We all know the advantages of carbon fibres: they are extremely light, have high tensile strength and can be shaped almost at will. We have these properties to thank for the most powerful mountain bikes in history. But if you really want to put your bike through the wringer, you don't always want maximum lightweight construction or fancy design. A robust companion with simple technology often seems better suited to everyday off-road use - one from Starling, for example.
Since 2015, the brand has stood for durable and uncomplicated mountain bikes "Made in the UK". Strictly speaking, the British brand's range is limited to just two models: the Roost hardtail and the Murmur trail bike - that's it. However, thanks to a variable shock mount, Starling has conjured up two more models from the Murmur platform - with otherwise exactly the same frame. An enduro bike called the Mega Murmur with 165 millimetres of suspension travel and our recently introduced test bike: the Mini Murmur.
More from Starling? Here are more articles on the British steel frame expert
The facts about the Starling Mini Murmur
- Frame price: approx. 2540 Euro
- Area of application: Downcountry
- Frame material: steel
- Suspension travel: 120 mm front / 120 mm rear
- Wheel size 29-inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL
- Weight: 13.47 kg in size L
- Weight of wheels: 3925 g
- Warranty: 7 years
- Special features: Steel as the frame material, an adjustable shock mount allows the Murmur frame to be transformed into an enduro or trail bike.
With 120 millimetres of suspension travel, 29er wheels, a Vario seatpost and long geometry, the latest variation of the Murmur joins the downcountry clique in the fully segment. "A simple bike is a fast bike" - all Starling bikes are based on this conviction. In order to live up to the company philosophy, the Mini Murmur, just like the other models, relies on the easiest raw material to process in frame construction: steel. While carbon fibres have to bake for hours in an autoclave or aluminium requires special welding processes due to its physical properties, the Reynolds 853 tube sets of the Starling could also be sizzled together by an amateur welder - to put it casually, of course.
You will look in vain for complex kinematics with a virtual or even high pivot point at the rear of the exotic bike. Instead, a simple single-pivot rear triangle makes the hearts of purists beat faster. By dispensing with additional joints, the reduced design also has a positive effect on durability and makes maintenance work easier. This also applies to the external cable routing, the threaded bottom bracket and the integrated headset. In short, if you want a stress-free ride, the Bristol brand is a winner. Also good: the Mini Murmur is available in six frame sizes from S to XXL, and the crew can even create custom colours on request.
The features of the Starling Mini Murmur Custom
- Fork: DT Swiss F 232 One
- Shock absorber: DT Swiss R 535 One
- Gear system: Sram X0 Transmission
- Ratio / bandwidth: 32; % 10-52/520 %
- Brakes: Hope XCR Pro X2 180/180 mm
- dropper post/stroke: Bike Yoke Divine/180 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss XMC 1501
- Tyres: Michelin Wild XC; 29 x 2.25
But back to the heart of the bike: a heavy steel frame on a sporty downcountry bike? At first, that sounds as out of place as a vegan in a steakhouse. Why? This bike category has its origins in racing. What began around four years ago with souped-up race bikes has now developed into a bike category in its own right, outstripping the increasingly heavy trail bikes used for touring. The combination of short suspension travel, comfortable weight and downhill-focussed geometry makes you want to go on long tours and still have fun riding downhill. Looking at the scales, however, the urge to pedal is limited: the Mini Murmur weighs 13.47 kilos. For comparison: downcountry bikes made of carbon in this price range often even break the 12-kilo mark. This raises the question: Can the Mini Murmur score points with its riding characteristics in addition to its purism, low maintenance and iconic steel character? Or does the heavy steel frame torpedo the actual advantages of a downcountry bike and only demonstrate the benefits of carbon fibre once again?
The geometry from our BIKE test lab
Driving report: Starling Mini Murmur
A downcountry bike with a steel frame - there's no question that the Starling crew like to cook their own soup. But the riding position also has its very own flavour. At 492 millimetres in size L, the reach is very long. However, the steep seat angle (79.1 degrees) forces the rider into a very compact riding position despite the long front triangle. With a lot of pressure on the front, the Mini Murmur steers precisely through the terrain. If, on the other hand, you crank on level ground, there is too much pressure on your hands. It's better to push the saddle back a little to minimise the steep seat angle. The rear triangle is also of the long variety. This keeps the front wheel on the ground even on steep ramps and you can devote your full concentration to the next key section.
And the weight? 13.47 kilos sounds too much for a downcountry bike costing almost 10,000 euros. However, the super-light wheelset with fast Michelin tyres keeps the rotating mass to a minimum. As a result, the bike accelerates very well, rolls excellently and the extra pounds of the frame fade into the background. Downhill, the Starling benefits from its long wheelbase. Even at high speeds, the Mini Murmur stays safely on track. The rear suspension does a great job. Unfortunately, the tame cross-country tyres and the less sensitive suspension fork cannot fully exploit the potential of the geometry.
Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Anyone who denies the Starling Mini Murmur the all-round capabilities of a downcountry bike due to its high overall weight is mistaken. Off-road, the long geometry also offers great reserves and keeps the fun factor high. Nevertheless, the investment is only worthwhile for enthusiasts who love steel mountain bikes above all for their charisma and are prepared to do without high-tech at this price point.
Max Fuchs
Editor
