Back in the early parts of 2016 we were lucky enough to stumble upon this beauty of what could only be described as a “home-made” British steel 650b enduro bike, made in a guy’s shed in Bristol. We tested it, not knowing what to expect, but were pretty blown away by its performance- Starling Swoop Review. Owner, Joe talked of big plans for the future and low and behold his new creation; the Starling Murmur 29.

This fantastically simple looking bike goes big in the wheel department for 2017.
This fantastically simple looking bike goes big in the wheel department for 2017.

As with before, Joe is going to be offering this frame with custom geometry (if required) but the numbers for the standard Murmur are looking pretty hot and very forward thinking. The standard frame is coming in with 145 mm rear travel, clearance for a 2.35 rear tyre, 66° head angle and constructed with Reynolds 853/631 tubing. Best of all this new Steel rig boasts being no heavier than your standard alloy enduro machine!

Up close, these things are a real fine piece of work.
Up close, these things are a real fine piece of work.

When we last hooked up with Joe, he was still in the zone of a hobby builder with a full-time aerospace engineering job, but this Murmur marks a change in Joe’s life, as he goes full guns at this bike creating a job, with it now being his “proper” career. Joe offers custom shock options from some of the leading brands and full builds are available with components from Funn, Burgtec, Stans, Mudhugger and Reynolds wheels. A frame-only option is available for €1760.50 (£1500.00)

In our last review we found this to be the quietest bike we had ever ridden and the welds are just so good!
In our last review we found this to be the quietest bike we had ever ridden and the welds are just so good!

You may be about to see quite a lot more of one of these frames, as we are getting one for long term testing for our parts and components in the UK. Of course, ours had to be a bit different, taking full advantage of the custom geometry. Our build really is going to be something special, think very long, very slack, steep seat angle, the blingest of components finished off with a custom paint job; watch this space!

Shall we be seeing a lot more of the Starling brand out on the trails in the future, we hope so!
Shall we be seeing a lot more of the Starling brand out on the trails in the future, we hope so!

For more information, check out the Starling Website


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