Warranty, Frame Repair & Refurb

Starling Cycles Warranty, Frame Repair and Refurbishment.

a man welding a frame in the starling workshop

This page contains information on Starling Cycles’ various warranty, return and support processes, including frame repairs, repaints and refurbs. 

Instructions for how to proceed with any of these processes are at the foot of the page.

STARLING CYCLES returns POLICY

If you’ve changed your mind about your purchase, please notify us and return it within 14 days in its original condition with proof of purchase.

Return shipping will be at your cost. 

We are unable to refund any costs incurred associated with returned items, this includes costs of components purchased elsewhere, workshop costs etc. 

By original condition, we mean:

  • You’ve kept all original packaging and labels in good condition and the product can be resold at full price.
  • You haven’t used the product.
  • You haven’t assembled the product (for example building-up a frame with components).

Accidental Damage Whilst Shipping

If your frame box arrives damaged, report it damaged to the delivery driver if possible, photograph all damage to products and packaging and contact us straight away.


STARLING CYCLES WARRANTY POLICY

Starling Cycles frames come with a guarantee covering manufacturing defects.

V3 Murmur, Swoop and Twist models come with a seven year warranty

V3 warranty was previously two years but was extended to seven in April 2024 – with all existing V3 owners receiving an extension to their warranty, and all new customers receiving the extended warranty by default.

Learn more about why we extended our warranty here.

All other owners (V2, Stainless etc) are covered by a two year warranty.

We’ll rectify any manufacturing defects at our costs and cover all costs including materials, labour and repainting.

We’ll cover postage for any returns for customers within the UK.

Overseas customers will need to arrange delivery and postage at their own cost.

Starling Cycles Frame Crash replacement

All Starling Cycles frames come with a seven year crash damage replacement warranty.

If you crash your frame and damage it, we’ll fix it and cover the cost of labour and consumables.

You’ll need to cover postage, cost of materials and re-painting.

After the seven year replacement period we’ll consider frames on a case by case basis and do our best to get you back on the trails as quick as possible for as little cash as possible.

Our warranty and crash replacement policies only cover Starling Cycles frames, not any components.

Any warranty issues on components that are supplied with our frames will be implemented by Starling Cycles as per the 3rd party suppliers warranty policy.

Warranties and crash replacement only apply to a frame’s original owner.

STARLING CYCLES FRAME REPAINT AND REFURBISHMENT 

We want you to ride your Starling Cycles frame hard and not worry about keeping it pristine. We think a bit of wear and tear only adds to your bike’s story… But, we appreciate there’s a limit!

If you decide that your paint has got a bit too tatty, we offer the Starling Cycles frame repaint and refurbishment service. You may need this if your frame has got just a bit too scruffy, or if the paint has become sufficiently damaged that the bare metal underneath is exposed. 

The process is simple.

  • Timescales vary – we’ll confirm turnaround at the point of enquiry. 
  • We’ll strip and repaint your frame in any current colour.
  • We’ll replace your graphics in any current colour.
  • We’ll replace your bearings.
  • We’ll give your frame a check and recommend any further work that might be required.
  • The cost is £200 plus VAT and shipping.

Contact us in advance of shipping anything to us. 

STARLING CYCLES FRAME REPAIR POLICY

There are many benefits to steel mountain bike frames, one being the ability to repair damage or defects to tubing.

Many brands will simply bin and replace a damaged frame. We prefer to reduce unnecessary waste and operate more sustainably by repairing what we can. 

Typically repairs take around 4 weeks from the point of receiving your frame, but this varies. We’ll confirm timescale when you book your repair as best we can.

In many cases, we’re able to repair damaged tubing, this includes:

  • Flared head tubes.
  • Dents or holes in tubes.
  • Broken or bent features such as shock mounts, cable guides or disc mounts.
  • … And many more.

There are some things that we’re not able to repair, this includes:

  • Fully broken or creased tubes.
  • Stainless frames, unless the work involves minor brazing work.
  • Non-Starling Cycles frames.

Many repairs will fall under warranty, so please start by checking the warranty policy above.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW?

Warranty doesn’t cover:

  • Non-original owners, for example where you bought the frame 2nd hand.
  • Damage that isn’t our fault, for example, uplift damage or crash damage.
  • Frames that are outside of the warranty period.
  • Damage or deterioration to the paint, surface finish, aesthetics or appearance of the product or any damage to the frames structure caused as a result of paint damage.

Frame outside of warranty?

No worries, we’ll still work with you to get your frame back in action.

We’ll receive your frame, email you with a quote for the work and confirm whether you’d like to proceed.

  • Typically the biggest cost is to strip and re-powder coat, we charge £200 for this.
  • There will also be a repair fee to cover workshop time and materials.
  • There will also be a cost of shipping. You should arrange for your frame to be shipped to us and we’ll include return shipping in your repair cost.

And please note…

In some cases, it might not be possible to full restore the original look of the frame, for example we may need to add a small plate to cover up damage to a tube. We’ll always restore your frame to the original strength and we think these added details simply add to the ‘story’ of your bike.

In some cases we may be able to advise a local frame builder on how to make the repair, if that’s the most efficient way to proceed.

What’s next?

If you think that your Starling Cycles frame needs to be repaired, please contact us and we’ll discuss with you.

Please include photos of the affected area, details of how the damage occurred and your order details from purchase.

Every repair must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

STARLING CYCLES FRAME DISPOSAL

Another benefit of steel bike frames is that they can be recycled at the end of their life. This might come if a frame has been irreparably damaged, for example.

Starling Cycles frames can be easily recycled. You should strip your frame and separate the steel parts from the aluminium ones.

Then, take the parts to your local recycling/household waste facility and dispose of them in the metal deposit bin. These are available worldwide.

The recycling chain will kick in here and turn your frame into something useful, meaning it won’t end up in landfill and can keep being recycled infinitely.

If you’re able to return your frame to Starling, we’ll give you a 10% discount on a new Starling Cycles frame. We can recycle on your behalf or perhaps find a use for some parts of your frame.

CLUTCH STEM WARRANTY INFORMATION

The Starling Cycles Clutch stem is covered under its own warranty policy, separate to Starling Cycles frames.

Clutch Stems are supplied with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects.

Starling Cycles Clutch Stem Owner’s Manual and Installation Instructions.

Own a Clutch Stem and looking to repaint? Contact us here to arrange.

How to: Starling Cycles warranty, refurb, repaint etc 

For Warranty:
Contact whoever sold you your frame in the first instance. 

If you bought your frame direct from Starling, contact us. 
If you bought your frame from one of our dealers or distributors, contact them.
If you bought your frame second hand, contact us.


For All Other Processes:
For repair, refurb, repaint etc contact Starling Cycles. 

We’ll reply with all of the instructions that you need to go forward. Please, don’t send anything to us until we’ve replied and let you know what’s required.

Postage and returns to Starling.

Unless stated otherwise, postage to Starling should be handled by you, at your cost. We’ll confirm this when you book your frame in with us.

All frames must arrive with us fully cleaned and as a frame-only, stripped down of components, or an additional charge may be applied. Unless told otherwise, please remove your rear shock, bottom bracket, headset, chain guide etc. You’re welcome to leave your rear axle in the frame to protect your swing arm during postage.

Postage to us is at your own risk – you should ensure your frame is well-protected and insured against loss or damage in transit.