32-inch wheels have been a big (pun definitely intended) talking point throughout 2025 and into 2026, with BMC testing the large wheels on the pro circuit, and Dirty Sixer touting 32 and 36-inch wheels for taller riders. But now, Starling has entered the ring with the aptly-named Big Bird – although the brand’s approach is slightly different, equipping the new bike with a 32-inch wheel at the front, and a 29-inch wheel at the back… I’m going to call it Mega Mullet!
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That term isn’t just one of affection for Hulk Hogan’s haircut; rather, Starling has chosen to experiment with 32-inch wheels but without straying from the known performance of a 29-inch wheel. In fact, the brand still appears very cynical about the whole wheel size trend, but it’s chosen to fit a 29-inch rear wheel, rather than go for a whole 32-inch setup for ease of production.
Coming as part of Starling’s recently announced RARE range, the Big Bird is built in its Bristol-based workshop, and the brand wanted a simpler build process. Choosing a 29-inch wheel at the rear meant that the brand didn’t have to create a new rear triangle to suit. Additionally, the guys behind the bike prefer a mixed wheel setup, so why not experiment?
The Big Bird was born as a Starling Murmur, the brand’s 29in frame. The front end was then tweaked to suit the bigger wheel by reducing the reach to accommodate the extra 40mm in height of a 32-inch wheel. As such, a large Big Bird gets a 470mm reach, rather than the 485mm figure found on a Murmur.
Speaking of the geometry, the Big Bird in a large receives a 65-degree head angle, a 445mm chainstay, and a 78-degree effective seat tube angle. But note, there isn’t a small or medium frame available – only large and extra large.
A challenge that comes with building a big around a wheel that’s still rather fresh to the industry is the availability of compatible components. However, Starling has managed to deliver a solid build kit that utilises IntendBC’s Samurai 120mm suspension fork with extended dropouts to fit the large front wheel. The wheels are then hand-made by RyanBuildsWheels and constructed from Nextie carbon rims laced to Hope hubs. 32-inch tyres are also pretty hard to come by, so there’s a pair of Maxxis Aspens.
Despite developing a 32-inch wheeled bike, Starling’s still not sure
Although Starling has gone through the process of developing the Big Bird, the Starling team isn’t yet convinced, with the brand’s head, Joe McEwan, saying, “It’s really fun to ride. But in my opinion, 32” doesn’t make mountain biking more fun, more affordable, or more accessible to more people.
“In the short term, people with money can gain an advantage (if there is one), but this is lost if everyone is forced to change wheel size and we end up back where we started. It potentially devalues the perfectly good wheel sizes that came before it.”
McEwan has also shared his thoughts on the Big Bird’s ride: “We all expect the bigger wheel to roll over better. I’ve always been a bit cynical about roll-over, and I’ve always said that it’s more to do with gyroscopic stability than anything else. But with the 32”, it really does genuinely feel like it goes over rocks and roots better. It just seems to be more composed over chattery roots and rocks and genuinely feels really good.
“The big wheel has greater gyroscopic stability than a 29”, and is even harder to move out of plane. It tends to track better and doesn’t get kicked off line, but you have to put more effort into leaning it over.
“You have to really lean to get it over, but once it’s there, it really tracks. You have to set up for the corners even earlier and lean the bike in even more than a 29″. But it’s just like any other bike; it’s just about getting that timing right and getting used to it.”
The Starling Big Bird is available now with shockless frames costing £2,456. The Intend fork will add another £1,550, the Intend Hover shock is £860, the wheels are £1,500, and we don’t yet have a price on the Maxxis Aspen tyres.
