Trail Bike Showdown: Forbidden Druid vs. Starling Murmur

This analysis delves into a head-to-head comparison of two prominent short-travel trail mountain bikes: the Forbidden Druid and the Starling Murmur. Despite sharing strikingly similar geometric specifications in their large sizes, these two models present vastly different approaches to frame construction and suspension technology. The Forbidden Druid boasts a sophisticated carbon frame with a high-pivot, four-bar linkage system and an idler pulley, designed for optimal ground tracking and a robust feel. Conversely, the Starling Murmur features a steel frame with a straightforward single-pivot suspension, emphasizing durability, minimal maintenance, and customizable rear travel.

When examining their large-sized frame geometries, the Forbidden Druid and Starling Murmur reveal a remarkable convergence in key measurements. Both bikes sport a 65-degree head tube angle, with their reach measurements differing by a mere 5mm and their wheelbases by just 1mm. The Druid's S3 size has a 480mm reach, 637mm stack, and 1,259mm wheelbase, while the Murmur L offers a 485mm reach, 629mm stack, and 1,260mm wheelbase. The bottom bracket drop is also very close, at 35mm for the Druid and 34mm for the Murmur. The Murmur's effective seat tube angle is slightly steeper at 78 degrees. However, a significant divergence appears in their chainstay length strategies: Forbidden employs proportional chainstay lengths that adjust with each frame size, ranging from 423mm on the S1 to 466mm on the S4. Starling, on the other hand, recently standardized its Murmur models to a consistent 455mm chainstay length across all sizes, a change from earlier models that had shorter chainstays. The Murmur is available in six sizes, including a Medium Plus, accommodating riders from 5'2” to over 6'6”, while the Druid comes in four sizes for riders within the 5'2” to 6'6” range.

The suspension systems of these two trail bikes represent contrasting philosophies. Forbidden's Trifecta suspension utilizes a high main pivot paired with an idler pulley, which results in a rearward axle path. The V2 Druid transitioned from a single-pivot design to an inverted four-bar linkage, now equipped with an 18-tooth steel idler. While idler drag is a common concern with high-pivot bikes, previous tests of the Druid V2 found the resistance to be minimal, with the rear wheel effectively maintaining contact with the ground, even during intense braking. The Murmur, in stark contrast, embraces simplicity with its single-pivot suspension, requiring only two bearings for maintenance. Its adjustable shock mount allows riders to select between 120, 135, 150, or 165mm of rear travel, with each setting necessitating a specific shock. For the 135mm configuration, the Murmur uses a 210x55mm shock. Reviews of earlier Murmur versions highlighted the rear suspension's sensitivity to shock tuning and setup, yet it demonstrated comparable braking traction to more intricate linkage systems. The latest V3 design of the Murmur includes UDH compatibility and other enhancements.

In terms of frame features, the Druid framekit includes a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, with a claimed frame weight of 3.3kg (7.3lb) for an S2 size, excluding the shock. The Druid's design ensures that even its smallest frame can accommodate a full-size 26oz water bottle, and it incorporates a threaded bottom bracket and UDH compatibility. Riders have the flexibility to set it up as a full 29er or a mixed-wheel configuration. The Murmur's base price does not include a shock, but Starling offers options like a Fox Float DPS Performance or an Öhlins TTX22M.2 coil as add-ons for the 135mm setup. The Murmur also features a replaceable SRAM UDH and an aluminum seatpost insert to prevent seized seatposts. It can be converted to a mullet setup by swapping the swingarm and rear wheel. Murmur front triangles are crafted from Reynolds 853 steel in Europe, while the rear triangles are made from Chromoly in Taiwan, with some sizes (small, medium-plus, and extra-extra-large) being manufactured in the UK. The Druid is available in four frame sizes from small to extra-large. Both brands offer robust warranties: Murmur frames come with a 7-year warranty and crash replacement service, while the Druid provides a lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects and materials. The Murmur utilizes fully external cable routing for easy maintenance and installation, whereas the Druid opts for internal routing, keeping it straightforward with top-tube routing for the rear brake hose and derailleur cable, deliberately avoiding complex headset cable routing.

Ultimately, the decision between these two exceptional short-travel trail bikes hinges on individual riding preferences and priorities. The Forbidden Druid, with its advanced high-pivot and idler system, offers a ride feel that punches above its 130mm travel, complete with a mixed-wheel option without requiring additional swingarms. Conversely, the Starling Murmur appeals to riders who value the distinctive feel of a steel frame, a low-maintenance suspension design with minimal bearings, and the flexibility to adjust travel for diverse riding conditions.