MARCH 2018 mbr 37
remarkably well, muting the volume of
feedback from the rear end. Stamp on
the pedals though, and it’ll sprint like a
scalded cat.
The flared and flattened seatstays
and skinny seat tube junction certainly
go some way to minimising the normal
kicking a stiff aluminium frame can give
you. And despite the 100mm-travel
RockShox Reba only having the basic
Motion Control damper, it provided a
relatively supple action for the Chisel’s
intended use.
In fact, the whole component
package aids the ride. The wheels
are relatively light and responsive, and
the SRAM Level TR brakes work really
well. It’s only the Fast Trak tyres, with
their dry-condition tread, that let the
side down.HIGHS
The D’Aluisio Smartweld frame
provides one of the best ride qualities
of any aluminium frame on the market,
balancing comfort and responsiveness
remarkably well.LOWS
Geometry is shared with the
lower-level Rockhopper and remains
firmly in the cross-country camp.1ST IMPRESSIONSPECIFICATION
Frame Specialized
D’Aluisio SmartWeld
M5 alloy
Fork RockShox Reba
RL 29, Solo Air 100mm
Wheels Specialized
hubs, Specialized Alloy
rims, Specialized Fast
Trak Gripton tyres,
29x2.3/2.1in
Drivetrain Race Face
Aeffect 30t chainset,
SRAM GX 11-speed
shifter and r-mech
Brakes SRAM Level
TR, 180/160mm
Components
Specialized Mini-rise
720mm handlebar,
Specialized XC 100mm
stem, Specialized^
alloy seatpost,
Specialized Phenom
Comp 143mm saddle
Weight 11.01kg
(24.27lb)
Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXLGEOMETRY
Size ridden L
Rider height 6ft 1in
Head angle 69.2°
Seat angle 73.2°
BB height 315mm
Chainstay 430mm
Front centre 700mm
Wheelbase 1,130mm
Down tube 704mm
Top tube 604mm
Reach 441mmThe Chisel is a fun mix between a
privateer XC race bike and a capable
hardtail that’s still comfortable enough
for long-distance adventuring.
James BraceySkinny tubes make
for a compliant,
comfortable frameChisel Expert: lean, mean
trail-riding machine
Basic RockShox Reba
fork performed wellRace Face Aeffect
30t chainsetSmartWelds beef up
tubing junctions