DMR Trailstar SwopOut £279.95
Tuesday 8th April 2008
Weight: 6.66lbs / 4130 cromo / Colours: mocha metallic, bone grey, diamond black / Four dropouts available, £19.95 per set
Contact: www.dmrbikes.com
Like the Marin Attack Trail reviewed elsewhere, the DMR Trailstar comes with modular dropouts, that DMR nicknames SwopOut. These bolt to the frame using standard chain ring bolts and four options are available – 10mm vertical, 10mm horizontal (for single speeds), 14mm horizontal and a 12mm thru-axle. The frame comes as standard with the 10mm vertical dropouts because DMR figures they're the most popular, but the 12mm option means you can also convert to Maxle QR. The catch is, you're looking at another £19.95 for the 12mm dropouts, £6.95 for two adapters and £35.99 for a 135mm x 12mm Maxle skewer.
DMR told us that if customers order the frame through a DMR dealer, they may be able to specify any dropout at no extra charge, but a lot depends on the dealer involved.
Opting for modular dropouts is an attempt to future-proof the bike/frame against any changes in axle size, design and, in some cases, if the modular dropout incorporates the disc mount, disc-brake fitting. We think DMR has missed a trick not including the disc mount in its modular system, but it has to be applauded for offering the rider flexibility and the facility to replace the dropout with a stronger/alternative one in the future, which, for a small bike firm, makes good sense.
Compared to most DMR frames, which are aimed at the jump market, the Trailstar is designed for a longer-travel 120-130mm suspension fork, and as such is a trail hardtail. It might still be too much bike for those of us weaned on a diet of XC racing, but if you're after a frame to build into a strong and durable hardtail, it's a solid, good-value choice. Just make sure you know what rear hub you're going to run before handing over the cash.
MBR RATING: 7/10
