Looks like a fun bike.

 

Even at 180 lbs, I significantly prefer the Deluxe to the Fox Float, so I'd bet you'll be happier on the Deluxe. I also think that a Pike is probably going to feel better than the fox 34 for you. That being the case, you'd be better off with a frame up build IMO. I bet with a bit of deal-hunting, you could get the frame built up and not be much over buying the complete bike.

 

Funnily enough I think half the time I think this would be the perfect bike for me. It was hard enough to leave my beloved Enduros to get a Stumpy Evo. Then this came out between the Epic Evo and would be perfect for about 80% of my riding.

 

This thing looks rad and with a Pike would probably rip.

Curious to why you would pick this over something carbon with all the deals out there now? There's Blur TR C S builds out there for the same money and Epic Evos priced right at 4k, I'm seeing Exies and Ripleys with better builds for similar pricing to the Chisel as well.

 

This thing looks rad and with a Pike would probably rip.

Curious to why you would pick this over something carbon with all the deals out there now? There's Blur TR C S builds out there for the same money and Epic Evos priced right at 4k, I'm seeing Exies and Ripleys with better builds for similar pricing to the Chisel as well.

I’m by no means set on the Chisel and am just at the beginning of this process so I haven’t looked around too much. As I mentioned, I test rode the bike and really liked it, although that was on paved, flat ground with just a few minutes of jumping off curbs, bunny hops, etc.

I am pretty much set on finding a bike in this travel range with more of an XC, covering ground focus. I’m open to anything under $4k with a solid parts spec. Being a bigger guy, I’m looking for the odd combo of a lightish, short trave bike with big brakes and a fork with a stiff chassis.

 

2024 Epic 8 Evo Comp's are 24% off at cycle sport.

Specialized Epic 8 EVO Comp

The fastest downcountry bike in the world. Epic 8 EVO is the dressed up, cranked-to-11 expression of the new Epic 8. Spec’d to slay downcountry terrain with its unmatched combo of capability,...

www.cyclesport.com

So $200 more than Chisel, and you get a nicer bike.

 

That’s a great price for a well spec’d bike. Thanks! It’s good to know that deals can be found.

 

I've been kicking tires the last couple years about getting a full suspension bike. I'm currently riding an Epic hardtail, from 2021. I'm interested in the non-evo versions though, so a little different situation than you. That's due to the type of riding I do, and that I'd like to do some marathon xc races where the Evo is way more bike than I'd need, and even the Epic 8 would be more than what is really needed.

The Chisel (I'd prefer the frame only, and I have everything except a fork to build it, and 120mm SID's are cheap on eBay, even for new ones if you don't need the latest 3 position one) is the bike I need. Guy Kestivan on YouTube did a decent review of the chisel. It's honestly fine, and if you didn't know the Epic 8 existed, you'd never know what you're missing. There's a YouTube guy from a shop in the UK who built a nice frame only chisel up with fancy parts. Came out looking beautiful, but I can't help but wonder if it made sense vs building an Epic 8 though.

The Epic 8 Comp is the stretch bike I'd prefer. The bike I want and could justify if they go on a decent sale, which I think there's a reasonable chance of that in the next year. I also think a used Epic 8 would sell for significantly more than a used Chisel if I wanted to sell it in a few years time. And for sure the Evo price above would make it a no brainer if I was buying an Evo today vs Chisel. I doubt it'll happen as big again, but a year ago the old Epic (7) comp's were $2400 down from $4800 as they were cleared out before the Epic 8 arrived. The Epic 9 is probably what, two years away, so $2400 is unlikely to happen again, and definitely not for a long time.

The s-works epic (cycle sport have the s-works epic 8 frame, shock + fork for $4k at the moment, about 35% off) is the bike I want (but could not justify, particularly with the economy at the moment, and the fact I only have a mechanical groupset to use, and the s-works takes wireless only).

With the Epic 8 (mostly the non-eco I'm reading about), it seems to have sold really really well, and I'm only reading great things about it in reviews and forums. The Chisel, I'm reading decent things, just the stock shock and fork aren't Epic 8 level, and it is heavier.

I really don't think you can go wrong with Chisel FS, Chisel FS frame only with your GX group, or the Epic 8 Evo.

There was a time when the Rockshox SID rear shocks could have the stroke changed by removing/adding spacers. Many people are upgrading Epic 8's to flight attendant and selling new rear shocks pretty cheaply. I do wonder if you could get an Epic 8 190x45mm shock and remove the spacer to set it at 190x40 as the chisel comes with. I havent confirmed if the Epic 8 shock can be modified or not.

 

I have the older evo but was able to find one of the rs super deluxe ultimate's that are 190 by 40 and with an evo tune. There are a few of them out there if you search and it would allow you more adjustments so you could dial it in better for your weight. I ride mine fully open and as a singlespeed with lots of standing up and like it way better than the select plus it replaced. I do ride with a bit more air than recommended. If I was building a new evo or chisel frameset I would sell the new shock as a take off and get a super deluxe again.

 

wow, that epic evo and the Blur on sale for less than 3800 are good deals for XC bikes!

 

Is this supposed to be a link to bikes on sale?

Edit: I guess you were referring to comments earlier in the thread. The underline threw me off.

 

The Comp Evo looks like less of a value proposition the more I read up on it. It comes with an NX cassette and HG free hub, which means I’d need to upgrade it - maybe a whole new rear wheel + cassette - along with the brakes.

Bummer.