It’s a short-travel trail bike that’s designed to be fast and efficient, but also capable enough when the going gets hot. Joe says this is the kind of bike he likes to ride, whether it’s for a power hour or a longer ride.
It uses the same frame as the original Murmuur with 140mm of travel, but uses its adjustable shock mount and a shorter shock and fork to reduce the travel to 120mm. Combined with lighter parts and faster tires, this should help it climb much better and cover ground well.
• 120 mm travel, 120 mm fork
• Steel frame
• 29″ wheels
• 66.2° steering angle
• 445 mm chainstays
• Sizes: M, Medium+, L, XL, XXL
• 7 year warranty
• Specified weight: “approx. 13 kg” (28.7 lb)
• Frame price with DT shock: £2,549
• Total price including VAT: £7,650
• starlingcycles.com
Frame details
This isn’t a purpose-built frame for downcountry, so it’s not the lightest option in the category. However, Starling’s approach is more adaptable. With a different shock and fork, it could be turned into a regular Murmur with 140/160mm travel thanks to the adjustable shock mount. With an alternative swingarm, it could also be turned into a mixed-wheel Twist or a longer-travel Mega Murmur enduro bike.
The frame is also covered by Starling’s 7 year warranty against manufacturing defects for the original owner. In addition, they offer a crash replacement service where Starling promises to repair any crash damage for postage costs only. Additionally, both new and used owners can use their refurbishment and repair service for new bearings, paint and graphics (for a fee).
The combination of adaptability, simplicity and customer service could help the frame last. At least that’s what Starling says.
The front triangle is hand-built in the UK from heat-treated Reynolds 853 steel tubing, while the rear triangle is manufactured by ORA in Taiwan from heat-treated chromoly.
The Mini Murmur uses a 210x50mm shock to achieve the 120mm of travel and features a UDH hanger, bottle cages under the top tube, threaded bottom bracket, ISCG tabs and fully external cable routing.
geometry
Offering five sizes between medium and XXL, Starling is able to keep the sizes pretty finely granular for those who are in the middle of the bell curve. The range change between sizes starts at just 15mm, then goes to 20mm and finally 30mm in the larger sizes.
The head angle is nothing out of the ordinary these days, but the 79-degree effective seat tube is noticeable – that’s very upright for a bike with this travel. That might make it more suited to sprinting up steep hills than long-distance riding.
The 46mm BB drop puts the bottom bracket about 325mm above the ground, which should provide some stability on steep descents.
Components
The Mini Murmur will be available as a frame without a shock for £2,150 or with a DT Swiss R535 shock for £2,549. The complete bike shown here with DT Swiss, Hope and Shimano XT components costs £7,650 including VAT.
Mini Murmur Complete Specification:
FORK: DT Swiss F323 One 120mm
SHOCK: DT Swiss R535 120mm
WHEELS: DT Swiss XMC 1501 F/H
TIRES: Michelin Wild XC
CRANKSET: Hope Carbon 165 mm / 32 teeth
B.B.: Hope 30mm
CHAIN: Shimano 8100 (XT)
CASSETTE: Shimano 8100 (XT)
MECH: Shimano 8100 (XT)
SHIFT LEVER: Shimano 8100 (XT)
BRAKES: Hope XCR 4 piston VR/HR
ROTORS: 180 mm Hope floating front/rear
HANDLES: Sensus Lite
BAR: Renthal Fatbar Lite V2 T6 Alloy
STEM: Hope TR 40mm
HEADSETS: Hope
TOP CAP: Hope
SEAT CLAMP: Hope
SEATPOST: Bicycle yoke Divine
DROPPER REMOTE CONTROL: Bicycle yoke
SADDLE: Fizik Alpaca X5