Well, it had to happen eventually. And Starling’s done it first. Even if the brand’s not quite sure that adding another wheelsize is a good idea, they’re offering the first production 32/29″ mullet.
Wait, you’re thinking, 32″ bikes aren’t even real yet. How are we already having variations? Well, other than the complete unavailability of tires beyond a very xc-focused Maxxis Aspen, mixed wheels is arguably the most interesting way forward for anyone 32″ curious but not looking to race XC.
While the cross country racers want all the efficiency and only efficincy, a smaller back wheel would keep some of the fun. It works with 29/27.5″ mullets, so it could work with 32/29? Then again, it didn’t really work when Specialized tried a 26/24″ mullet, so who knows. That’s why Starling made the Big Bird. To find out.
Starling sets Big Bird loose, for now
Aptly named Big Bird, for the big wheel and maybe for the kind of cartoonish level of hype around this new wheel size, Starling is only offering a very short production window. Pre-orders are open now so, if “mega mullet” was all you needed to hear to get your order in, head over to Starling’s site before they change their minds.
Will they change their minds? There’s a good chance of it. Here’s the resounding sales pitch for Big Bird and the 32/29″ mullet concept:
“Is 32” good for mountain biking? I’m still not sure, but I don’t think it is.
Does it ride well on the trails? Yep, it really does.”
Like other Starling’s, the Big Bird runs on a single-pivot steel frame. That frame has 120mm travel, with another 120mm up from from Intend’s new Samurai 32″ prototype fork. Starling’s offering a build kit of 32″ parts to go with the frame, so you can actually ride this thing when you get it.
Starling says it made the Big Bird out of curiosity. You can’t know if something will be good or bad until you try it, right? So the order window is basically giving other riders that same opportunity. To find out for yourself if this Big Bird can fly, order before the window closes and this bird goes back in the cage on March 31.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…