Finally got mine built up. 21lbs on the nose with pedals. May switch to a Fox 32 Stepcast, as I much prefer Fox forks. First ride hopefully tomorrow.

Build List
ENVE Seatpost
ENVE Handlebar
Specialized Stem
Roval Control SL 29 wheels
Onza Canis Tires (tubeless)
Eagle XX1 Derailleur
Eagle XX1 Cassette
NX Shifter
Level TL brakes
Next SL Cinch Cranks with 36T chainring
S-Works Power Saddle
Eggbeater 3 Pedals

 

Finally got mine built up. 21lbs on the nose with pedals. May switch to a Fox 32 Stepcast, as I much prefer Fox forks. First ride hopefully tomorrow.

Build List
ENVE Seatpost
ENVE Handlebar
Specialized Stem
Roval Control SL 29 wheels
Onza Canis Tires (tubeless)
Eagle XX1 Derailleur
Eagle XX1 Cassette
NX Shifter
Level TL brakes
Next SL Cinch Cranks with 36T chainring
S-Works Power Saddle
Eggbeater 3 Pedals

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Damn, that bike looks amazing.

Enjoy it!

 

Sweet looking horse! Im digging the tan tires and gold accents. Well done.

 

Race day! The Chisel Evo in it's natural environment.

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Hey, how do you like the tires? In have those also, admitingly cause I liked the look. But moved back to specialized fast tracks for wet and muddy conditions, ie Oct till April.
Never felt stable and precise on the canis. 2 years ago it were the only tanwalls available easily where I live.

 

Not sure yet to be honest, never ridden them. Wanted some tan sidewalls and there were a ton of options out there. Never been a huge fan of Ikons, so I chose these as they are a bit chunkier.

 

2019 Specialized Chisel Expert

Picked up a 2019 Specialized Chisel Expert in Gloss Story Grey/Rocket Red from the local bike shop in Athens, Greece on Friday night.

Size large weighed in at 11.36 kg (25.04 pd) with Eggbeater pedals.
1st new MTB in about a decade after my 2005 Epic was stolen.
Really liked cruising around on it over the weekend, but goat head thorns flatted both tires.
Tire liners or go tubeless? Goat heads are really bad here in Greece.

 

Tubeless, the wheels already have the tape installed, you just add valves and sealant and voila. The tires air up with a regular floor pump.

 

Hello guys/girls - love this thread I just put money down on a new 2018 Chisel Expert 1X (Red) today demo special so the deal was GREAT!

I am a roadie by nature but taking it down a notch this next year and i have been REALLY enjoying the singletrack on my cross bike and so this will be my first real mtn bike. I am pretty pumped and love that you all love this bike!

A couple things I noticed:
1. All the videos on youtube are in other languages... was this bike not primarily sold in the US? just seems odd I want to watch them but can't understand them
2. I have some upgrades I want to do right away like swap out for XT brakes... I have SRAM hydraulic on my cross bike and for MTN bike single track I want to go in hot and get good brake feel and grab that the XT has to offer, not a huge fan of the modulation on the SRAM brake for singletrack, love it for CX and gravel though
3. I am 6'3" with a longer torso and usually ride a 58cm with a 110 stem. This is new to me, I got a XL but not sure on what stem people normally run for XL 29'r I know MTN bike is normally shorter just not sure how short??

 

XT brakes...YES!!!

Im 6'4" had an XL, setup a little more trail than XC race and I was running a 70mm stem. Still had plenty of "stretch" for climbing and flats, but not too long for descending and techy stuff.

A couple things I noticed:

2. I have some upgrades I want to do right away like swap out for XT brakes... I have SRAM hydraulic on my cross bike and for MTN bike single track I want to go in hot and get good brake feel and grab that the XT has to offer, not a huge fan of the modulation on the SRAM brake for singletrack, love it for CX and gravel though
3. I am 6'3" with a longer torso and usually ride a 58cm with a 110 stem. This is new to me, I got a XL but not sure on what stem people normally run for XL 29'r I know MTN bike is normally shorter just not sure how short??

 

I am 190 cm which is almost 6'3" according to google.
I always had long stems on my bikes, because I like stretched out and low position, but my chisel XL is so long that I immediately swapped the stem with a 40mm one, all spacers removed and stem pointing down. It's a perfect fit for me that way.

 

Is it true that the stock 2018 XL Chisel runs a 110mm stem and the 2019 XL a 90mm?

 

2019 XL Chisel comes stock with 90mm.

 

Update from Sram

I took my bike back to the LBS and described the crash.

They looked at the bike, removed the Rockshox Reba fork, and sent it to Sram for evaluation.

3 weeks later, I had my answer. Here are the comments from Sram:

"Fork arrived collapsed into travel, with air side dust wiper dislodged from the lower leg. Disassembled fork for eval. Found hair on the negative seal. Debris on the positive seal. And a patch of scratches on the air shaft. All could have contributed."

"Replaced air shaft, installed new seal head and performed lower leg service."

So I guess a "hair", "debris", and a "scratch" caused the fork to fail. Sounds like a bad country song.

Could this have happened from normal wear and tear over 90 days?

Would you ride this fork again?

 

I have had multiple Reba forks and ridden them sometimes for many years without servicing them. I do my own service; none have failed me; all have been reliable beyond my expectations; most all my past mountain bikes, about 12 of them - are still in my family being ridden by others. I am 5'9" and between 158-163 lbs and ride mountain bikes from once a week to five or six times a week year round. I only do Rockshox forks because I can rebuild all of them myself.

I had multiple failures with Specialized Epic brains. The last of which I took off and threw the piece of **** into the lake in front of my house. Busted brains in the middle of races was a repeated awful experience.

 

Thinking of getting 4iiii power meter equipped xx1 crankset on a chisel expert, anyone know if I'll run into any clearance problems?

 

2018 Chisel Expert

Bought in August of this year, have been upgrading along the way. GX Eagle drivetrain, RF AR24 wheelset w/DT Swiss 370 hubs, tubeless with Maxxis Ikon tires, S Works bar, Thomson post, XTR pedals, WTB Volt carbon saddle. 23.8lbs. Plenty light for me as I was on a 29+lb Rockhopper prior to this. It has been a blast to ride, have been tweaking the lengths and heights of seatposts, stems, etc. to find that ideal position. I think I just about got it squared away. 90mm stem -12 degree w/no spacers below. 6'2'' on a L frame. Probably look into a new fork at some point but no rush.

 

Thats a really nice build and a great looking bike. How are you getting on with the new wheelset? Im thinking of upgrading the stouts that came with my bike ( with the terribly rough hubs!)

 

They've been great. I had been shopping around when my LBS had several of these laying around as take-offs on bikes they'd recently sold and upgraded. They were brand new and I got them for a good price. So far, so good!

 

Wow, this is a pretty neat bike! Recently built one up from a combination of new and used bits. Running it 2x11, Reba RL 100mm, and 2.35" Ikons, and its a serious hoot. I have previously *not* been a 29er fan (they've all felt too big/heavy/low/cumbersome), but due to a head injury, I can't take the beating on my beloved hardtail 26" any more. This is the first 29er that I genuinely enjoy riding. As this is a bit of a Frankenbike, its not the lightest rig (24.6 lbs all-up), but its still pretty darned light for a recreational XC ride - on par with my old 26" bike. It climbs really well, descends quite competently, handles tight stuff up and down, and can be easily hopped on, off, and through a wide variety of tight/technical stuff. (I've got a trials past, so this is always a measure of a bike's utility for me. The combination of large-ish tires, flexy frame and CF seatpost and bars really dampen the bumps - its clearly not FS (Thank GOD!), but its a kinder, gentler hardtail. Bottom line, I'm really psyched with this bike!

 

How To Add A Dropper Seatpost To The Specialized Chisel

Thinking about adding a dropper seat post to your Chisel?

Me too.

So I bought one ... and video recorded the entire installation.

You can see it on YouTube:

Here is link:

Hope this helps someone.

-Mike

 

Thinking about adding a dropper seat post to your Chisel?

Me too.

So I bought one ... and video recorded the entire installation.

You can see it on YouTube:

View attachment 1230672

Here is link:

Hope this helps someone.

-Mike

The first time around I skinned the plastic off my cable housing where it runs into the seat tube. The top edge of that hole is sharp. It doesn't work anymore if you do that.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

I love the idea of the dropper, and I've contemplated it a bit, but one of the primary reasons I went with the Chisel was for its compliance on the trail (which I really like, and actually kind of need), and I can't help but think that the thin seat tube, along with a carbon seat post, go a long way toward providing the compliant feeling on the trail. I presume that adding a dropper would significantly stiffen up that area, and thus reduce the compliance and shock-absorption that I get from the Chisel? (This is not critical of putting a dropper on the Chisel at-large, I'm just trying to weigh the relative plusses and minuses for my particular setup.)

 

Interesting point.

You may be right ... about compliance.

I don't know yet.

Broke my collarbone (OTB) so I am out until mid January.

At that time, I'll give a report about the ride quality.

Decided to add a dropper since the seat "may" have bumped me over the top during the crash (don't really know since I passed out). Fork did fail during crash (per Sram review), but don't know how much that contributed. Note: Sram rebuilt the fork under warranty (was 90 days since purchased bike brand new).

Was thinking of ways to reduce OTB in the future, and came up with dropper. (Also, asked LBS if fork could be increased to 120 mm, but the OEM Reba can not).

I've had a lot of time on to ponder during recovery (too much time on my hands - Styx).

Can't wait to get back out on the trail ... and ride my Chisel again.

 

I've ridden both a Chisel and a Carve, each with both a dropper and a carbon post. The Chisel is still far more compliant with the dropper than the Carve with the carbon post. I can feel the difference through the pedals when standing, even.

Add in how much less I smash the saddle into my backside traveling at speed across rough ground and I think the dropper is a win.

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LoveMonkey,

Good to know. Thanks for the insight.

You are correct about the frame port. Sharp edge with angle. Luckily, all worked out.

I installed a PNW Rainer IR 110 mm with included thumb lever.

Which dropper post did you install on yours? How do you like it?

 

Hello everyone, I must admit I am impressed reading this thread. So much info, so much passion for Chisel. I only came across this thread while researching for a new bike for my daughter. I was almost certain buying her a Cube C:62 2018 (for 1.200 Euro/1373 US dollars). Then I looked at what specialized has to offer and Chisel looked quite nice. I have an offer for 1100 Euro/1260 US dollar for a 2018 Chisel Comp woman XS as my daughter is now 145 cm. I must say I am confused as the Chisel -as mentioned in this thread-is lighter than the cube (12.5 kg) which is carbon and looks better equiped!! I would like your views on this dilemma. She is going to use it for fun but for racing too. Wheels upgrade will be scheduled for any of them.
Thanks,and keep building awesome mtb bikes!

 

I've been racing and riding my 2018 comp. I put it through 10 xc races so far and trail ride on anything. Getting prepped to start the 2019 season next month. Only saw one other in races I attended last year.

The stock components are ok to get started, I made a few changes mainly cockpit 1x10, dropper, saddle, grips, stem, and handlebar. Not for weight, just to optimize fit and comfort. My other two bikes have the exact same components for cockpit.

I can't compare it to a carbon as I haven't owned or raced one.

 

I have a 2018 Comp and I'm going to change it to a 1x10 setup.

 

@akis883

From my experience with my son, who is now 15 and has been national champion in my country (Poland), I would recommend not to over invest in children bikes. Of course buying a very good bike, will give your daugher an edge over other children. Lightest and stiffest bike, preferably carbon, with light racing wheels wiill improve her results. But in the long run, IMO, better development strategy for young cyclist is to buy better bikes, once children achieve certain level. It is also not good psychologically if they win nearly every race they attend. In our club, we had parents over investing, and had children at age 8 or 10 on sub 9kg, carbon bikes and SRAM Eagle components. They were winning most of the races. Now, after few years, nearly none of them, races anymore. They were winning mostly because of equipment advantage and not because of better skills or endurance. Once their opponents started to win against them, they lost their motivation and quit. Also 29 inch wheel doesn't develop proper technique. It is better to start with 26 or 27,5 inch wheel. My son started with used 15kg alu bike with 26 inch wheels, moved to another used, 12kg one with 27,5 inch wheels, and only once he reached 175 cm, moved to 29 inch wheels.

Technically speaking I would choose Specialized overy Cube any day. Better warranty, better after sales service, better geometry and potential to get race ready with light racing wheels and few changes.

 

Here's my Chisel ("Evo" or...The Shizzle haha)

Frame is a medium, and transplanted old parts over. Dropper is an external but I've routed what I can inside the frame.
Mostly XT build, save for a SRAM XG-1150 cogset, with an Absolute Black 32T oval ring, DT Swiss 350+Derby Rims+Boostinator rear. Fork is a Reba 120mm (non boost), S-Works mini rise bar cut down to 740mm, S-Works 60mm stem, Specialized Power saddle with a SWAT Bandit. Had to change tires from what's mounted in the photo as the Hans Dampf knobs were cracking.

 

Here's my Chisel ("Evo" or...The Shizzle haha)

View attachment 1231263

Frame is a medium, and transplanted old parts over. Dropper is an external but I've routed what I can inside the frame.
Mostly XT build, save for a SRAM XG-1150 cogset, with an Absolute Black 32T oval ring, DT Swiss 350+Derby Rims+Boostinator rear. Fork is a Reba 120mm (non boost), S-Works mini rise bar cut down to 740mm, S-Works 60mm stem, Specialized Power saddle with a SWAT Bandit. Had to change tires from what's mounted in the photo as the Hans Dampf knobs were cracking.

Nice build! I'd been calling mine an Evo, but will be using Shizzle from now on, thanks for that.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

Thanks. I've built it as a more all-around hardtail, than as an xc rig. May put together another wheelset for trail duty, and use the Derby's for more xc pursuits with lighter tires.

 

So just bought a COMP 1x today.
In my country this colour scheme is the 2019 one, beatiful, 2 shades of red.

Judy gold fork and all stuff the same. I gotta say im very impressed with this build on the basic model. I usually upgrade as soon I buy a bike but this is totally race ready. With the pro version of the crank (i guess is light), tubeless tape already installed, just put ur valve, sealant and floor pump and ur good to go, 350 grms less right there!.

final weight, 11.57 with 70 grms bottle cage and 360 grms pedals. Spesh learning lessons avoiding propietary shock mounts on FSs and going BSA and shimano stoppers instead tektro. Also the 11-46 is a really nice adittion.

I am all mountain rider, I want this mainly for training and doing long rides with road and mountain mixed. Going to put a acouple of ardent 2.4 (plenty room) and a fox 34 sc in July

 

Beautiful bike. Love the color.

So just bought a COMP 1x today.
In my country this colour scheme is the 2019 one, beatiful, 2 shades of red.

Judy gold fork and all stuff the same. I gotta say im very impressed with this build on the basic model. I usually upgrade as soon I buy a bike but this is totally race ready. With the pro version of the crank (i guess is light), tubeless tape already installed, just put ur valve, sealant and floor pump and ur good to go, 350 grms less right there!.

final weight, 11.57 with 70 grms bottle cage and 360 grms pedals. Spesh learning lessons avoiding propietary shock mounts on FSs and going BSA and shimano stoppers instead tektro. Also the 11-46 is a really nice adittion.

I am all mountain rider, I want this mainly for training and doing long rides with road and mountain mixed. Going to put a acouple of ardent 2.4 (plenty room) and a fox 34 sc in July

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