With 43mm deep rims, these wheels were heavy.
Stock tires were narrow at 23c. Owners often replaced them.
Gaps in wheel rim-seams did not inspire confidence.
Some saw this rig as overpriced; considering wheel rims, headset and tire quality.
An urban-track enthusiast found the Pista Velo drop bars too narrow.
The stock saddle butt-hurt some reviewers on longer rides.
For an expert, the carbon fork’s compression plug was dangerously overtightened.
Reach on the O.E.M. handlebar was too deep for one reviewer.
A taller, experienced, urban-track rider sought longer 170mm cranks.
Matt-finish paint jobs scratched easily.
An expert pointed out that bar-spins weren’t possible on the Black Label.
As a pure track frame, the Black Label has no water bottle braze-ons.

Bottom line

The Black Label is State’s single-speed aluminum option. With aggressively attractive lines and geometry, this is a racy number intended for the urban-track crowd. It also suits those folk that just want a good-looking, decently built fixed-gear or single-speed. With a full-carbon fork, the frameset is lightweight. Wheels were somewhat husky, but came across as robust. A number of parts were mid-range and unbranded (or ‘State’ branded), but this didn’t mean they were cheap. After a while, owners often swapped out their wheels, handlebar and saddle. Experts said its a mid-range option that’s fast, fun and worth the asking price. Many owners said they would buy this model again.

By Owen Jesse

Expert Reviews

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Zach Gallardo

Level 1 expert

My Favorite Aluminum Bike? | State Bike Co. 6061 Black Label v2 Review

Level 1 expert

The stiff aluminum bottom bracket and that beefy downtube make for zippy sprinting… The trackish geometry gives the bike nimble handling… With the Black Label, you get what you pay for – and that amounts to a reliable, fun, fast bike that, so far has been my favorite aluminum fixed-gear.

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Locked In

Level 1 expert

State Bicycle Co Black Label Bike Review

Level 1 expert

It’s a solid platform for anybody looking for a sporty fixed-gear that they might want to eventually race. But I would definitely pay a little bit more for the handlebar upgrade.

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63fixed

Level 1 expert

State Bicycle Co Black Label V2 – Full Review

Level 1 expert

I really enjoyed riding this bike… Normally with an aluminum frame, you feel everything but with this it’s a smooth ride… When it comes to maneuvering or steering, it does feel like you’ve got a lot of control… get your own pedals …

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TrackOrDieNYC

Level 1 expert

State Bicycle Co : Black Label Series. A T.O.D Review

Level 1 expert

For a complete 6061 Aluminum track bike, I don’t think the price tag will break the bank… in my opinion the Black Label series is a solid build. I think a stock build will be great for a novice to intermediate rider and with some upgrades, the Black Label can be a problem in the streets.

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The Awarewolfs

Level 1 expert

State Bicycle Co Black Label Review

Level 1 expert

The Black Label is a quality ride at an entry level price… after heavy shredding, its really hard to see why other aluminum bikes go for so much more… GREAT geometry for fast corners, handling traffic or racing… Since the back wheel is more under your butt, whip skidding and wheelies are easier… the head tube is steeper, the steering is more responsive…

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Lockedcog

Level 1 expert

Tested: State Bicycle Co. Black Label

Level 1 expert

If this is your first ride you’ll be throwing skids in no time and have the room to upgrade around a solid frame that’ll last… A couple tweaks and you can have yourself a sweet bike to bounce around town on… You don’t typically find completes in this price range that ride as smooth as this does…

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