Lauf Úthald vs State Allroad - Arizona Test

Summary

This video features a comparison between two consumer-direct bikes—the State Allroad from Arizona and the La Utal road bike from an Icelandic company. Both bikes excel in performance and value, with prices ranging from $900 to $4,700 depending on the build. The rider tests them on various terrains in Tucson, Arizona, including rough roads, gravel, and mountains. The video highlights the versatility, comfort, and tire clearance of both bikes, while discussing the benefits and trade-offs of consumer-direct purchases. It's an insightful look at how these bikes perform under real-world conditions.

Takeaways

• 🚴‍♂️ Two new consumer-direct bikes, one from State (Arizona) and another from the Icelandic company La, are being tested in Tucson, Arizona.
• 💲 The State aluminum road bike starts at $900, with carbon versions priced around $2,000 to $3,000. The La road bike starts at $3,600 and goes up to $4,700 with premium components.
• 🌵 Arizona’s mixed terrain—rough roads, dirt trails, and washboard gravel—makes it ideal for bike testing. Tucson’s freeze-thaw cycles result in cracked roads, perfect for testing bike durability and comfort.
• 🛠️ Consumer-direct bikes are more affordable but come with trade-offs, including the need to assemble the bike yourself and potentially lower-quality house-brand components.
• 🛞 Both bikes punch above their weight in terms of performance, with generous tire clearance: the State Allroad handles up to 45mm tires, and the La road bike can fit up to 35mm tires.
• 🚵‍♂️ The La road bike offers comfort features like a flexible ‘road smoothie bar’ and a flexible seat post, which are designed to absorb road bumps.
• 📏 Direct-to-consumer models like these require careful sizing decisions, as riders don’t get the chance to test ride them before buying.
• 🌧️ Arizona’s unpredictable weather can add a challenge to rides, with rain, hail, and even snow affecting terrain like Mount Lemon.
• 🔧 Riders enjoy features like customizable builds and add-on options, like State's upgrade choices from DT Swiss or Zipp wheels, and multiple mounting points for bikepacking accessories.
• 🏞️ Patagonia, Arizona, near the US-Mexico border, offers varied and scenic gravel riding opportunities, adding to the diverse testing conditions for the bikes.

Q & A

What are the two new consumer-direct bikes mentioned in the video?

The two consumer-direct bikes are the State Allroad bike from Arizona and the La Utal road bike from the Icelandic company.

What are the starting prices for these two bikes?

The aluminum version of the State bike starts at $900, while the carbon version starts at $2,000. The La Utal with SRAM Rival starts at $3,600, and the Force build with ZIP wheels and a Cork power meter costs $4,700.

What type of terrain is the reviewer testing these bikes on?

The reviewer is testing these bikes on rough roads, dirt roads, and trails in Tucson, Arizona, including Saguaro National Park, Gates Pass, gravel roads near the US-Mexico border, and Mount Lemmon.

Why is Arizona considered great for bike testing?

Arizona is ideal for bike testing due to its generally warm climate and varied, rough terrain. Roads often have serious cracks from the freeze-thaw cycle, and the gravel washboards are a challenge for testing tires, handlebars, seat posts, and saddles.

What are the main differences in tire clearance between the two bikes?

The State Allroad bike can handle tires up to 45mm wide, while the La Utal road bike can accommodate tires up to 35mm wide, making the State bike more suited for gravel and the La Utal for road riding with all-road capabilities.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the gearing of modern road bikes?

The reviewer appreciates modern road bikes for having wider gearing options and larger tires, which make them more versatile compared to older bikes with limited gearing and narrower tires.

What does the reviewer think about the build quality and components of the State Allroad bike?

The reviewer notes that while the State Allroad bike punches above its weight in terms of capability and price, some components like the saddle, bar, stem, and wheels are 'house brand' or generic, which is typical for more affordable consumer-direct bikes.

How does the 'Road Smoothie Bar' on the La Utal bike contribute to comfort?

The 'Road Smoothie Bar' on the La Utal provides some built-in flex, which helps absorb road vibrations and provides comfort, especially when paired with wider tires. The shape of the bar also distributes pressure more evenly.

What are some trade-offs of buying consumer-direct bikes according to the reviewer?

Buying consumer-direct bikes can save money, but a major trade-off is that you cannot physically test the bike for fit or comfort before buying. The reviewer also mentions that you must assemble the bikes yourself, which might be challenging for some riders.

What are the advantages of the State Allroad bike for riders with a limited budget?

The State Allroad bike is a good option for riders looking for both a road and a gravel bike but have the budget for only one. It offers versatility with its ability to accommodate larger tires for different terrains at an affordable price point.