Starling is best known for the purity of its steel frame designs.

But if you desire that classic Reynolds 853 look, with some very contemporary rear-suspension tech, Starling does quite an original DH bike, in its Sturn.

The engineering logic is terrifically simple: reduce suspension friction and create a frame that will last forever.

Read more: high-pivot bikes

Single-speed DH for the win

With DH riders and races being less concerned about frame weight, or pedal strokes, Starling has created a clever high-pivot design for the Sturn, which is now available as a V2.

On exceptionally steep DH tracks, most riders are unlikely to pedal much. As such, the Sturn is a single-speed.

Having only one gear at the rear dramatically reduces running costs and avoids the annoyance of crushed derailleurs. Not to mention improved suspension performance.

High-pivot bikes have been hugely successful in DH racing over the last few years and Starling’s Jack Drive system takes a novel approach to the concept.

The Sturn effectively drives from both sides of the frame. Its high-pivot acts as a portside link to the chainring(yes, it is on the ‘other’ side) and transfers rider input to the bike’s starboard side, where the chain links to a rear cog.

It can go as a Mullet

Beyond having a drive function, the high-pivot does its intended magic by freeing up the Sturn V2’s suspension movement.

With the V2 version, Starling has given Sturn riders more wheel size choices. The V1 was a pure 29er, but the V2 can run 29”, 27.5” or a combination of both.

Geometry remains custom, with Starling using a target 63-degree head angle – and building the rest to customer specification.

Suspension travel is 200mm front and rear, with an adjustable shock mount allowing for multiple coil- or air-shock sizes.

Old-school rear axle

If you are looking for a conventional SuperBoost 157x12mm rear axle, that is not an option with the Sturn V2.

As a single-speed, it uses the 142x12mm rear axle spacing. That said, Starling has fashioned a custom drop-out system that doesn’t require Sturn V2 owners to readjust chain tension each time they take off the rear wheel for maintenance.

Available as a frame or complete bike, pricing for the Sturn V2 starts at £2990 for a frame.