Starley R1

2

Comments

  • napoleond
    napoleond Posts: 5,992
    Yeah they have a showroom now, tempted to have a look as I'm looking at a new track bike and the thought of custom paint does tempt me.
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  • rowlers
    rowlers Posts: 1,614
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Aah. I got my gen from their initial press release. They must have changed them.
    They seem reasonable to chat too, very prompt replies.

    Could be my next purchase (if I can pull myself away from Ti)
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  • Gpfanuk
    Gpfanuk Posts: 142
    I am seriously considering the AR at the moment for numerous reasons, not least that Starley are very local to me. What are they like to do business with with regards to communication, keeping to delivery times etc? I am keen to ensure that the best part of £2k is not wasted as it's a lot of money for me... Don't want to go down the Ribble avenue as although they are nice bikes they appear to becoming far too numerous around my area...
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  • denniskwok
    denniskwok Posts: 339
    rowlers wrote:
    NapoleonD wrote:
    The Starley frames are open mould chinese made and Starley are very clear about this. They say the lay-up of the carbon is to their spec however. A LOT of manufacturers do this but try and keep quiet about it.
    The track bike is the same as the Planet X. Their track wheels look very good value at half the price of Mavic!

    Not strictly true; I specifically asked this question to Starley, here is their reply:
    "Two of our frames are open mould (the T2 and Track frame) however we use a different material and ply compared to the same manufactures that are using those moulds. Think of it as a jelly mould, different mixtures make firmer jelly! The others are our designs - we do however use a rear stay mould design that's very similar to another manufacture on one of the road frames."

    Nice looking bike and great spec! But, I can't help thinking that it looks like the lovechild of a Chinese FM-015 and FM-029 in looks at least? I challenged Starley on this on Facebook a while ago and they said that the tube profiles were 'totally different'. Maybe I'm just being overly cynical?

    FM-015
    7498083366_ba3e7bd0f6_z.jpg

    FM-029
    china-carbon-road-bike-6399_1.jpg

    Starley R1
    IMAG0789_zps3e8ab216.jpg

    The Chinese frames use Toray T700 carbon fibre, which is good stuff and the 015 and 029 get good reviews. So I would be interested to know as to what the Starley frames are made from and what differs in their lay-up.
  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    It seems my new toy has prompted some interesting discussion!

    My understanding was that Starley have the frames made overseas (China), but to their own lay up specification. Not sure about the mold.

    According to the Starley website, the R1 is made of "aerospace grade high tensile T800H and T700S carbon fibre".
    Ben

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  • rowlers
    rowlers Posts: 1,614
    Ben6899 wrote:
    It seems my new toy has prompted some interesting discussion!

    My understanding was that Starley have the frames made overseas (China), but to their own lay up specification. Not sure about the mold.

    According to the Starley website, the R1 is made of "aerospace grade high tensile T800H and T700S carbon fibre".

    See my quote direct from Starley above. I'll take their word on this one, they can't state that and then use generic open moulds. I think it is agreed that they are all made in china/taiwan etc though.
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  • spasypaddy
    spasypaddy Posts: 5,180
    i feel sorry for you ben, you get a custom built bike and all people can do is slag it off... bloody pnev
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  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    spasypaddy wrote:
    i feel sorry for you ben, you get a custom built bike and all people can do is slag it off... bloody pnev

    :D Nah, it's all good!
    Ben

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  • rowlers
    rowlers Posts: 1,614
    Ben6899 wrote:
    spasypaddy wrote:
    i feel sorry for you ben, you get a custom built bike and all people can do is slag it off... bloody pnev

    :D Nah, it's all good!
    Absolutely, its a beaut!
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  • davidwilcock
    davidwilcock Posts: 123
    rowlers wrote:
    Ben6899 wrote:
    spasypaddy wrote:
    i feel sorry for you ben, you get a custom built bike and all people can do is slag it off... bloody pnev

    :D Nah, it's all good!
    Absolutely, its a beaut!

    Yeah thats a good looking bike, good work on your choices
  • denniskwok
    denniskwok Posts: 339
    spasypaddy wrote:
    i feel sorry for you ben, you get a custom built bike and all people can do is slag it off... bloody pnev

    Not slagging it off at all. I actually said I like the bike. Nothing wrong with Chinese made frames as a lot of them are great! My Focus Cayo proudly displays a decal which proudly says 'Made in Germany', but I'm fully aware that the frame and fork (and god knows what else) were made in the far east.

    Also, Ben6899 seems like a good sort and taking the comments as they've been intended. :)
  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    I think spasypaddy's comment was slightly tongue in cheek.

    No worries at all and no need to justify, if you don't like my (or anyone's) bike. :)
    Ben

    Bikes: Donhou DSS4 Custom | Condor Italia RC | Gios Megalite | Dolan Preffisio | Giant Bowery '76
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  • pitchshifter
    pitchshifter Posts: 1,476
    Nice. Good to see a proper double on their too. I would shorten them cables though..
  • ricey155
    ricey155 Posts: 233
    Very nice, OK the colours not my thing but how's it holding up a few months on ?

    Viewed the AR and 1 at the weekend very nice and 1 series is 7.1kg

    Tempted
  • ricey155
    ricey155 Posts: 233
    trialing the JKS AR 2morro can't wait
  • Yosti
    Yosti Posts: 36
    Sorry to say but it is a Zhongwei r-002 frame - BUT it dos not mean that it is rubbish, most frames are made in china (just like mine Ribble R872)
    How dos it ride? Nice bike BTW :)
    10501752434_f4342dd52a_c_d.jpg
  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    It certainly looks like the same mold. Same carbon though? I don't know.

    It rides really well - matched with semi-aero wheels it goes really well on the flat and also climbs well.

    A mention of 7.1kg upthread by Ricey. Not sure about the weight of mine, but the Dura Ace certainly helps to keep it down.
    Ben

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  • Yosti
    Yosti Posts: 36
    OK - thinking of ordering one, how is their service? Is it a stiff or comfortable frame? :)
  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    Yosti wrote:
    OK - thinking of ordering one, how is their service? Is it a stiff or comfortable frame? :)

    I went through Swift Cycles in London, so cannot comment on dealing with Starley first hand. They are growing quickly.

    I think it's comfortable, but I think that's a very subjective thing.
    Ben

    Bikes: Donhou DSS4 Custom | Condor Italia RC | Gios Megalite | Dolan Preffisio | Giant Bowery '76
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  • ricey155
    ricey155 Posts: 233
    R1 is a decent easy ride not harsh but good power !!

    the AR is stiffer but still easy to ride felt fresh on both and both zero issues - good bikes with good specs and good packages
  • ricey155
    ricey155 Posts: 233
    At least his Starley has a 5 year warranty and a local LBS to solve his issues

    yes everything is made in China and I'd guess there really good, but this isn't a thread about Chinese copies its about his pride and joy and VERY VERY NICE IT IS.

    I found the copy AR on velobuild is it worth the hassle for money saved.

    happy riding the black is actually working for me
  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    It's all good Ricey, I don't mind people pointing out that the frame came out of a mold in China. I knew that already.

    Like you say, the Starley 5 year warranty is a pretty big consideration.

    Enjoy whichever you choose!
    Ben

    Bikes: Donhou DSS4 Custom | Condor Italia RC | Gios Megalite | Dolan Preffisio | Giant Bowery '76
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  • gary.hounsome
    gary.hounsome Posts: 296
    That is actually, ALOT nicer than the proof would suggest, I like it obviously it's your taste and it's exactly how you want it. I liked the idea of the red stitching in the bar tape btw.
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    Ben6899 wrote:
    It's all good Ricey, I don't mind people pointing out that the frame came out of a mold in China. I knew that already.

    Like you say, the Starley 5 year warranty is a pretty big consideration.

    Enjoy whichever you choose!

    It's funny how people neglect to say how a lot of Colnagos, De Rosa's etc are also made in the Far East but put down the likes of Starley and Ribble. bike snobbery at it's finest.

    Nice bike BTW, a mate of mine is considering selling his Giant Defy Advanced to buy one, having seen them at the Bike Show recently. I really liked the look of it too as well as the steel frame they do. Stand out bikes for me.
  • denniskwok
    denniskwok Posts: 339
    Camcycle1974 wrote:
    Ben6899 wrote:
    It's funny how people neglect to say how a lot of Colnagos, De Rosa's etc are also made in the Far East but put down the likes of Starley and Ribble. bike snobbery at it's finest.

    I don't think it's bike snobbery. I think it's more the point that Starley are selling the frame for £800, when you can get it for under half that direct. The warrantee and piece of mind dealing via a shop is compelling to a lot of people.

    You takes your choice and all that...
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    denniskwok wrote:
    Camcycle1974 wrote:
    Ben6899 wrote:
    It's funny how people neglect to say how a lot of Colnagos, De Rosa's etc are also made in the Far East but put down the likes of Starley and Ribble. bike snobbery at it's finest.

    I don't think it's bike snobbery. I think it's more the point that Starley are selling the frame for £800, when you can get it for under half that direct. The warrantee and piece of mind dealing via a shop is compelling to a lot of people.

    You takes your choice and all that...

    Fair point Dennis although a lot of the big boys are charging a lot more than that for similar frames. De Rosa 838? I think I would rather buy in the UK and pay the premium for peace of mind. It also depends on whether one is willing to take on building a bike from the frame up. Not everyone has the time,inclination or experience to do it (all three apply to me!)
  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    It looks really nice, it doesn't matter where it's made. :)
  • Smithster
    Smithster Posts: 117
    Nice, I like it. looks a bit like my new Ribble R872....
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    Smithster wrote:
    Nice, I like it. looks a bit like my new Ribble R872....

    What spec smithster? Got one too with 105 and handbuilt black Archetypes. Need some deep carbon rims to finish it off. PX C45 tubulars next spring I reckon.
  • ConanG1989
    ConanG1989 Posts: 64
    How much did this bike cost and was it made in china?

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