[MTB_Lifer]

Hello Everyone,

I'm looking for some help regarding the latest version of the Chisel.

I would like to build it up as a 2x set up. I know, I know, 1x is all the rage.

At first blush, it appears the latest version of the Chisel is NOT set up for 2x. However, I recently saw this vid and a few things caught my eye.

Around the 7:10 mark, the guy shows the bottom bracket where the internal cables come out. He states it has slots for rear brake, rear derailleur, dropper seat post, and front derailleur.

Furthermore, the video shows a close up of the back of the seat tube, close to the bottom bracket, where there are two cable guides (one closed loop and one open). And, of course, you can see the slot a little higher up on the seat tube where the cable goes for the dropper seat post.

So, this got me salivating as I've read nothing but good things about the Chiesel and it appears that it accommodates a 2x set up.

Just to be sure, I emailed Specialized and asked them about it. I also referenced the the video.

The response was disappointing...

The Specialized rep wrote back the Chisel is set up only for a 1x.

So what's going on here? Is the rep correct or will I be able set up a front derailleur on the latest version of the Chisel?

Thanks in advance for any and all useful suggestions.

 

[jrhone]

I have only seen it as 1x only. You could probably rig it to work.

 

[Augustus-G]

I've got an '18 Chisel which was originally a 2x. I keep it around as my Urban riding bike.
I don't think the Frame has change much, if any, since then.
The Front Derailleur mounted to same the Seat Tube mount points that are still there for the 2nd bottle cage.
I'd have to do a Stare & Compare between his video and my frame to be sure beyond that.

 

[jrhone]

2021 is a completely different frame than a 2018. Different geometry. There is also a bend in the seat tube where a FD would mount. That may cause fitment issues. The other thing you are not taking into consideration is will a large 2x front chain ring fit on the chisel? I don’t think so. I think the largest front chain ring is a 34 that will work on this frame.

 

[MTB_Lifer]

2021 is a completely different frame than a 2018. Different geometry. There is also a bend in the seat tube where a FD would mount. That may cause fitment issues. The other thing you are not taking into consideration is will a large 2x front chain ring fit on the chisel? I don’t think so. I think the largest front chain ring is a 34 that will work on this frame.

Yes, there is a slight but noticeable bend in the 2021 models. That's what has me thinking a front derailleur won't align evenly with the chain rings.

I have seen pics of the earlier models of the Chisel and this lack of the bend in that lower portion of the seat tube makes a front derailleur work.

 

[jrhone]

Id be more concerned about this….stock is a 32T chainring. How will you fit a 2x with no clearance? This is probably the reason 2x wont work.

 

[MTB_Lifer]

Id be more concerned about this….stock is a 32T chainring. How will you fit a 2x with no clearance? This is probably the reason 2x wont work.
View attachment 1962225

Possibly with a booster/spacer?

 

[jrhone]

Then that would put it out of alignment with your cassette. There is a reason Spesh said it’s not compatible with a 2x setup.

 

[MTB_Lifer]

Then that would put it out of alignment with your cassette. There is a reason Spesh said it’s not compatible with a 2x setup.

On a side note, how do you like your Chisel? Is it as great as all the reviews I've seen?

It's been so long since I rode an Alu hard tail but I do remember that "tin can" feel. I imagine the Alu frames now are much more smoother.

 

[andy f]

Then that would put it out of alignment with your cassette. There is a reason Spesh said it’s not compatible with a 2x setup.

A super boost crankset would push the chainring out 3-4.5mm. Alignment to smaller cassette cogs gets a little better, alignment to the larger cogs gets worse but you'd have good alignment to those larger cogs with the smaller chainring on the 2x.

 

[jrhone]

On a side note, how do you like your Chisel? Is it as great as all the reviews I've seen?

It's been so long since I rode an Alu hard tail but I do remember that "tin can" feel. I imagine the Alu frames now are much more smoother.

Its an amazing bike! It’s stiff where it needs to be for climbing and power transfer, but vertically compliant so not to be harsh. It’s a smooth ride for sure. Lightweight. Lightest aluminum frame made if I recall correctly. Capable and I love the 1x12 drivetrain. It truly is one of the best Aluminum hard tails available.

 

[Augustus-G]

2021 is a completely different frame than a 2018. Different geometry. There is also a bend in the seat tube where a FD would mount. That may cause fitment issues. The other thing you are not taking into consideration is will a large 2x front chain ring fit on the chisel? I don’t think so. I think the largest front chain ring is a 34 that will work on this frame.

My Bad. Forgot all about it. Thanks for the correction.

 

[MTB_Lifer]

Thank you to everyone who provided constructive advice.

I've decided to go with another frame which accommodates a 2x set up.

 

[Istvan Adorjan]

Thank you to everyone who provided constructive advice.

I've decided to go with another frame which accommodates a 2x set up.

Which frame, if it's not a secret?

 

[imajez1]

2021 is a completely different frame than a 2018. Different geometry. There is also a bend in the seat tube where a FD would mount. That may cause fitment issues. The other thing you are not taking into consideration is will a large 2x front chain ring fit on the chisel? I don’t think so. I think the largest front chain ring is a 34 that will work on this frame.

I have a 38t chainring on mine.
A 2x with 40/28 or 43/33 should fit OK. You can also shift cranks out a smidge by using a BB with a slightly wider q-factor.
Though one issue with 2x on some bikes is tyre clearance with the front derailleur.