No doubt about it, the Specialized Epic 8 was one of the standout mountain bikes to be launched last year. In fact, I’d go so far to say that the premium S-Works model I reviewed was the best XC bike that I have ever ridden. A bold call I know, but I honestly struggled to find any downsides to its capable suspension package, brilliant handling and svelte-but-practical chassis design.

Really the only downside was the price. Indeed the S-Works model was easily the most expensive mountain bike I have ever tested, coming in at a frankly stupid $24,000 AUD. It may come as a surprise then to hear that Specialized has been selling plenty of those bikes in Australia and all around the world, so clearly there are folks with deep enough pockets to justify such an investment.

I am not one of those people however. And so when I decided it was time to purchase a new XC bike, my modest bike tester wage called for something just a little more accessible.

I first considered the entry-level Epic 8 Comp, though at $8,200 AUD it’s still a heckuva lot of cash. The next option down the price ladder would be the new Specialized Chisel, which arrived last year as an alloy version of the Epic 8. It features a similar frame design and suspension layout, albeit with heavier (and cheaper) alloy tubing instead of carbon. Already being an owner of an alloy Chisel Hardtail, this was actually quite appealing to me.

Specialized initially launched two complete Chisels as well as a frameset. It’s the latter option that I decided to go with, which I’ve recently finished building up with a variety of new and used parts, as well as several test components that I’ll be reviewing separately throughout the year. I’ll have a lot more to say about the bike as a whole once I log more saddle time on it over the coming months, but for now let’s take a closer look at the colourful Chisel and the build I’m starting out with.

The Specialized Chisel frameset

• Weight: 2,740g (w/shock, no thru-axle)
• Price: $3,200 AUD

Released partway through 2024, the Specialized Chisel is a full suspension XC bike that’s based on the latest Epic 8 platform. Instead of being made from carbon fibre however, the Chisel utilises M5 alloy for its tubing with some clever forging around key junctions. The most notable is the seat tube that incorporates the bottom bracket shell into a single structure, reducing weight and minimising the amount of welding required.

Along with its slender tubing, flex-stay suspension design and compact linkage, the Chisel is one of, if not the lightest alloy full suspension frames on the market. My Medium size frame weighs in at 2.74kg including the RockShox Deluxe shock, which is only 500g heavier than an Epic 8 EVO frame.

Of course the Chisel doesn’t have downtube storage, and it has slightly less rear travel at 110mm. Specialized primarily matches that with a 120mm travel fork though the frame is rated for 130mm.

2025 Fox 34 Step-Cast Factory Series Fork

• Weight: 1,427g (165mm steerer tube)
• Price: $1,799 AUD

With the Chisel starting out in XC mode, I’ve elected to run a 120mm travel Fox 34 Step-Cast fork. This is the latest 2025 model that comes with the lightweight GRIP SL damper that I’ve already tested on the 32 Step-Cast. I had a great experience with that fork, and given the 34 Step-Cast chassis and EVOL air spring are unchanged from the pre-2025 model, my expectations are high for the bright and blingy orange fork.

How will it stack up against the latest RockShox SID? Stay tuned to the Flow website for a head-to-head review coming soon!

Reserve 28|XC Wheelset

• Weight: 1,460g
• Price: $2,299 AUD

Also being reviewed on the Chisel is a set of Reserve 28|XC wheels. We’ve already had quite a lot of experience with Reserve hoops including the gravel model, the alloy trail wheelset, and both the SL and HD carbon enduro wheels. This is our first time with the XC version however, and on paper there’s already a lot to like.

At $2,299 AUD they’re not overly expensive for premium carbon wheels. They’re also decently light at 1,460g for the pair, which is impressive given they use standard J-bend spokes and DT Swiss 350 hubs. They also carry over the same design elements as you’ll find on Reserve’s heavier duty carbon rims including externally reinforced spoke holes, an asymmetric profile and an impressive warranty that covers crash damage.

It is possible to go lighter again with a more expensive build that utilises DT Swiss 180 hubs and straight-pull spokes. The 385g rims are identical between the two wheelsets however, and really that’s the more crucial element when it comes to rotating mass.

Hope XCR Brakes

• Weight: 192g (front, no mounting hardware)
• Price: $474.95 AUD (per end)

Slowing the Chisel down is a set of Hope XCR brakes. Following on from our review of the Tech 4 E4 brakes, I’ve been eager to try out the lightweight XC version. These feature beautiful CNC machined callipers with a dual piston design, along with a radial master cylinder design that is considerably pared back compared to the chunky Tech 4 levers.

There are no external adjustment dials with only a small tooled reach adjuster present. The lever blades themselves are made from carbon to help minimise weight and, like almost everything Hope offers, are manufactured in its own factory in the UK.

It’s all finished to a very high level and most would agree that they look the ducks nuts. Looks are one thing though, so we’ll see how they perform out on the trail. One thing’s for sure – at just 192g for the front brake with the hose cut to length, the XCR is very light indeed. Compare that to a Shimano XTR Race 2-piston brake (190g) and a SRAM Level Ultimate 4P brake (238g).

The build

The rest of the build is largely comprised of components that I’ve reviewed in the past and was more than happy to repurpose for the Chisel.

That includes the Race Face Era crankset, a slick Shimano XTR drivetrain and a set of Specialized Renegade tyres. Touch points are made up of a Fox Transfer SL dropper post, a Specialized Power saddle, a 760mm wide Race Face Era handlebar and Chester grips. I currently have a 60mm Giant Contact SL stem in place, though once I’m happy with the bike fit I’ll get something a little nicer to finish it off.

Specialized Chisel weight

The current weight for my Specialized Chisel is 10.81kg without pedals and with the tyres set up tubeless. I’m stoked with that, especially given it isn’t a total weight weenie build. Further grams could be saved with a fancy one-piece carbon cockpit and a saddle with carbon rails, plus there are lighter wheelsets out there, but I’m happy with where things are at.

I’m looking forward to spending a lot of time on the Chisel this year, so be sure to keep an eye out on Flow MTB for more reviews and tech articles featuring this bright and colourful bike!

Wil’s custom 2025 Specialized Chisel

• Frame | M5 Alloy, Single Pivot Flex-Stay Suspension Design, 110mm Travel
• Fork | Fox 34 Step-Cast, Factory Series, GRIP SL Damper, 120mm Travel
• Shock | Fox Float SL, Factory Series, 190x40mm
• Wheels | DT Swiss 350 Hubs & Reserve 28|XC Carbon Rims, 28mm Inner Width
• Tyres | Specialized Renegade Control T7 2.35in Front & Rear
• Drivetrain | Shimano XTR 1×12 w/32T Race Face Era Carbon Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
• Brakes | Hope XCR 2-Piston w/160mm Rotors
• Bar | Race Face Era, Carbon, 10mm Rise, 760mm Width
• Stem | Giant Contact SL, 60mm Length
• Grips | Race Face Chester, 31mm Diameter
• Seatpost | Fox Transfer SL, Factory Series, 30.9mm Diameter, 100mm Travel
• Saddle | Specialized Power Expert, 142mm Width
• Confirmed Weight | 10.81kg
• Price | $3,200 AUD (Frame Only)

ABOUT THE REVIEWER - Wil Barrett

Hometown

Bendigo, Victoria

Height

175cm

Weight65kg