Falling over in the forest: Starling Murmur

Yeah, that makes sense, and I imagine there's no substitute for trying out different tyres myself. Anyway, no sketchy moments today (fumbling yes, but not uncontrolled kind of sketchy). It was slightly less wet than yesterday, but wet and muddy all the same. Going uphill, I didn't feel I was massively lacking in traction, despite the fast looking pattern on the rear tyre. But I guess it's a bit pointless to try to draw too many conclusions while lacking meaningful reference points.

Snow's good because it's easy to see where other people have been riding, but it also makes me very much aware of how clueless I am at this. Anyway, I'll just proclaim that pushing the bike along can be a decent form of exercise in its own right.

Though seriously, I've been able to ride bits I haven't been able to in the past, so there's something to counter the frustration as well. The bike feels intuitive on trails that are suitable for my, ahem, skill level, so I remain hopeful that going with the large frame (instead of XL) was a good choice. On the other hand I do still wonder about this, but it is what it is 🤷.

1 Attachment

I wouldn't worry about the size too much. Imo it's more fun to have smaller playful MTB than a big tank. Especially if you're not riding crazy downhill trails with it.
You can always get a slightly longer stem if it feels like the bars are to close to you.

I don't even think that the bike feels cramped or anything, on or off the saddle. I guess my worrying might be more to do with "the trend" than anything concrete. With road bikes I'm more 56 than 58, so that's also kind of in line with L over XL.

For reference, a snap with saddle at pedaling height. Doesn't look wildly disproportionate I don't think?

1 Attachment

what a beautiful bike

Thank you!

Colour is fantastic.

Definitely doesn't look out of proportion and looks like quite a short stem so room to play around with it if you ever do feel cramped.

Thanks. The stem is 35mm, so yeah, there's still room to go up.

I'll echo what the others said - really good looking bike.
Yellow pedals to compliment the shock colour would be a nice addition imo

Yellow pedals to compliment the shock colour would be a nice addition imo

Not a bad idea, though I ended up quite liking the hot pink ones. I didn't actually get them for this build, but they were a bit much on the other bike 🫣.

i love the bike. I always find single pivots like this to be a confident, quirky choice. does it ride well? I'd have a hard time going for one after being on VPP for so long.

I always go super grippy up front no matter what then change between a grippy/faster rolling rear tyre. I don't mind the rear moving but I like the front to go where I'm pointing it.

I like a Mary/Mary combo personally but if it's really dry then I might change to something like an Eliminator on the rear to reduce the drag a bit. Depends on conditions and terrain though. I don't do lots of linking miles either on the likes of roads or fireroads so I don't have to worry about wear/drag too much.

exactly this. only time i wish i hade a chunky rear tire is when i'm on some loose soft stuff going up steep sections and lose traction. Barely bothers me because lighter faster tires are wonderful.

Thanks!

does it ride well? I'd have a hard time going for one after being on VPP for so long.

I know I've been repeating how clueless I am about MTBs, but regardless, I think the bike rides great. So far I've felt like a lot of the time I don't really notice the suspension that much, which I've taken as a positive sign.

I guess the simplicity of the design was a big draw for me, and I decided beforehand that I could accept some compromises in suspension performance. And the geometry is modern (if not ultra-long).

I love it.