Stick It to Big Oil by Riding a Bicycle With a Message: This Statement Couldn't Be Clearer

For example, their most recent collaboration with RIPNDIP has led to a lineup of cycling gear and even a bicycle itself that tells a particular message to all those you encounter along your daily rides. However, because of the words involved in the message, all I can say is that this lineup of gear has been dubbed the FU Edition. Need I say why? Sure, this isn't the only gear to come out of the collab, but it's the most significant.

Now, State Bicycle needs no introduction. After all, I've covered their work and events on several occasions, but I had never heard of RIPNDIP until today. Just to sum things up, this brand focuses on apparel, shoes, and a few other items. Some of their gear explores color, others, lifestyle. Personally, I love their shoe collection. However, we're here to talk about cycling, so let's see what's going on.

For starters, let's explore the one and only bicycle currently available with the FU styling. Overall, the bicycle we're looking at is based upon an existing version from State, the Klunker. Simply put, it's a city bike designed around a cruiser frame style but with a few in-house touches.

For example, the whole thing is based on 27.5 in tires, so you might think you can go around riding mountain trails, and you can, from a tire perspective, that is. If you were to take this steel behemoth onto mountain trails, the drivetrain and frame tubes wouldn't help one bit.

As for the FU Edition, aside from the obvious visual differences, there are some aspects we need to explore a bit further. For instance, the standard Klunker is only selling for $420 (€400 at current exchange rates), but the FU stacks on an extra 30 bones. In short, the whole visual change is only going for an extra $30, and there's even a frame bag thrown into the mix.

Now, obviously, this sort of bicycle is going to attract more attention than you may want. Heck, imagine riding around some police officers; there's got to be at least one that's not going to like the message you're sending to the world, and the chances of you getting stopped - on a bicycle - simply go up; careful what you carry around in that cargo bag. After all, most of us know what goes on over at ASU (Arizona State University).

Frame bag aside, which is a feature you can pick up separately, State felt it would be a good idea to tatter the FUs on every inch of the frame tubes. The fork sends this message, so do the top and down tubes, and even seat and chain stays; all of your Klunker tells the world to, you know...

As for the rest of the Klunker, it's been designed to be as simple a bike as possible. What does this translate to? It means that all you have to do is pedal. There's no shifting involved, and by the looks of it, there are no brakes either! Just kidding about that last one.

The FU Klunker has brakes, and they're integrated into the rear hub. In short, an old-school coaster brake is integrated into the design, and it's more than enough for relaxing city adventures. Top that off with BMX handlebars and a rather upright riding position, and you're good to go; tell the world how you're feeling today.

Beyond the bike, we need to consider that State Bicycle and RIPNDIP didn't just create a bicycle for the masses but an entire collection. If you happen to make it across State's website, you'll be able to pick up the FU cargo bag for any Klunker you already own, but if you really want to take things to the next level, an array of other message-sending gear is available.

Let's start off with the most important piece of gear, the FU Kit. Here, you can not only ride a FU bike, but you can also sport the FU colors by dressing the part; the kit is that cycling jersey you see in the gallery. Maybe you just want a handlebar cargo bag. That's available, too, and so are FU Edition grip tapes. Want a water bottle cage shaped like the FU cat showing the world the bird? That's going for $25.

As for myself, I've got quite a bit to say about this collection, and the first is that it's hella affordable! After all, how often can you get your hands on a rather visually unique bicycle for $450? Come to think of it, affordable bicycles are how State Bicycle Co. made a name for itself, and with the FU Edition, they seem to be tapering to a particular sort of rider, and funny enough, I might be one of them because I'd rock this around town just for the giggles of it all.

If you're looking for something a bit more inconspicuous, be sure to check out the "Lord Nermal" version sparked from this collaboration. Just be warned, it comes across with a less visual kick than the Klunker. Still, it looks like State has a little something-something in store for everyone.