Bob BeckerA Smooth Ride in All Terrain
State Bicycle Co. is a direct-to-consumer supplier that has focused primarily on urban transportation. A few months ago they added two steel 29-inch mountain bikes to their stable. The 1 X 10 Pulsar is a derivative of these bikes.
The Pulsar is equipped with a composite parts list of relatively inexpensive, yet highly functional components. These include the SRAM GX group reviewed elsewhere in this issue, Rock Shox XC 30 fork, Avid BB7 brakes with 180 mm rotors, WTB wheelset, Vigilante tires and Rocket seat. Notably, the frame has an eccentric bottom bracket which provides for single speed conversion and braze ons to add a front derailleur.
Several riders of varying ability evaluated the Pulsar in environments ranging from mild fire road to gnarly singletrack. The combination of 29-inch wheels, steel frame, fairly wide tires and excellent saddle provided a compliant, predictable ride over all terrain from smooth roads to heavily eroded trails. The BB7’s had excellent stopping power and the GX drivetrain snicked from gear to gear with aplomb.
It was obvious from the handling characteristics that State had studied frame geometry thoroughly. The biggest surprises were the Vigilante tires which had minimal rolling resistance on the road but hooked up well in the dirt and the front fork which afforded a scrumptious magic carpet conveyance over impediments in the trail. BICYCLIST is impressed with the Pulsar. -BB
Victor Prestinary
BICYCLIST Staff
Chris Reynolds
The BAT Radar
Kelley O'Toole
