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Specialized Chisel discussion

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998K views 2.6K replies 383 participants last post by  msrothwe  
#1 ·
#1,573 ·
Hello,

Im looking to buy 2021 Chisel comp, but all LBS shops are closed due to covid situation..can maybe someone comment on the gloss black/abalon colour option. Description says gloss black... but on the pictures and videos it looks more mate/satin?

So is the colour mate black or shiny gloss?

Thanks.
Did you the search option on the specialized website? It can be hit or miss sometimes.
 
#1,581 · (Edited)
First post here, and have following question. I have 2019 Chisel Comp with 2x10 gears and default Specialized wheels (Stout XC I believe) which have just few hundred kms on them.

On my last ride discovered clicking or snapping sound while pedaling, usually when pressing slightly harder. It seems to be slight play in freehub while turning forward, which creates these sounds. Removed the casette and can feel the freewheel body moving slightly after engaging while turning by hand forward. In some positions more than in others.

Does anybody know if this kind of symptom can be fixed easily somehow, or should the whole freehub body be replaced?
 
#1,582 ·
Clicking or creaking under load is pretty common and can come from a number of places. First, I would make sure that the cassette lock ring is not loose. You might also see if the hub is loose. Your LBS should be able to do both of these in about five minutes if you bring them the wheel. If that doesn't solve it, you might want to lube the derailleur hanger/frame interface with a couple drops of lube that doesn't attract dust. I use Boeshield T-9 but WD 40 might work too. Those are the easy and cheap fixes. If it persists beyond that, then it will be pita to track down and there are lots of posts on mtbr about chasing down mysterious creaks.
 
#1,584 ·
I have the same bike - chisel 2x10 2019y. And the same problem. The culprit was a broken pawl, then the second one broke (of three). I ordered a new freehub (formula FH 501B) - it turned out that not only the pawls broke, but also the main axle (probably from the jolt of the second pawl breaking), so ordered this one too, and new bearings, just in case.

FH 501B formula free hub body (bought it from the commencal store and it's the right part):
COMMENCAL | FREE HUB BODY FORMULA FH-501B

main axle - SPECIALIZED S170200008 Asse e cuscinetti per mozzo posteriore formula (confirmed buy)

pawls (I am not sure if these are the correct ones, they look the same but did not purchase them so can not confirm):
US $2.29 45% OFF|3pcs Bike Steel Freehub Cassette Driver Pawl Spring Cycle Hub Ring Set|Bicycle Freewheel| - AliExpress

TLDR: formula hubs are a cheap ***, very hard to service and should be replaced at the slightest sign of trouble. On top of it, these are 28h hubs, so replacing just the hub is not cheap.
Specialised resolved these issues with speccing shimano hubs on the current chisel. Imo - chisel is now perfect.
 
#1,585 ·
I have the same bike - chisel 2x10 2019y. And the same problem. The culprit was a broken pawl, then the second one broke (of three). I ordered a new freehub (formula FH 501B) - it turned out that not only the pawls broke, but also the main axle (probably from the jolt of the second pawl breaking), so ordered this one too, and new bearings, just in case.
Thanks for the detailed answer, this helps finding spare parts. These cheaper factory wheels are most often a compromise in quality. I'll send the wheel back to the retailer, since it is should be still under warranty.

Although having 2021 model would be nice, because geometry of the new L size would propably fit me better. But, I paid only half the price for the 2019 model last spring, and also like the 2x10 for various reasons.
 
#1,592 ·
Hi all,

Is anyone else experiencing quite some stones hitting the Chisel down tube while riding gravel? Is this due to the Fast Trak tires or just the frame geometry?

I protected my down tube with some tape, but some stones managed to get next to it. Any tips for "paint pens" to fix such small damage on Satin Gloss Black color, as on the 2018 Chisel?
 
#1,593 ·
Hi all,

Is anyone else experiencing quite some stones hitting the Chisel down tube while riding gravel? Is this due to the Fast Trak tires or just the frame geometry?

I protected my down tube with some tape, but some stones managed to get next to it. Any tips for "paint pens" to fix such small damage on Satin Gloss Black color, as on the 2018 Chisel?
Have you tried Lamin-x? It's thicker than tape and comes in different sheens.
 
#1,595 · (Edited)
Been a silent reader of the awesome thread since it's beginning, thanks for the valuable info here.
Here's my 2019 Chisel size Medium after it's "winter/Covid" rebuild.
I've decided to go for 12S upgrade after 5000KM with the bike. Bought all the parts over 4 months period when parts were discounted at LBS (when they had stock) along with some AliExpress additions. Assembled it myself last week and loving the XT 12S. Also managed to sell off the old bits without any fuss or haggling, so getting some $$$ back was fun.
Next upgrade would be a 36T chain ring as I live in a flat area (Tel Aviv, Israel) and over-spin even with 34X10 on gravely sections.

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Spec: (No carbon bits here, sorry weight weenies)
Fork: Stock 2019 Rockshox Judy Gold, 100mm, rake 51mm
Frame: 2019 Chisel Medium
Wheels: DT Swiss X1700 25mm with 54T ratchet upgrade
Brakes: Shimano Deore M6100
Crank: Shimano M7100 with 34T
BB: Shimano MT800 with 2.5mm spacer on DS
Shifter, RD, Cassette: Shimano M8100 10-51
Tires: Vittoria Mezcal F 2.35" / R 2.25"
Pedals: Shimano XT M8000
Cockpit is all original.

Before the rebuild:
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#1,597 ·
That headset would work, but you don't need to replace the whole headset to take care of the creaking. I would drop the fork, clean and grease the bearings and replace them if necessary.

If you wanted to go with an angleset I would recommend an offset cup type from Works components. They are simpler and quieter than the Cane Creek
 
#1,601 · (Edited)
Will a 32 teeth oval absolute black chain or wolf tooth ring fit on a 2019 chisel comp x1 29, that currently has a 30 tooth? I have a set of 170mm Shimano XT FC-M8000-B1 boost 1x crank arms/XT BB-MT800 bottom bracket sitting in the closet and I need a chain ring. Also if it will going from round to oval and 30 to 32 be much of a difference? Any opinions on the oval absolute black chain or wolf tooth chain rings on witch is better? Thanks
 
#1,604 ·
Just put a deposit on a 2021 Chisel medium in gloss raspberry. Should be available for delivery in a few weeks. most places said they were not getting a 2021 bike at all and would be delivering 2022 models in those colors when they do get a bike in a few months. Anyone know what colors those might be?
 
#1,607 ·
Anyone know the max dropper size for a 2021 Medium Chisel? I have a 2020 Rockhopper Comp 1x and the Specialized Command post in 125 is the biggest that will fit in that frame. Wondering if thats the same case with the 2021 or will a 150 work.
 
#1,610 ·
Well cranks, BB barring's & oval chain ring installed, I don't really care about weight but the new stuff is over a 1/2 pound heavier. My old baring's were BB defiantly shot, so that was a good thing. I went from 175 to 170mm cranks, 30 to 32 tooth oval chain ring. For about the first 10min I couldn't find a comfortable gear to be in on trails I had ridden many times. The high gears are faster on the flatter and down-hill trails it really picks up speed faster. I think the oval chain ring feels more engaged/efficient (not sure if that is a good description) in the slower stuff, step hills and chunky rocky areas. In 2 rides I have put about 20 miles on the changes and I'm happy. Now on to changing the headset(very noisy), originally planned on using an adjustable headset to slacken the forks, but I think I will just go with aftermarket stock setup ZS44/ZS56.
 
#1,611 ·
Hello, new to MTBR

I received a 2020 Chisel as a warranty replacement last year and have really loved the bike, it is a great all arounder. But living in Kansas, there is really not a ton of need for the 32/50 gearing so I would like to move more towards a gravel bike gearing setup since the majority of riding I am currently doing would be more categorized as gravel.

Planning on reusing some 10 speed running gear I have for the rear (tighter cog set) but I have been thinking about going with a 2X crank (using XT shifters) as the chainstays will not allow anything larger than a 34 tooth chainring and currently I am only using the bottom 6 cogs on the 12 speed cogset, would like to use a 2X crank to get me back into the middle of the cassette. Trouble is I cannot find anyplace that has the front derailleur mount for sale (one with the three legs that uses the bottle bracket mount and the bolt behind the down tube). Would anyone know where I can purchase this part or might have one laying around after going to 1X?

I know if I am riding gravel maybe I should look at a gravel bike but I think with these changes the Chisel will make a great gravel bike as I don’t race, and I like the flatbar on gravel better than drops.

Thanks in advance for help anyone can provide and I really appreciate the information I have gained from reading this string over the last year.

Thanks again
 
#1,612 ·
The 2020 frame is the same as my 2018 frame and I know that I can run a 36T in the front but you do have to make sure your chainline is in the 52-53mm range rather than the minimal boost chainline of around 50. You can use bottom bracket spacers to adjust the chainline. Also, I know that they offered a version of the Chisel with a 2x setup in 2018 so you might be able to have a Specialized dealer get you parts that would fit the 2018 2x Comp model.
 
#1,614 · (Edited)
I'm bike packing with a buddy on the Katy Trail across Missouri and on third day just outside of Jefferson City my rear tire blew completely off the rim, there was no damage to the tire at all but the rim is bent from the explosion. My setup is tubeless with stock wheels and tires set at 45 psi to accommodate the extra weight for the bags, I was carrying spare tubes so we have continued on with fingers crossed. edit: Well we completed the 260 mile bikepack journey without any more problems, this bike is very versatile.

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#1,615 ·
Thought I would post my build here. I have just been replacing parts when they break and wear out.
I have had around 3,000 miles on it (my thoughts at the bottom of this post) on the trail and road.

Frame: 2020 Chisel Large
Seatpost: KS E20-I 120mm dropper post w/ Wolf Tooth lever
Fork: Rockshox Judy Gold (increased to 120mm for free)
Cranks: Sram X01 175mm (upgraded after bb died)
Derailleur: SX (ordered an XT which will save 50 grams)
Shifter: SX
Cassette: SX
Chain X01
Tires: Maxxis Ardent Race (front) Maxxis Ikon (Rear). Both 2.35 and MaxxSpeed. I have Cushcore XC front and rear.
Grips: ESI Chunky
Brake pads: Disco Brake Kevlar pads (seriously, they are a steal at only a few dollars a pair. And they work so much better than the stock pads but at a fraction of the price)
Rotors: Shimano RT-66 rear Shimano RT-56 front
Pedals: RaceFace Chesters

Weight: 27.6 pounds

If you bought a Chisel, what should you do? Get a dropper post. It's worth every single penny and gram on a hardtail. Also consider increasing the travel of the Judy fork to 120mm which is free and only takes a few hours (if you aren't familiar with the fork). I think the fork transformed how the bike felt. The extra 20mm of travel is appreciated so much, and I compensated for the slacker seat tube angle by sliding the seat forwards all the way. The increase in stability is insane, and after lowering the bars by 5mm, climbing is virtually the same (because of increased fork sag). The best part? It's free.

My whole build was around 2,500 USD and it does everything very well from technical or smooth trails to even road riding. Not to mention that it has served me well in XC races with my skill and fitness being the limiting factors. Considering that I would happily send hours in the saddle any day, I think it's a purchase that was worth it and I have no intent in replacing it in the next few years.
The Chisel was a much better purchase than my $5,500 Santa Cruz Hightower, but I gotta admit, I sometimes wish that I had full suspension when riding the Chisel.

I can only imagine the 2021 Chisel is even better.

***These pictures are with a 100mm fork. IMO, the bike looks much better with a 120mm fork
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