The Starling Murmur DownCountry Edition is a bike like no other. There are not many manufacturers who rely on steel for the construction of modern fully frames. Aluminium and carbon allow for more creative shapes and, of course, lighter weights. However, a striking number of steel fans are based in the UK. Unlike Cotic or Pipedream, for example, which are based in the UK but have their frames welded in Taiwan, Starling manufactures the main frame of its steel fullys by hand in its own country, in Bristol to be precise. Like its competitors, the rear triangle is made in Taiwan. Nevertheless, the Starling Murmur DownCountry Edition is "very British". This is demonstrated by the raw look of the steel welds, the partially external cable routing and the uncomplicated single-pivot rear triangle. Anyone thinking of a fully with a total weight of over 15 kilos with these attributes will be proven wrong by the British. The Starling weighs 12.7 kilos.
New rear triangle with modern standards on the Starling
The model name Murmur has actually been known from Starling for some time. Derived from the English name for a starling bird flight formation, the name used to describe a robust enduro bike with a choice of 135 or 150 millimetres of rear travel for use on challenging trails. The go-ahead for a lighter Murmur with reduced travel was given at the same time as the revision of all rear triangles in the Starling full-suspension range. The latest version of the Starling Murmur, Twist and Swoop models now also features a UDH derailleur hanger to accommodate a Sram Transmission rear derailleur. The new rear triangle also integrates the more modern Postmount standard for mounting the rear disc brake.
A special feature of the Murmur frame is the variable shock mount. It allows shocks of different lengths to be fitted, thus changing the character of the steel full-suspension bike. A shortened shock dimension is used on the down-country version. The rear triangle squeezes 120 millimetres of travel out of the 210x50 millimetre suspension strut. In combination with a 120 mm suspension fork, the geometry of the Murmur is 1.2 degrees steeper than the initial value of the Enduro version. This means that the steering angle is still a slack 66 degrees and the seat angle is now a particularly steep 79 degrees. Starling expects this adjustment to result in greater pedalling efficiency and at the same time a high level of versatility for varied trails. In an interview, Starling boss Joe McEwan reveals why the Brits favour progressive geometries, love steel bikes and why weight is actually secondary.
Details of the new Starling Murmur DownCountry Edition
- Frame price: from 1990 British pounds
- Price complete bike: On request
- Weight of complete bike: from 12.7 kilos
- Frame material: Reynolds 853 steel
- Suspension travel: 120 millimetres front / 120 millimetres rear
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Special features: variable shock mount, one steel frame platform for different applications, custom paint finishes possible
Diet plan for the Starling steel Fully
Carbon wheels from Switzerland are to provide the necessary acceleration for the lightweight Murmur. The Starling Murmur DownCountry Edition rolls on DT Swiss XRC1501 wheels. DT Swiss also provides the short-stroke suspension. The F321 One fork and the R232 One shock each provide 120 millimetres of suspension travel. Fittingly, a Sram X0 Eagle AXS Transmission rear derailleur nestles against the new UDH derailleur hanger. Fast Michelin Force XC2 tyres help with propulsion. A Trickstuff Piccola HD brake with 180 millimetre discs at the front and rear should not be missing from the equipment list for the lightweight show bike. The carbon handlebars and cork saddle are supplied by the luxury label Bjorn. An Intend Grace stem and a Bike Yoke Revive dropper post complete the Starling.
If you're salivating at the sight of these pictures, don't rejoice too soon. While the frame of the Starling Murmur can be ordered directly from the UK, the Downcountry model is an exclusive special edition. Starling does not currently offer the Downcountry Murmur as a complete bike for sale. However, anyone interested in such a bike project should contact Starling. In addition to the lightweight version, the British company also realises exciting custom paint jobs. In order to keep the downcountry show bike down to the respectable weight of 12.7 kilos, Starling chose a particularly elegant and lightweight equipment package.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
