2022 Starling Murmur Review: The Steel Rock Crusher | 2021 Fall Field Test

With its Reynolds steel frame, laser cut Starling bird details and simple suspension design, the Starling Murmur certainly stands out from the other test bikes, but how does it stack up on the steep and rocky trails of Pemberton?

Presented by:

0:00 - Intro
0:28 - Bike Overview
3:35 - Climbing
5:59 - Descending
11:59 - Components
14:43 - Models
15:20 - Pros
16:03 - Cons
16:54 - Verdict

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[davidnicholson]

The simplicity of the design, the toughness of steel and the elegant look of this bike are all very appealing. I'll bet the ride is awesome.

[camrivers]

Oh man I have been wanting one of these for a long time! As a rider who does all their own repairs and servicing this ticks all the boxes. Plus I love the looks. One day it shall be mine 😁

[richardcaddick]

Brilliant. I’m also in the same city and took delivery last week. Looking forward to several years of riding on something unique and special.

[ryanhughs]

I've had one of these for a couple years now... I absolutely LOVE it. Climbing on this bike is really, really good in my opinion - especially considering how it gobbles up downhill and gnarly stuff. When climbing techy trail, you are glued to the ground for smooth traction. I live in Colorado where chunky, steep, unpredictable trails, and really tight switchbacks (with scary fall lines!) are the norm. This bike shines. The only place where I feel the long length of the bike is in the occasional SUPER tight Colorado switchback. I disagree a bit with the review up top about it's pop. I don't have a coil shock, but this thing pops and moves and manuals great for me. I ride it for hours in the pedally up and down of Moab, rip downhill under confident full control, and take it to the downhill park and ride everything. Did I mention its gorgeous?! If you want to increase ride confidence, save some money over production bikes, have something unique, and have a bike you'll love in EVERY situation... this bike is for you.

[donutbarbell]

I too was a bit in the middle of sizes! Between a small and a medium. So I had a medium length & small stand over. Bloody perfect. Love my Starling

[beerenmusli]

Really enjoying Alicia's and Kazimir's input and descriptions! Really helps to narrow the own decisions.

[lordnormington]

Alicia nailed the summary. A simple and beautiful bike.

[studiotsunami]

STEEL IS REAL!!! IM IN LOVE! those starling birds 😍 DETAILS! aw aha aw woah ahhhh

[superspeckyeyes]

I've been riding a single pivot for years and I love it. I think everyone should try one. Sometimes simpler is better.

[gabby-dmwz]

hhuuugee fan of starlings geometry and designs, great bikes.

[MrJwhittaker]

Not many things more beautiful than Alicia riding a Murmur!

[andrewgardner]

I am a bigger rider (6'5" 240lb) so flex would be a concern for me but Starling does list on the website that they have extra strut reinforcement for sizes XL and XXL. I am loving the look and everything about this bike. I might have to get one.

[secretsquirrel]

I've just returned from a backcountry trip to Finale / Molini in Italy on my Starling. I was riding in the company of much more capable and experienced riders on more modern / expensive bikes but am pleased to say that the Murmur just ate up the rocky, rooty, steep trails without issue.
Its a bike that has a twang in sharper corners, like carving on skis you have to find a rhythm that matches the elasticity of the bike; when you do, it sings!
I can't really comment of climbing ability - I can make up for a small loss of efficiency in the groups I'm in.
Don't buy a Starling if you want to fly under the radar tho. In a group with some seriously swish machinery nothing else got a look-in. I had other riders call out compliments (on the bike!) from trailside as I rode by.
Dare to be different!

[mabecka]

I have a custom geometry Starling Swoop, looks like the Murmur but with 27.5" wheels. It's good, really good.

[scottyscreaming]

I'd totally sell my 22 stumpjumper frameset and swap all my parts over. Steel is real baby. If you think it's slow just get faster 😜

[chrisvejnovich]

Hey How about an all steel trail bike field test. There are at least 5 or 6 different companies out there producing steel full Cotic, Moxie, Stanton... And I'm sure there are more.

[thomasamos]

Recommend the Orange Stage Evo for short travel / single pivot trail bikes. The newer ones come specd with the RS SD shocks and absolutely fly.

[bicycleremedies]

Well, you all did quite well with your test. pivot loosening is a bit of a weak con to mention, especially on a new bike. Nip it up with a drop of locktight and no more loose pivot . Pretty good review though all round. A Starling is a bit like your favorite Aunty, once you've ridden her there's no gong back.

[chrisw]

I had a Rock Lobster Team Tig 853 made from the same tubing and that was special too. I gave that bike to my brother-in-law in the end, but otherwise would have kept it if I didn't need to make space for a newer bike. Reynolds also make the 953 tubing which is stainless and you don't need to paint it.

[joshsaintlaurent]

Best bike I've ever owned .. it's a keeper for sure. The beuty is in its simplicity . I feel slow on this bike lol. Because of the natural damped feel of steel . And it's stealth quiet . I love it