Specialized Fuse 27.5 Review
- Price: $1500
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Eliminator
- Gear: 1 x 9
What we like about it: The all-new long, low, and wide frame provides better adaptability to various terrains.
What we didn’t like about it: The 1×9 gearbox isn’t as impressive and may not meet the needs of some riders.
Rating: (4.6/5)
I recently fell in love with off-road biking after watching numerous off-road biking videos on YouTube. So, I was eager to find a hardtail mountain bike that suited my needs. That’s when I came across the Specialized Fuse 27.5, hoping it would be perfect for a newbie like me.
In the following sections, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Fuse 27.5. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
To test the Specialized Fuse 27.5 thoroughly, I booked a flight and a hotel on IHG and traveled to Doganaccia 2000.
I chose the New Zeland Trail at Doganaccia 2000. This trail is 1.5km long and mostly downhill with numerous ascents and descents, featuring steep slopes. It has a 358m elevation drop, making the ride quite challenging and demanding.
Off-Roading
I started from the beginning and, with the downhill terrain, accelerated with a fantastic sense of speed. I gripped the Stout Riser handlebar tightly to stay connected with the bike. The 130mm front travel offered excellent shock absorption, and I didn’t feel uncomfortable on the bumpy downhill road. However, high speeds can bring risks, so I kept a close eye on controlling the Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brake to slow down or stop when necessary for safety.
When climbing uphill, I adjusted the microSHIFT Advent rear derailleur to the lowest gear ratio to maximize power with minimal effort. Uphill rides were quite effortless, and the dropper allowed me to lower the seat height. This made it more comfortable to stand and accelerate uphill without my legs hitting the seat.
As I approached corners, the Specialized Trail Grips helped me maintain a tight grip on the Body Geometry Bridge Saddle. Sitting on the Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, I shifted my weight for precise cornering. With my experience, I found the optimal entry points for each corner, allowing me to handle them exceptionally well.
Is That All?
The Specialized Fuse 27.5 features Eliminator GRID TRAIL casing tires. I could feel the aggressive tread design and balanced tread pattern, providing excellent traction and braking. I could confidently speed through off-road trails, thanks to the confidence these tires instilled in me.
Additionally, sitting on the Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, I didn’t feel significant pressure on my buttocks. The even softer density, Level 3 padding offered tremendous comfort. It’s ergonomically designed, with a central depression that reduces pressure on sensitive areas, ensuring blood flow to vital arteries.
Specifications
The Specialized Fuse 27.5 is an outstanding hardtail mountain bike. It features a Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum frame and an X-Fusion MIG 27.5 fork with 130mm travel, providing excellent shock absorption. It is equipped with a microSHIFT Advent rear derailleur, and while the 1×9 gear range may be limited, it performs quite well.
Moreover, its Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes offer impressive braking capabilities, ensuring rider safety. The Eliminator tires, using a new-generation tread pattern, combine an aggressive block design with a balanced tread pattern, delivering powerful traction and braking performance, making it excel in performance.
Video
Other Versions
After numerous tests, we have gained a deeper understanding of this bike. It is an exceptionally capable hardtail mountain bike.
However, many riders have their own performance requirements and component preferences, leading us to investigate similar bike models further.
2023 Specialized Fuse Comp 29
The Specialized Fuse 27.5 comes with 27.5″ wheels, while the Comp 29 features 29″ wheels. Larger wheels offer enhanced terrain versatility, while smaller wheels are highly maneuverable. Additionally, the Specialized Fuse Comp 29 is equipped with a 1×12 Drivetrain, offering a broader gear range and smoother shifting compared to the 1×9 drivetrain of the Specialized Fuse 27.5.
Furthermore, the Specialized Fuse 27.5 reaches a top speed of 22mph, whereas the Specialized Fuse Comp 29 reaches 25mph. Looking at the stack/reach ratio, the Specialized Fuse Comp 29 has a ratio of 1.42, whereas the Specialized Fuse 27.5 has a ratio of 1.37. A larger stack/reach ratio provides better reach and contributes to a more comfortable ride for the rider.
So, if you’re seeking a more comfortable bike ride, I would recommend the Specialized Fuse Comp 29. If budget is a constraint, the more affordable Specialized Fuse 27.5 would be a solid choice.
What do we like about it?
- The all-new longer, lower, and wider frame helps riders adapt to various terrains better.
- The internal cable routing is very neat.
- The 27.5″ wheels are highly maneuverable and perform excellently in challenging off-road terrains.
- Impressive climbing capability.
What don’t we like about it?
- The 1×9 drivetrain may not meet the needs of some riders.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- How many color options are available for this bike?
It comes in two colors: Satin Doppio / Sand and Gloss Arctic Blue / Black.
- How many fixed points does this bike have?
It has five mounting points.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are general guidelines, and the right size may vary from person to person. The best way to find your size is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″ – 5’6″ | XS |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | SM |
| 5’7″ – 6’0″ | MD |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | LG |
| 6’0″ – 6’5″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum, 148mm thru-axle, tapered head tube, internal cable routing Colors: Satin Doppio / Sand; Gloss Arctic Blue / Black |
| Fork | X-Fusion MIG 27.5, External Rebound and Compression adjust, coil spring, 46mm Offset, 130mm of travel |
| Bottom Bracket | Square-tapered, 73mm, internal bearings, 122.5mm spindle |
| Stem | Stout 3D-forged alloy, 31.8mm, 6-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Stout Riser, double-butted alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 5-degree upsweep, 15mm rise, 750mm / 780mm width, 31.8mm |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, steel rails |
| Seatpost | TranzX Dropper, 30.9mm, S: 100mm, M-XL: 120mm |
| Grips | Specialized Trail Grips, lock-on |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | microSHIFT Advent, 1×9 w/ clutch |
| Crank | Stout, forged alloy, 76mm BCD, 30T |
| Shifters | microSHIFT Advent, 9-speed |
| Cassette | microSHIFT Advent, 9-speed, 11-42t |
| Chain | KMC X9EPT, 9-speed, anti-corrosion coating w/ reusable Missing Link™ |
| Brakes | Shimano BR-MT200, hydraulic disc, 180mm |
Wheels
| Rims | Alloy, disc only, double-wall, 29mm internal width, 28h, tubeless compatible |
| Spokes | Stainless, 14g |
| Front Hub | Shimano MT400-B, Centerlock 28h, 15×110 Boost |
| Rear Hub | Shimano MT400-B, Centerlock, 12×148 Boost, 32h |
| Tires | Front: Eliminator, GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON® T7 compound, 2Bliss Ready, 27.5 x 2.3″, Rear: Eliminator, GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON® T7 compound, 2Bliss Ready, 27.5 x 2.3″ |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Canyon Stoic 2 | Click View | Schwalbe Hans Dampf 2.35″ | 1 x 10 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
| Cannondale Habit HT 3 | Click View | WTB Breakout, 29×2.3″ | 1 x 10 | Aluminum | microSHIFT Advent X |
| Kona Honzo DL | Click View | Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR 3C 29×2.5″ | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
| Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum | Click View | Maxxis Minion DHF 29 “x2.5” | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle,NX Eagle |
Specialized Fuse 27.5 vs. Canyon Stoic 2
Canyon Stoic 2 comes in two wheel sizes: 27.5″ and 29″. The 27.5″ wheels are highly maneuverable, while the 29″ wheels offer better terrain versatility. Additionally, the Canyon Stoic 2 is equipped with a 1×10 drivetrain, which, compared to the 1×9 drivetrain on the Specialized Fuse 27.5, offers a much broader gear range and smoother shifting.
Furthermore, in terms of front travel, the Canyon Stoic 2 features 140mm, whereas the Specialized Fuse 27.5 has 130mm. With 140mm front travel, there’s greater suspension flexibility, enhancing rider comfort. So, if you’re looking for a more comfortable ride, I would recommend the Canyon Stoic 2. If you desire superior microSHIFT Advent components, the Specialized Fuse 27.5 would be a better choice.
Learn More: Is Canyon Stoic 2 Worth Buying? [2022 Canyon Stoic 2 Review]
Specialized Fuse 27.5 vs. Cannondale Habit HT 3
Cannondale Habit HT 3 is equipped with a 1×10 drivetrain, which offers smoother shifting and a wider gear range. Additionally, it features 29″ wheels, providing excellent terrain versatility. On the other hand, the Specialized Fuse 27.5 has 27.5″ wheels, making it highly maneuverable. However, it has a top speed of only 22mph, whereas the Cannondale Habit HT 3 can reach 24mph.
Furthermore, the Cannondale Habit HT 3 has two bottle cages, while the Specialized Fuse 27.5 has only one. So, if you’re seeking smoother shifting, the Cannondale Habit HT 3 is an excellent choice. If you prefer more maneuverable wheels, the Specialized Fuse 27.5 will meet your needs.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 Worth Buying? [2022 Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 Review]
Specialized Fuse 27.5 vs. Kona Honzo DL
Kona Honzo DL boasts 140mm of front travel, while the Specialized Fuse 27.5 comes with 130mm front travel. As mentioned before, larger travel provides better shock absorption. The Kona Honzo DL is equipped with 29″ wheels, which offer excellent terrain versatility. On the other hand, the Specialized Fuse 27.5 features 27.5″ wheels, making it highly maneuverable.
Furthermore, the Kona Honzo DL is fitted with a 1×12 drivetrain. Compared to the 1×9 drivetrain on the Specialized Fuse 27.5, the 1×12 drivetrain offers a broader gear range and smoother shifting. Additionally, the Kona Honzo DL has a faster top speed of 25mph, and its stack/reach ratio is 1.35, which is larger than the Specialized Fuse 27.5’s ratio of 1.34, resulting in a more comfortable riding experience.
In summary, if you’re seeking superior shifting performance, I recommend choosing the Kona Honzo DL. If you prefer more maneuverable wheels, the Specialized Fuse 27.5 will meet your needs quite well.
Learn More: Is Kona Hei Hei Worth Buying? – [Kona Hei Hei Review]
Specialized Fuse 27.5 vs. Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum
Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum has a stack/reach ratio of 1.37, which is larger than the 1.34 stack/reach ratio of the Specialized Fuse 27.5, providing more stretch and making the ride more comfortable for the rider. Additionally, the head tube angle of the Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum is 65°, slightly smaller than the 66° of the Specialized Fuse 27.5. A smaller head tube angle contributes to a more stable ride.
Furthermore, the Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum can reach 25mph, faster than the 22mph top speed of the Specialized Fuse 27.5. The Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum is equipped with a 1×12 drivetrain that offers a wider gear range and smoother shifting. So, if you’re looking for a more comfortable ride, I would recommend the Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum. If budget constraints are a concern, then the more affordable Specialized Fuse 27.5, which is nearly $1100 cheaper, might be a better choice.
Learn More: Is Santa Cruz CHAMELEON A Good Bike? [2022 Santa Cruz CHAMELEON Review]
Summary
This is our review of the Specialized Fuse 27.5. This is an outstanding hardtail mountain bike that provides riders with an excellent off-road experience. Based on all the factors considered, we have awarded it a rating of 4.6. If you’re looking for more information on bicycles, please check out our other reviews.
Lastly, if you enjoy our content, feel free to share it with your friends. If you find our content helpful, you can click on the email subscription button below to stay updated. Thank you for your support!
