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Just out a few hours ago!... The new Speialized Chisel looks an interesting XC/downcountry bike, 120mm front & 110mm rear. I think this is priced well (£2K for standard with a Recon, or £2.7k for the SID build)
https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/c/chisel
That’ll be good value at 50% off in 6 months. 😉
It's a full metal epic - same geo as epic 8
That’ll be good value at 50% off in 6 months. 😉
I dunno, looks to me like that’s pretty keenly priced and well specced right out the gate for specialised, bit of a correction vs the last couple of years.
and they seem to be on a bit of a run this year with keenly priced alloy bikes that are at very respectable weights. See also the crux gravel bike that’s sold out already.
When I returned to MTB last year I couldn’t work out why all the ‘normal’ bikes were 140mm travel. This looks an excellent mid level full Susser that will suit many to me.
I think this looks pretty decent value. Seems almost identical geo to the Epic Evo, which is a good thing.
That looks like my ideal bike. for my sort of riding that would work anywhere
Also specced with Shimano unlike my current Chisel which did have SRAM. Happy about that
that is defo on my radar, would be a great addition to my enduro bike and be a bit more comfy than my Chisel HT.
Its just a shame its not available in brushed aluminium.
When I returned to MTB last year I couldn’t work out why all the ‘normal’ bikes were 140mm travel.
I've set PBs on my recent 140/150 bike that had previously stood for a decade from when I was XC racing on those segments. Why not have 140mm travel if you're no slower than a hardtail or 100mm bike?
Having said that, I do like the look of this! 😃
Also specced with Shimano unlike my current Chisel which did have SRAM.
I'm another one who bought the Chisel Comp HT at near 50% off - I appreciate that it's pretty entry level SRAM and definitely not the lightest but actually it's been faultless so far. Definitely ripe for upgrade as and when it wears out though.
The new Chisel FS looks very good. Same with that new aluminium Crux as well.
Didn't the Chisel name used to be their alloy race hardtail?
Looks a great option as a Uk trail bike for 90% of rides. I wonder if there is any chance of a review or article on here or is that been left to the competition
@devash still is, I believe; this is "Chisel FS" to distinguish it, though no idea if they are retiring it.
I’m another one who bought the Chisel Comp HT at near 50% off – I appreciate that it’s pretty entry level SRAM and definitely not the lightest but actually it’s been faultless so far. Definitely ripe for upgrade as and when it wears out though.
The new Chisel FS looks very good. Same with that new aluminium Crux as well.
To be fair the mech was OK but the shifter broke so I replaced both
I don't need an XC bike at all but this looks bloody brilliant.
Especially the pink one that they (appropriately) sent to Pinkbike:
Agree, really like the look and price of that. Don't need a bike though. Hope they continue with the Chisel HT too. I think the D'Alusio tubing/welding method of making these frames has worked very well. Agree it'd be nicer as a frame only in brushed alu.
Nice. Reminds me of my old Tallboy 3 which I ran with a 120/130mm fork (with the same 110mm rear as this) but with better geometry. Probably the type of bike I should have rather than my 130mm trail bike, but I like the sizing/angles of mine.
Flex alloy seat-stays seems like a really bad idea, is this a common design feature?
Nice to see a frame price starting with a 1. 1400 for the frame feels like the current sale price after the last few years of nonsense
It looks nice, but isn't it just an alloy version of the carbon Epic? (Which can also be had with sids for £2.7k)
It looks nice, but isn’t it just an alloy version of the carbon Epic? (Which can also be had with sids for £2.7k)
Are you talking about the new Epic 8? Or the old one? As Geo is very similar to the new 8. Not sure how it compares to the older one.
Flex alloy seat-stays seems like a really bad idea, is this a common design feature?
I see this comment quite often. I know nothing about metal flex or fatigue, but i am guessing someone at Specialized does, otherwise they wouldnt bring a bike to market that has the potential to fail. Wouldnt be great business sense.
There are also other manufacturers that employ the same tech.
I believe Merida (biggest frame maker in the world?) do a 160mm alu frame with flex stays.
So this 110mm frame should be fine.
I see this comment quite often. I know nothing about metal flex or fatigue, but i am guessing someone at Specialized does, otherwise they wouldnt bring a bike to market that has the potential to fail. Wouldnt be great business sense.
To be fair, they didn't seem too bothered about multiple e-mtb motor failures on Levos and Kenevos, though I get that it's a slightly different thing.
I think if the following would work well:
- Base model at £2,000.
- Swap out the Recon fork, say £100 sale on ebay. Upgrade to a Fox 34/SID 120mm, say £300. (£2,200)
- Swap out the stock wheelset, say £150 sale on ebay. Upgrade to Hunt XC wheel set @ £290 (£2,290)
Then you have a great all round bike for £2,300.
Are you talking about the new Epic 8? Or the old one? As Geo is very similar to the new 8. Not sure how it compares to the older one.
The current Epic 8 is basically the Epic 7 Evo with a steeper seat tube (replicating the high chip position yet keeping slacker HA and 120mm out back.
Looks like the perfect bike for me! Still probably a bit over budget though tbf!
Currently riding a 2013 Trance X 29er which is 120mm travel. I'm assuming that this would be a noticeable upgrade? I've not ridden a 'modern' geometry 29er
Were there comments of here recently where people with the Epic Evo 8, found the stack on the low side ?
What are the cost differences in producing this as opposed to the carbon model given the r&d and tooling costs that will have been incurred. I wonder if with the contraction of the market this is a way of preserve the profit margins on the carbon models while not loosing out on sales to people who can't afford them.
Also be interested in the weight difference between this and the carbon frame.
I'm happy riding around on the south downs on my rigid bike and have no need for one but I still rather fancy one 😂
Guy Kesteven review.... he seems to like it. I note the large he tested (basic model @ £2K) is certainly heavy at 14.7kgs, I imagine most of that's in the Recon fork, SRAM SX drivetrain and possibly he weighed it with inner tubes in (?)
https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/full-suspension-bikes/specialized-chisel-fs-review
Why do companies cut steerers so short that you have only 5mm or something of height adjustment grr
14.7kgs, I imagine most of that’s in the Recon fork, SRAM SX drivetrain and possibly he weighed it with inner tubes in
Wheels look basic and lardy too.
If Guy is writing for MBR then it's not sponsored content and should be objective.
Whether he has tarnished his own reputation is another issue though.
If you want Shimano it sounds like you'll have to make sure you get in early from his review, shifting to SRAM for the second batch
If Guy is writing for MBR then it’s not sponsored content and should be objective.
If you want the sponsors version there is always the YouTube version out. Perhaps that’s why he has one to test and not STW
Separate GK review on bikeperfect too! Of the same test bike of course....
Over on pinkbike Kaz has built one of the lairy pink frames up into a 26lb bike. It’s not a budget spec by a long shot though
14.7kg is heavy, my 2011 Stumpjumper Comp was 12.5kg and around the same price, but came with a Fox rear shock and RS Revelation forks.
Pinkbike's article headline is Aluminium Done Light, i guess that doesn't extend to everything else attached to the frame.
£1400 for the frame, I know its not chump change but still, thats pretty good. Colour is excellent too.
Pinkbike’s article headline is Aluminium Done Light, i guess that doesn’t extend to everything else attached to the frame.
Did you read their article? It's about the frame, which they've built up very light.
Guy Kesteven review…. he seems to like it
Now there’s a shock.
One day there’ll be a bike he doesn’t like. Possibly.
Why do I want one of these even though I don't need it?
Specialized make some of the best frames however they tend to have crap builds for the price. But these Chisels actually have decent builds. But the best colour is frame-only. And according to Guy they will switch back to most likely lower-tier SRAM components for the second phase. All cleverly planned to get loads of sales ASAP.
This looks great, nice clean lines (ride killing aluminium stays notwithstanding) but I am guessing there are Decathlon or similar alternatives for 2/3 the price?
When I returned to MTB last year I couldn’t work out why all the ‘normal’ bikes were 140mm travel. This looks an excellent mid level full Susser that will suit many to me.
I think the level at which bikes get bouncy and rubbish to pedal in any serious way has crept up to ~150mm over the last decade. Short travel bikes are still generally better, but it's marginal gains between 100/120/140mm, whereas 160mm+ still tends to be at best you can sit and spin up a fire road but it won't feel responsive.
So there's a bit of "why wouldn't you want 140mm?" But it depends where and what you ride. I ride a HT for just about everything locally so the 140/150 bike is saved for big days out elsewhere where it makes sense. If I wanted a FS for local stuff too, or I rode the same sort of stuff in different places then the Chisel looks like a good option.
Flex alloy seat-stays seems like a really bad idea, is this a common design feature?
It's been done by everyone from Garry Fisher (the Sugar frames of ~2000) , Salsa (Spearfish and Horsethief) and a load of others. Done right it doesn't seem to be an issue.
I'm not a metallurgist but IIRC some of the 6000 grades don't require heat treating and tolerate flexing a lot more but aren't as strong so build into heavier frames (but they're cheaper because they don't need heat treatment). Whereas some of the lighter stronger 7000 series frames do need heat treating and are less tolerant of flexing. But some of that information is half remembered marketing / reviews from Mountain Cycle San Andreas frames in the 2000's.
and they seem to be on a bit of a run this year with keenly priced alloy bikes that are at very respectable weights. See also the crux gravel bike that’s sold out already.
No, not sold out - they've released it but don't have any stock until December.
Really like the looks of that. Currently have a Chisel HT that I like the ride off. I've had carbon road bikes and MTB's but for some strange reason seem to be leaning towards alloy frames. The Chisel was a trade in of a carbon Stumpjumper FSR and I'm tempted to trade my Trek Domane in for an alloy Crux frame and I could get a cheap carbon Crux on C2W scheme.
I had a 2017 Diverge Elite DSW when they came out and i'll admit it was no light weight but really nice to ride. It was a damn sight more comfortable and enjoyable to ride than the Carbon Roubaix I replaced it with.
been in Harrogate specialized today.
some fantastic deals on Epics. like 50% off 6k bikes. was tempted for a comfy offroad pottering bike.
Was considering an Epic for general xc mincing so defo want a closer look at this.
Delete
I'm in, I emailed Tredz for a delivery date and got "coming soon" (?). I think I could build a better bike for £2700 by going frame only and parts/secondhand. I think 14.8kgs for this bike is actually pretty poor, this should be coming in around the 13kg mark tops.
Now... the STW million dollar question... "how bad are Hunt XC wheels" 🙂
I think I could build a better bike for £2700 by going frame only and parts/secondhand
That's what I'd do, yeah.
For wheels I'd look at DT Swiss though, something like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324012787352
Then midrange Shimano transmission, Deore brakes and a Brand X dropper and Bob's your mother's brother.
I think I could build a better bike for £2700 by going frame only and parts/secondhand. I think 14.8kgs for this bike is actually pretty poor, this should be coming in around the 13kg mark tops.
I’d be surprised if you couldn’t build one out of new parts of a higher spec & less weight, with the deals out there at the moment.
Also, a 3kg frame & fairly average parts, never going to weigh ~13kg, at best - most higher end XC bikes (Spark, etc) are that sort of weight & 3 times the price. The PB article had one at just over 12kg (with pedals) & that was XXSL Transmission, a 1200g carbon wheelset, etc.
And in answer to your other question. Hunt Wheels. They are yes bad.
This thread has made me want a Chisel FS frame as a 'trail' bike, and a Crux frame to replace the camino which is a bit sedate. Thing is, I have a ti XC HT/rigid bike I love and will keep (covers most of my previous gravel bike base as well), a Gen 5 Cotic Soul mullet as my HT 'trail' bike that i've not finished building up yet. And not really enough money even if I moved on a couple of bikes...! I'd want the frame only, but really not in that colour...the crux frame only has a pretty cool colour mash up though
For comparison my carbon Evo 7 pro is 11.3kg. The only thing I changed was grips to foam, GC tyres to Barzo/mezcal and centreline to quaxar rotors. That’s with dropper as well of course but I don’t think that’s particularly light.
I’m not sure why folk this this couldn’t be built up to 13kgs on a medium budget (£2500). Would likely go:
frame
light wheel set (1600gms)
fox 34 (1800gms)
Shimano SLX drive chain
Racing Ralph’s (640gms each)
near to 13kgs seems very obtainable to me.
Oh, and Silt wheels FTW.
What’s wrong with the comp model? £2700 and already under 13kg
I’m not sure why folk this this couldn’t be built up to 13kgs on a medium budget (£2500). Would likely go:
frame
light wheel set (1600gms)
fox 34 (1800gms)
Shimano SLX drive chain
Racing Ralph’s (640gms each)
near to 13kgs seems very obtainable to me.
I'm seriously tempted to chop my current Carbon XC FS in for one of those frames and given it's got a Fox 34 factory SC (1510g), Hunt Proven XC Carbons (1500g) XTR gruppo (2750g) carbon finishing kit and a pair of Spesh Fast Trak / Renegade tyres I'd be looking at around 12kg all in or there abouts, more than reasonable I'd say. And the Pink is mega.
What's better about this Chisel than your current Carbon XC bike?
Shall we all get one and see who can build the lightest 🙂
What’s better about this Chisel than your current Carbon XC bike?
The colour 😀
I can't help thinking the new Canyon Lux Trail CF 6 is far better value though.
Shall we all get one and see who can build the lightest 🙂
I've seen various builds with Chisel HT on YouTube around how light it can realistically go. If you throw unlimited budget at it, even based off a relatively "normal" aluminium frame, it's actually possible to get well into the realms of top-end XC bike weights but equally if you just build it with the sort of kit you'd get as standard, it's still not unreasonable.
I think it'll be the same with the FS version. Mid-level kit and it'll be a great all-round trail bike; top end kit and it'll be light enough to be competitive in most normal XC races (ie the sort that folk on here would do, not World Cup level!)
I'm seriously drawn to one of these, the base model just slips into the max my company allows for C2W (and we use Halfords so I know can use Tredz without any worries).
I've overbuilt my Sonder Evol and have been wanting a lighter riding bike (my XL 29er Evol is 15kg with trail tyres) I think one of these is probably the answer to what bike do I want for 90% of my offroad riding.
Are you still running it as a balance bike?
Completely lost on me, sorry.
Pinkbikes review, it’s not an Epic 8 after all…
Shall we all get one and see who can build the lightest 🙂
Nah, let's see who can make it the heaviest - with inappropriate enduro-spec parts and potentially a coil shock.
Pinkbikes review, it’s not an Epic 8 after all…
Interesting, I wonder how much of that is deliberate, and how much of that is the limitations of the material. Sounds pretty close though. Not many people are going to notice 0.5deg and 5mm on the front end. Or suspension curves that sits between two similar XC bikes, especially with a different shock.
I remember when they did the original Pitch the only changes between that and the contemporary Enduro were down to basically making the frame from bits they could find in the parts bin. I wonder if the main frame tubes are borrowed from something else and 5mm/0.6deg off the epic is as far as those could be pushed.
I dunno, I did the last 2 races with the Chip in “high” mode on my Epic Evo, and despite the minor changes and contrary to other people who say they can’t I could tell very much how different it was.
My epic expert weighs in at 10.9kg. I swapped bar/stem/seatpost only.
Was originally a £7750k bike though 🥺
These are now commonly available at most shops, who’s seen one in the flesh, or ridden one? Still on the fence regarding a standard base model and wheel/fork upgrade V frame only build.
These have definitely piqued my interest in the realms of 'smoothing out' rides which my back problems would hopefully thank me for. I'm still torn over shorter travel like the Chisel vs a smidge longer like the Canyon Neuron as an all rounder. Whichever I eventually plump for, it's replacing a HT, and I have my Sommet for the fun chunky stuff. Appreciate it depends on riding, and most of mine is tame - North Tyneside not being well known for it's gnarr 😂 - but also for the odd excursions to Northumberland's finest in the middle of nowhere rides, and the odd lakes and tame(r) trail centre stuff. I love the frame only colour too.
i see a few places are listing 'Specialized Chisel Comp Ion/ Smoke al', but no images yet. What colour are we thinking 'Ion' is?! I like the dark green of the Comp, but would love a silver version like the HT.
Was in the Harrogate Specialised shop yesterday looking at the Chisel. Looks decent and the bloke I spoke to reckoned after weighing them it was lighter than the Epic 8 Evo Comp I also looked at which surprised me. According to him the 2025 stock wheels are a fair bit lighter than the 2024.
it was lighter than the Epic 8 Evo Comp
That does seem strange to me, the Aluminium bike coming in lighter than the carbon fibre, bearing in mind the geometry is almost identical. How did they lose the weight difference in the wheels when both years are the same diameter and made from Aluminium, both are 27mm external.
No idea mate but he said they weigh every model that comes through the shop and the Chisel was a touch lighter. Saying that, he mentioned the new hubs Specialized are using and the Fox 34's will be a chunk heavier than the 32mm RS I guess? I'd have to look again but maybe different tyres? They certainly felt a similar weight (and a bit heftier than I imagined they would tbf).