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#462 ·
chrispidgeon said:
Anyone tried either-

27.5 Wheels with plus tyres 2.8 or even 3.0?

Converting the 2 by comp to a 1 by?
Click to expand...
Look back a few pages, I posted a pic of mine with 27.5x2.8s on it. Depending on the actual tire, rim width, etc. 2.8s may fit with a little room to spare (in the rear). 3.0s will not fit in the rear. And, of course depending on your fork 2.8 or 3.0 may fit.
 
#463 ·
Joaking said:
Hi!

I need your advice and help!

I'm looking for a nice aluminum MTB since I bike a lot with my daughter in a Thule Chariot trailer and the Chisel currently has all my attention :)
At the moment I'm using my Focus CX with the trailer but want to swap to an MTB. I also think that the Chisel will be a great bike for trailriding when I don't have the trailer with me.

My LBS doesn't have the Chisel in stock but can order, so I need to decide on size...
I'm 180cm (approx 5ft 11in) and I'm not equipped with the longest legs.

I currently ride a Cannondale Scalpel Si Carbon 2 Eagle 2017 size M which I find great (will sell this one though since it's not used that much because I don't want to hang the trailer to a carbon bike). My last Specialized was an Epic Expert Carbon 29 2014, also size M.

So, people whom ride a M or L, how tall are you?

Thanks in advance for your help!
Click to expand...
I'm a short-legged 6'2 (187cm) and I bought the large after test-riding both the L and XL. Both would work for me but I felt noticeably more like I could whip around the size L. Also beware that the chisels come out the gate with longer-than-expected stems (more in line with traditional xc geo and not with the "modern" geometry that this and most other new hardtails are adopting, which pairs with a shorter stem, usually 70-80mm on a size L). That worked great for me and my long torso.

Assuming you're built like me, my instinct says that you'll feel best on a medium. If the LBS has other medium Hardtails in stock, perhaps you can compare their geometry (especially top tube length and head tube angle) and get a close-enough comparison. Additionally, since you have ridden other size M specialized bikes recently, if you like the fit of those bikes, then the medium is likely the way to go.
 
#464 · (Edited)
plus options

"Look back a few pages, I posted a pic of mine with 27.5x2.8s on it. Depending on the actual tire, rim width, etc. 2.8s may fit with a little room to spare (in the rear). 3.0s will not fit in the rear. And, of course depending on your fork 2.8 or 3.0 may fit."

A belated thanks for posting those, by the way.

I'm going to pick up a new Niner RDO carbon fork in the coming months for my chisel expert, and I'm debating between (1) a setup of 29x2.6 rear and 29x2.8 or 3.0 in the front (which clears that carbon fork); or (2) 27x2.8 in rear and 27.5x2.8 or 3.0 front.

Given those options, which would you pick, knowing that this will mostly be for bikepacking and riding across a very sandy national forest? (I definitely value your opinion thanks to all of your other thoughtful posts!). The biggest upside for going with the 27.5 setup, I think, is the ability to run it with my reba. Thanks!
 
#465 ·
Quick question for anybody who can answer it. Does the frameset include the headset? If not, is it a standard IS42/IS52? I have a medium on order with my shop for delivery some time in February, but nobody had the answers handy when I was placing my order.
 
#467 ·
Max LOLume said:
Quick question for anybody who can answer it. Does the frameset include the headset? If not, is it a standard IS42/IS52? I have a medium on order with my shop for delivery some time in February, but nobody had the answers handy when I was placing my order.
Click to expand...
Mine came with a headset
 
#468 ·
20.09lbs!!

SpryIP said:
New Chisel build:

View attachment 1178574

View attachment 1178575
Click to expand...
Congrats on another awesome build in this forum. I know you have the eagle XX1 drivetrain and ROVAL Control SL wheelset along with the Rickshocks SID fork but would you mind indulging us with a write up of all your parts, what dropper post and seat you etc. you chose. It is amazing people are building sub 21 pound aluminum bikes. I also want to build a chisel with your choice of wheels and drivetrain. Please and thank you.
 
#470 ·
SomeRandomHobo,

Cali Fade Build Specs:

Cali Fade Chisel frame in large
Race XTR pedals M9000
2nd generation Roval SL Control wheels; rear converted to boost
XX1 11 speed group, including XX1 GXP crank, cassette, shifter and RD
SRAM MTN BB
XTR brakes M9000
Shimano XT SM-RT86 6 Bolt Ice-Tech Rotors (160mm)
KS LEV Integra 272 dropper
Serfas Phantom Carbon Saddle
Niner Flat Top RDO handlebar (710mm)
SID XX World Cup Fork, Solo Air 100 29in MaxleLite15, 15x100
PC XX1 HollowPin Chain
ESI Race grips
2.3 Ground Control tires, setup tubeless
Easton EA90 stem, 90mm
 
#472 ·
#473 ·
@rakerdeal

Seems like I'm looking for similiar fetures in the bike.
I live in Central Europe. I ride both road and mtb with groups of ambitious guys and gals, usually much younger than me. I also have bad knees from playing tennis for 30 years and little elasticity in my lower back. I'm looking for fast, light and reasonably comfortable hardtail. I currently ride Specialized Crave Pro that I'm pretty happy with. But i doesn't have thru axles, isn't able to accomodate wider tires and doesn't have internal routing for dropper seatpost. My rides during peak season from spring to autum are 60-100 km usually in the woods over singletracks. I do trip to mountains with my friends few times a year. I realized my current bike ins't very well suited for the mountains. Wider rubber helps and so does the dropper seatpost. With my current setup i wasn't able to descend over enduro trails. It was too steep and too dangerous and I had very little control with my ass behind my seat. I started in xc marathon last year and felt my bike was a bit too heavy. I get along well with local Specialied dealer so they allow me to test bike for few days from time to time. I tested Epic HT Expert Carbon 29 but it was too stiff for me. My colleague working for Specialized dealer testd Chisel in the mountains. He highly recommends it. I currently consider either Chisel Expert 2x or Trek Procaliber. I'm looking for softer, reasonably comfortable rear end of the bike. My current Crave with bridgeless chainstays and 27,2 seatpost gives me that "reasonable" comfort. My Fox fork too. I tested bikes with Reba forks and could never get same sensitive suspension as I get with my Fox. I wonder if I should go with Chisel or maybe try Procaliber too. It also has internal routing for the dropper but with bigger diameter seatpost, also thru axles, boost and so on. Anyone tried it?
 
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Discussion starter · #474 ·
The trek is pretty old geometry and I would bet for 2019 they have a new frame. The Chisel is a new design that’s pretty light weight and it has a threaded B.B.
 
#475 ·
04 F2000SL said:
The trek is pretty old geometry and I would bet for 2019 they have a new frame. The Chisel is a new design that's pretty light weight and it has a threaded B.B.
Click to expand...
Indeed. Although it took a bit of time to get my Chisel dialed, I have been impressed with the frame. As mentioned, it is a very light frame and it is comfortable. It doesn't feel noodly under my 160 lbs body weight. Dare I say it rides almost like a steel frame.

I ride the Chisel in the PNW, so I wanted a frame that would absorb gnar, mostly from roots. The Chisel does a fine job of that. Very impressed. I own a Stumpjumper S-Works HT (2nd generation), which I ride on the smooth fast singletrack in Bend OR. That bike is stiffer than the Chisel, which is great for the singletrack in Bend. However, I wouldn't want that bike up in the PNW.

The new Epic HT looks like it might be stiffer than my SJ SW HT. As mentioned in the foregoing, I want no part of that kind of stiffness on the dirt I ride in the PNW. The Chisel seems to have an appropriate amount of flex, is light and the price point is absolutely fabulous.
 
Discussion starter · #476 ·
I own a 2018 S-WORKS Epic HT and it's real stiff but small vibrations are absorbed really well thanks to everything being in carbon. I nearly bought a chisel but couldn't get the price right, maybe this spring!

SpryIP said:
Indeed. Although it took a bit of time to get my Chisel dialed, I have been impressed with the frame. As mentioned, it is a very light frame and it is comfortable. It doesn't feel noodly under my 160 lbs body weight. Dare I say it rides almost like a steel frame.

I ride the Chisel in the PNW, so I wanted a frame that would absorb gnar, mostly from roots. The Chisel does a fine job of that. Very impressed. I own a Stumpjumper S-Works HT (2nd generation), which I ride on the smooth fast singletrack in Bend OR. That bike is stiffer than the Chisel, which is great for the singletrack in Bend. However, I wouldn't want that bike up in the PNW.

The new Epic HT looks like it might be stiffer than my SJ SW HT. As mentioned in the foregoing, I want no part of that kind of stiffness on the dirt I ride in the PNW. The Chisel seems to have an appropriate amount of flex, is light and the price point is absolutely fabulous.
Click to expand...
 
#478 ·
I sold my Crave SL when I got the Chisel.
I HATED the EBB on the crave and will get something with sliders in the near future.

Anyway, the chisel is more forgiving, but also faster, and has updated features (threaded BB, Boost, Internal cables, etc.). I was fast on my Crave, but even faster on the Chisel.
If you don't need it for a dedicated SS, then the Chisel is a great bike.

Crave SL said:
Anyone ridden a carve/crave and able to give me ride comparison to the chisel? I also would be interested in a rigid fork with 29x2.6 tire possibly.
Click to expand...
 
#479 · (Edited)
Jack_K said:
@rakerdeal

Seems like I'm looking for similiar fetures in the bike.
I live in Central Europe. I ride both road and mtb with groups of ambitious guys and gals, usually much younger than me. I also have bad knees from playing tennis for 30 years and little elasticity in my lower back. I'm looking for fast, light and reasonably comfortable hardtail. I currently ride Specialized Crave Pro that I'm pretty happy with. But i doesn't have thru axles, isn't able to accomodate wider tires and doesn't have internal routing for dropper seatpost. My rides during peak season from spring to autum are 60-100 km usually in the woods over singletracks. I do trip to mountains with my friends few times a year. I realized my current bike ins't very well suited for the mountains. Wider rubber helps and so does the dropper seatpost. With my current setup i wasn't able to descend over enduro trails. It was too steep and too dangerous and I had very little control with my ass behind my seat. I started in xc marathon last year and felt my bike was a bit too heavy. I get along well with local Specialied dealer so they allow me to test bike for few days from time to time. I tested Epic HT Expert Carbon 29 but it was too stiff for me. My colleague working for Specialized dealer testd Chisel in the mountains. He highly recommends it. I currently consider either Chisel Expert 2x or Trek Procaliber. I'm looking for softer, reasonably comfortable rear end of the bike. My current Crave with bridgeless chainstays and 27,2 seatpost gives me that "reasonable" comfort. My Fox fork too. I tested bikes with Reba forks and could never get same sensitive suspension as I get with my Fox. I wonder if I should go with Chisel or maybe try Procaliber too. It also has internal routing for the dropper but with bigger diameter seatpost, also thru axles, boost and so on. Anyone tried it?
Click to expand...
Jack, with bad knees too I must laugh. We ride bikes instead of tennis now don't we?
 
#480 ·
I've been riding my chisel expert since November and can't stop. My buddies are making fun of me until they see ride. My Remedy is not getting as much seat time as chisel. I added a KS dropper, racing ralph in front, a 70mm stem and 790 wide bar. Brakes work well, saddle is comfortable and SRAM drivetrain working very well.
LOVE this rig
 
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