The Next Evolution in Starling Cycles Frame Designs
Starling Cycles, the UK manufacturer of high-performance steel MTB frames, announced the evolution of their Murmur, Twist and Swoop frames.
Badged as ‘Version 3’, these latest-gen frames see a number of subtle but significant updates to their design that push the frames forward in terms of their on-trail performance, ease of maintenance and robustness.
TRAIL AND ENDURO MODES ON ALL FRAMES
The most significant change is that all frames can now be configured into ‘Enduro’ and ‘Trail’ modes using an adjustable shock mount.
The previous Starling design required customers to commit to ‘Enduro’ or ‘Trail’ at the point of purchase, whereas both can now be achieved from a single frame.
Customers need simply choose their mode when they order, and should they decide to change they’ll need to switch suspension but won’t need a completely new frame.
These updates mean that frames now offer the following rear travel:
Murmur – 135mm or 150mm
Twist – 135mm or 165mm
Swoop – 130mm or 160mm
UPDATED GEOMETRY
V3 frames also see a number of tweaks to geometry, based on Starling’s experience and rider feedback.
The seat angle has been steepened for an improved pedalling position and, based on feedback, the BB has been raised a touch to add a little more clearance and a little more manoeuvrability to our very stable geometry. V2 geo received plenty of praise from riders and the media and these light-touch updates simply refine those numbers to be even better.
NO MORE SEIZED SEAT POSTS
Stuck posts are a curse for steel frame owners, and now a thing of the past with a new aluminium insert in all V3 seat tubes. No more panicky calls to the bloke in South Wales with the seat-post-puller, and no need to keep shoving grease down your seat tube.
NEW COLOURS
Tired of those boring paint jobs and lack of customisation offered by the big boys of the bike industry?
Starling now has a whole heap of colour options to create your one-of-a-kind dream boat. Customers can choose a ‘standard’ grey front triangle with black swingarm or upgrade and pick from 10 colours, including four premium metallic paints and three graphics options.
And in case you’re wondering, nope, your front doesn’t have to match your back.
Customers can pick a colour for their front triangle and a totally different one for the rear, meaning you can create something really special. Powder Pink and Pumpkin Orange anyone..?
AND MORE…
There’s also now a stronger, anti-flare headtube to keep your frame safe when you’re really, really sending it (or forgetting to keep your headset tight).
There’s a neater and better-looking cast main pivot part and there’s an even easier-on-the-eye asymmetrical headtube gusset.
Last but not least, we’ve made the big move to shift the main pivot bearing into the swing arm. Previously located in the frame, placing the bearing in the swing arm makes maintenance easier and offers a wider and more robust interface.
Already a breeze to maintain, this update makes Starling’s frames even easier to live with than ever before.
