Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Mehdi Farsi of Phoenix

Mehdi Farsi shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Mehdi, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely. This year has been full of moments that made me step back and feel proud—not just of where we are, but how far we’ve come.

Launching the NFL collaboration was a huge milestone. Partnering with such a major institution felt like a full-circle moment for our brand. It showed that even as an independent company, we’ve earned a seat at the table with some of the biggest names out there.

I’ve also felt a deep sense of pride in how we’ve navigated the ongoing tariff situation. It hasn’t been easy, especially with all the unpredictability in international trade. But through smart planning and transparency with our customers, we’ve been able to adapt without a single layoff. That’s something I don’t take lightly.

This year also marks our 15th anniversary, and just saying that out loud feels surreal. We started in a college apartment with an idea and a lot of passion. Now, 15 years later, we’re shipping thousands of bikes around the world.

But honestly, one of the proudest—and most unexpectedly joyful—moments happened while I was in London recently. I was just walking around on vacation, and I spotted one of our bikes locked up on the street. Even though I know we’ve sold bikes globally for years, there’s something surreal about seeing one “in the wild” like that. It was a quiet but powerful reminder of the reach we’ve built—and that people really ride and love what we make.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Mehdi Farsi, Co-Founder of State Bicycle Co.—a rider-owned and operated bike brand based in Arizona. We started back in 2009 with the goal of making high-quality, stylish bikes accessible without breaking the bank. Fifteen years later, we’re still fiercely independent, still obsessed with design, and still connecting with riders around the world through bikes that blend performance, personality, and affordability.

What makes us different? We’re not a faceless corporation—we’re riders ourselves, and we actually talk to our customers. Whether it’s collaborating with brands like the NFL or launching community-driven content like our YouTube series Riding Fixed, Up Mountains, With Pros, we’re always looking for ways to bring more fun, creativity, and connection into cycling.

Right now, we’re continuing to expand our lineup—from titanium all-road bikes to steel hardtails—and leaning into bold collaborations that celebrate culture and individuality. Every time I see one of our bikes out in the world—even while on vacation overseas—it’s a reminder that what we’ve built really means something to people. That’s what keeps us moving forward.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
It’s hard to credit just one person—I’ve been lucky to have several strong influences. My dad is an entrepreneur, so I grew up seeing firsthand what it means to take risks, build something from the ground up, and keep going even when things get tough. My mom always emphasized the value of hard work and showing up, no matter what—she made it clear that nothing worthwhile comes without effort.

And my brother, who’s also my business partner, leads by example with his own incredible work ethic. Building State Bicycle Co. together over the last 15 years has been one long lesson in commitment, discipline, and doing things the right way, even when it’s not the easy way. Together, they’ve all shaped how I approach work and leadership.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You did it—believe in yourself. All the late nights, second-guessing, and chasing big dreams paid off. Trust your instincts, keep pushing, and don’t be afraid to take the long road. It’s all going to be worth it.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say I care deeply about family, integrity, and keeping my word. My reputation means a lot to me—not in a superficial way, but in the sense that I want people to know I stand behind what I say and do. Whether it’s in business or in my personal life, I try to show up consistently and do right by the people around me.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When have you had to bet the company?
Honestly—on a daily basis. There have been plenty of moments over the years where people have counted us out, or where the safe move would’ve been to scale back. The bike industry has gone through massive swings—from the COVID boom to post-pandemic slowdowns, supply chain chaos, and now tariffs. Each time, we’ve had to make bold, calculated decisions to stay independent and keep moving forward. Betting on ourselves isn’t a one-time thing—it’s part of the job.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.statebicycle.com
• Instagram: @statebicycleco