A Stainless Steel Hardtail? Starling Cycles Roost First Look

[@Slinkylinky179]

Steve: "and it's stainless steel, so it will never rust" My kitchen knives: "hold my beer"

[@danwebber9494]

Thanks in part to your channel I dusted off my frame building skills, and tomorrow I take my new custom hardtail to Bentonville for a shakedown. Thanks for all you do!

[@notice_fpv]

I do love all the "Let's see if THIS works" stuff that you throw in, Steve. I may never run a bike that way, but it's nice to know I could.

[@thescandiflick]

Joe the owner of Starling is a great guy and very knowledgeable when comes to designing bikes, I don't own a Starling however their work and Steel full suspensions are beautiful, their service is really good they respond to every email and answer all questions, I will definitely own a Starling frame in my fleet one day.

[@hardtailparty]

I've had great interactions with the team at starling as well. I really respect their work. One day I hope to throw a leg over a little beady eye.

[@fabiobertinipaes7122]

Dear, I am very happy to see your videos. I am old school MTB ride and I use just hard tails. I am in Italy and would be happy to see more EU brands. If you need any support here let me know, I am inside of bicycle industry… regards

[@hardtailparty]

I'm open to reviewing any and every hardtail on the market.

[@elitebicycleracers]

Nicest, coolest-looking hardtail build I've seen on this channel.

[@William.N]

Definitely a ride review to look forward to!

[@infoatnorcal2304]

Starling makes some amazing bikes. Really love the stainless frame. Looks ready to rip!

[@shrubjr893]

Gorgeous bike!! Thanks for all you do Steve!

[@joebikes]

What a beautiful bike! I've demoed a Starling Murmur and that is an incredible bike 🤠 I am wanting to do a UK build in the future, Starling is pretty high on my list. I've spoken with Joe too - the founder of Starling - he is a true advocate for just having fun on bikes! Great guy.

[@martinshortt7750]

Murmur owner - It's a great bike.

[@timc6041]

Je suis tellement impatient de finir le montage de mon Roost !! J'ai hâte de voir la vidéo d'essai !

[@tracerxrider]

Thanks for the “does it fit?”

[@michaelrieser9928]

I think it’s great that it is designed a mullet. I love all the mullets you introduced me too and suggested for me. I really like the tall stack, as a length 6 footer,I always want more stack. This concept that Sterling is giving the green light for all the fork length options is very cool. You absolutely are on the cutting edge of modern hardtails and top tier quality. That is a bueaty and your Pink Helm complete it nicely

[@willahumma]

Really glad you’ve got this one on the channel. On paper it ticks all the boxes for me. Will be good to see how you rate the way it rides!

[@CasperRc81]

Wow that’s pretty, I just received my San Quentin3 large 29er year, and beyond stoked. Running ardent 2.4’s exo for some speed. Taking it to the white mtn Az race this weekend. And you drop a video with these truly peace’s of art. Your one of a kind, thank you.

[@hardtailparty]

Wish I could be there to see the race. Marin is sending me a sq3 29 to check out. I'm excited.

[@MABCME]

@@hardtailparty looking forward to hear your thoughts on it!

[@TexasLife39]

I love the paint on that fork, I just got a new color inspiration 😊

[@hardtailparty]

More forks should be neon colors. I have the factory pink one from cane creek on my maniak and it's amazing.

[@RenateRennkuh]

Thanks for this piece of fine work 😍

[@shaunroach7829]

Great first look, without telling us it was stainless steel, for sure it looks a titanium frame!!! Looking forward to the ride review with that geo what your thoughts are on it!!! Great break down and first look Steve!!!

[@VelkePivo]

Really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this frame. So beautiful. Do wish full 29er was an option.

[@pauls3616]

Fantastic looking bike. Thanks for the first look HP.

[@dadbod4life]

This bike is gorgeous!! UDH would be nice, but not a deal breaker for me either.

[@robertrobertson7782]

That is one gorgeous Hardtail in stainless steel Steve and I love her but am sold on the Manual Brutha😂🤷‍♂️ Can’t wait for the ride video tho⚒️🌲🪨⛰🌵🚵‍♀️💪

[@mrxoc3]

I own a ti murmur. It is beautiful and rides super awsome

[@GeekonaBike]

Thanks for representing the Navajo Nation MtBing.

[@mcmarshallcluhan6884]

Appreciate you, Steve!

[@MichaelRobibaro]

Ive been lusting over this frame since it debut, but ended up going Custom TI Soft tail with progressive geo

[@LiamOBrien-m2q]

Is there a ride review coming up for this one? This is the most interesting bike you've pulled in this fall.

[@TheAndyMaan]

That frame looks incredibly good, I suppose quite similar to a To frame but perhaps a little lighter (colour) as I believe Ti is a bit more grey than silver. Interested to hear your thoughts compared to some of your favourite steel framed bikes. Hope you had a lovely Christmas and all the best for the new year.

[@ericjonpo]

Always wondered how stainless rides

[@augustosignorelli8707]

Ufffff love that bike !!!! Saludos desde Argentina

[@hardtailparty]

Saludos amigo

[@marysullivan1588]

Nice bike love the pink fork .

[@monztrluvr]

Perfect!

[@adamvanderminden5847]

I have a starling murmur and the bike is sick, my son has a stainless murmur. I got a great deal on a used RSD middlechild Ti otherwise i would have a roost. The guys at starling are awesome such a good company.

[@hardtailparty]

I do my bike consultation over on patreon. I'd be happy to help you over there. Patreon.com/hardtailparty

[@GHinWI]

It’d be cool if they sized that tube that the chainstays connect to as an AirTag holder or spare tube storage or multitool, or...?

[@MMcG25]

When you measure head tube angle could you also guestimate what it would be at sag with the particular fork you put on your frame-up builds? Would this end up being more like 64.5 degrees with sag factored in to the mix? That's a beautiful looking bicycle.

[@xzcion]

There are a number of geometry calculators online you can use to find out sagged geo if you have unsagged.

[@jeremyfranz9129]

Interesting with the stainless... Really curious about the ride quality! I wonder what they mean on their website when they say 'boost and non-boost compatible'? Might have something to do with that unique rear thru-axle? Cheers!

[@leejohnh22]

Looks like an awesome steed! Any ETA on the review?

[@hardmtnbiker]

I just rode with one of my local shredders that bought and built up a Starling Mega Murmur and as for weight. He built up that 165/170 Ohlins travel trail slayer that weighs 34#. Steve, have you ever considered reviewing steel and Ti full suspension bikes from these hardtail companies that you know. I think many of us hardtail owners would like to see how awesome some of the FS frames that are available from typically smaller builders.

[@hardtailparty]

Ive ridden many full suspensions but I worry that reviewing FS bikes on hardtail party will dilute my viewers and focus.

[@hardmtnbiker]

@@hardtailparty you know best. I truly enjoy your content and nobody else knows all the details like you do. I especially like the content about small builders and component makers.

[@hardtailparty]

@@hardmtnbiker all that said, I do love reviewing FS bikes. I just need another channel to host them

[@brentcollins9727]

Beautiful!!

[@pierresimon987]

Any chance to get the ride review any soon ? Looks awesome, I'm currently browsing for a new frame and searching some pros and cons, check if that should be nice all-around bike for my trails/playground.

[@hardtailparty]

I'm battling some health challenges right now. When I'm healthy enough to ride these bikes, I'll start filming some reviews.

[@syms85]

What ti bars and stem in it again buddy? Nice channel appreciate these vids. You helped me buy the Roscoe 9. 2nd day in it yesterday 3hrs! Went straight to a red trail after on riding for 21yrs! Lol

[@lucastrottier8292]

Hey great video as always, hearing you talk about the Helm made me curious if you could do a fork review seeing as you've ridden them all! I am thinking about a custom build and I'm hesitant between a helm, a manitou or a fox, just an idea for a future video, keep up the wonderful and insightful reviews!

[@hardtailparty]

I do bike build consultation over on patreon. But maybe one day I'll talk about forks.

[@vilimiryordanov8502]

Just go with the Helm. It is unreal. Completely transformed my riding. Very confidence inspiring forks!

[@JustJake77]

Repping a Rezduro Tee... nice! 😊

[@ste_cc]

Do you recommend the Advent X as a main drivetrain? I can get a better drivetrain but I don’t think I really need all the 12 speed ranges and find myself never using 1st and 2nd on my SRAM NX Also wanted to ask if you have any thoughts on the Dawley Eponym

[@Morpheas001]

The Advent X is one of Steve's favorite drivetrains. I think he'll endorse it. Sounds like you don't have to do many steep climbs since you're not using the lowest gears already. You might like fewer gears with slightly larger jumps between shifts. I currently run 11-speed Shimano, but on my local trails that's too many... i always seem to double- or triple- shift gears because the next one is too closely matched.

[@ste_cc]

@@Morpheas001 I use the lowest gears rarely when I’m tired, but for the mean time I get away with 3rd and 4th… personally I think if I improve my fitness as it’s not the best right now the 48t will be good enough for climbing my local areas

[@michaelsturgeon5210]

Any new generation ragleys in the pipeline ? I just got a 2023 big al and i have to say im loving it a lot more than the previous version . Other than the terrible rear dropouts that need tightening up all the time (even with threadlock) its great .

[@hardtailparty]

Nope. I've reached out to them but no luck

[@jalbrecht55]

Do you know what type of stainless they use? (such as 316?)

[@MichaelRobibaro]

I think they use 630 SS That's what ora uses on their MTB frame Their other bikes(road/cyclo vari from 2205 and Reynolds 931

[@yamahschector]

Bike looks great but I want to try the transmission. I can not do in on any of my bikes

[@vrwgq3q]

lets watch the review! I'm just not sure I'd want to run a 27.5/Mullet on a HT

[@hardtailparty]

See my other reviews on mullets, specifically my chameleon mx vs 29er vie

[@larkinkelly3754]

Had a stainless cross bike, rode amazing steel zing but lighter

[@WannaJumpBikes]

I have a ribble ht725 i could let you use for a review, but im in uk haha

[@pochito_javiercito]

I want it! Maybe this was already discussed in the chat below, but what is a ball park $ figure for your setup on this video.

[@hardtailparty]

I don't know, it's a lot. You don't need all these fancy parts to enjoy a hardtail, but since I have them I use them. The frame and wheels are the most important parts of a hardtail.

[@crankerson]

curious why you prefer mechanical brakes over hydraulic?

[@hardtailparty]

I don't love all cable brakes, just the klampers. They're simple, no bleeding, insanely powerful, they'll last my lifetime, and I can dial in the lever to bite exactly when I want.

[@michaelbondad3912]

I’ve been thinking to use spray bike for a fork, what would you recommend if not that? I heard it’s relatively easy to get a decent job with it. Also going for pink or green

[@hardtailparty]

I would recommend using a very strong clear coat on top of it. Like a 2 part hardener in a can. Also, spray.bike is just mtn colors rebranded and twice as expensive. So if you can find the color you want at ace, it's half price for the same stuff. Spray.bike has an awful foam that comes out the first few sprays of every can. There's a lot of material in spray.bike, so it covers well and lays down well, but sometimes it's gritty. Shake the cab for 3x longer than they say. A really good 2k 2part clear coat is essential for a durable finish.

[@GokkunGuru]

There’s a hole where the chainstay meets the seat tube. What is supposed to go there?

[@starlingcycles835]

This is part style, to emulate the design of our full suspension bikes - and part function, it creates a strong shape at the seatstay bridge and allows for good tyre clearance.

[@starlingcycles835]

That said... we've seen a few people fit tools and stuff in there!!

[@GokkunGuru]

Stainless can really pass for looking like Ti.

[@hardtailparty]

I'm not sure if I'd be able to tell the difference on a random day.

[@ornametrics]

It will get some patina eventually though. It's not totally impervious to rust as Ti is.

[@underbikedoverconfident1142]

oooh, shiny!

[@DAMN55117]

very interested

[@edmergenhagen991]

Awesome

[@tmayberry7559]

What's most interesting. STAINLESS STEEL BRUH!!

[@tonyparkin3379]

In the UK starling and cotic are soooooo overpriced. It's cheaper to get a ti Ribble or sonder. Looks mint though.

[@hardtailparty]

there are definitely cheaper bikes, but to me ride feel and geo trump final price. I'd be willing to pay an extra 40% for a fantastic riding frame.

[@gravicalarchitecture]

rezduro!

[@dhrracer]

Why such generic description of the material. I know it is not Hardtail Party but Starling. But just like saying steel or aluminum. We need details it makes a difference. If they are not specifying material details means it is something I would avoid.

[@Johann-4354]

Just a note to say I'm unsubscribing. Most of these featured bikes are so expensive I'll never be able to afford them. I'll stick with rebuilding old clunkers. Wishing you wellness and love, but this isn't for me anymore.

[@BullyGovJ4F7775]

I love it but no way for the$1600 for stainless. not just that it's bad enough that aluminum frames from big companies are $900 to $1200. Come on companies know MTB riders are adults and work so they charge too much for everything and anything MTB. It's getting old.

[@hardtailparty]

As far as raw materials go, aluminum is far cheaper than stainless steel. It costs more to produce this bike than an aluminum bike. Not to mention big companies can order by the 1000s. So they get better discounts when they buy that many. A small company like starling can't buy 1000 of these at a time, so cost per unit is higher. Comparing a small team to the big 5 isn't apples to apples.

[@martinshortt7750]

​@@hardtailparty I would love to see a steel Starling HT - that is 29 compatible. This would bring the cost down... As an aside I own a Murmur and love it.

[@gavinmckhann4862]

You should try the on one hello dave. It is a pretty sweet bike with some interesting geometry.