The Chisel is a great bike. The only thing that would make it better, imho, would be a 40T or 42T chainring.
According to Specialized, they only tested it with a 38/28T.
Have someone tried a 40T or 42T on it?

 

I'd like to know about how big of a single ring will fit too.

 

XTR triple has a 40 something on it

 

XTR triple?

 

Really like the rocket red but will be building up a frameset. Current bike is carbon FS stumpy in matte carbon so a bit tired of the dull look. Opinions on glass black/hyper vs. satin black/cali fade?

 

I just ordered the hyper one. I think it's great.

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If it's a triple the outside ring should be far enough out to fit, since the middle 30t ring is about where a single would be. Boost is usually 51-53 chain line, Shimano XT triple is set up for 50mm, should work ok.

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Can spacers or something be used instead of the two other rings? To reduce weight by eliminating the two rings that would not be used.
How about chain alignment? Any with dropping the chain?

 

Gloss black / hyper order put in on way home this evening. Excited about the upcoming build; have never built one up from a frame before.

Interesting observation on the Chisel Comp while I was at bike shop putting the order in. Using a digital Park hanging scale we weighed a large with all the bits on it, dork disk, reflectors, big ole pedals, unmounted rim tape hanging from handle bars, everything including price tag basically. Weight came in at 30.2 lbs. Have not looked at the comp spec but that has got to be one heavy groupset.

 

the parts on that build are pretty heavy but not that heavy. Might be those pedals or something.

Building from the frame up, you have a lot of potential!
I'm sure you've seen most of the builds in here already though. Mine is around 21 pounds. Maybe less now that i changed brakes but i dont remember.

But have fun with it! This was my first build from the frame up and it was fun.

 

The Chisel Comp M/L is easily under 28lbs.

 

My Trek EX8 was 32 lbs when I got it and currently is 30 lbs.
The Chisel COMP with pedals is quite noticeably lighter.
When I got it, about 25 lbs.

Only when I decided to load up it's bag and put water down there does it feel like a similar weight to the Trek. (Before loading the bike, I carried tools, tubes, etc in a backpack, but the weight is better down there than on my back.)

Maybe the groupset on the Expert is heavier? Is its better shock (Reba) heavier?

 

How much of a difference would DT Swiss 350 hubs on Stans Arch mrk3 rims make replacing stock wheelset on Chisel Expert?

 

When you don't pedal it goes: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz like an angry bee!

 

Please chime in with your thoughts on spec for the build, mix of new and what I have laying around. Working to a budget and keeping component level relatively inline. E.g. aluminum rims so going with GX cassette instead of X01 which is $170 more.

Roval Control 29 wheelset, used
2019 Rockshox Sid RL 29 crown lock
SRAM X01 shifter
SRAM GX Eagle deraileur
SRAM Eagle GX cassette
SRAM GX Eagle Dub Boost crankset
SRAM Eagle chain
Shimano XT 203, 180 brakes, used
Enve M5 bar
Stem, undecided
XTR pedals, used
Specialized seatpost, whatever comes with frameset
Specialized seat, used
Tires, undecided

 

Could anybody help out and let me know the BCD of the Stout crankset on their Comp model? Thanks!

 

Chisel 27.5+

Just got a Chisel Expert to use around town and for gravel riding. Right off I switched to carbon bars and seatpost and a 80mm stem. Nice on the smooth stuff, but demanding on rough terrain. Should provide good training to teach me to keep my lazy butt off the seat when pedaling my full suspension Stumpjumper!

This weekend I was playing in the garage and swapped two wheelsets that I use on the Stumpy: 29x2.6 (Nobby Nics on 29i rims) and 27.5x2.8 (Nobby Nics on 32i rims). Both fit, plenty of room up front of course, and ~5mm clearance at the chain stays - enough for dry conditions here in the west. The 29x2.6 seemed a bit much, too tall, but the 27.5x2.8 looked interesting.

Just returned from a ride on the 27.5+ set up. Much improved on the rough with the extra cushion and better traction with the wide footprint and lower tire pressure (13/14 psi F/R). I also really liked how it handled - quicker steering due to less trail and more fun cornering due to the lower center of gravity. No pedal strikes, but I was not in especially rocky terrain. I would definitely like to replace the 175mm RF Aeffect cranks with 170mm (let me know if anyone has a set for sale!).

Anyway, the stock wheels and 29x2.3 Fasttraks will go back on for the bike's intended purpose, but 27.5+ provides a fun option. Here's a pic (looks kinda like a skinny Fuse):

 

2018 Specialized Chisel Expert 1x Review and First Test Ride

First thought, "Wow!" I made the right choice. : )

Just purchased a brand new 2018 Specialized Chisel Expert x1 (large) in Gloss Rocket Red with Black highlights. The red is amazing. Changes color with different times of day and lighting. From hot orange red to dark fire truck red. My son calls it the "Red Rocket" ... and it rides like one.

This is my LONG WINDED review and comments after the first ride.

Backgroud: I've been riding mountain bikes for 20+ years. Started late when a friend invited me on a ride when I was 29. Loved it. Never raced. Just love riding whenever I can. Lucky enough to live in Colorado with a mountain in my backyard with 1,000 vertical feet on a 3 mile single track trail. Life is good. Just turned 50. So I bought this bike to fulfill my "mid-life crisis" and glad I did.

My first mountain bike was $50 from Walmart. Tore it up in less than 90 days (became unrideable - wobble rims). But I wanted to start with a small investment and make sure I liked it. I did.

Then I bought a brand new 1999 Gary Fisher Big Sur hardtail. Rode it for several years. Then bought a 2003 Specialized Epic Disc hardtail (first year of brain, first year of disc brakes). Rode that Epic for 15 years. Heaven. Just stopped because the rear shock went out (and Specialized won't fix or replace). Kept the Big Sur for my kids to ride. So I've been riding it and having a blast. Forgot how much fun a hardtail can be. So efficient in the climbs. Both bikes have 26 inch wheels.

Over the last few months, I've been researching bikes like crazy. Eats up all my spare time. Looked a Canyon Lux and Exceed. Looked at Specialized Stumpjumper, Epic, and Chisel. Considered Scott Scale and Spark.

I'm fortunate enough to be able to purchase any of them.

But I wanted a bike that fit me ... made me smile ... and challenged me to ride more.

I demo'd a 2019 Stumpjumper 29 Carbon Comp (large). Always wanted a BIG travel bike. Sounded like fun. And it was. But it was TOO big for me. It was a bear to carry all the weight up the mountain (it did climb up). The downhill was fun, but MUTED. Felt like I was riding down the mountian on a couch. Too soft. Almost fell asleep. (31.46 pounds with pedals and tubeless.)

I demo'd an 2018 Epic 29 Carbon Comp (X-large). Beautiful machine. Very efficient climber (almost as good as a hardtail). Much more fun than the Stumpjumper at climbing AND hucking off 1-2 foot drops. But I did not like the brain clicking at me. I did not feel like I was getting the "soft tail" easy in my lower back. (26.52 pounds with pedals and tubeless.)

I demo'd a 2018 Chisel Expert 1x (large) ... and fell in love. It is SOOOO light. 24.45 pounds with tubes and without pedals. 25.38 pounds with tubes and pedals. I took the bike up Chimney Gultch. Named such because of the steep gnarly switchbacks at the begining that feel like you are going up a chimney. It rocked it. Plus it had several 1 foot plus drops I launched off on the way down. Hardtail kicked it. More fun that either softtail. I was sold.

I went back to the shop and bought it that afternoon (yesterday).

Today I took the Chisel out on MY home trail (Green Mountain). Lots of singletrack. 1000 feet vertical climb over 3 miles. It's a "blue" trail with lots of little challenges, but nothing too nasty. But this is MY trail. I ride it 90% of the time. It's so easy for me to access. I love it.

And I mention my trail for a reason. At 50, I'm finally getting smart enough to buy a bike that MATCHES my trail (and my riding). My EGO wanted the Stumpjumper (big and bad). My TECH side wanted the Epic (the new brain). But my WISDOM taught me that the Chisel was perfect for my "home" trail. I recommend you do the same when you get your next bike.

Well, I was not disappointed. It climbes so well. I was concerned about going from 26 inch wheels to 29 inch wheels. Thought the climbing might be harder. And it IS harder ... to get the wheels moving (but not much more effort). However, once the wheels start moving and you start climbing, it rolls really well up and over rocks, roots, waterbars, and loose rocks.

This Chisel rocketed up the mountain. I kept thinking I was going TOO slow (since I was pedalling with light breath). There are no gear indicators on the handlebar shifter. So I had to look down to the rear cassette to realize I was climbing steep hills in 5th gear. The bike made easy work out of it.

My big concern was the descent. How would this bike ride downhill?

Answer: Fast! Really fast!

The faster I went, the faster the bike wanted to go. It flew over small obstacles (skull size rocks in trail), waterbars, etc. And just kept begging me to go faster. It was very stable at high speed. Turned great with lean. Flow sections were a blast. Brakes worked exceptionally well and gave me the confidence to go even faster. And did I mention that this bike kept wanting to go FASTER!!!

The big surprise of this ride to me was this Chisel handled the small bumps, loose rock, and minor obstacles BETTER than the Epic or the Stumpjumper. My back feels BETTER riding this hardtail. Don't know why. Defies logic. But they really engineered an amazing machine.

So if you are like me, and you've been researching like crazy for a new bike, I recommend you narrow it down and DEMO several bikes. Then be REAL with yourself about which bike fits your personality and trail.

This Chisel fits me like a glove. I am over the moon.

P.S. Thank you for everyone who comments on this forum (and the forum organizer). I read all of these comments first, took in the pros and cons, and was able to make and excellent decision for me and my riding style. Thank you.

 

First thought, "Wow!" I made the right choice. : )

Awesome review. Thanks for the thorough write up and super happy you're enjoying the trails like you are. Kind of like you, I'm looking to replace a 26" bike that's over a dozen years old. Write ups like this are extremely helpful. Thanks, and keep rockin up those climbs!

 

Half way through the build!

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My conversion to "gravel grinder" has been spectacular. I was a bit surprised that the Roubaix I demo'd over the same greenway hill (down, over a bridge, back up the other side) was slower overall (faster on the climb by 7s) I was less confident on the Roubaix. If I was on it all the time, prob go down faster, roll faster (don't want to crash a demo bike)

But I figured it would blow the Chisel away time-wise and I was faster on the Chisel!

I'm getting a Roubaix for the road, we'll see on greenways if this doesn't reverse (I expect it to) but still, fi the XC bike can come close to an Endurance bike for Greenways, this is an amazing frame.

I took the Chisel on a 50m round trip (split in 2) to watch a soccer game and it did quite well. Handle bar got a bit uncomfortable. Seat a bit so I stood here and there to alleviate it. But the rest was just fine. Stock seat & wearing unpadded gloves.

I continue to be amazed at the versatility of this bike. And the cheaper shock of the COMP is no slacker.
If I keep it, I'll upgrade as I go to lighten it over time.

It's also my adventure bike. Gravel/road/greenway/logging road/fields, etc.

 

Odd you mentioned the bars. I have noticed more hand discomfort with the chisel. Probably position, but was thinking of trying different grips or bars or bar ends....

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Even the Rockhopper Pro frame is close to the Epic HT as it's pretty light. The problem is that it's not boost.

If you want to reduce bikes get the Epic FS as it can do it all. I don't need a FS so I stick with hardtails. The Epic HT is fast as hell and rivals road bike speeds.

 

Has anybody here ridden the chisel vs. the epic hard tail back to back? How'd they feel?

 

I have not. However, I did review both.

To me it looked like Specialized rolled the Alloy Epic hardtail out and renamed it Chisel. The geometry is exactly the same. So I assume they ride very similarly.

Also, I'm not sure if this is true, but I found weights online that say the Chisel Expert in medium is 11.1 kg and the Epic Hardtail Carbon Comp in medium is 10.9 kg. Very close in weight.

 

Quick Update. Day 3 with the Chisel. Loving it.

I knew it would be fast uphill (and it is).

But my big surprise, it's super fast downhill too. The faster I go ... the faster it challenges me to go. Like it is taunting me, "Don't touch those brakes."

I'm also surprised with how "compliant" the rear is off a small drop or baby rock garden.

When I bunny hop, the landing is strangely soft. Like landing on foam.

Anyway, I went TUBELESS today. First time ever. : )

It was very easy. Used Stan's fluid and valves. Rims were tubeless ready - already taped/sealed. Inflated with a hand operated floor pump.

Result of going tubeless ... dropped 3/4 of a pound.

Now the stock Chisel Expert in Large with pedals (XT Trail) and tubeless is 24.66 pounds.

Was initially concerned about gearing. Kept thinking I needed the "Eagle" bailout gear. Worried the NX 11-42 would not be low enough. My backup plan was to replace the cassette with SunRace CSMX8 11-46 for $55. So far no need. Went up the 2nd steepest hill on my trails today. The NX ate it up in 2nd gear. I'll try the steepest hill tomorrow. I call it "the east wall rockslide". : )

I keep thinking back to the Stumpjumper I demo'd and comparing it to the Chisel.

The Stumpjumper is like driving a big Suburban - you can plow thru anything.

The Chisel is like driving a Corvette - you will feel more bumps in the road, but you'll have a smile on your face flying down the highway

I'm loving this Chisel. My "little red corvette."

 

Update Day 4. Chisel Expert 1x.

Climbed "The Wall" today. Made it up the steep, loose rock, slippery climb. It's the steepest hill on my mountain. Did have to use the lowest stock gear (42) with stock 30 chainring.

Happy about this. Now I won't need the new NX Eagle 12 speed (very heavy 615g cassette). And I won't get the slightly lighter SunRace CSMX8 11-46 (485g). The stock NX cassette on the bike is NX (PG 1130 at 538g). Instead, I may opt for the SunRace CSMX8 11-42 at 405g. Or maybe just stick with stock NX, stop being a weight weenie, and have fun.

Note: Can't get lighter SRAM 11 speed cassettes since they require the XD hub.

See - too much analysis. Need more riding. : )

Just took first ride on tubeless tires. Surprisingly, was harsher than tubes. Rear tire kept slipping on steep loose gravel and rock. Makes it very difficult to keep balance and spin 3 times to go 1 rotation forward.

I think I might have the PSI too high for tubeless. Had 30 PSI in front and back. Might try lower.

BTW, 30 PSI was perfect for TUBED tires. To me, just right.

For my "old-timer" friends who are still riding 26 inch tires. First, keep riding. It's not THAT big of a difference. Second, here is my view.

29 inch wheel are slightly harder to get rolling on uphill (but very small difference). Once rolling, it's about the same as 26. The BIG advantage is downhill. The 29 inch tires roll MUCH faster.

I noticed it when riding with my son and friend. When I was on 26 and they were on 27.5 and 29 tires, they were able to keep up with me going down (never happened when they rode 26).

Now with my 29s, I am back on top ... and crushing my old times down and flat ... super fast.

Hope these posts are helping.

Get out and ride!

 

Anyone know where I can buy a Seatpost Collar with Quick Release Lever for the Chisel?

The size is unusual. The seatpost is 27.2 mm (common). But because of the thin aluminium, the clamp needs to be 30.8 mm (uncommon).

Asked my LBS. He could not find one.

I've not been able to locate online.

Anyone have a solution?

 

I think 30.6 would still fit.
https://salsacycles.com/components/category/collars/flip-lock

 

Answer to Seatpost Collar/Clamp Quick Release 30.8 size for Chisel.

Contacted Specialized by email (quick reply).

Asked: Does Specialized make a quick release seatpost collar that fits the Chisel?

Response: No.

And no recommendations for vendors who might carry the unusual size.

Bummer.

 

Update Day 5.

Rode up Mt Falcon today. 1,800 foot climb in 3.5 miles. Moderate level. Lots of sharp rocks, step ups, and mini jumps (waterbars).

Chisel rocked it up the mountain. Had a personal best time. This bike loves to climb.

And again, the downhill was a blast.

It is super fast ... and stable.

But you do have to choose your lines. I launched off an 18 inch water bar and landed between two sharp rocks. Found out that tubeless tires will get a flat when you hit the sidewall. Luckily it was towards the end of the ride.

Love launching this bike off small drops (1-2 foot). The bike lands "soft". The backend has flex built into the frame. It keeps reminding me of when I used to jump my old 2003 Epic FS.

I wouldn't take the Chisel off a 5 foot drop. Neither the bike nor I am built for that.

But small drops and bunny hops are a blast.

I'm 50, but this bike makes me feel like I'm a kid again.

Note: I'm giving a first weeks report ... because it seemed to me that a lot of people on the forum asked questions BEFORE they owned the bike, but did not report how the bike rode AFTER they owned it. I often searched the forums for reports on how the bike rode on the trail. Thought I'd try to fill the gap.

 

Update Day 7 on the 2018 Chisel Expert 1x

This Chisel Expert is FAST!!!

... and SOOOOO much fun. : )

I've owned it for a week ... and riden it daily.

That was one of my goals. To get back in shape. This is helping.

Here are a few more observations.

SRAM. I have always had Shimano drivetrains and brakes. So I was concern about SRAM. I've heard mixed reviews.

After riding for a week, the SRAM drivetrain is excellent. Smooth shifting up and down. You work your thumb slightly differently, but got used to it fast. Love the 1x. Always did most of my riding in the first chainring in the past (old 3x) so the concept made sense to me (climbing was low gears and downhill was too fast to care). After riding 1x, it works. Low is deep enough for steep steep climbs and high is very fast.

That said, I ride up and down mountains. Not a lot of flat land where I live in Colorado. But if I was in Florida or the Great Plains, I might get a bigger chainring.

The SRAM brakes are working wonderfully. Slowing me down and fast stops even on steep descents. I like the modulation. Zero squeal. Very happy.

29 vs 26 inch wheels. All my bikes were 26 inch wheels before this week. So I thought 29 would be strange. However, I got used to them quickly. By the end of the first week, I like 29 a lot. Very very fast on downhill. Great roll over on flat. Good climbers once you get rolling.

I was conerned that 29 could not corner as well, especially in tight switchbacks. However, after riding the tightest steepest switchbacks (most with obstacles) both up and down, the 29s on this Chisel corners as well as the 26s on my old Epic FS.

Lower Back Pain. 25 years ago a drunk driver hit my car head on. Totalled my car. I survived with minor injuries, but chronic back pain. I've seen a chiropractor every week since to keep it straight.

So I was concerned about riding a hardtail and the jarring on my lower back. Always thought the answer was a softtail full suspension bike.

I was wrong. The hardtail is excellent for my lower back. Because you have to stand and use your legs and core on fast flats and descents, my back has gotten stronger (been riding a hardtail for the last 6 months). I might have occassional tenderness after riding the hardtail, but I was having pain on the softtail.

I think you get a similar transmission of bump vibration through the softtail and hardtail. I know that sounds weird, but that is my experience after evaluation both for a long time. Softtails don't make bumps go away. So I think it is easier to just assume it will be there when you are on a hardtail.

You kind of learn to rise off the seat in anticipation of a bump while climbing. And the direct power you get from a hardtail is incredible. I forgot how 1:1 the ratio is with a hardtail. Pedal down = wheel connects = move forward.

If you have back pain, I recommend getting a waterbottle holder and saddle bag to carry your tools instead of a camelback. It's easier on your lower back.

One more thought. LBS will not let you "test ride" a hardtail on the trails. Only the expensive carbon "softtails". I realize they do this to sell more expensive bikes. And I think it is so riders don't realize how excellent today's alloy hardtails ride.

Jumps. This bike loves to jump. Just took it off a 2 foot drop on sharp downhill grade. It landed so soft. I kept thinking "this is just like my Epic FS." After maybe a hundred jumps (small 1-2 foot) this week, the Chisel rocks.

Size. I am between sizes. I am 6'2" and 200 lbs. So the LBS says I should be on a XL. But I have a long torso and short legs with a 32 inch inseam and was concerned about standover height (don't want to get racked). So I rode both XL and L during testing and rode a lot. I took out 2 demo bikes on the trail (L Stumpjumper and XL Epic FS). And I test rode bikes at the LBS 5+ times around their "parking lot" and the nearby lake and hills. I looked for LBS near dirt. Went to one LBS that was super close to a singletrack trailhead and was able to test the Chisel on true trail. I was hooked.

My size conclusion was that I could definitely ride the XL. It felt big, but manageable. Liked it on the climbs. However I really noticed the difference on downhill jumps. I felt like I was reaching far forward and it was harder to pull up with my arms when jumping on the XL. Although it's only about 1 inch difference, the L just felt better. Easier to throw around. So I went with the L. After riding all sorts of terrain, L was definitely the right move for me.

I recommend you ride a lot of different models and sizes of bikes to see which one fits you and your style best. Especially if you can get on dirt or a real trail (bikes ride different on concrete and dirt).

The bottomline is I am LOVING this 2018 Chisel Expert 1x. I call it my little red rocket ... because it flies.

 

Mike2MTB I have eliminated lower back pain riding hardtail 29ers, now of course the Chisel. Getting up off the seat and peddling repeatedly has been by far the best thing that has ever happened to my back. I am 64 years old and I have a SJ FSR 29 Carbon also, but I ride the Chisel mostly.

 

rakerdeal, you are so inspirational. Thank you for sharing your age. 64 years old and still climbing the mountain. You rock!

I've always wondered how long I could ride before I'd be "too old". Now I am inspired to ride for another decade or two. Thanks.