[DixieFly]

Yes. It had the foam, works great.

 

[Tyrich88]

Got my frame in yesterday and OH MAN!!!!!

Looks so much better in person!

I started the build last night and while i could have gone lighter on some particular things, like tires, saddle, cranks.
I went with fast trak 2.3 tires instead of the 2.1 renegades I was going to use, just for tire volume.

MY race tires will be 2.1s and will cut approx half a pound off the weight of the bike.
My saddle is a Romin Evo comp. I have a carbon railed romin evo as well, but i rode a carbon saddle at leadville and some other long races and now it creaks like nobody's business. So i decided to put my fancy new carbon saddle on the road bike and use the base model on the mountain. (That would save about 100+g)
Then my cranks are Raceface Turbine cranks, which are aluminum. They are about 200g heavier than the Next SLs. But they are WAY cheaper and I dont have to worry about bashing aluminum cranks on rocks. They're still super stiff and have a great BB.
So I think i'll be at an all in weight of about 19-20 without pedals.

My pedals are decently heavy as well, they're crankbrothers candy's, but they're tried and true and i dont run anything else.

Should still be one HECK of an aluminum race bike!

 

[evilbullit]

Should be a sweet ride. Im kind of going the same way with mine; a balance of light but durable parts.

Did I mention I started my build last night as well.

Got my frame in yesterday and OH MAN!!!!!

Looks so much better in person!

I started the build last night and while i could have gone lighter on some particular things, like tires, saddle, cranks.
I went with fast trak 2.3 tires instead of the 2.1 renegades I was going to use, just for tire volume.

MY race tires will be 2.1s and will cut approx half a pound off the weight of the bike.
My saddle is a Romin Evo comp. I have a carbon railed romin evo as well, but i rode a carbon saddle at leadville and some other long races and now it creaks like nobody's business. So i decided to put my fancy new carbon saddle on the road bike and use the base model on the mountain. (That would save about 100+g)
Then my cranks are Raceface Turbine cranks, which are aluminum. They are about 200g heavier than the Next SLs. But they are WAY cheaper and I dont have to worry about bashing aluminum cranks on rocks. They're still super stiff and have a great BB.
So I think i'll be at an all in weight of about 19-20 without pedals.

My pedals are decently heavy as well, they're crankbrothers candy's, but they're tried and true and i dont run anything else.

Should still be one HECK of an aluminum race bike!

 

[evilbullit]

Update --

Build stayed pretty much the same as expected, but installed MT8s instead of the XTs and an Absolute Black 32T oval ring instead of the Race Face 30T.

FWIW the XL Cali Fade frame w/o any hardware came in at 1640g. A little heavier than I was expecting (hoping), but based on actual weights the bike should still come in around 23lbs. Will get an actual once its done...will post pics too.

Oh so impatient!!!!!

Everything is here except the frame. (the only thing I actually has to buy new was the forks)
Not sure what the frame weight is going to be, but estimating 1500g (for an XL) my build will be just under 23lbs. Trying to decide what wheels will replace my Stans Arch (1770g), but the Arch just may stay. A little beefier than other things out there, and they've been paid for for over a year.

Cali Fade frame XL
Fox 34 Factory Fork (29 boost)
Arch MK3 wheels
Maxxis Ardent Race 2.2 front/ Ikon 2.2 rear
XX1 cassette
XX1 chain
X01 Shifter/R. Der
Next SL Gen 4 cranks/RF Cinch 32t/RF BB
XTR trail pedals
Syntace P6 carbon seatpost
Enve RSR bars and Enve 70mm stem
Phenom S-works saddle
XT brakes/SLX rotors (ordering MT8's next month)

Ugh...come on Mr. Brown!!!!!

 

[Tyrich88]

Update --

Build stayed pretty much the same as expected, but installed MT8s instead of the XTs and an Absolute Black 32T oval ring instead of the Race Face 30T.

FWIW the XL Cali Fade frame w/o any hardware came in at 1640g. A little heavier than I was expecting (hoping), but based on actual weights the bike should still come in around 23lbs. Will get an actual once its done...will post pics too.

Should be a sweet ride. Im kind of going the same way with mine; a balance of light but durable parts.

Did I mention I started my build last night as well.

I haven't ridden it yet, but... my frame weighed in at 1550g (like you said, heavier than expected, but that's alright)

My build is ALMOST DONE.
It's at the shop getting the brakes bled and internally routed, then it's ride ready!

[I actually just realized that every one of the parts on this bike (with exception of the brakes, grips and pedals) are either made by Specialized, Sram or Raceface] Kind of cool.

My build ended up as follows:
Medium frame Chisel - Cali Fade
2017 Sid RL boost fork - 100mm (w/ remote lockout)
Magura MT6 brakes w/ Magura storm SL rotors (pretty much the same as the MT8 but without carbon levers)
x01 11sp shifter and derailleur
x01 cassette 10-42
xx1 chain
Raceface Turbine Cranks w/ 34t direct mount raceface chainring
Raceface BB
specialized sworks stem 90mm
Easton EC70 carbon flat bars
Easton EC70 zero offset seatpost
Roval Control SL Boost wheels
Specialized Fast Trak 2.3 tires (HEAVY, but they are outstanding tires) Set up tubeless with 2 scoops of stans in each. (I usually run more but that's all i had)
Specialized Romin Evo Comp 155mm saddle
ESI Fit XC grips (black)
Crankbrothers Candy 3 pedals

Here are a few preliminary pictures:
Once it's complete i'll get some much better pictures and a final weight.
It's looking to be around 21 with pedals.

 

[Tyrich88]

Thats awesome! I think im set on a Cali Fade now. 24lbs is pretty good. Sounds like mine should come out around 22lbs with pedals with a Fox 32SC, Next SL crank, and full sworks cockpit.

Yours might be lighter than that, depending on wheels and drivetrain choice.

 

[evilbullit]

I'll show you mine, if you show me yours.

Just need to play with the brakes a touch more. These MT8s are finicky.

Uhm. Trying to figure out hot to attach a pic, now that PB is a POS!

 

[Bob Tilton]

I haven't ridden it yet, but... my frame weighed in at 1550g (like you said, heavier than expected, but that's alright)

My build is ALMOST DONE.
It's at the shop getting the brakes bled and internally routed, then it's ride ready!

[I actually just realized that every one of the parts on this bike (with exception of the brakes, grips and pedals) are either made by Specialized, Sram or Raceface] Kind of cool.

My build ended up as follows:
Medium frame Chisel - Cali Fade
2017 Sid RL boost fork - 100mm (w/ remote lockout)
Magura MT6 brakes w/ Magura storm SL rotors (pretty much the same as the MT8 but without carbon levers)
x01 11sp shifter and derailleur
x01 cassette 10-42
xx1 chain
Raceface Turbine Cranks w/ 34t direct mount raceface chainring
Raceface BB
specialized sworks stem 90mm
Easton EC70 carbon flat bars
Easton EC70 zero offset seatpost
Roval Control SL Boost wheels
Specialized Fast Trak 2.3 tires (HEAVY, but they are outstanding tires) Set up tubeless with 2 scoops of stans in each. (I usually run more but that's all i had)
Specialized Romin Evo Comp 155mm saddle
ESI Fit XC grips (black)
Crankbrothers Candy 3 pedals

Here are a few preliminary pictures:
Once it's complete i'll get some much better pictures and a final weight.
It's looking to be around 21 with pedals.
View attachment 1154103
View attachment 1154101
View attachment 1154102

Extremely well executed!

Been following this thread with interest as I am preparing to buy a new bike. Last bike was a GT Xizang. My options include 1.) Chisel or 2.) 2018 Epic Hardtail Comp Carbon or 3.) 2018 Epic Duel Susp Comp Carbon. Gonna go to bike store tomorrow and figure things out.

 

[Zebbie]

My thoughts.....

At this point I've put in 10 trail miles and 5 paved bike path miles. For perspective I traded in a 32lb Trek DS for this Chisel because I wanted something much more trail capable. Much of this might seem obvious given what I was on previously. Positives:
Very silent ride. Absolutely no chain slap. Climbs effortlessly and no trouble at all with roots or rocks. Easy to "place" the front tire while applying power to the pedals and really pick your way up technical terrain. I've experience no tire slippage yet climbing steep and loose terrain. Incredibly light and feels like an "all day" bike. I rode a 40 mile MTB race 2 weeks ago on the Trek and wow do I wish it had been on the Chisel. No comparison. I really have no negatives. I ride all kinds: roads, trails, bike park descents. The 1x system seems geared for climbing which makes sense. I quickly run through them on flat, full out, sprints but that is probably to be expected. I can live with that and wouldn't trade the 1x. The only other thing I would say is this bike looks so much better in person. Absolutely no buyers remorse. I'd post a pic but I'm not able to figure out how.

 

[rakerdeal]

Here's my further thoughts about my Rocket Red Chisel. First I know that I will buy a lighter wheelset for the bike, I've always ridden light wheelsets on my bikes and I have a couple sets below 1500 grams.

However, I must admit that except for the quick and steep ups on the trails I like the handling and feel of the wheelset (and boat anchor weight 530 gram cassette). You can feel the weight on the climbs where there is a loss of momentum and of course if you sprint. But otherwise I must admit I really like the feel of the bike...and the damn heavy wheels!

The bike seems to carry momentum very well over roots and rocks and it rides very well over bumps compared to the 29 SJ hardtails of recent past.

So my carbon SJ FSR is built with super light stuff and weighs 24 lbs and 12 oz but right now I like the Chisel ride.

 

[Bob Tilton]

So my carbon SJ FSR is built with super light stuff and weighs 24 lbs and 12 oz but right now I like the Chisel ride.

This is very interesting to read. I am leaning more and more towards building up a chisel. I think I would need to figure out a budget to include carbon wheels and a proper fork. Maybe an all in budget of $3K.

 

[COMTBR]

So my carbon SJ FSR is built with super light stuff and weighs 24 lbs and 12 oz but right now I like the Chisel ride.

How on earth did you get a Stumpy down under 25lbs? What year is it? What have you done to it? My 2017 Comp Carbon is still over 30lbs.

 

[rakerdeal]

OT to answer COMTBR: A SJ FSR Evo not built for the rough stuff currently. 1x10 xtr shifters; xtr cassette; xtr brakes; Stan's Crest wheels (race it with Stan's Race Gold wheels at 24 lbs 4 oz); Renegade 2.3 tires; my special creation of a Rock Shox Reba 130mm fork (pre the ones built this year); Specialized Toupe saddle; no dropper; etc. Frame weighs 5 lbs 14 oz. Enough suspension such that when I race I can pretty much ignore the trail and just focus on heart rate- which for me was faster than less suspension and less weight. I am a hardtail guy, the Chisel is more challenging to ride in my area - and just fun and smooth to ride for a hardtail.

 

[COMTBR]

^^ gotcha, thanks. Sounds like a fun bike!

Mine is full brute 4 x 4 mode. Big, heavy Yari fork, boat-anchor GRID tires, etc. I think the SWorks 2017 SJ still managed to only get down to 28lbs.

I think a Chisel or Epic HT would be great for what you're after.

 

[COMTBR]

Has anybody personally built their own Chisel from the ground up?
How's the internal routing?
I just finishing swapping brakes, cables, Eagle shifter on my 18 Epic HT and holy cow - good times. Gotta be paying attention on that one. Both BB and fork had to be out to do it. Chisel should be a little easier, but not by a lot I'd imagine.

 

[evilbullit]

yes. several of us.
Internal routing is nice. Brake can be a PITA if you have to feed from the bottom though. If you do have to feed the brake hose from the bottom up, then the fork out does make things easier.

All the cables exit before the BB, no that can stay in.

Nice screw in cable guide to help keep things organized and tight.

 

[evilbullit]

Finally posting pics.
Finished the build saturday afternoon, but couldn't ride until today.
The 2018 Fox 34 is amazing! There are 2 spots on my trails that always put stress on forks, no flex from this guy.

Bike rode pretty nice, need a couple more rides to make a final determination. Initial thoughts are that the XL frame flexes a little more that I had expected, but nothing horrible. We'll see though.

The weight below is with pedals, cages and bottles (empty of course).

** Build List **

XL Cali Fade Frame
2018 Fox 34, 120mm, w/ Kabolt axle
ENVE RSR Bars 740mm
Easton Haven Stem, 70mm (may swap to 60mm)
Race Face Love Handle Grips
XTR Trail brakes
SLX rotors 180/160 (same weight as Ice Tech, but 1/5 the price)
GX shifter and R. Der
XX1 Cassette, 10-42
XX1 Chain
Stans Arch wheel set w/ 6 pawl free hub
Maxxis Ardent Race/Ikon tires
Race Face Next SL G4 cranks w/ Absolute Black 30T oval ring
Race Face Cinch BB
Syntace P6 Hiflex seatpost
S-Works Phenom saddle
Blackburn Carbon cages

 

[hesitationpoint]

Does the Chisel come with centerlock disc compatibility or six bolt? Specialized told me centerlock but looking at the pictures in this thread, it looks like six bolt.

 

[COMTBR]

yes. several of us.
Internal routing is nice. Brake can be a PITA if you have to feed from the bottom though. If you do have to feed the brake hose from the bottom up, then the fork out does make things easier.

All the cables exit before the BB, no that can stay in.

Nice screw in cable guide to help keep things organized and tight.

View attachment 1154473

Nice!

 

[ExhaustPipe]

I have just over 200 miles on my Chisel.

Let me start off by saying the bike is an excellent value for what you get. The only negatives for me so far is the frame is not laterally stiff at all, flexes quite a bit and the brakes suk ballz!

I've seen guys posting about ride quality, it's pretty good, rides like an aluminum HT. :thumbsup:


Things I would change;

Wider bar - 720 too narrow for me.

Brakes - Lack power for steep DH here in Co. I have SLX, XT and XTR on my other bikes and they are far superior to the Sram brakes on this bike.

Wheels - Although heavy, very stiff and semi wide.

Grips - I like to ride glove less uphill, grips become slippery when wet.

Bigger front chain ring - I prefer a 34T.

Outside of the things I've listed (all personal preferences) I like the bike quite a bit. It climbs well, gets up to speed quickly, picks up the front wheel, negotiates switchbacks with ease and descends "OK" if things don't get too rowdy. The biggest plus for me, it didn't cost me 3k.