Specialized Chisel FS - Any feedback yet?

I've just plopped for one of the reduced 2023 epic evos instead...full carbon ftw

You work for specialized dont you?

Yeah (speaking as an epic EVO owner, classic recommend what you’ve got) I’d find it hard to recommend a chisel FS whilst the epic evo’s are available at such good prices. As good as they look and well priced they are, the carbon bikes gotta be a winner at these prices.

I’ve just plopped for one of the reduced 2023 epic evos instead…full carbon ftw

me too in desert rose

Nice...that's the epic full xc one...very nice. I went for the expert evo instead in the rust red...

Nice…that’s the epic full xc one…very nice. I went for the expert evo instead in the rust red…

I liked that but couldnt find one at the time id rather had the evo but instead had to go local , the whole certini /specialized/ concept store thing was perplexing

i am also very interested in the chisel fs and what people think of it.

the few reviews i have read online have all been good what they think of the bike.

as i haven't started saving yet the deals on epics etc will be long gone by the time i have to cash for the base model.

Got a buddy with a Chisel FS, loves it! Says it's a blast and efficient on long XC rides. Swapped stock tires for more aggressive ones, that's it

We're getting warmer.... anyone on here actually ridden one then ?

...

I've not got one... yet. So a mildly pointless post.... but i do have about 6 stock alerts set-up for the frameset.

I have a Chisel HT and love it, so was excited to see the FS get released.

As with every Chisel thread, the cut price last generation Epic Evo always comes up. I have looked at these as a 'better' alternative for similar money to the Chisel. But i have concluded the Chisel is the frame for me. Being alloy is a big attraction. Plus its reach is a little longer (but not silly), its stack is higher and its wheelbase is longer (all in Medium size of each).

Yes it will be a few lbs heavier than an Epic Evo, but for me, as i am not racing it, it wont make much odds. Plus the durability of the alloy, its a winner for me.

But as i say, not got one yet, but as soon as i can get my hands on one, i will 🙂

Also keen to hear from anyone that does own one. Send pics!

I've 'ridden' one round the car park of the bike shop, and then tested that against an older Epic Evo. So, not that helpful really, however, for me, the Epic Evo was too low at the front for how long it felt reach-wise (size large); the medium Chisel FS was too short - felt like my knees were too close to the bars; the large Chisel FS felt OK, but heavy. It was the standard spec one not the Comp, so not really fair to say it's a heavy bike when the Comp is meant to be sub 13kg.

Am currently at my favourite bike shop.  They have very kindly pre ordered the red sram one for us (due date Feb 2025). I will let you know what it is like when it arrives but am very excited now to put it mildly ?

I've not but that's because the Chisel thread somehow made me buy a half price Epic Evo 🙂

Sometimes you just have to be a brave little soldier and take the plunge OP.

Stock numbers seem to have been pretty low, and now there are almost no Chisel FS Comps available (two in Large at Specialized Concept stores, none in XL) nor Epic 8's in most sizes either. I'm assuming there will be a shipment to the UK at some point so now just waiting on notifications to tell me when....

I'm unsure whether to go for a Chisel or go all in on the Epic 8 but will have to twiddle my thumbs for a bit longer to make that decision anyway.

It's easier for me to copy and paste what I wrote on your second most recent thread about this than it is to type "oh my god just get on with it and buy an Epic before they sell out and you'll regret it when you have a fat heavy lump of an aluminium XC bike instead".

. I could see a light and efficient down or cross country bike being a good companion to the Trance but the Chisel ain’t it. They’re not light by any stretch of the imagination. You’ve been asking about these bikes for a long time and I think you know the right answer is a reduced Epic. There’s a lot of cheap Sparks about too.

We’re getting warmer…. anyone on here actually ridden one then ?

But we arent are we as everyone so far has said they bought an epic for less and no one has acctually ridden one or will care till they sell out of epics , the epic 8 is now on sale too ....

What Munrobiker (and others) said..... Hadn't realised OP was a serial chisel/epic threadstarter. Just buy an epic and start enjoying riding it

as everyone so far has said they bought an epic for less

Where do you buy Epic's at <£2K then ?

You work for specialized dont you?

Yes...I own Specialized... tin helmet man...

Where do you buy Chisels at <£2k?

Where do you buy Chisels at <£2k?

Everywhere.... they are £2,000 RRP, try any Specialized Store in the UK. Some are selling at £1,800 currently, few stores are doing 10% off.

Epic evo comp 2023 2499

Chisel fs comp 2025 2700

both at certini

Only the base was 2k and with such a crap spec that you would need to spend 500 quid to bring it up to the competition , there were plenty of other bikes on sale where you would need to be shilling for specialized to discount them

Heres an idea why not buy one and come back and tell us if its any good

Heres an idea why not buy one and come back and tell us if its any good

No, the idea was someone that's bought one tells me.

Ok i will wait for next months post when you ask again

There’s a lot of cheap Sparks about too.

And the cheap spark at 1799 is very similar to the dire spec on the base chisel only 200 quid cheaper

The longer this goes on the more chances those carbon Evo deals are fading away….

Yet another thread about Epic Evo and Chisel oh and yes it’s been started by the fruit mr coconut ?

I think we have all told you how good the Evo’s are on numerous occasions, and the chisel is based on the Evo layout so should also be a good bike, the differences are weight and how much you wanna spend low price cheap components, high price better/lighter components, it’s quite simple really, pps my 2023 S-Works Epic Evo is superb with a weight off 10.6kg with all the AXS XXSL, Carbon everything but I’m worth it that’s why I bought it and ps I didn’t have to keep asking how good it was ??????

The Chisel Base spec is 32lbs. That's Enduro bike weight. You've been complaining about how your existing bike is too heavy.

Get the Epic.

Although I might sell it and buy a new S-works Epic 8 with the flight attendant

The Chisel Base spec is 32lbs

Madness! And barely a component worth having.

*Jonny-humble-brag*    He has an expensive bike everyone.

I'd say humble bragging is better than asking the same question in slightly different ways until you get the answer you want which seems to be "yes, this overweight lump of a bike does ride better than the heavy bike you already own, and the lighter and better specced Epic that's not much more money. You go out there and low £2k on an XC bike the weight of an Enduro bike with steel stanchion forks,  brakes that couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding and some slightly fast tyres to mask that heft".

Jonny-humble-brag*    He has an expensive bike everyone.

Actually i have 3 🙂

i am assuming the draw of the old Epic Evo is the weight saving over a Chisel? As on paper, although very similar in many ways, the Chisel is a touch more 'modern', with its higher stack, longer reach etc.

i am assuming the draw of the old Epic Evo is the weight saving over a Chisel? As on paper, although very similar in many ways, the Chisel is a touch more ‘modern’, with its higher stack, longer reach etc.

Which can be a good, or a bad thing when it comes to XC bikes. Most XC bikes are generally a little shorter than trail bikes, with a lower stack, as people tend to ride them in more aggressive positions.

I have ridden a Chisel. It’s not too dissimilar to the Epic, it just weighs a lot more, but then it’s been marketed & sold as a more budget conscious option. If you had the choice of previous gen Epic or Chisel, I would still pick the Epic.

The Chisel Base spec is 32lbs. That’s Enduro bike weight.

10 years ago that might have been enduro bike weight - no-one at the pointy end of racing is running a 32lb bike & making it out of a proper race weekend with it in one piece without a lot of luck. 32-34lb is most trail bikes these days. 32lb is a lot though for an XC bike, it’s 10lb more than my new Epic.

Jonny-humble-brag*    He has an expensive bike everyone.

Actually i have 3 🙂

But are you the works experience publicity influencer guy for the specialized generate internet posts team

Which can be a good, or a bad thing when it comes to XC bikes. Most XC bikes are generally a little shorter than trail bikes, with a lower stack, as people tend to ride them in more aggressive positions.

but if you want an out and out XC bike, you dont get an Evo? just a regular Epic?

I do agree tho, it depends what you are after. The new Epic Evo 8 is firmly in the downcountry/light trail bike category, whereas to me, the previous generation that is being discussed here is more rowdy/pumped up XC.

I was just curious if there was reasoning other than being lighter for the evo vs chisel discussion. 🙂

I was just curious if there was reasoning other than being lighter for the evo vs chisel discussion. 🙂

Value and learned experience in frame a parts is the answer to that.   I for one in the main would rather buy a top end tried and tested model with plenty of feedback on discount than a potentially newer sub-model with none of that.

Value and learned experience in frame a parts is the answer to that.   I for one in the main would rather buy a top end tried and tested model with plenty of feedback on discount than a potentially newer sub-model with none of that.

In relation to an alloy flexstay?

but if you want an out and out XC bike, you dont get an Evo? just a regular Epic?

Which, other than spec changes & 10mm of fork travel, are the same bike. Which, for what its worth, IMO still don’t really make it a light duty trail/DC bike.

Which, other than spec changes & 10mm of fork travel, are the same bike. Which, for what its worth, IMO still don’t really make it a light duty trail/DC bike.

Yeah, fair point. I guess the last gen Epic is XC race machine, or Evo slightly rowdy XC race machine. Whereas the new one feels XC or DC.

Not that a label matters! They all cover ground at a fierce pace!

I'd thought this forum had an strange fixation with the Specialized Epic Evo. But looking at coconut's post history, it's clear that they are responsible for most of the threads about it. It doesn't seem like Specialized stealth marketing but more a case of chronic buyer hesitation.

Might be worth reading the tread title. I have no plans to buy a Chisel. and have not stated this anywhere in this thread. Previous threads raised concerns regarding the weight, which put me off at the time. I do think it’s an interesting bike for the money and will appeal to the market, I’m asking what peoples thoughts who bought one are.

Not sure how many threads I previously posted regarding the Chisel, but sure has excited a few on here. I think it’s two other threads over the last couple of months. Can the post checkers confirm back ?

Well since you asked......I'm up to 4 threads that you implicitly expressed an interest in buying a Chisel (or an Epic Evo) Just go and buy one (of them) - you'll love it. There is nothing new on this thread compared to anything on the other ones. (and yes you can call me sad.....but 10 mins downtime after a long teams call_

Asking shops for discounts?

coconutFree Member
I would like a new Specialized Chisel FS frame, they’re just launched at £1,400. Is it reasonable to just come out and ask if they could offer a discount

Trail and Downcountry Thread:

coconutFree Member
After some advice on whether the following two bike setup would work together.

.... So… I have an idea of getting the new Specialized Chisel FS

Specialized Chisel Thread:

coconutFree Member
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)

Just one bike thread:

coconutFree Member
. I keep trying to convince myself I need a short travel down country bike to compliment it as a second bike (like the Epic Evo – 120mm).

I just don't understand why you'd be so motivated in gathering feedback for a bike which most people haven't received yet, and which you have no interest in owning. Yes this may only be third thread you've opened on the Chisel specifically but the Chisel is an alloy Epic/Epic Evo with small geometry tweaks. Before Chisel you've started at least 5 threads about the Epic Evo.

I didn't notice the pattern apart from that this forum seemed particularly interested in the Specialized Epic Evo. I was curious if that was just Specialized's marketing being super effective or if it really is just a much better bike model than others in its category. But now I see that it's the same poster constantly asking the same questions about Specialized FS bikes and seems to be hesitating over buying one for the last 6 months.

I can't speak for everyone but I'm very interested in reviews and feedback for particular model right before buying it. After I've bought the bike I'd rather enjoy it and not read any more bike reviews as it just starts up the n+1 desire cycle again.

In relation to an alloy flexstay?

They've been in use without issue for a long time before Specialized joined the party. Salsa and Kona for example.

They’ve been in use without issue for a long time before Specialized joined the party. Salsa and Kona for example.

absolutely. That’s why I am curious if that’s what the worry was, or if it’s something else. Merida have also been doing it for quite a while.

+14kg for an xc full sus bike sounds heavy to me.

I do like the engineering of the frame, but not light though for the travel.

The specialized chisel comp is 12.86kg

The cheap 2023 epic evo is 12.72kg

It would be very hard to notice 140g

I have been riding a chisel comp for a month now and it’s fantastic. The rear shock tune is very good, great balance of efficient but still enough suppleness for rougher stuff. I don’t bother with the lock out now, even on road.

Downhill performance is better than I expected, helped a bit by the slightly higher stack I think and the Sid fork is more controlled through its stroke than I thought it would be.

Components all seem good, brakes aren’t the strongest but I am used to TRP with 223 rotors on my big bikes so a bit of an unfair comparisons. Stock grips are awful, the specialized power saddle is a comfort revelation so will be getting that for my other bikes now.

Reason for ordering over an epic evo was the slightly more modern and trail orientated geo, especially the higher stack, shimano slx rather sram nx and the newer sid suspension rather than a very old design low spec rockshox Reba.

The epic evo makes sense if you are going to upgrade it to lighter parts later or go for a higher spec one

https://www.mtbr.com/threads/chisel-fs-thread.1232352/page-2

here you go @coconut - a couple on there who have ridden it and listed build weights.

https://www.mtbr.com/threads/chisel-fs-thread.1232352/page-2 < here you go @coconut – a couple on there who have ridden it and listed build weights.

a couple of bloody lovely builds in there. Once the frames are in stock i will be buying one. I have toyed with the Epic Evo options, but i want aluminium and the updated geo. Will be a few weeks or so, but will report my findings back.

I'm fairly set on getting a Chisel Comp. Might have to wait until next year though unfortunately.

Still can't seem to be able to quote but following the reply above and my post on a previous thread, the chap I spoke to in the specialized Store in Harrogate reckoned that the better Chisel was a touch lighter than the cheapest Epic Evo 8 according to their scales.

What's the deal with the '8' in the epics? I know the difference between normal Epic and Evo...not sussed what an 8 is though? (Apologies if it's incredibly obvious, I don't really follow bike stuff much.....I know, peak STWer!)

8 = 8th generation I believe

further to my earlier post about pre ordering the cheapest chisel fs bike. i know that it isn't light etc but just wanted to get one before the middle of next year (as i have a ride planned hopefully for it).

i do plan on lightening it as funds allow but the base model will keep us riding as i'm doing so. just very much looking forward to February 2025  now 🙂

I'd sooner have an epic 8 base model over the chisel tbh

But the base epic is about 40% more expensive than the most expensive chisel.

as an aside, my local specialized dealer which is owned by specialized, no less has 2 high end epic evo 8’s and a couple of stumpjumpers at over 11,000 Canadian, but they have no plans to stock the Chisel FS.

I guess they know their market, but the chisel isn’t that far from the epic evo and they already have the new status, do it isn’t the “cheapness”. That said, an inexpensive park bike probably appeals to a bigger market than a similarly priced xc bike.

My thoughts echo what Farmerguy said. I've had my FS comp a couple of weeks now, did two 40 miles rides this week and each time I ride it I'm convinced I made a good choice! My reasoning against a reduced epic was that I preferred the spec list of the chisel comp and didn't want to have to upgrade or swap parts.

It's done really well on and around the ridgeway so far.

What price are these base spec Epics? Give me £3k and I bet I can build a nicer bike on one of the Chisel FS frame only deals.

Definitely looks like the last Cannondale Scalpel (circa 2018) with the flex seat stay.

I wonder how it's ride compares to a four bar design.

Odd that Specialized have moved to a single pivot/faux bar from a four bar, where Cannondale have done the opposite with their Scalpel design.

Would you not prefer a Cannondale Scalpel? I bet it's a good bit lighter than an alloy Chisel FS.

https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Cannondale/Scalpel-4-mountain-Bike-2024/12MZ7

well they said that my chisel wouldn't arrive until feb 2025, but when i emailed the manager saying that i would be in next week to pay another installment towards the bike (am selling my guitar and mini amp) Dave the manager replied the bike has turned up early 😀

i plan on going in tomorrow afternoon to see it (paying the next installment as well). will take some pics of it if i can.

feels like crimbo has come early lol.

@racefaceec90 - remind me, what model and colour did you go for? And size?

Looking forward to seeing some pics 🙂

@v7fmp am going for one of these in the red colour small   https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/chisel/p/4221775?color=5382740-4221775

ha they uploaded woohoo.

love the bike when i saw it i have to say (well i would say that).

it is heavy no doubt about that (reckon 30lb or so at a guess). but i will call it resistance  training when i get to ride it.

i do plan on upgrading it when funds allow.

cannot wait to ride it now (in around 6 months time or so lol).

@racefaceec90 - lovely looking bit of kit!

@v7fmp thank you am very much looking forward to riding it 🙂

Just leaving this here...

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/bikes/mountain-bikes/rocky-mountain-element-a50-mountain-bike-greyblack__9115

£1,999 from £4,499

in around 6 months time or so

Bet before end of the week you'll be working out how to get that out on the trails earlier.....?

Did they supply it with the front hose routed that way? Very nice colour

@dlr i think so but not sure tbh.

Yep, I'd be whipping that caliper off and routing the hose correctly inside the fork. 2 minute job.

Oh and - the colour is wonderful!

Always amazing how customers phone pics often make the bikes look better than the PR shots on the websites!