommend one. The ride and look of the bike is great but the price point is too far north of where it should be.
Welding on the frame is very tidy TIG welding mind...