State Bicycle Co’s new Rylee is as much a timeless classic, as it is a simple modern city bike. Working off a vintage bike aesthetic, this new townie cruiser mixes a simple step-through steel frame and lugged fork with a modern drivetrain and racks.
State Bicycle Rylee, modern classic steel city bike
You don’t have to end up on a track-inspired fixie to cruise around town. The classic old-world style and upright position of a retro cruiser city bike is probably better suited to most riders looking for a simple urban commuter. This shiny metallic red State Rylee might just fit the bill with its simple welded steel frame and tapered, lugged steel fork, now with a step-through frame for a more casual ride.
If you are looking for a traditional horizontal toptube layout on your modern classic city bike, the flat black Elliston or seafoam green Keansburg could be right up your alley, offering essentially the same features, at the same price points.
Tech Details
You won’t find new bottom bracket standards or modern trail geometry on these classy cruisers, but that’s probably what makes them worthwhile. Instead you get tried and true components, topped off with a few more modern touches.
An internal gear rear hub is one of the highlights, with either a Shimano Nexus or Sturmey Archer 3-speed providing a wider gear range. If you live in a flat area, you can also opt for a simple single speed setup to save a few bucks.
A nice touch besides the relaxed geometry, moustache handlebar, and tanwall tires, is that the bike uses a standard 700c alloy wheels, something that doesn’t always happen with bikes at this price level. As for the tires, they are 35mm Kenda Kwests that promise a smooth ride around town, and can be easily replaced if you wear them out from riding all the time.
The base bikes include a set of painted-to-match full coverage fenders to keep you clean and dry, plus a matching chain protector to keep grease at bay. Then you can step up to the Deluxe model to add a front and rear racks. This wood-bottomed open basket front rack with a cup holder loop is standard, or you can opt for a more open porteur front rack. Out back you get the rear pannier-style racks, or can even add-on a wooden crate, too.
Pricing & Availability
The basic single speed of the Rylee starts out at $389, and adds $99 to upgrade to the 3-speed drivetrain. The Rylee Deluxe featuring front & rear racks with the 3-speed will run $568 (with a cheaper single speed also possible.) The Rylee come in three frame sizes S-L, meant to comfortably fit a wide range of riders from 4’9″ to 6’1″ tall. Get one straight from State now, in time to get back to school.
