Here at Specialized, innovation is a key part of our ethos. Part of that innovation is to do with frame materials, and how we use them to create our bikes. For as long as carbon fibre has been around, aluminium or alloy frames have played second fiddle.
However, we want to change perceptions about alloy. It’s no longer the ‘entry level’ bike material it used to be. It’s not one million times heavier than carbon fibre, but it does remain far cheaper. First, we redesigned the Allez to be at the forefront of our racing bike options, and now, we’ve introduced the Chisel. For cross-country mountain bikers all over the world, you can now race with our performance hardtail and still have some pennies left over for race entries. So let’s get to know the new bike that’s going to be shredding your local XC series.
Our new Chisel range for 2022 consists of two bikes; the Chisel, and the Chisel Comp. The Chisel is the most affordable option, although it's worth pointing out that both are budget-oriented, with our highest spec coming in at just over £2k… but we digress.
With two standout colourways to choose from, you’ll be turning heads for all the right reasons. Gloss Maroon/Ice Papaya has gorgeous red undertones, while Satin Smoke/Gloss Tarmac Black is a play on a classic grey scheme.
You might recognise some frame similarities to the Epic Hardtail, our other hardtail XC racing steed. We've trickled down what we've learned and applied it to a more affordable package so that anyone can take their first steps to race mountain bikes.
In this package, you get the fantastic SRAM SX Eagle 1X12 speed drivetrain, with reliable Level T hydraulic disc brakes, perfect for all weather conditions. Up front, RockShox Judy's provide 100mm of travel (80mm for XS frames), ideal for the technical XC trails you see nowadays.
{:38091, 38086, 16416}
The Chisel Comp is the Chisel's slightly more flamboyant racing sibling. Designed for shredding crosscountry trails and bridleways, it can handle more than you think you should throw at it. We've engineered it with racers in mind, and used trickle-down technology from the Epic Hardtail, our popular XC racing rig.
It's available in two stunning colourways, starting with Gloss Red Tint, a standout red to black fade with silver lettering. Your second choice is a timeless take on Satin Silver, but with a Gloss Spectraflair logo. Equally as bold, and equally as great to look at in all weather conditions.
For the Chisel Comp, we've gone with a slightly higher specification of groupset with the SRAM NX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain. The 11-50T on the back and the 32T chainring at the front will help you winch up any tricky ascents you may find on the course while providing enough gearing so you can sprint for the finish line without spinning out.
Each bike uses 29er wheels, and we've paired them with Specialized Fast Trak Control 2.35" tyres. They're fast-rolling and use our GRIPTON® compound to give the tyre a lively feel on the bike no matter the weather or course conditions.
{:108407, 38096, 38101}
Of course, we believe in people being able to fully customise their bikes. After all, it’s their bike. If you want to race on it and have a specific groupset you want to use, for example, that’s why we released the Chisel frameset. We’ve also gone to the liberty of designing two limited edition paint jobs, perfect for those that want to stand out on the trail.
Our 2022 model comes in a Satin Brushed Smoke Liquid Metal/Gloss Metallic White Silver, a perfect complement for any bike rider. You can jazz it up with coloured accessories and components, like grips or valve caps, or you can keep it subtle.
The limited-edition colours feature Fire and Water themes, inspired by the elements, choose whichever suits your riding style and personality, or just whichever one takes your eye. All of our Chisel frames are designed to get more people on mountain bikes, and to prove that aluminium frames can still be raced, and raced well.
{:38106, 19716, 19712}
…
Not sure which Chisel is right for you? Why not head to one of our Specialized Concept Stores, where our friendly staff can help you decide which bike is best for you and your needs. Discover where your nearest store is by clicking here.
