Long Term Review on Specialized Chisel Expert 1x Hardtail
I've been riding this bike for a year.
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Here is my long-term review on Youtube:
Spoiler Alert: I love this bike.
It is exactly want I wanted.
I've been riding mountain bikes for 20 years. Not a racer, but ride weekly on my local trails to stay fit and have fun.
I usually ride by myself, but occasionally with other riders.
Our big thing is racing UP the hill to the top of the mountain (typically takes 40-45 minutes to get to top). Then fly back down.
On most rides, I spend 75% of the time climbing and 25% descending.
So I wanted a light bike I could fly up the hill on. The Chisel does just that.
I was on a 2003 Specialized Epic full suspension (with 26 inch wheels) that I bought brand new and rode for 15 years. Still be riding it, but the rear shock finally went out (and Spec does not offer any parts to repair).
When that happened, I dusted off my old 1999 Gary Fisher Big Sur hardtail and started riding. Forgot how fun a hardtail can be. The pedal power goes directly into the rear wheel 1 to 1.
I was in a car accident (hit by a drunk driver) in my early 20's (51 now) and suffered chronic lower back pain. So thought I needed to be on a soft tail. Wrong.
Been riding this Chisel hardtail for one year. My back feels great. I had been visiting a chiropractor weekly twice a month for years. Now just a few times per year. I think my CORE is stronger with all the hardtail pedaling.
I've only made a few changes to the Chisel.
1. Rear Cassette. I rode the original NX 11-42 for a few months. It worked great. But I wanted a lower gear for climbing. So I installed the SunRace 11-46. Love having that extra granny gear. And it was lighter. Here is a video on my review of the SunRace and how it works on the Chisel:
2. Dropper Seatpost. I added a PNW Rainier 27.2 IR 110 mm dropper. Because of the small seat tube diameter, there are very few droppers that will work. The PNW has been flawless. It rocks. My first dropper. Can't believe I rode 20 years without one. It is so much safer on the tech descents - even just getting low on the flow. Highly recommend it. Here is a video of how I installed it:
3. Thicker Tires. I really like how the Fast Trak tires roll. However, I had sidewall cuts (from trail rocks) on both the front and back tires. So I replaced with heavy duty Maxxis DHF and DHRII. Although a bit heavier, I really like the grip and durability of these new tires. Hit lots of sharp rocks and heard the dreaded "dink" noise, but zero flats.
Tubeless is the way to go. Lightens everything up, and no more pinch flats (used to happen several times per year with tubes).
I'm between sizes (L and XL) at 6'2" with 32 inseam. I went old school (keeping bike small so light and flickable) and got Large. Now I think I'd get XL for more stability on downhill speed.
This bike is light and durable. Love the frame. Looks cool and rides "soft".
I've ridden this bike at least 100 rides. It's great.
Sure I've missed something important.
If you have any questions, put them in the forum, and I'll do my best to answer.
