Specialized 2018: The All New Chisel Hardtail

The Chisel is a new mid ranged, alloy hardtail from Specialized that is very much modeled on the Epic Hardtail, that we tested here.

It has the same 69.8 head angle of the Epic and the same 74 degree seat tube angle as well as pretty much all the other angles and lengths. The only real difference is in the kit that hangs on it and of course the frame material is aluminium rather than carbon. Mind you, the way the frame is put together is pretty unique.

That Frame

Made from M5 aluminium the unique shape of the tubing creates a frame that no only looks amazing but uses less weld material without compromising strength. The result is a frame that although it isn’t carbon, the welds are so neat and so subtle that it could certainly pass for a carbon bike at first glance. The tubes themselves fit together perfectly and give an almost organic, bone like impression. Just look!

There are two models to choose from – The Expert at £1700 or the Comp at £1300. The details are below but the essential difference is the Expert is 1×11 and the Comp is 2×10.

So those specs..

Chisel Expert: £1700

• FRAME // M5 Alloy with BOOST spacing and BSA BB (Threaded! NOT PF30 Yay!)
• FORK // RS Reba RL 29 Solo Air 100mm (90mm on the size small frame)
• BRAKES // SRAM Level TL
• MECH // SRAM GX 11 speed
• SHIFTERS // SRAM GX 11 Speed
• CASSETTE // SRAM NX 11 sp 10-42
• CHAIN // KMC X11
• CRANKS // Race Face Aeffect with 30t ring
• BB // Race Face Threaded BSA
• RIMS // Specialized Alloy 29 (25mm internal width)
• HUBS // Specialized Alloy
• TYRES // Fast Track GRIPTON 29×2.3
• SEATPOST // Specialized Alloy 27.2

Chisel Comp: £1300

• FRAME // M5 Alloy with BOOST spacing and BSA BB (Threaded! NOT PF30 Yay!)
• FORK // RS Judy 29 Solo Air 100mm (90mm on the size small frame)
• BRAKES // Shimano MT500 Deore
• R MECH // Shimano XT Shadow Plus
• F MECH // Shamino Deore Downswing 2×10
• SHIFTERS // Shimano Deore
• CASSETTE // Shimano Deore 10s 11/36
• CHAIN // KMC X10
• CRANKS // Stout XC Alloy BOOST
• BB // Threaded BSA
• RIMS // Specialized Alloy 29 (25mm internal width)
• HUBS // Specialized Alloy
• TYRES // Fast Track GRIPTON 29×2.3
• SEATPOST // Specialized Alloy 27.2

Sizing (Both Models)

DISCLOSURE

Travel, accommodation and hospitality were provided by Specialized for this story.

Mark Alker

Singletrack Owner/Publisher

What Mark doesn’t know about social media isn’t worth knowing and his ability to balance “The Stack” is bested only by his agility on a snowboard. Graphs are what gets his engine revving, at least they would if his car wasn’t electric, and data is what you’ll find him poring over in the office. Mark enjoys good whisky, sci-fi and the latest Apple gadget, he is also the best boss in the world (Yes, he is paying me to write this).

More posts from Mark