Specialised is coming in scorching with one other premium alloy bike, the brand new Chisel FS, which takes the Chisel into the complete suspension dimension. Specialised claims it’s the “lightest full suspension alloy mountain bike on the planet.”
Hefty claims apart, the Specialised Chisel FS line is bringing the efficiency aluminum full suspension again. The road doesn’t dumb down the geometry and leans into its World Cup-winning sibling, the Epic 8. It makes use of the identical D’Aluisio Smartweld expertise of the Chisel hardtail and the new Crux DSW, shedding some weight and gaining model.
Specialised Chisel FS – What’s it?
The Specialised Chisel FS takes notes from the newly launched Epic 8: superior suspension kinematics, Specialised Trip Dynamics tuned suspension, and progressive geometry honed. The result’s a noble driving machine that may slice and cube trails with the carbon crew.
Specialised engineered a flex keep rear finish for added suspension efficiency whereas eliminating the additional weight and upkeep related to pivots required in a standard design. Compounding that with the D’Aluisio Smartweld body development offers you a light-weight body with much less stress in your pockets.
Body Development – Specialised Chisel FS
The brand new Chisel FS employs D’Aluisio Smartweld expertise. For these unfamiliar with the development of the normal alloy body, it joins tubes with welds on the highest stress level. D’Aluisio Smartweld delivers the very best energy on the lowest weight utilizing hydroformed tube junctions. This development permits Specialised to maneuver the weld away from the realm of the very best stress and create a “valley” for the weld bead to put in.
One-Piece Seat Tube/Backside Bracket:
The primary of its type, Chisel shaves additional materials and weight with a one-piece hydroformed seat tube. The design resembles the Crux, Allez, and different DSW highway frames. The distinctive construct layup integrates the seat tube pivot, central pivot, and BB shell.
Notable Specs
- Cockpit: 29mm rise bars
- Fork: 120mm journey RockShox fork
- Shock: 110mm of rear wheel journey (metric 190×40)
- Dropper: Dropper posts on all fashions
- Brakes: SRAM Stage T Brakes
- Entrance Tire: Floor Management 2.35
- Rear Tire: Quick Trak 2.35
Specialised Chisel FS Geometry: Fashionable XC and Downcountry
Specialised Chisel FS Fashions
Chisel Shimano:
Notable spec: The Specialised Chisel FS Shimano has a Shimano Deore, M6100 12-speed groupset. The suspension is a RockShox’s Recon 120mm fork that includes their Movement Management Damper. The rear shock is Trip Dynamics Tuned X-Fusion. The dropper is by TranzX, with a distant lever for hassle-free operation.
Specialised Chisel:
Notable specs: SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain. The suspension is RockShox’s Recon 120mm fork, that includes their Movement Management Damper. Trip Dynamics Tuned X-Fusion rear shock. TranzX dropper put up
Specialised Chisel Comp:
Notable spec: RockShox’s SID 120mm fork, that includes their Rush Damper, offers suspension. Trip Dynamics Tuned RockShox Deluxe Choose+ rear shock—TranzX dropper put up Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain.
Specialised Chisel FS Pricing and Availability
- Specialised Chisel Shimano Comp: $3,400, £2,700, £2,700
- Specialised Chisel Shimano: $2,600, £2,000, €2,600
- Specialised Chisel: $2,600, £2,000, €2,600
- Chisle FS Frameset:$2,000, £1,400, €1,700
First Impressions Specialised Chisel Shimano Comp
I’ve been a fan of the most recent Specialised Chisel because it got here out. I like having an aluminum body with race geometry and an reasonably priced construct. This alloy race components is working for Specialised. Thus far, they’ve taken a motorcycle from each class and launched an alloy different with practically the identical geo as the highest providing.
The Chisel FS borrows so much from the most recent Epic. Its geometry is aggressive however playful, the suspension is trendy 120mm, and it’s gentle for an alloy full-suspension bike. Little bits make the bike stand out, like cable routing, the little cowl on the backside bracket to maintain out crud, and the beefy tubes.
Trip Impressions
My rides on the Chisel FS have been primarily on rolling PA single monitor with roots, rock, and punchy climbs. The body is notably stiff, and the suspension is clean over the bumps and rocks. The pedaling effectivity is great over lengthy rolling sections of much less technical terrain.
The bike can be a lot lighter with a greater fork and wheels. That’s why there’s a frame-only choice. That stated, our assessment trip weighs 28 lbs on the dot in a measurement medium – not dangerous for aluminum.
As for all-day driving and varied kinds of trails, the Chisel does the job properly. I desire a distant lockout choice or a gap within the body to accommodate one, however that might not be the gang for this bike.
The flip-switch lockout isn’t difficult, nevertheless it takes some getting used to when you’re an XC geek like myself. The 120mm of journey is properly expressed with the Chisel body’s setup, and also you overlook you’re on an alloy bike moderately shortly into the trip.
Parts
The element setup is spot on, IMO. The Shimano SLX groupset combines strong shifting with a slight weight discount. The brakes are the identical Shimano mannequin I take advantage of on my hardtail Chisel and carry out nice.
If I have been seeking to shed weight shortly (and never break the financial institution) on the Chisel FS, I might go for lighter wheels (just like the Hunt Race alloy) and a carbon bar. I plan to see how a lot weight we are able to take off and the most effective bang for the buck.
Don’t get me unsuitable, although. The Chisel FS Shimano Comp construct is true within the candy spot of being raceable and sendable—the place many riders will discover a good match.
My time on the Chisel FS has been minimal, however I’ve large plans, so keep tuned for just a few cool tasks with this distinctive body.
