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The frame comes with a basic FSA headset, same as what is specced on completes. I've had no problems with the stock headset. If you want to replace the entire headset (including cups) for something flashier you will need a ZS44/ZS56 press-in headset. Personally I'd just run the stock one, bearings are cheap and easy to replace and while a fancier headset may have longer lasting bearings its not gonna make the bike ride any better. That said I do plan on installing a Wolf Tooth Geoshift and dropping the fork to 110mm to play with geometry

I'm currently running the new 2.35 Ground Control Grids and really liking them, judging by the clearance I think most 2.4's would fit just fine
 
The frame comes with a basic FSA headset, same as what is specced on completes. I've had no problems with the stock headset. If you want to replace the entire headset (including cups) for something flashier you will need a ZS44/ZS56 press-in headset. Personally I'd just run the stock one, bearings are cheap and easy to replace and while a fancier headset may have longer lasting bearings its not gonna make the bike ride any better. That said I do plan on installing a Wolf Tooth Geoshift and dropping the fork to 110mm to play with geometry

I'm currently running the new 2.35 Ground Control Grids and really liking them, judging by the clearance I think most 2.4's would fit just fine
Oh so it comes with a full headset? I was under the impression it was the cups only.

I’m looking at the ground controls pretty hard too. Those used to be one of my favorite tires but the durability was iffy. May have to see how the new ones fair.


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Yes it should ship with the full headset including cups, bearing, crown race etc

The ground controls have been great, they seem to have more traction than the previous tread pattern but still maintain the fast rolling speed (mine are T7 compound). They revised the Grid casing for other treads a little over a year ago and I've had good luck with them, they seem to be slightly thicker and more durable than an Exo casing. The control casing on the other hand is pretty thin
 
Thats good info on the Ground Controls. I am gonna swap my front Fast Trak for one. Im thinking the Control or T5 variant as it will be lighter and im mainly doing XC. My Fast Trak Controls have held up fine.
 
Has anyone here used a frame wrap on their chisel? If so, what brand did you go for and how’s the coverage?
I’ve checked out Invisiframe and Ridewrap, neither offer tailored kits for the chisel.
I’m a mechanic for a living and working in a dealership I was able to use some wrap from the one we use for vehicles . I use the clear and is really sturdy.
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Ps. No bubbles whatsoever and I have a lots of people like the color on the rig I don’t see the wrap.


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I have had problems with my factory headset creaking from almost day one. I took it back to the shop I bought the bike from and all they would do is grease it and send me on my way. They apparently could not get a warranty replacement for creaking. I will say that I'm not overly impressed with the factory headset. Yes it does work, but is uses cheap bearings and plastic split race on the top. It also does not have any seals on the lower race to keep dirt out. I have purchased a cane creek 70 headset to replace mine with this winter. If I were to build up from a frame I would at min put a Cane Creek 40 headset on the bike.
 
Looks like the new chisel comes with formula hubs. Not particulary fond of them.
Yes….no Shimano anywhere. SRAM brakes and drivetrain, and Formula hubs. And a price increase. I’m glad I got a 2021. Base model now has SRAM SX cranks instead of the Stout Pro cranks. Because there is zero info on those Stout Pro cranks, not sure it’s an upgrade for the SRAM SX’s or not.
 
Looks like the new chisel comes with formula hubs. Not particulary fond of them.
Dang, that’s a shame. I had those on my 2019 Stumpjumper ST Expert and the rear one only made problems. Front one was fine (no much to go wrong there). Been thinking about wether or not to change the wheels once my 2022 chisel arrives, knowing this now I certainly will.
 
I’m a mechanic for a living and working in a dealership I was able to use some wrap from the one we use for vehicles . I use the clear and is really sturdy.
Image

Image

Ps. No bubbles whatsoever and I have a lots of people like the color on the rig I don’t see the wrap.


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Nice work! Without the closeup shots I don’t think I would have noticed the wrap.
 
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Hi guys, this is my first post here after I've flet some Facebook Chisel owners groups. This place looks much nicer with actual content, opinions and Q&A's.
So here's my first contribution: In some regions the 2022 Chisel models are online on Specialized's website (Screenshots from France). As far as I see not much new apart from new paint schemes and a slight price increase (same as pretty much everywhere in the industry).
I originally wanted to build a LTD frame up but wasn't able to get my hands on one, so put my name down for the 2022 Gloss Red Fade Chisel Comp to replace my ageing 2016 Stumpjumper HT Carbon. My local government gives a grand for new complete bikes, so that helps getting over the LTD idea (those colors though...). According to my LBS they should be in in November, but that might change. Fingers crossed. Thanks for having me!
The latest word is that the 2022 model won’t be there until May 2022 in my region…
 
I ordered a 22 Chisel frame. This is my first bike build. Looks like I’m going end up with an XO1 Drivetrain although with probably am XT cassette. Planning on a SID Select 120mm fork but I’m not ruling out a FOX 32 or 34. My biggest question so far is the headset. I see conflicting posts and one thing say this works another says that. Some of you guys that built yours from the frame up. What headset did you go with?

Also, Anyone running a 2.4 on the rear? Thinking 2.4 Ikon and 2.6 Rekon for my general riding. While where I live is definitely XC it’s also definitely not well groomed with lots of rocks and roots. Want all the Cush I can get.

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Hey, I've got a pretty similar setup to what you're describing. The SID Select 120mm fork is what I'm currently running and it's a pretty decent match for the Chisel frame, just be aware that it'll make the frame reach feel a bit smaller than advertised if you're on the edge of the sizing. Also, if you were going to run a setback post, you'll want to run a straight post instead. I've never ridden the frame with a 100mm though and I am a bit curious to see if it makes the bike ride better.

For tires, I'm running a 2.35 Ikon on the back and a 2.4WT Rekon on the front and have plenty of room, this is with Arch MK4 rims that are 28mm wide. I really like the tire combination. I was worried that the tire combon wouldn't be aggressive enough for the trails I do in Pisgah, but the only time I have issues is if its too muddy and honestly I probably shouldn't be riding in those conditions anyways.
 
I ordered a 22 Chisel frame. This is my first bike build. Looks like I’m going end up with an XO1 Drivetrain although with probably am XT cassette. Planning on a SID Select 120mm fork but I’m not ruling out a FOX 32 or 34. My biggest question so far is the headset. I see conflicting posts and one thing say this works another says that. Some of you guys that built yours from the frame up. What headset did you go with?

Also, Anyone running a 2.4 on the rear? Thinking 2.4 Ikon and 2.6 Rekon for my general riding. While where I live is definitely XC it’s also definitely not well groomed with lots of rocks and roots. Want all the Cush I can get.

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Any word on when yours will arrive? (Where are you based btw?)
 
View attachment 1953396 View attachment 1953397 View attachment 1953398 View attachment 1953399

Hi guys, this is my first post here after I've flet some Facebook Chisel owners groups. This place looks much nicer with actual content, opinions and Q&A's.
So here's my first contribution: In some regions the 2022 Chisel models are online on Specialized's website (Screenshots from France). As far as I see not much new apart from new paint schemes and a slight price increase (same as pretty much everywhere in the industry).
I originally wanted to build a LTD frame up but wasn't able to get my hands on one, so put my name down for the 2022 Gloss Red Fade Chisel Comp to replace my ageing 2016 Stumpjumper HT Carbon. My local government gives a grand for new complete bikes, so that helps getting over the LTD idea (those colors though...). According to my LBS they should be in in November, but that might change. Fingers crossed. Thanks for having me!
Where do you live that you get a grand from the government?


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Where do you live that you get a grand from the government?


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Luxembourg. The government gives you half of the price (without tax) of a new bike with 600€ max. I think it's limited to one bike per person and the scheme ends next March. That's why I'm gutted with the current delivery delays...
 
The latest word is that the 2022 model won’t be there until May 2022 in my region…
Change of plans for me guys: found a 2021 Chisel base in stock on bike24 (last one in size M) and just went for it. The color is not very exciting (satin gloss smoke/tarmac black) but the Pro vs. Con list against waiting for the 2022 Gloss Red Comp was quite clear.
Pro: 500€ Cheaper, In Stock, Shimano Kit, same frame. Con: Color, might piss of my LBS guy, slightly lower resale value since 2021 model.
Will keep you guys posted with build details as soon as things start coming together.
 
Who here has replaced the stock headset and what did you replace it with? I'm riding a 2019 Chisel that I assembled and it's got 5900 miles on it. Have the dimensions changed with newer models?
I would suggest a cane creek 40 or 70 headset. The 70 cost slightly more, but comes with better bearings and seals. If the 2019 it is the same as the 2021 model it is a ZS44/28.6/H8 | ZS56/40 headset.

 
Chisel Evo:
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Wolf tooth -1 geoshift headset with a 110mm fox 34 I had off another bike. Longer reach and steeper seat angle than 120mm fork with a normal headset, and head angle is slightly slacker at 66.5. This is still my "xc" bike but I like this setup, I don't have to adapt to the handling as much coming from my slacker full sus. Really impressed with the headset, definitely better quality than the Works angleset (not that I've had problems with Works). Just have to get a 110mm air shaft for my step cast fork now
 
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