Gotta love your enthusiasm, Mike2MTB! :thumbsup:

May the good vibes continue!

 

Mike2MTB,
Good job! Good reviews. You are definitely having fun. Keep at it!

 

Just completed the built. Full ride tomorrow

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Nice!

 

Looking forward to the review!

 

It's a fast bike for sure, and easy to handle.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

Specialized chisel

Need Help! What brand OF rear axle that compatible for specialized chisel rear Thru axle 144m/12mm. I dont know the mm thread size? I want to know if DT Swiss RWS 10 alu Thru axle 148mm/12mm 1mm thread size or 1.5 mm thread size? Tnx

 

Need Help! What brand OF rear axle that compatible for specialized chisel rear Thru axle 144m/12mm. I dont know the mm thread size? I want to know if DT Swiss RWS 10 alu Thru axle 148mm/12mm 1mm thread size or 1.5 mm thread size? Tnx

Any brand offering X-12 compatibility. There are several out there.

 

Is there a 2019 version hitting stores anytime soon? If so, what changes are in order?

Thanks!

 

Chisel Expert 1x rocked Palo Duro Canyon

Just got back from a 3 day ride in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park (largest canyon in US outside of the Grand Canyon) just 15 miles souteast of Amarillo Texas.

Rode all 9 major trails. Chisel did fantastic.

Trails were varied from hot, red dirt, sand, creek bottom, flat ... to steep, rocky, jagged edges, tight switchbacks, small cliff ledges, step ups, drops, ... all fun.

West side of park is fairly flat and easy/moderate.

East side of park is cliff side and intermediate/advanced.

Best/hardest trails were new Commanche and Rock Garden (both east side)

Most difficult part of park: being swarmed by biting flies that drew blood on my lower legs. Even with bug spray. Chased me for miles.

Tires. I have original Fast Trak 2.3 tires on front and back. Excellent grip in all terrain. Climbs with tech. Stable thru flat deep sand. Rolled fast. Gripped hard.

Gears. The 1x worked great. Was able to climb steepest sections. Only had to use lowest gear a few times. On flats I did hit top gear and feel there was more to go. Flatlanders may want a larger front ring.

The Chisel rocked it all.

Loving this bike. : )

 

Sounds like a great ride except for biting flies.

I think the small ring is a big limitation on the chisel but its easily fixed.

Just got back from a 3 day ride in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park (largest canyon in US outside of the Grand Canyon) just 15 miles souteast of Amarillo Texas.

View attachment 1208101

Rode all 9 major trails. Chisel did fantastic.

Trails were varied from hot, red dirt, sand, creek bottom, flat ... to steep, rocky, jagged edges, tight switchbacks, small cliff ledges, step ups, drops, ... all fun.

West side of park is fairly flat and easy/moderate.

East side of park is cliff side and intermediate/advanced.

Best/hardest trails were new Commanche and Rock Garden (both east side)

Most difficult part of park: being swarmed by biting flies that drew blood on my lower legs. Even with bug spray. Chased me for miles.

Tires. I have original Fast Trak 2.3 tires on front and back. Excellent grip in all terrain. Climbs with tech. Stable thru flat deep sand. Rolled fast. Gripped hard.

Gears. The 1x worked great. Was able to climb steepest sections. Only had to use lowest gear a few times. On flats I did hit top gear and feel there was more to go. Flatlanders may want a larger front ring.

The Chisel rocked it all.

Loving this bike. : )

 

Anyone has some infos about 2019 Chisel colours and versions?

 

Here some:
Chisel Comp 1X - Maqbike
SBC 新着情報 : 2019SPECIALIZED【一部公開】：CHISEL

 

Here some:
Chisel Comp 1X - Maqbike
SBC æ-°ç�€æƒ…å*± : 2019SPECIALIZEDã€�一部公é-‹ã€'：CHISEL

Thanks for posting that. So looks like wider bars, Eagle NX are the major changes. Not sure I'd want either since the NX is heavy and wider bars means more crashes with all the trees in my neck of the woods

I've owned my Chisel expert for 10 months now. Just love the bike. The build quality is amazing with no creaks anywhere except in my after market rear wheel. My Trek Top Fuel creaked or had rubbing sounds everywhere the entire time I owned it. I've also destroyed every PR I got on the Top Fuel. The Chisel is just a great bike.

 

thanks for the comments on the epic ht vs the chisel

 

Not a very technical comparison! Bikes are very similar, problem is finding an Epic HT in stock. Most LBSs won’t touch ‘em - order only.

 

Tyrich88, beautiful machine. Looks like some BIG tires on there. Maybe just the angle. Love how the bike holds 2 huge water bottles.

Glad you got to New Mexico (and the mountains).

Lubbock is FLAT, FLAT, FLAT. Went to school at Texas Tech. Was lost for weeks without the mountains (I'm from Colorado).

Thanks for all your comments on this forum about the Chisel and your custom build. It's hot.

=

Welcome to West Texas!
Hot, dirty and lots of bugs haha

I'm about an hour and a half south of the canyon in Lubbock.

Down here the people i ride with mostly run 34t rings with our 1x set ups with a 32t extra to swap out if you head to the mountains.

Those trails are a blast to ride. Glad you had fun in PDC. Also glad to hear you're loving the chisel!

I just took mine up and down Angel Fire bike park this past weekend and it did awesome! Rocks, roots, jumps and berms werent a problem!

View attachment 1208640
View attachment 1208641

 

Tyrich88, beautiful machine. Looks like some BIG tires on there. Maybe just the angle. ...

Actually that's a good point. As there's been some questions about the Epic HT, I can confirm that there's ~2.5" of clearance between stays in the rear. Unsure if the Chisel offers more, but that's certainly one area you'll want to be aware of if cross-shopping between frames.

 

Another great ride on the Chisel - Deer Creek

Just rode another ride on the 2018 Chisel Expert 1x large.

Wow! This thing climbs so well. Flies down hill. And crushes the tech.

Took it up Deer Creek Trail (in Colorado) and made the complete Figure 8 Lollipop Loop. It's an blue/black trail (intermediate/advanced). Rode 9.5 miles with 1,950 vertical feet of elevation.

Up and down nasty tech. (First time I've used all the travel in the fork.)

Blast flying past softtails on the climbs ... and the downs.

Owned for 2 weeks ... rode it every single day ... have a perma-grin smile.

Just loving this bike!

 

I am firmly a Chisel fan. I bought mine in May of this year, I primarily use it for racing weekly xc night races. Bought the bike about midseason and so glad, it is lightning quick and as others have mentioned it is a blast to launch off smaller drops and jumps. Only seen one other chisel being raced so far, but fully expect to see more next season as more people see them in action. The price to performance factor of these bikes is spot on.

I purchased the comp because I had an Nx 1x11 drivetrain on another bike that I swapped over. The only other difference is the brakes and fork, but not enough difference for me to buy the expert.

I also added a dropper post, the Ks integra internal.

And changed seat to wtb silverado (it just fits me, I have one on my full suspension bike also).

And changed the bars to 780mm spank oozy's with vibracore (yes I can feel the difference, rode the stock bars for 5 races and had sharp pain in wrist near end of race).

 

anybody have a small frame they would sell?

 

Finished my Chisel build

Here are a few photos of my Chisel build that I posted specs for a while back (page 6, post #555). Only thing left to do is decide on white SID decals vs. the stealth grey ones.
Came in at 21.5 lbs with everything shown.
No proper rides yet, just some neighborhood bandit trail last night. Looking forward to giving it a go soon.

 

Wow! Beautiful. Congrats on a great looking build.

21.5 pounds is awesome for a XL.

Can't wait to hear how it rides.

How much was your total investment?

Here are a few photos of my Chisel build that I posted specs for a while back (page 6, post #555). Only thing left to do is decide on white SID decals vs. the stealth grey ones.
Came in at 21.5 lbs with everything shown.
No proper rides yet, just some neighborhood bandit trail last night. Looking forward to giving it a go soon. View attachment 1209944 View attachment 1209945

 

More than I’d like to admit, but I got a shop deal on the frame and fork so that is how I justify it. $3600 and change is about where I’m at.

 

You have an awesome set up. Excellent components. I'd say you did very well. Nicely done. Thankyou for sharing. Be sure to tell us how it rides.

More than I'd like to admit, but I got a shop deal on the frame and fork so that is how I justify it. $3600 and change is about where I'm at.

 

Chisel Climbs Glenwood Springs

Owned my Chisel for 3 weeks. Riden everyday. Love this bike!

Just rode in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Rode the Definace Trail (blue/black intermediate/advanced as part of the Wulfsohn Figure 8 Loop) with lots of tight twists and turns on single track climb/descend under bush canopy. Lots of sharp rocks and odd ground. Chisel rocked it.

Rode the Red Mountain Grandstaff Trail (blue/black). Climbed 3/4 way before getting a flat (with tube) in back ... then running into a bear. Took a detour and headed back down early. Fast flow trail with bumps and berms. Chisel rolled it.

Also did a fast decent after a hard rain on my local trail with big chatter ruts and loose rocks. Surprised Chisel does so well at fast speeds on messy ground.

Seat. At first I did not like the seat. However, after riding for several weeks, the seat is working great. Very comfortable.

Brakes. After 1 week, the rear brake started squeaking intermittently on hard climbs (no brake lever applied) and fast descents. It is only happening in the rear. I have not been able to isolate it. Might be my lack of knowledge. Could be I got some contaminant on rotor (I've been polishing bike a lot and adding lube to chain. Also had a blow out with tubeless and Stan's fluid went everywhere).

Handlebar grips. I've experienced a lot of hand numbness after big climbs and descents. Although I like the feel, I may need to try different grips.

Tires. Love the fast rolling Fast Trak tires. Grip well on climbs, rocks, water bars. Roll fast on descents. But I've had two flats on rear tire in 3 weeks. First was tubless when hit sidewall on sharp rock after jump. Second was pinch flat with tube after hard square hit on downhill. Might need to step up to thicker/heavier Ground Control GRID for back. Anyone else experience this?

Big picture, I love this red rocket. It is so fast. And amazingly compliant on small bumps and even chatter ruts. So impressed.

Can't wait to ride again tomorrow.

 

Mike2mtb, I really love your passion for this bike. Seems like it has changed your life. Envious you are able to ride every day!!! Keep it up!

 

jlm0976, no doubt. Love the Chisel. : )

Interesting side note, mountain biking daily combined with intermittent fasting, has been a wonderful way to get physically fit.

I'm 50. For most of my adult life, I've been between 220 and 235 pounds.

In the last 20 weeks, I've lost 20+ pounds by riding several times per week and eating right (lots of vegetables).

I eat as much as I want (anything I want). Just eat during a restricted time window (noon to 8 pm) ... basically skip breakfast.

And ride my bike.

Now I weigh an even 200 pounds (which is good for me at 6'2"), have tons of energy, sleep better, and smile more.

Forgot how cool it feels to have a flat tummy.

My wife thinks I look 20 years younger. I sure feel like it.

This Chisel is the cherry on top.

Makes riding even more fun.

Went from riding 3 times per week ... to riding daily.

 

Salsa Flip Lock Seat Collar Quick Release Clamp 30.6

This forum is awesome!

Thanks to some very smart people who posted about quick release seat collars, I was able to get the right one.

Before I saw the posts, I purchased a QR collar from Amazon that was supposed to fit a 27.2 seatpost. It did NOT fit. Way too big.

So as recommended, I ordered the Salsa Flip Lock Seat Collar in size 30.6 (even though Specialized states 30.8 needed - can't find that size anywhere) from Jenson USA online. Here is the product link:

https://www.jensonusa.com/Salsa-Flip-Lock-Seat-Collar

(Be sure to select the 30.6 size.)

Hope that helps anyone who wants a quick release for their seat, but does not want the weight of a dropper post.

 

...

So as recommended, I ordered the Salsa Flip Lock Seat Collar in size 30.6 (even though Specialized states 30.8 needed - can't find that size anywhere) from Jenson USA online. Here is the product link:

https://www.jensonusa.com/Salsa-Flip-Lock-Seat-Collar

(Be sure to select the 30.6 size.)

Hope that helps anyone who wants a quick release for their seat, but does not want the weight of a dropper post.

That's a solid tip for something that is a source of confusion.

 

Hey, I got lucky!

No, not that kind of "lucky", bike component lucky.

Was able to snag the Specialized XCP carbon dropper post from mrs levity's Diverge before she sold it. The post only drops 35mm, but that helps in tech and makes it much easier to move back on steep sections or short drops. I left the Salsa QR clamp on for long, steep downhill sections where it's worth dismounting and lowering the seat a little more.

 

Hi guys,

Since I ordered my chisel expert 1x I have been reading this thread and have just finished.

I found very helpul information here, thank you guys.

Now I want to upgrade some components to reduce weight and get some extra features.

I am looking for a new wheelset, a dropper and probably other small accesories. I am going to put the list here:

Hubs: Sram X0 (130 grs front) $173 usd
Sram X0 (250 grs rear) $225 usd
DT Swiss 350 (194 grs front) $94 usd
DT Swiss 350 (305 grs rear) $250 usd
Spokes & Nipples: I have no idea about the length and materials.
Rims: Crest MK3 32H i23 (364 grs each one)
Dropper: KS Eten-I Integra (750 grs, yes it is heavy) $135 usd

I will also replace the cassette which is heavy as you guys have mentioned.

Those are the components that i found, any recommendation?

Thanks in advance

 

Hi guys,
...I am looking for a new wheelset...

Hubs: Sram X0 (130 grs front) $173 usd
Sram X0 (250 grs rear) $225 usd
DT Swiss 350 (194 grs front) $94 usd
DT Swiss 350 (305 grs rear) $250 usd
Spokes & Nipples: I have no idea about the length and materials.
Rims: Crest MK3 32H i23 (364 grs each one)
...

Unless you're an XC racer and want skinnier tires I'd lean toward a wider rim, closer to the stock 25mm inner width, for more volume and side wall support . If you want to go with Stan's rims take a look at the Arch MK3 i26mm, 453g.

I'm partial to DT Swiss stuff: 350 hubs, rims, and spokes (32°, 2- or 3-cross). The XM421 rim is 25mm inner width, weighs 465g, and would go nice with 350 hubs. Their Competition spokes (butted 1.8/1.6/1.8mm) are strong and reasonably light. The DT Pro Head Squorx nipples and washers build up nice and strong; haven't had to retrue any wheels using them.

DT has a helpful spoke calculator page that you can plug in their product info or enter user defined numbers:

https://spokes-calculator.dtswiss.com/en/

 

Chisel on Dakota Ridge

Chisel rocks up Dakota Ridge (considered a black/double black on MTBproject). Heavy tech trail. Cleared majority of obstacles. Bike better than rider. Grips and climbs like a mountain lion. Sure footed. Rolls over stuff. Light and nimble. Gearing worked well. Fork obsorbed bumps and drops. Rear compliant. Quick release seat collar was very helpful (see post above). Bottom line: This bike is a blast!

 

ignsaez - shop around for lower prices on DT Swiss stuff.

Parts for my last wheelset similar to the one described above (from Starbike.com) were less than 400 usd (<300 euro). Recent tariff insanity may have changed things for those of us in the US though! :madmax:

 

The price list posted is form Jenson USA, I am from Chile and a friend of mine is going to be there in the USA in a couple weeks so he can help me with some items. I plan to get the rims here, are more expensive but I can not do more.

I have heard about some good websites in europe, like bike components, bike discount, among others, that ship to my country.

But first I need information about the components I want to get, something lighter than the stock ones and also not so expensive if it is possible.

Thank you one more time.