We went to visit Bristol based Starling Bikes back in March and did this feature on them here. We did get hold of one of their bikes and started the testing process, but that was just about the time of the magazine closing down, so the feature kind of got a bit lost in the switch to online only.

Anyway, the man behind Starling Bikes, Joe McEwan, contacted us recently to let us know that his first batch of bikes is now available to the public to buy. Here’s what he told us:

“I have been making frames in my shed for the past three years, but now the time has come for Starling Cycles to make some frames available to the public. The design is now sorted; 150mm travel, 430mm chainstays, with custom head angle and front centre length. I will be selling a small batch of five frames, sold as prototypes at a reduced cost, £1000 for a powdercoated frames without a shock, although I can do a deal on a Cane Creek if needs be.
The frame is not heavy, built from top spec True Temper Supertherm and Columbus Zone/Life tubing. Frame weight without a shock is just over 6lb and can easily be built sub-30lb even with a modest budget. The ride is sweet! Dirt tester Steve Jones did a short test ride a few month back and his first impressions were of solid geometry and a lively ride.
See my Facebook page for more information, and contact me if you’d like to register interest in getting hold of one of the prototypes. I can’t wait to see my frames being ridden in anger by Dirt readers.”

Nice one Joe. Look out for a test online in the coming months.