Earlier this year saw the arrival of the new Specialized Epic 8. Thanks to its in-frame storage, progressive geometry and 120mm of active suspension, the Epic 8 has proven to be one of the best XC bikes we’ve ever tested. It’s of course very lightweight thanks to its sleek carbon fibre frame, but it’s also very expensive with the cheapest model starting at $7,500 AUD.
To provide a more attainable option, Specialized has just released the all-new Chisel. It joins the existing Chisel HT as a full suspension XC bike that’s made from alloy instead of carbon. That makes it significantly cheaper than the Epic 8, which is good news for XC riders and racers who are on a tighter budget, or anyone who simply prefers the durability of a metal mountain bike.
An overview of the Specialized Chisel
In terms of the overall frame design, the Specialized Chisel is based heavily on the latest Epic 8. It rolls on 29in wheels and features a 120mm travel fork. Out back it has slightly less travel at 110mm, though the kinematics are said to be very similar between the two bikes.
You’ll find the same single-pivot suspension layout with flex-stays and a two-piece linkage, and the top tube-mounted shock means the Chisel is also capable of fitting two bottles inside the front triangle. Unfortunately there’s no in-frame SWAT storage like the Epic 8, but it does utilise a threaded BB, conventional internal cable routing that mercifully avoids the headset, and a UDH hanger.
Of course the big difference is the frame material. Instead of carbon, the Chisel utilises hydroformed M5 alloy tubes that are brought together using Specialized’s patented D’Aluisio Smartweld technology. This modifies key junctions to move the welding points away from the highest stress areas by forming the join into the tube during the hydroforming process. The best example is the seat tube, which is actually a single piece of alloy that incorporates the BB shell, main pivot and seat tube pivot into the one structure. A subtle but very cool detail.
Specialized Chisel weight
The result of this high-tech construction is an impressive claimed weight of 2,720g for the Specialized Chisel frame and shock. Not only is it significantly lighter than the competition, it also makes this the lightest alloy full suspension frame that we’re aware of.
To put that figure into perspective, here’s how the Chisel compares to the claimed weights of the Epic 8 and some of Specialized’s main competitors;
- Specialized S-Works Epic 8 (FACT 12m) – 1,795g
- Specialized Epic 8 (FACT 11m) – 1,965g
- Specialized Chisel – 2,720g
- Scott Spark Alloy – 3,290g
- Trek Top Fuel Alloy – 3,740g
Specialized Chisel geometry & size chart
Drawing on the Epic 8, geometry on the Specialized Chisel is on the progressive side for an XC bike.
It features a slack 66.5° head angle, a fairly steep 75.5° seat angle, and a 445mm reach on the Medium frame size. The rear centre length is 438mm on all sizes.
On the note of geometry, Specialized has incorporated a two-position flip chip in the lower shock mount. All the above figures are with the flip chip in the high position, which is how the Chisel will come setup from the factory. Switching that to Low will drop the BB height by 5mm and slacken the angles out by 0.5°.
If you want to go slacker again, Specialized has informed us that the Chisel frame is rated for use with a 130mm travel fork.
Specialized Chisel price & specs
There will be two Specialized Chisel models coming into Australia this year. Prices will start at $3,900 AUD for the base-spec Chisel and go up to $5,300 AUD for the Chisel Comp.
Both bikes feature a trail-ready build kit that includes a Specialized Ground Control and Fast Trak tyre combo, 760mm wide riser bars and a TranzX dropper post. Unlike the Epic 8, the Chisel eschews a remote lockout in favour of a cleaner cockpit setup with fewer cables. The fork and shock still feature two-position levers should you need to lock out the suspension.
If the stock options don’t suit, Specialized will also be offering the Chisel frameset for $3,200 AUD for those who are eager to build their own custom bike. That’s pretty cool, especially since most of the big brands are pushing their customers towards carbon these days. So while high-end alloy bikes may be a shrinking market, we’re excited to see Specialized offering a properly premium option in the Chisel.
2025 Specialized Chisel Comp
- Frame | M5 Alloy, Single-Pivot Suspension Design, 110mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox SID, Rush 2-Position Damper, 44mm Offset, 120mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+, 2-Position Damper, 190x40mm
- Wheels | Alloy Hubs & Specialized Alloy Rims, 27mm Inner Width
- Tyres | Specialized Ground Control T5 Control 2.35in Front & Fast Trak T5 Control 2.35in Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 w/32T Alloy Crankset & 11-50T NX Eagle Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Level T 2-Piston w/180mm Front & 160mm Rear Rotors
- Bar | Specialized Alloy, 20mm Rise, 760mm Width
- Stem | Specialized Alloy, 60mm Length
- Seatpost | TranzX Dropper, 30.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (XS-S), 125mm (M), 150mm (L-XL)
- Saddle | Specialized Power Sport, Chromoly Rails
- RRP | $5,300 AUD
2025 Specialized Chisel
- Frame | M5 Alloy, Single-Pivot Suspension Design, 110mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox Recon Silver RL, Motion Control 2-Position Damper, 44mm Offset, 120mm Travel
- Shock | X-Fusion PRO-o2, 190x40mm
- Wheels | Alloy Hubs & Specialized Alloy Rims, 27mm Inner Width
- Tyres | Specialized Ground Control T5 Control 2.35in Front & Fast Trak T5 Control 2.35in Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM SX Eagle 1×12 w/32T Alloy Crankset & 11-50T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Level T 2-Piston w/180mm Front & 160mm Rear Rotors
- Bar | Specialized Alloy, 20mm Rise, 760mm Width
- Stem | Specialized Alloy, 60mm Length
- Seatpost | TranzX Dropper, 30.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (XS-S), 125mm (M), 150mm (L-XL)
- Saddle | Specialized Power Sport, Steel Rails
- RRP | $3,900 AUD
2025 Specialized Chisel Frameset
- Frame | M5 Alloy, Single-Pivot Suspension Design, 110mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+, 2-Position Damper, 190x45mm
- RRP | $3,200 AUD
