In fact, carbon frames are so hot and sought after these days that many people talk about them more than anything else when talking about XC. Despite this, Specialized still insists on aluminum frames.
The 2022 Specialized Chisel Comp was born in such an environment. Its Specialized D’Aluisio Smartweld M5 alloy frame is not only light enough, but the D’Aluisio Smartweld technology gives the finished frame a more pronounced balance of strength, stiffness, and weight than any alloy frame.
In addition, the Chisel specialized is available in three paint colors for even more options. The clean, crisp internal alignment was also a feature that appealed to me, allowing me to take the Specialized Chisel Comp out on muddy country roads and test it without worrying that it would be difficult to clean.
It has two water bottle mounting holes for both XS and XL sizes, which allowed me to carry enough water to enjoy my Seymour Mountain riding trip to the fullest.
Not only that, the threaded bottom bracket makes it even easier.
I think Specialized engineers have combined the best of hardtail bikes in frame design, so the Specialized Chisel Comp is now one of my favorite XC bikes.
Geometry
We can find that the 2022 Specialized Chisel Comp has inherited almost all the geometric advantages from the Epic HT. First of all, we can see its slacker head tube angle (68°), which allows it to climb effectively at low speeds and maintain some speed stability on descents.
In addition, the steep seat tube angle (74°) allows me to bend my spine when I want to experience the excitement of racing with the wind on a flat surface, in the most appropriate aerodynamic position to reduce drag and continue to accelerate.
Secondly, the Specialized Chisel Comp’s proper BB height (30.9cm) allows you to keep your center of gravity in a proper position, so that you won’t feel hindered by the center of gravity when riding in different road conditions.
Next, you can see the shortened rear fork length (43.2cm) which makes me more agile to handle it. In addition, the reduced trail (10.3mm) improves the ability to keep a straight line through tight corners and is more agile in corner steering.
All in all, the geometry of the Specialized Chisel is an important factor that allows me to ride freely and happily on a track like XC.
Components and Specifications
SRAM NX Eagle, 1×12 speed
At the beginning of the bicycle, there was no concept of gearing as it was just one of the means of transportation. With the development of modern technology, while people are getting more and more mobility tools, cycling is becoming more and more popular, so there is a higher demand for bicycle gearing.
We can see that it uses the SRAM NX Eagle, which shares the same technology as its more expensive GX and XO1 counterparts. It is constructed with more affordable materials and features SRAM’s signature technology, X-Actuation, and Type-3 roller bearing clutches that work together to provide fast, seamless shifting.
You’ll hear little to no additional noise or worry about chain tangles as you shift. Plus the wide range of 1×12 speeds allows me to adjust the speed that works best for me through the shifting to make my ride easier.
In addition, its dense gear ratio (11-50t) allows you to pedal more efficiently and with less effort.
Not only that, the 1× shifting is more friendly to newbies, it does away with the complicated 2× or 3× shifting, making gear shifting more relaxed and simple.
SRAM Level T Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Anyone who values safety values it, and a good braking system will save you from many dangers. 2022 Specialized Chisel Comp has SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes.
I can say that at first, I thought this brake was not that advanced, but at this price, it is really affordable, so I was a little hesitant. But during the ride on Mount Seymour, the SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brake made me praise its practicality without hesitation.
As I mentioned earlier, the weather in Mount Seymour is relatively wet. It showed me that its SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes are not weak, and even in these conditions, it was able to brake effectively without making me feel stiff. stiffness.
Even though I’m now being told that its 2-piston calipers may not be enough for braking in rough terrain, I’d say it ranks in my top 5 for the money at this price point.
Specialized Fast Trak Tires
A good tire will make your ride smoother, and the Specialized Chisel Comp tire has been praised by even unfamiliar riders on my rides.
I know the tire to a certain degree, and it has a tread pattern that allows it to handle extremely rough ground conditions. I had a great time on this riding trip in the company of an unfamiliar riding group.
During this time the Specialized Chisel Comp was a consistent tire on rough, loose, and sometimes muddy terrain. Both the traction and its grip were outstanding. In the face of muddy dirt sticking to the tread, the raised soft lugs on the surface can also get rid of them quickly, preventing speed from being sacrificed due to the added weight.
Rider Johnson also asked me questions about the Specialized Chisel Comp’s tire performance, and I could sense his great interest in the Specialized Chisel Comp. Of course, this had a lot to do with the fact that I went out of my way to show him my favorite Specialized Chisel Comp.
RockShox Front Fork
Although hardtail bikes don’t come with a rear shock configuration, we can’t underestimate the role of the fork.
But in my actual riding, it performed well. In the face of bumpy terrain the Solo Air air spring, it fully absorbed the shock with a smoother and more responsive response, allowing me to deliver a comfortable ride even on rough and bumpy terrain.
Previous Versions of the Specialized Chisel Comp
In this ride, I reviewed the 2022 Specialized Chisel Comp’s Specialized D’Aluisio Smartweld M5 alloy frame, RockShox Judy fork, SRAM NX Eagle, 1×12 transmission, and other components in detail. To have a clear comparison, I looked up the 2021 Specialized Chisel Comp, 2020 Specialized Chisel Comp, and 2019 Specialized Women’s Chisel Comp bikes.
These three versions of the bike are priced at $1900, $1620, and $1620 respectively, which is obviously less expensive than the 2022 Specialized Chisel Comp. It’s softer, and it’s a 2×10 drivetrain, which gives it more speed options.
Also, in terms of tire size, the 2022 Specialized Chisel Comp is 29×2.35″, while the other three are 29×2.3″, which makes it obvious to me that the 29×2.35″ will have more ground contact and more stability when I’m actually riding it.
If you want to get more information about Specialized Chisel Comp, you can keep following me and I will keep updating.
What do we like about it?
Its climbing ability won’t let you down, even on slippery surfaces. The internal alignment is designed to give the body an overall clean and tidy look. SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes will protect you and will allow you to enjoy freedom even on wet and slippery surfaces. The comfortable geometry design brings together the advantages of more off-road bikes. The abrasion resistance and traction of the Specialized Fast Trak tires are powerful on any surface. What we don’t like about it?
Some people feel that the lack of dropper may not be as effective in absorbing shock when facing bumps. Excellent descender, but there is a gap with professional speed bikes. FAQs
What is the fork travel of the Specialized Chisel Comp? The fork travel of the Specialized Chisel Comp is 100mm.
What is the maximum tire size of the Specialized Chisel Comp? The maximum tire size for the Specialized Chisel Comp is 29×2.35.
What height does the Specialized Chisel Comp fit? Specialized Chisel Comp sizes.
What are the brakes on the Specialized Chisel Comp? The brakes on the Specialized Chisel Comp are SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes.
Compare Tables
BIKE PRICE BRAKE TIRE GEAR CLICK VIEW 2022 CUBE ACCESS WS C:62 SL $2,754 Magura MT8 Pro Disc Brakes 29×2.25’’ 1×12 Click View 2021 Niner AIR 9 RDO 2-STAR SRAM SX EAGLE $2,750 SRAM LEVEL Hydraulic Discs 29×2.25’’ 1×12 Click View 2022 Framed Flagstaff Carbon Mountain Bike 27.5″ $2,600 Avid BB5 Mechanical Disc 27.5 x 2.2’’ 1×11 Click View 2022 Trek Top Fuel 7 $3,529.99 Shimano Hydraulic Discs 29.x2.40” 1×12 Click View
Specialized Chisel Comp vs 2022 CUBE ACCESS WS C:62 SL
The first thing that caught my eye was the paint color of the 2022 CUBE ACCESS WS C:62 SL. It only has one paint color (which I personally am not too interested in) to choose from, and I am in a bit of a mood to wish it had more options. In its contrast, I think the 2022 Specialized Chisel Comp color is much more striking.
Also, I noticed the Magura MT8 Pro disc brake on the CUBE ACCESS WS C:62 SL, which is a lightweight brake. Although it has a great price/performance ratio, it has a very light composite lever body which makes me a bit uncomfortable.
Comparatively, the SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes on the 2022 Specialized Chisel Comp are much more to my liking, and the braking performance on the road is very reliable, with great lever power.
Not to mention, the Specialized Chisel Comp is $354 cheaper than the CUBE ACCESS WS C:62 SL. Yes, I prefer the 2022 Specialized Chisel Comp for both price and brakes.
If you want the right bike, I think you can choose the right bike for you based on your riding habits and the road conditions you ride regularly.
Specialized Chisel Comp vs 2021 Niner AIR 9 RDO 2-STAR
Value for money is an important factor for me. The 2021 Niner AIR 9 RDO 2-STAR costs $2750 and uses a carbon fiber frame, and the Fox Rhythm Float 32 fork is made for off-road and light woodland use. Just from these two points, it is enough to attract me.
But I prefer the SRAM NX Eagle’s gearing to the Specialized Chisel Comp’s, because it won me enough applause on my rides, and its shifting is very easy and smooth. Even though the SRAM SX Eagle was good enough, it still seemed to me to give me some stagnation.
Also, both bikes are consistent in their mph both uphill and down.
So both bikes are good choices, depending on your budget and your preferences. If you want better transmission, my recommendation is the 2022 Specialized Chisel Comp.
Specialized Chisel Comp vs 2022 Framed Flagstaff Carbon Mountain Bike 27.5″
Needless to say, the $2600 price tag for a carbon hardtail bike is attractive enough, and the 2022 Framed Flagstaff Carbon Mountain Bike 27.5″ is one such bike. It’s a 1×11 drivetrain and the brakes are Avid BB5 mechanical discs, which require more leverage in real-world riding.
It gives me less soft control than the hydraulic discs of the Specialized Chisel Comp, so I would prefer to use the hydraulic discs for braking if I exclude the carbon fiber frame. At the same time, the 1×11 transmission is often not enough for me as a volatile rider.
But I have to say that the Framed Flagstaff Carbon Mountain Bike frame shape is outstanding, and with the sloping top tube, it will be easier to get on and off the bike.
The Framed Flagstaff Carbon Mountain Bike 27.5″ is $200 more expensive than the Specialized Chisel Comp, so I would be more willing to pay for the 2022 Specialized Chisel Comp.
Specialized Chisel vs 2022 Trek Top Fuel 7
Obviously, the 2022 Trek Top Fuel 7 is a full-suspension bike, and it will be relatively better in terms of damping. The SRAM NX Eagle 1×12 shifter is the same, which I have a slight complaint about, as the Trek Top Fuel 7 costs nearly $1130 more than the Specialized Chisel Comp, and I wish it had the transmission to match its price.
In terms of braking, both bikes use hydraulic disc brakes, and I didn’t feel a big difference between the two brakes during the actual ride, so both brakes were adequate for me.
In addition, the Trek Top Fuel 7 (26 mph) is a bit higher than the Specialized Chisel Comp (25 mph) in terms of climbing speed under the same conditions. If climbing speed is more important to you, you can choose the Trek Top Fuel 7 depending on your needs.
But if you prefer a lighter model, the hardtail Specialized Chisel Comp is a better choice for you.
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