Does anyone know anything about Starley bikes?

chris_bass
chris_bass Posts: 4,913
edited May 2013 in Road buying advice
I went to a new (and very good and helpful) lbs and had a look at this http://starleybikes.com/bikes/road-bikes/jks-r1 it looked really good, not heard of the brand before though, the guy in the shop spoke (sorry for the pun!) very highly of them!

A search on here doesn't bring much up!
www.conjunctivitis.com - a site for sore eyes

Comments

  • Percy Vera
    Percy Vera Posts: 1,103
    I could be wrong but my understanding is that they are just generic Chinese frames bought in and badged up, with a premium added off course
  • skinnypunter
    skinnypunter Posts: 144
    I have been looking at Starley stuff as well, and had a chat with the guys at Swift Cycles in London. The story is that although the frames are from "open" moulds (i.e. you _can_ buy the same frame elsewhere), the manufacture of them is to Starley's spec (carbon layup being the main deal, I guess).

    I have to say that the bikes look gorgeous in the flesh - really nicely finished, with a good spec & finishing kit. Sorely tempted to buy...
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    Go for it then. They are following the same trend as a lot of manufacturers by purchasing frames in the far east to their spec then putting their brand on them. No different to a lot of the big boys really.
  • Percy Vera
    Percy Vera Posts: 1,103
    skinnypunter wrote:
    I have been looking at Starley stuff as well, and had a chat with the guys at Swift Cycles in London. The story is that although the frames are from "open" moulds (i.e. you _can_ buy the same frame elsewhere), the manufacture of them is to Starley's spec (carbon layup being the main deal, I guess).

    I have to say that the bikes look gorgeous in the flesh - really nicely finished, with a good spec & finishing kit. Sorely tempted to buy...


    I've heard that from others doing the same.
    Personally when people tell me that I can smell some bull...
    I think they say that to try and justify the price tag, however if they were just open and honest - everyone has to make a few quid - nowt wrong with that
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Generic OEM Chinese frames with expensive stickers and a whole load of pseudo-heritage
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Percy Vera
    Percy Vera Posts: 1,103
    Monty Dog wrote:
    Generic OEM Chinese frames with expensive stickers and a whole load of pseudo-heritage

    ^^ This

    The Chinese are the experts in carbon and will already know the best layup etc.

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