The Specialized Chisel: An Affordable and Lightweight XC Bike

Specialized has added a new member to their cross-country lineup, the Chisel. This aluminum bike offers a more affordable option compared to its carbon sibling, the Epic. Sharing many geometry numbers with the Epic, the Chisel aims to provide a lightweight and cost-effective solution for XC riders.

Models and Pricing

The Chisel lineup includes three models:

Models	Description
Specialized Chisel	At $2,600 USD, this model offers a RockShox Recon Silver RL fork paired with an X-Fusion Pro-02 shock for efficient suspension performance. The SRAM Level T 2-piston brakes and SRAM SX / NX drivetrain deliver dependable braking and shifting. Like the other models, it comes with a TranzX dropper post and Specialized Fast Trak / Ground Control tires, making it a solid choice for XC enthusiasts.
Specialized Chisel Comp Shimano	Priced at $3,400 USD, this model features a RockShox SID fork with a Rush damper and a Deluxe Select+ shock, providing a smooth ride over rough terrain. The Shimano M6100 2-piston brakes and Shimano SLX / Deore drivetrain ensure reliable stopping power and precise shifting. It also includes a TranzX dropper post and Specialized Fast Trak / Ground Control tires for added versatility on various trails.
Specialized Chisel Shimano	Also priced at $2,600 USD, this variant includes a RockShox Recon Silver RL fork and X-Fusion Pro-02 shock. It features Shimano M4100 2-piston brakes and a Deore drivetrain for consistent performance. The TranzX dropper post and Specialized Fast Trak / Ground Control tires are standard, providing a well-rounded package for riders seeking a reliable cross-country bike.

Specialized Chisel Comparison Table

Feature	Specialized Chisel	Specialized Chisel Comp Shimano	Specialized Chisel Shimano
Price	$2,600	$3,400	$2,600
Colours	Gloss Dove Grey / Ashen Grey, Gloss Maroon / White	Gloss Dark Moss Green / Liquid Metal	Gloss Sea Foam / Deep Orange
Weight	13.87 kg	12.86 kg	13.73 kg
Fork	RockShox Recon Silver RL, 120mm travel, Motion Control damper, 42mm offset, Maxle Stealth, 15x110 thru-axle	RockShox SID, Rush damper, 44mm offset, 120mm travel, Maxle Stealth, 15x110mm thru-axle	RockShox Recon Silver RL, 120mm travel, Motion Control damper, 42mm offset, Maxle Stealth, 15x110 thru-axle
Frame	Specialized D'Aluisio Smartweld M5 Alloy, Hydroformed tubes, Progressive XC Geometry, 110mm travel, internal cable routing, BSA BB, 12x148mm spacing, 30.9mm Dropper post compatible	Specialized D'Aluisio Smartweld M5 Alloy, Hydroformed tubes, Progressive XC Geometry, 110mm travel, internal cable routing, BSA BB, 12x148mm spacing, 30.9mm Dropper post compatible	Specialized D'Aluisio Smartweld M5 Alloy, Hydroformed tubes, Progressive XC Geometry, 110mm travel, internal cable routing, BSA BB, 12x148mm spacing, 30.9mm Dropper post compatible
Handlebar	Specialized Alloy, 20mm rise, 31.8mm, 760mm wide	Specialized Alloy, 20mm rise, 31.8mm, 760mm wide	Specialized Alloy, 20mm rise, 31.8mm, 760mm wide
Stem	Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise	Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise	Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise
Seatpost	TranzX Dropper Seatpost, 30.9mm, XS-SM: 100mm, M: 125mm, L-XL: 150mm	TranzX Dropper Seatpost, 30.9mm, XS-SM: 100mm, M: 125mm, L-XL: 150mm	TranzX Dropper Seatpost, 30.9mm, XS-SM: 100mm, M: 125mm, L-XL: 150mm
Grip	Specialized Trail Grips	Specialized Trail Grips	Specialized Trail Grips
Crankset	SRAM SX Eagle, Powerspline, 32t chainring, 165/170/175mm	Shimano MT-511, 32t chainring	Alloy crankset, 1x direct mount chainring, 165/170/175mm
Chain	SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed	Shimano Deore M6100, 12spd w/quick link	KMC X12EPT, 12-speed, anti-corrosion coating w/ reusable Missing Link™
Shifters	SRAM SX Eagle, trigger, 12-speed	Shimano SLX, M7100, 12spd	Shimano Deore, M6100, I-Spec EV, 12 speed
Saddle	Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails, 143/155mm	Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails	Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails
Derailleur (Rear)	SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed	Shimano SLX M7100, SGS, 12-speed	Shimano Deore, M6100, 12pd, Shadow Plus
Hub (Front)	Specialized alloy front hub, disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 6-bolt, 15x110mm thru-axle, 28h	Shimano MT410-B, Centerlock 28h, 15x110 Boost	Shimano MT410-B, Centerlock 28h, 15x110 Boost
Hub (Rear)	Specialized alloy, disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 6-bolt, 12x148mm thru-axle, 28h	Shimano MT410-B, Centerlock 28h, 12x148 Boost, Microspline	Shimano MT410-B, Centerlock 28h, 12x148 Boost, Microspline
Spoke	Stainless, 14g	Stainless, 14g	Stainless, 14g
Cassette	SRAM PG-1210 Eagle 11-50t	Shimano Deore M6100, 12spd w/Hyperglide+, 10-51t	Shimano Deore M6100, 12spd w/Hyperglide+, 10-51t
Chainrings	32t	32t	32t
Bottom Bracket	SRAM Powerspline BSA	Shimano BB-MT501 BSA	BSA Bottom Bracket, PW-MBB73
Brakes (Front)	SRAM Level T hydraulic disc, 2-Piston Caliper, 180mm rotor	Shimano M6100, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 180mm rotor	Shimano M4100, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 180mm rotor
Brakes (Rear)	SRAM Level T hydraulic disc, 2-Piston Caliper, 160mm rotor	Shimano M6100, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor	Shimano M4100, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor
Wheels / Rims	Specialized Alloy, Tubeless ready, 27mm inner width, disc, 28h	Specialized Alloy, Tubeless ready, 27mm inner width, disc, 28h	Specialized Alloy, Tubeless ready, 27mm inner width, disc, 28h
Front Tire	Specialized Ground Control, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35	Specialized Ground Control, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35	Specialized Ground Control, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35
Rear Tire	Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35	Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35	Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35
Tube	Standard 40mm PV 29x1.75-2.4	Standard 40mm PV 29x1.75-2.4	Standard 40mm PV 29x1.75-2.4

Frame and Build

The Chisel features a 110mm flex stay suspension design, common in cross-country bikes for its efficiency and simplicity. Complete builds come with a 120mm fork, with an option to upgrade to a 130mm fork for those seeking a more versatile bike. The frame is constructed using Specialized's D'Aluisio Smartweld technique, enhancing the strength and alignment of the head tube, top tube, and down tube junctions. This method eliminates the need for mitering, reducing weight and increasing durability.

Feature	Detail
Price	$2,000
Color	Gloss Rebel Pink Tint Organic Brushed / Satin Ion Metallic
Frame	Specialized D'Aluisio Smartweld M5 Alloy, Hydroformed tubes, Progressive XC Geometry, 110mm travel, internal cable routing, BSA BB, 12x148mm spacing, 30.9mm Dropper post compatible
Seat Binder	Specialized Alloy, 34.9mm
Rear Shock	RockShox Deluxe Select+, Ride Dynamics Tuned, Two Position, Rebound Adjust, 190x40mm
Weight	2.72kg (5 lb, 15.9 oz)
Weight Size	MD

Design and Features

While the Chisel does not include in-frame storage, it provides space for two water bottles within the front triangle. Internal cable routing with foam sleeves keeps the bike quiet, and additional features such as a chainstay flap and a molded rubber chainslap protector enhance its durability.

Geometry

Reflecting the trend towards longer and slacker geometry in XC bikes, the Chisel boasts a 66.5-degree head angle and a 75.5-degree seat angle. With a reach of 470mm in size large, it offers a modern and efficient riding position. Compared to the Epic, the Chisel has a slightly steeper head angle and a longer head tube, making it easier to achieve a comfortable, upright position.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seatpost Length	357mm	412mm	412mm	459mm	459mm
Fork Rake/Offset	44mm	44mm	44mm	44mm	44mm
Stack	602.3mm	593mm	606mm	620mm	629mm
Front Center	682mm	706mm	742mm	773mm	802mm
Reach	390mm	415mm	445mm	470mm	495mm
Chainstay Length	437mm	437mm	437mm	437mm	437mm
Head Tube Length	95mm	95mm	110mm	125mm	135mm
Head Tube Angle (low)	66.5°	66.5°	66.5°	66.5°	66.5°
Wheelbase	1115mm	1141mm	1177mm	1208mm	1237mm
Bike Standover Height	756mm	777mm	777mm	787mm	790mm
BB Height (low)	326mm	336mm	336mm	336mm	336mm
Seat Tube Length	375mm	392mm	410mm	450mm	500mm
BB Height (high)	332mm	342mm	342mm	342mm	342mm
Seat Tube Angle	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°
BB Drop (low)	46mm	36mm	36mm	36mm	36mm
Top Tube Length, Horizontal	527mm	565mm	602mm	634mm	664mm
Trail	113mm	113mm	113mm	113mm	113mm
Fork Length, Full	530mm	530mm	530mm	530mm	530mm

Suspension Design

Equipped with a 190 x 40mm shock, the Chisel delivers 110mm of rear travel. Specialized advises against using a 190 x 45mm shock to avoid potential frame contact issues. The bike's suspension kinematics fall between the older Epic EVO and the newer Epic, offering a balance of efficiency and comfort.

Conclusion

The Specialized Chisel offers an appealing combination of affordability, lightweight construction, and modern geometry. Whether you are a cross-country racer or a trail enthusiast, the Chisel provides a versatile and efficient ride without breaking the bank. With its thoughtful design and competitive pricing, it stands out as a strong contender in the XC bike market.