Starling Cycles: Starling goes into series production - with complete bikes of all models

Joe McEwan - Founder of the luxury forge Starling Cycles - began with small series of handmade steel frames. A range of components were added to the equipment. Complete bikes from Starling were only available in limited editions or as customised bodies. This is now a thing of the past!

Now, for the first time, Starling is offering an entire series of complete bikes that can be ordered directly via the Starling website - just like the big manufacturers. They are even delivered to your door fully assembled and ready to ride. We probably wouldn't devote an article to this if the steel frame bikes were only shipped within the UK. Far from it! Starling Cycles goes international and ships its bikes worldwide.

The new collection includes all of Starling's core models:

• Murmur
• Mini Murmur
• Mega Murmur
• Twist
• Mega Twist
• Roost

Starling Bikes: High-quality equipment? Of course!

The new Starling complete bikes are - how could it be otherwise with the British makers - equipped with hand-picked, high-quality brand components that have been (lovingly) selected by Joe and his team. At Starling, there are no crazy options or obscure versions such as "Pro", "Comp" and "Elite". The mountain bikes are fitted with Öhlins suspension (or DT Swiss on the Mini Murmur), DT Swiss wheels, Michelin tyres, Bike Yoke seatposts, Renthal handlebars and Hope's British-made cranksets, brakes and stems. There are also groupsets from Shimano, Fizik saddles and Sensus grips. And as an add-on, Cushcore tyre inserts (fitted by Starling), Hulsroy bottle cages and Renthal flat pedals can be added. Keep calm and bike on.

Handmade frames and sustainability? Yes, please!

All new Fully MTB Starling are built around the familiar handmade steel frame with single pivot. The front frame is handmade in the UK from heat-treated Reynolds 853 tubing. The rear frame is manufactured at ORA in Taiwan from heat-treated chromoly. The bikes feature a UDH dropout, thru axle, adjustable shock mount and all the usual frame features of the brand.

The Starling Roost hardtail is an exception. This is manufactured 100% from stainless steel by ORA in Taiwan. Starling also offers complete bikes that can be repainted, repaired, refurbished and finally professionally recycled. They have long warranty periods and are fully covered for seven years by Starling's Crash Replacement Service, which covers shipping, material and painting costs. The idea remains the same: Starling bikes are designed to last for years and are intended to counter the throwaway culture of new bikes for every season.

Model overview Starling MTBs

Starling Cycles Murmur: 29"

Rear suspension travel: 135 mm, front: 150 mm

Starling's award-winning, versatile steel shredder. Made in the UK with 135 mm rear travel, 29-inch wheels and Reynolds 853 steel. Best paired with a 150 mm fork. The model combines medium suspension travel and 29-inch wheels, making it the perfect all-rounder bike, ideal for trail and enduro riding.

Starling Cycles Mini Murmur: 29"

Rear suspension travel: 120 mm, front: 120 mm

A 120 mm trail/XC/down-country/do-whatever bikethat is fast and fun. Based on the award-winning steel frame and a geometry that matches the lightweight construction. Ex works with 120 mm travel, but can be converted to a standard Murmur with a shock swap.

Starling Cycles Mega Murmur: 29"

Rear suspension travel: 165 mm, front: 170 mm

The Starling Mega Murmur combines 29-inch wheels with 165 mm rear and 170 mm front suspension travel. The model has a swingarm specially manufactured in the UK, which extends the chainstay length up to 455 mm. Ideal for rough terrain and taller riders. However, it can be reduced to 140 mm or 150 mm travel with shorter shocks.

Starling Cycles Twist: 27.5" / 29"

Rear suspension travel: 135 mm, front: 150 mm

The Twist is Starling's mid-travel mullet bike. Made in the UK with 135 mm rear travel and Reynolds 853 steel tubes. The mix of 27.5 and 29-inch wheels and a 150 mm fork make the Twist agile and playful.

Starling Cycles Mega Twist: 27.5" / 29"

Rear suspension travel: 165 mm, front: 170 mm

The Mega version of the Twist combines the Mullet setup with 165 mm rear and 170 mm front suspension travel. This is suitable for rough terrain and playful riding styles - the Mega Twist.

Starling Cycles Roost: 27.5" / 29"

Front suspension travel: 120 - 160 mm

The Roost is Starling's mullet hardtail with a stainless steel frame and space for a fork with 120 to 160 mm travel. The different sized wheels (29" front, 27.5" rear) offer fun and a wide range of suspension fork options, from an XC racer to a hardtail gravity monster.

Models & price: Overview of Starling complete bikes

• Mini Murmur: 8,911 euros (converted from £7,650)
• Mega Murmur: 8,387 euros (converted from £7,200)
• Mega Twist: 8,387 euros (converted from £7,200)
• Murmur: 8,154 euros (converted from £7,000)
• Twist: 8,387 euros (converted from £7,000)
• Roost: 5,824 euros (converted from £5,000)