Specialized Chisel

93/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
24.00, 26.12, 26.81 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Specialized Chisel. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

20 reasons to buy

  • Testers say the Chisel is comfortable for beginners, but sporty enough for competitive XC racers.
  • Reviewers had a lot of fun on the Chisel, describing it as “playful”, “whippy” and “smooth”.
  • On descents, the RockShox Judy Gold fork left test-riders feeling confident.
  • Each Chisel is available in 2x seductive colorways. Aesthetically, the ‘satin silver’ Comp with skinwall tires is a hit.
  • Testers reported excellent and “reactive” climbing abilities.
  • For a complete, entry-level XC bike, the Chisel’s light weight impressed.
  • Reviewers admired the quality of the Chisel’s welds and high-end alloy frame.
  • Testers praise the efficiency of SRAM’s SX Eagle drivetrain.
    Acceleration is said to be rapid.
  • On the Chisel Comp, a tester says the SRAM NX drivetrain does “a really nice job”.
    NX cranks were also complimented.
  • With its short head tube and wide bars, the Chisel’s cornering abilities were praised by reviewers.
  • Testers appreciate Specialized’s “slacked-out” geometry, saying handling feels stable descending, reactive when climbing & agile on twisty terrain.
  • Reviewers said Fast Trak tires exhibited “magnificent” handling and confidence-inspiring all-weather performance across a variety of terrains.
  • Testers say Level T brakes are supportive through all weather conditions.
  • Interior cable routing is neat and clean. Upgraders found it easy to run and replace.
  • Reviewers enjoyed using Specialized’s stock Body Geometry Power Sport saddle.
  • Testers say the Chisel’s flexible seatpost is compliant when confronting jounce.
  • The Chisel’s frame and routing are set up to accommodate a dropper seatpost.
  • Testers say Specialized’s 25 mm-wide alloy rims make going tubeless easy.
  • The Chisel’s included chainguard protection is a boon to owners.
  • Ample tire clearance allows leeway for mud and plus-size upgrades.

2 reasons not to buy

  • One tester experienced pedal-bob, unless their RockShox Judy Gold suspension fork was locked-out.
  • A tester felt limited by the Chisel’s 100 mm of front suspension travel.

Bottom line

Reviewers had immense fun on the Specialized Chisel, which they say is equally suited to budget-conscious XC racers as it is to Cross Country beginners. In 2021, the Chisel underwent a geometry change. For ‘22 and ‘23, the Shimano Deore drivetrain is gone and in its place is SRAM SX (on the base model) and SRAM NX (on the Chisel Comp). While some testers feel this is a downgrade, others rate the SRAM drivetrains for superior durability. SRAM Level T brakes received no complaints. An in-house stem, bars, seatpost and saddle keep the asking price low. Starting out at under $2000, experts see this as an affordable XC bike that arrives race-ready with a balanced choice of components – but which is open to gradual upgrades.

Expert Reviews

88/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
86
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Ohio MTB Trails

Why You Should Buy A Specialized Chisel | Full Review and Breakdown

New design, a little bit slacked-out geometry too. It’s still an awesome, very light bike. I wanted to get a little bit of a beater bike, a little bit more like a cross-country, lighter bike. The SRAM NX derailleur, 12-speed cassette, and chain do a really nice job.

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92
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
MTBPro Magazine

We Tested the Specialized Chisel Comp: Aluminum Excellence for XC [Spanish]

A simple and efficient MTB that invites fun… an excellent ‘ready to race’ platform… or if what you are looking for is an entertaining morning of mountain biking with your friends riding singletrack like crazy…. and starting from a frame of the highest quality aluminum… without having to make a stratospheric investment…

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87
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Velomotion

Specialized Chisel Tested: It Doesn’t Always Have to Be Carbon! [German]

We had a lot of fun with the Specialized Chisel on playful trails, as long as they didn’t get too aggressive. On straight sections you move quickly and benefit from the balanced, sporty geometry, which invites you to ride dynamically, but does not exclude newcomers and beginners.

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StachePower

2023 Specialized Chisel Comp Unboxing

This MTB has been a long time coming. Sticking to my ‘high-end’ aluminum bike choice.

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WatzUp Bikes

Specialized Chisel HT Comp 2022 I Flightcheck

The color and shape speak for themselves.

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cyclery Restorations

MY23 / Specialized / Chisel HT Comp / Alloy MTB / Unboxing

Bike Mundo

Specialized Chisel Comp Review! [Portuguese]

A bike that arrives ready for a lot of trail use and general use. A complete bike that, due to its configuration, comes in at a very nice weight.

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User Ratings

100/100 based on 5 ratings
  • 5 star
    100%
  • 4 star
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  • 3 star
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  • 2 star
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Rankings

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Bike Comparison

Specialized Chisel in comparison to averages

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