Here’s a bold claim: Phil Gaimon believes Tadej Pogačar could win the Tour de France on an unreleased bike from State Bicycle Co. But here’s where it gets controversial—this isn’t some high-end, status-symbol machine. Instead, it’s a wallet-friendly, performance-focused ride that challenges everything we think we know about modern road bikes. And this is the part most people miss: Gaimon, known for his no-holds-barred opinions, isn’t just talking the talk—he’s riding it. Why does this matter? Because in an industry obsessed with price tags and flashy features, Gaimon’s partnership with State Bicycle Co. raises a thought-provoking question: Can a bike be both affordable and race-ready? Let’s dive in.
Phil Gaimon, the former pro cyclist turned outspoken commentator, has never been one to mince words. Whether it’s calling out doping or critiquing the cycling industry, he’s always been refreshingly candid. In his latest YouTube video, he drops a bombshell: he’s ditching his usual high-end sponsors and teaming up with State Bicycle Co., a brand known for its budget-friendly offerings. But don’t let the price fool you—Gaimon isn’t settling for less. He’s backing an unreleased carbon road bike that he claims strikes the perfect balance between speed, practicality, and affordability.
The Problem with Modern Road Bikes
Gaimon argues that many modern road bikes are designed for specific scenarios—like sprinting—but fall short in real-world riding. “Having a bike that’s super fast for the sprint isn’t gonna help you if you get dropped on the climb with 20K to go,” he points out. This imbalance, combined with skyrocketing prices, has left him disillusioned. “The price tags on new bikes these days, it really just started to bum me out,” he admits. But here’s the twist: Gaimon isn’t just complaining—he’s doing something about it.
Enter State Bicycle Co.
While State Bicycle Co. is known for its affordable bikes, their upcoming carbon road bike is anything but entry-level. Gaimon describes it as a “super light” frameset with “the right amount of aero features”—think integrated cable routing and an aero seatpost—without the unnecessary weight or complexity of over-engineered designs. “It doesn’t have a bunch of crazy aero features that are gonna add weight, make it harder to work on, or easier to break,” he explains. In other words, it’s a bike built for real riders, not just for show.
Performance Without the Price Tag
Gaimon has already seen a complete build come in at just 13.5 pounds (6.1kg), and he’s aiming to go even lighter. “This will be a very capable, super fun bike,” he says. “If I was going to buy a bike, this is the bike I would pay for.” State Bicycle Co. plans to release two versions: a Gaimon-promoted super-light build for around $4,000 and a value-focused standard model equipped with SRAM Rival AXS and DT Swiss wheels for just $2,800. But here’s the controversial part: Can a $4,000 bike truly compete with the $10,000+ machines dominating the market? Gaimon thinks so, and he’s putting his reputation on the line to prove it.
The Bigger Picture
Gaimon’s partnership with State Bicycle Co. isn’t just about promoting a bike—it’s a statement. He’s pushing back against the notion that performance and affordability are mutually exclusive. “I’m not interested in a bicycle as a status symbol,” he says. Instead, he’s championing a bike that’s accessible, practical, and, most importantly, fun to ride. Whether you agree with his take or not, one thing’s for sure: this bike is set to shake up the industry.
What Do You Think?
Is Gaimon onto something, or is he overselling a budget bike? Can a $4,000 ride truly compete with the big players? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts. And stay tuned as we get our hands on this bike for a full review to see if it lives up to the hype.
