First ride: Specialized’s new Chisel FS cross-country bike – Aluminum Done Light – Pinkbike

There are three complete models in the lineup, with prices starting from $2,600 to $3,400 USD. There’s also a frame-only option, with a striking pink and yellow color scheme, for a price of $2,000.

As for weight, my large frame with thru axle installed weighed 2920 grams. Specialized says it’s the lightest full-suspension aluminum cross-country bike available, and that very well could be, considering options from competitors like Scott and Trek weigh over 3,200 grams. I’m always a little skeptical about claims of being the ‘lightest in the world’, because inevitably there’s a small European company that has managed to make something even lighter. Regardless, the chisel’s frame is impressively light.

Frame details

Specialists use a technique they call D’Aluisio Smartweld on the Chisel FS frame. Basically, the head tube, top tube and down tube are all hydroformed so that the joint fits together as perfectly as possible before welding begins, without the need for miter work.

As an additional weight-saving measure, the Chisel has a one-piece hydroformed seat tube that integrates the seat tube hinge, main hinge and bottom bracket shell.

There’s no storage in the frame visible here, but there is room for two water bottles in the front triangle. The cable routing is internal, with foam sleeves to keep everything quiet. Other details include a small flap at the front of the chainstays to prevent the frame from eating rocks, and a molded rubber chainlap protector.

Geometry

In recent years we’ve seen the same longer and slacker trend that swept through the trail and enduro bike categories applied to cross-country bikes, and I’m all for it. Modern XC bikes are fast, efficient and now much more fun on more technical terrain. The Chisel is no exception, with a 66.5-degree head angle in the low setting, a 75.5-degree seat angle and 437mm chainstays. There are five sizes, from XS to XL, and the reach in a size large is 470mm.

Compared to the Epic 8, the head angle of the chisel is slightly steeper (one bit is 0.6 degrees) and the reach is 5 millimeters shorter. The Chisel also has a longer head tube, giving it a stack height 10mm higher than the Epic 8. It is still possible to have a fairly low front end for riders who prefer the more hunched over, traditional

Suspension design

The Chisel uses a 190x40mm shock for its 110mm travel, and no, you can’t use a 190x45mm shock to increase travel – I asked. There is a seat bridge that could potentially come into contact with the seat tube if the wrong size shock is used, so it’s best to stick with the stock configuration, or go for the Stumpjumper if you think you need more travel have.

According to Specialized, the Chisel FS’s kinematic profile falls between that of the outgoing Epic EVO and the new Epic 8. That means there’s slightly less anti-squat than the Epic, and a slightly higher leverage ratio.

Models and prices

Chisel FS Comp | $3,400 USD: RockShox SID, Rush damper, Deluxe Select+ shock, Shimano M6100 2-piston brakes, Shimano SLX / Deore drivetrain, TranzX dropper post, Specialized Fast Trak / Ground Control tires.

Chisel FS | $2,600 USD: RockShox Recon Silver RL, X-Fusion Pro-02 shock, SRAM Level T 2-piston brakes, SRAM SX/NX drivetrain, TranzX dropper seatpost, Specialized Fast Trak/Ground Control tires

Chisel FS Basic Shimano | $2,600 USD: RockShox Recon Silver RL, X-Fusion Pro-02 shock, Shimano M4100 2-piston brakes, Deore drivetrain, TranzX dropper seatpost, Specialized Fast Trak / Ground Control tires

Frame and shock only: $2,000 USD

Ride impressions

When I saw that the Chisel FS was only available as a frame and that frame happened to be a bright pink color, I decided to see what I could come up with. The result is a decidedly non-budget build that weighs in at 26 pounds (those 1190-gram Roval wheels help keep that number fairly low), with parts that suit my preferred XC riding style, which tends to include routes located on the more technical side.

I can’t handle the hunched over, extended position that some XC racers still prefer, thanks in part to some permanent titanium hardware in my back, so I went with a 50mm stem and 760mm wide handlebar with an increase of 35 mm. Other parts that don’t fit the typical XC mold include SRAM Code brakes and a 170mm dropper post. It’s been quite wet lately so I’ve been running Maxxis Rekon tires front and rear, but I’ll put the extra fast rubber on once things dry out a bit more.

On the trails, the Chisel feels exactly as I hoped: it has fast and snappy pedaling manners, with just enough suspension travel to take the edge off tough climbs and rougher descents. It’s not the bike I’d pick up if I was trying to tackle the toughest descents, nor is it the intention. Instead, it’s ideal for quick lunch runs or long rides where covering ground is the goal rather than racking up all the flying miles.

The 110mm of travel is well managed, meaning it doesn’t give up those millimeters too easily, and the times I bottomed out on the suspension were all well-deserved. The overall feel is more sporty than super smooth, but I think that suits the character of the bike well. The same goes for the Chisel’s handling: it’s fast without being twitchy, and it’s great on more rolling terrain, where you can pump through natural rolls to generate more speed.

I would like to see the introduction of the Chisel FS inspire more companies to introduce lighter, aluminum XC bikes. They make a lot of sense for a wide range of riders, whether that’s an aspiring high school racer, someone looking to upgrade from an older, more traditional XC bike without spending a lot of money, or for anyone who wants to mix things up and want to try something. lighter and livelier than a heavy enduro sled.