All-City Big Block Review
- Price: $999
- Frame: Steel
- Tires: 700c Aluminum
- Gear: 1 × 1
What we like about it: Retro steel frame for a stylish and durable look.
What we don’t like about it: Single-speed design with no additional gear options.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The All-City Big Block is a stylish steel mountain bike that offers a good-looking and robust performance. It comes at an affordable price and offers multiple size options to suit all riders.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the All-City Big Block. In the latter part of this article, we will also compare it to several other top bike models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The All-City Big Block is a stylish bike with a steel frame that delivers solid and reliable performance. It’s also relatively lightweight, making for a nimble and agile ride.
I took the All-City Big Block for a ride on a planned route near my home. While the route wasn’t very long, it had fairly smooth road surfaces with some gradual inclines and descents.
Road Riding
As soon as I started riding the All-City Big Block, I could feel its agility. It was so lightweight that I almost forgot it had a steel frame, giving it a nimbleness similar to carbon fiber bikes.
When I started pedaling, the rigid frame provided an immediate and responsive feel. The bike felt like a cohesive unit, and every pedal stroke had a quick response, ensuring I could ride at a faster pace.
The excellent geometry allowed for a comfortable riding position without an overly aggressive stance. When I slowed down and encountered minor bumps, the steel frame absorbed them, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride.
Overall, the All-City Big Block provided a relaxed riding experience and absorbed road vibrations well, keeping me comfortable throughout the ride.
Climbing and Descending
When it comes to climbing with the All-City Big Block, its lightweight design makes it feel effortless. The moderate incline of the route also contributed to the ease of climbing. Additionally, the geometry allowed for effective power distribution to both the front and rear wheels, enhancing uphill performance.
Moving on to descending, the 700c large wheels and 28c tires of the All-City Big Block allowed me to achieve a fast downhill speed even without pedaling.
Furthermore, the straight handlebar design provided better control while descending, enhancing safety.
Lastly, the wheel rim brake system offered decent overall braking performance. However, the braking operation wasn’t as smooth as hydraulic disc brakes, and there was a slight decrease in braking power during continuous braking situations.
Specifications
The All-City Big Block features a steel frame and fork, which absorb some of the road vibrations encountered during everyday rides, providing a more comfortable riding experience.
Furthermore, it comes in five frame sizes (XS-XXL), suitable for riders with heights ranging from 4’10” to 6’6″, offering a wide range of height compatibility to accommodate most riders.
The external cable routing design simplifies daily maintenance, upkeep, and component disassembly and replacement. The 700c large wheel diameter supports faster riding speeds.
The rim brake design ensures reliable braking performance for everyday riding, making it trustworthy.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Sturdy and reliable steel frame and fork that absorb some road vibrations during rides.
- Stylish retro appearance that attracts attention on the streets.
- Simple construction, easy to maintain and manage, an efficient steel stylish bike.
- Ergonomically designed riding posture for enhanced comfort.
- 700c large wheel diameter for faster riding speeds and improved stability.
- External cable routing design for easier and more convenient maintenance and parts replacement.
What don’t we like about it?
- Single-speed design with no additional gear options.
FAQ
- How much does this bike weigh?
It weighs approximately 17.4 pounds (7.9 kilograms).
- Is this bike suitable for long-distance rides?
While it feels nimble to ride, it’s not particularly suitable for long-distance riding due to its single-speed design and limited cargo-carrying space.
- How do I choose the right size?
We provide a size chart here, but it’s not mandatory to strictly follow it. To find the most suitable size, the best method is to give it a try.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’10”-5’2″ | XS |
| 5’2″ – 5’6″ | S |
| 5’6″ – 5’10” | M |
| 5’10” – 6’1″ | L |
| 6’1″ – 6’4″ | XL |
| 6’4″ – 6’6″ | XXL |
All-City Big Block Specs
Build
| Frame | 612 Select Chromoly SteelTire Clearance: 32cColor: Night Sky / Smoke |
| Fork | All-City Big Block Signature Fork |
| Bottom Bracket | Square Taper, 68x110mm steel cups, sealed bearings |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 Series |
| Stem | JD Components, AL6061, 3D forged, 4-bolt stem, 31.8mm, ±7° |
| Handlebar | JD Components, AL6061, 720mm wide, 20mm rise |
| Saddle | All-City Gonzo |
| Seatpost | JD Components, AL6061, 27.2, 12mm Offset |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | N/A |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | All-City 612 Track Crank, 165mm, 46t ring |
| Shifters | N/A |
| Chain | KMC, silver, 1/8″ |
| Brakes | Tektro R539 |
| Brake Levers | Tektro FL750 |
Wheels
| Rims | Alex DH19, 32h, with CNC Brake Track |
| Front Hub | JoyTech A565, 32h |
| Rear Hub | JoyTech A566, 32h |
| Tires | Vittoria Zaffiros IV, 700c x 28mm |
| Disk Rotors | N/A |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Fork Material | Drivetrain |
| Aventon Mataro Fixed Gear Bike | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Aluminum | Carbon | 1 × 1 |
| Fuji Feather | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Steel | Steel | 1 × 1 |
| Verde Vario 650b Fixed Gear Bike | Click View | 650B Aluminum | Aluminum | Steel | 1 × 1 |
| Dolan FXE Aluminum Fixie Bike – Sugino SG75 | Click View | 700CAluminum | Aluminum | Carbon | 1 × 1 |
All-City Big Block vs. 2022 Aventon Mataro Fixed Gear Bike
In comparison, the first bike has a more retro-inspired appearance.
Regarding riding posture, the first one allows for a more upright seating position, offering greater comfort. On the other hand, the second bike’s riding posture is more aggressive, enabling higher riding speeds. In terms of handling, the longer handlebars and straight handlebar design of the first one provide better control and increased agility. The handlebars of the second bike promote a more aggressive riding posture for higher speeds but may not offer the same level of control as the first one.
Lastly, the first bike’s brake design enhances its riding safety and lowers the difficulty level. The second bike may be better suited for riders with some riding experience.
Learn More: Is Aventon Cordoba Fixed Gear A Good Bike? [2022 Aventon Cordoba Fixed Gear Bike Review]
All-City Big Block vs. 2022 Fuji Feather
In terms of frame construction, both of these bikes utilize the same steel frame and fork, which help dampen some of the ground vibrations for a more comfortable riding experience. However, the latter offers a wider range of frame colors to choose from, providing more variety in selection.
In terms of the riding experience, the All-City Big Block offers a more upright riding posture, making it more comfortable for my lower back during rides. The straight handlebar design also allows for more agile bike control.
The Fuji Feather, on the other hand, provides a more aggressive riding posture with its drop handlebars, offering different hand positions to alleviate hand pressure during extended rides.
Finally, both bikes feature rim brake designs, which are reliable enough for everyday riding and ensure riding safety.
All-City Big Block vs. Verde Vario 650b Fixed Gear Bike
Next, let’s compare these two bikes. The first one features a steel frame and fork, which can better absorb road vibrations. Meanwhile, the second one has an aluminum alloy frame and a steel fork, making it lighter in weight.
Furthermore, both of these bikes are equipped with rim brakes on the front wheel, enhancing riding safety for both. However, the second bike lacks a brake on the rear wheel, making it more suitable for riders with extensive cycling experience.
So, these two bikes each have their advantages, and your choice depends on your preferences. If you prioritize safety in your rides, I recommend the All-City Big Block. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced rider seeking excitement, the Verde Vario 650b Fixed Gear Bike would be a better fit.
All-City Big Block vs. Dolan FXE Aluminum Fixie Bike – Sugino SG75
Firstly, the latter bike features an aluminum alloy frame, which is lighter in weight.
In terms of geometry, the former offers a more upright riding posture, providing a more comfortable riding experience. The latter, with its drop bar design, offers more hand positions, alleviating hand pressure during rides.
Additionally, the latter bike comes equipped with fenders, reducing the splashing of mud and water from the ground during rides, thus keeping your clothes cleaner. Moreover, both of these bikes feature rim brake systems, providing sufficient safety for daily commuting.
In summary, these two bikes are quite similar and both are worthy of consideration, but the former comes at a lower price point.
Summary
Above is my review of the All-City Big Block. In our opinion, it has a retro appearance, a simple structure, and easy maintenance, making it a reliable steel-frame stylish bike. That’s why we’ve given it a rating of 4.7.
Of course, if you’re interested in other steel-frame stylish bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes at different price points, all of which are quite interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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