Test: With the Epic, the US manufacturer has a MTB race model that cross-country fans love. With the new Specialized Chisel, an aluminum hardtail was brought out that would approach the epic and still represent an inexpensive alternative to the epic off-road racer. We also asked ourselves whether it always has to be carbon, because Specialized already has the new one in the road bike sector allez sprint proved that you can also keep up with aluminum frames at the front.
With the new Specialized Chisel, the US manufacturer has presented a new mountain bike for hardtail fans. The bike is particularly characterized by its light and minimalist frame, which is not made of carbon but of aluminum. This comes with only about 1.400 grams (depending on the frame size) and can therefore almost keep up in the professional league. The manufacturing process of the Specialized Chisel uses the so-called "D'Aluisio Smartweld" technology, a special welding process, which means that the frame uses less material, is also said to be stiffer and is characterized by minimalistic clean tube transitions. According to the manufacturer, there are also better comfort values, since the rear end of the frame offers better flex. Specialized is already using the "Smartweld" technology on its aluminum racing bikes, such as the new Allez Sprint. With the Specialized Chisel, this process is now also being used in the MTB category. Another very appealing highlight is the internal cable routing, which not only has a positive effect on the optics.
The geometry is largely based on its big brother made of carbon, the Epic HT. With a modern, sporty seating position, you are always on the move. The short head tube does not ensure a sitting position that is too upright, the long seat post brings a lot of flex and relieves the seating area a bit in choppy sections. The 100 mm suspension fork at the front does a solid job, but limits riding fun the most on trails.
Specialized Chisel put to the test
Our Specialized Chisel test bike came in the standard version with a Sram SX Eagle 12-speed equipment for 1.950 euros. It started quickly, because without a lot of frills and relatively low weight, the playful off-road racer invites you to step on the gas. With a successful power transmission, climbing is not too big a problem and even short steps are easy. On straight sections you are on the move quickly and can benefit from the balanced, sporty geometry, which invites you to drive dynamically, but does not exclude newcomers and beginners.
We had a lot of fun with the Specialized Chisel on playful trails, as long as they didn't get too violent. On the one hand, the aluminum hardtail can be steered precisely around corners and offers an appealing mix of smooth running and agility. Here the brakes and Specialized tires actively support and offer the necessary safety. On the other hand, the RockShox suspension fork with its 100 mm of travel slowed us down a bit on harder terrain, as it reacted a bit hesitantly. But once you have found out which routes are suitable for the Chisel and how far you can go, you hardly want to part with your new hardtail. For us, this is definitely proof that it doesn't always have to be carbon to get a powerful and fun bike.
