Starling Cycles moves Core manufacturing out of Bristol into EU
High performance mountain bike brand Starling Cycles is embarking on a new chapter by switching up its frame production: The Bristol-based business is moving Core front triangle manufacture out of the UK and into the EU.
The firm said the move will help “keep the business strong and independent and stick around for another 10 years. No easy task in today’s bike industry!”
Starling will be partnering with Fort Frames in the Czech Republic for its core models, while keeping RARE frame building in Bristol, UK.
The move also means the business can hold stock of frames at Starling, rather than building to order, reducing waiting time for customers (from 12 weeks): “You can order, and we’ll have your lovely new frame in the post almost immediately.”
For the cycling industry, the move means Starling can now build a network of dealers around the world… “something that’s really important to us. We know loads of you prefer to buy in person through a shop, custom-build and demo-ride. We couldn’t do that before, and now we can. Bike shops are great, support your local one if you can.”
Starling owner Joe McEwan said: “Starling is almost 10 years old. It started in the shed at the bottom of my garden and has gradually evolved into a ‘proper’ bike business with staff, an established workshop and customers all over the world. I’m really proud of it.
“And now it’s time to take another big step forward. I want to make it easier for you to buy a Starling, keep the business strong and independent and stick around for another 10 years. No easy task in today’s bike industry!
“From now on, Starling’s Core front triangles (the 29” Murmur and mixed-wheel Twist) will be handmade by Fort Frames in the Czech Republic, using Reynolds 853 tubing. Core rear triangles will continue to be manufactured in Taiwan by ORA.
“RARE frames such as the Beady Little Eye, Swoop, and Sturn will continue to be built at home in Bristol, which we’re really excited about.
“Moving Core manufacturing to the EU was a big decision, but is a really positive one. It allows us to build larger batches of frames, whilst staying true to our handmade ethos.
“And this also means more time, energy and capacity to focus on our RARE bikes – our weird and wonderful, small batch and prototype stuff. We’ll focus the Bristol workshop on making stuff like the 27.5” Swoop, the Sturn DH bike and single-speed Beady Little Eye. Maybe we’ll even get to work on that gearbox bike you’re all asking for?
We’ll also continue to do all of our design, testing and ‘business stuff’ here in Bristol. All our assembly and frame prep will stay here in the UK, and we’ll keep running our repair and refurb services from the Workshop. Our staff will stay the same, and we’ll keep running Starling in exactly the same way as ever.”
Fort has been handmaking mountain bike frames for thirty years, and already work with some of the most respected UK and European brands. They will use Reynolds 853 as Starling has always done and are building to the exact same quality as the brand does in Bristol, it said.
“This change isn’t about getting rich or taking over the world. It’s about keeping Starling strong and sustainable, without having to take on crazy investment, selling out to big business or reaching beyond our means.
“It’s about setting Starling up for the future and being able to remain strong, independent and very “us” for years to come. All while continuing to make beautifully simple mountain bikes that are zero hassle and a blast on the trails.
“And that’s it, it’s hopefully nothing too drastic, but is something we wanted to communicate clearly and honestly with the world.”
Starling frames are due to land in stock in November 2025 in all sizes.
