Specialized Fuse Comp 29 Review]
- Price: $3000
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Eliminator 29×2.6″
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: Currently available at a discount, priced at only $2,199.99, it offers excellent value for money.
What we don’t like about it: The SRAM NX Eagle rear derailleur has relatively high friction, and prolonged use can lead to an increase in rear derailleur activity position frame, reducing gear shifting accuracy.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The Specialized Fuse Comp 29 is ideal for aggressive mountain biking, with its robust Specialized M4 Premium Aluminum frame allowing riders to gain the upper hand in encounters with the terrain. Additionally, the ergonomically designed saddle helps alleviate riding fatigue.
In the following sections, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Fuse Comp 29. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several top bicycle models. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, please follow us.
Off-Road Adventure
I booked my flight and hotel on IHG, and arrived at the challenging destination with high expectations and excitement.
With anticipation and excitement, I hopped on my Specialized Fuse Comp 29, ready to embark on an exhilarating biking journey. My destination was the Cougar Trail at Granby Ranch, where a winding mountain path awaited my conquest.
As I pedaled, the lightweight Specialized M4 Premium Aluminum frame provided a familiar sense of comfort. Coupled with the 130mm front suspension fork, it offered ample cushioning and stability. Initially, I rode along a flat road, steadily gaining speed.
As the road gradually inclined, I began to feel the terrain’s fluctuations. The trail became rougher, but I countered every bump with a steady posture and strong muscles. I continuously adjusted my body’s center of gravity, keeping the bike balanced on uneven ground. Despite the absence of rear suspension support, I could handle any challenge through agile movements and precise control.
I felt a close connection between my body and nature, with each turn accompanied by a release of passion. When cornering, I leaned my body, experiencing the bike’s agile steering, and the power from the pedals pushed me forward.
Downhill Adventure
I reached a broad mountaintop and took a brief rest. Then, I pedaled and embarked on the downhill adventure.
Descending brought excitement and tension as the speed increased. I firmly gripped the handlebars and used changes in body weight to control my direction. Every bump and vibration tested my skills and courage, but I reveled in it. The wind against my face felt like it was racing alongside me, everything felt so free and exhilarating.
The finish line gradually appeared in sight, and while my muscles were tired, my inner satisfaction was immense. Sitting on the Bridge Comp saddle, I slowed down, savoring the final stretch of the journey. I used the SRAM Level TRL hydraulic disc brakes to bring the bike to a stop, completing this trail.
Specifications
The Specialized Fuse Comp 29 is an exceptional hardtail mountain bike equipped with the RockShox Recon Silver RL fork, delivering outstanding response time and excellent lockout capability. It also features 29″ wheels for enhanced maneuverability. Its 1×12 drivetrain provides smooth shifting with a wide range, and it’s capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h, making it quite fast.
Its front fork offers 130mm of front travel, providing impressive shock absorption. The bike’s highlights also include SRAM Level TRL disc brakes and a TranzX dropper seatpost, delivering outstanding braking performance and making the dropper seatpost a must-have for off-road riding.
Video
Other Versions
After undergoing numerous tests, our understanding of this bike has deepened. It is indeed an outstanding hardtail mountain bike.
However, many riders have specific performance or component requirements, so we’ve researched similar bikes for further investigation.
Specialized Fuse 27.5
The Specialized Fuse 27.5 features an X-Fusion frame with a high-quality suspension system and exceptional performance and durability. Additionally, the 27.5″ wheels are highly maneuverable, making acceleration effortless, but they have less inertia, requiring continuous power to maintain high speeds. Its 1×9 drivetrain is not as impressive, and its top speed is only 36 km/h.
In terms of geometry, the Specialized Fuse 27.5 has a relatively small stack/reach ratio of only 1.37, making it more aggressive and allowing riders to apply more power to the pedals. A larger stack/reach ratio can keep the rider’s body more upright and comfortable. The BB drop of the Specialized Fuse 27.5 is 48mm, quite low, which provides stability while making it challenging to clear obstacles on the trail.
What do we like about it?
- Currently available at a discount, priced at only $2,199.99, offering great value for money.
- 5 fixed points ensure adequate hydration.
- Impressive uphill and downhill capabilities.
- Clean internal cable routing.
What don’t we like about it?
- The SRAM NX Eagle rear derailleur has significant friction, and prolonged use can result in increased play in the derailleur’s position, reducing shifting precision.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- Can this bike be customized based on body size?
The Specialized Fuse Comp 29 can be custom-made and set up by experts specifically for riders.
- What is the weight of this bike?
It weighs 29 lbs 14 oz.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are general guidelines, and the best way to find your size is to try it out in person as it may vary from person to person.
| 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 M4 Premium Aluminum, 148mm thru-axle, adjustable dropout, SS compatible, tapered head tube, internal cable routingBB Standard: BSA, 73mm, ThreadedColors: Satin Smoke / Black; Satin Olive Green / Sand |
| Fork | RockShox Recon RL, air spring, 46mm offset, 130mm of travel |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB, BSA 73mm, threaded |
| 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 | Bridge Comp, Hollow Cr-mo rails, 155/143mm |
| Seatpost | TranzX Dropper, 34.9mm, XS-S: 100mm, M: 125mm, L-XL: 150mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Crank | SRAM, X1 Alloy Eagle, 12-speed, 32T |
| Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle, trigger, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM NX Eagle PG-1230, 12-speed, 11-50t |
| Chain | SRAM, SX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Level TRL, hydraulic disc, 4-piston, 200/180mm |
Wheels
| Rims | Specialized Alloy, Tubeless Ready, 29mm internal width, 28h |
| Spokes | Stainless, 14g |
| Front Hub | Alloy, sealed cartridge bearings, 15x110mm thru-axle, 28h |
| Rear Hub | Alloy, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm thru-axle, 32h |
| Tires | Front: Eliminator, GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON® T7 compound, 2Bliss Ready, 29×2.6″, Rear: Eliminator, GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON® T7 compound, 2Bliss Ready, 29×2.6″ |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| 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 |
| Norco Revolver HT 2 120 | Click View | Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evo, 2.35″ | 1 x 12 | Carbon | Shimano XT,SLX |
| Nukeproof Scout 275 RS | Click View | Front: Schwalbe Magic Mary 27.5×2.6”; Rear: Schwalbe Hans Dampf 27.5×2.6” | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | SRAM GX Eagle |
Specialized Fuse Comp 29 vs. Kona Honzo DL
These two bikes are both hardtail bicycles, but they differ in their front travel. The Specialized Fuse Comp 29 has 130mm of front travel, and while its suspension performance is decent, the Kona Honzo DL with its 140mm front travel offers even better shock absorption.
Furthermore, the Kona Honzo DL, equipped with Deore gearing, provides crisper shifts compared to the NX Eagle gearing on the Specialized Fuse Comp 29, with noticeably higher shifting clarity on each gear change. In addition, the Deore derailleur’s clutch is adjustable and offers better chain control than NX.
In terms of riding comfort, the Specialized Fuse Comp 29 has a stack/reach ratio of 1.39, which is slightly larger than the 1.35 of the Kona Honzo DL. This allows riders to be in a more relaxed upright position. However, a lower stack/reach ratio makes the bike’s geometry more aggressive, allowing riders to apply more power to the pedals.
Learn More: Is Kona Hei Hei Worth Buying? – [Kona Hei Hei Review]
Specialized Fuse Comp 29 vs. Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX Aluminum
Both of these bicycles are equipped with the RockShox Recon Silver RL fork, giving them both 130mm of front travel and consistent shock absorption. However, the Specialized Fuse Comp 29 is fitted with SRAM NX Eagle, while the Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX Aluminum features SRAM SX Eagle. Both of these components are cost-effective and suitable for beginners. They share many similarities, with the only difference being that SX uses a wider handlebar clamp, while NX uses an SRAM Matchmaker clamp, reducing the space it occupies.
The head tube angle of the Specialized Fuse Comp 29 is 66.5°, which is greater than the Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX Aluminum (65°). As a hardtail mountain bike, the smaller head tube angle allows the bike’s front fork to protrude forward, increasing stability during fast descents but may not be as ideal for climbing.
Learn More: Is Santa Cruz CHAMELEON A Good Bike? [2022 Santa Cruz CHAMELEON Review]
Specialized Fuse Comp 29 vs. Norco Revolver HT 2 120
The Specialized Fuse Comp 29 utilizes the Specialized M4 Premium Aluminum frame, whereas the Norco Revolver HT 2 120 employs a Carbon XC Race frame. Carbon frames are lightweight and easy to handle. However, in reality, carbon fiber frames are better suited for road bikes, while aluminum frames are more suitable for mountain biking, excelling in transmitting vibrations and power. Additionally, mountain biking can easily cause damage to the bike, and aluminum frames are easier to repair, whereas carbon frames are difficult to repair once damaged.
It’s worth noting that the Norco Revolver HT 2 120 can achieve faster speeds, reaching up to 28 mph. However, its geometry is more aggressive, with a relatively smaller stack/reach ratio, making acceleration easier. Nevertheless, its lower BB drop can be problematic for mountain biking, as it can lead to issues with rocks and branches on the trail. Despite this, the lower BB drop enhances stability during rides.
Learn More: Is Norco Revolver HT 1 120 Splendid? – [Norco Revolver HT 1 120 Review]
Specialized Fuse Comp 29 vs. Nukeproof Scout 275 RS
The Specialized Fuse Comp 29 is equipped with 29″ wheels, while the Nukeproof Scout 275 RS has 27.5″ wheels. Smaller wheels make acceleration easier but, due to their lower inertia, can’t maintain higher speeds. They also have poorer traction and are more limited on rough terrain, and they are less forgiving for beginners. Larger wheels, on the other hand, offer better traction and make the bike easier to control.
Furthermore, both of these bikes are hardtail bicycles, but they have different front travel. The Nukeproof Scout 275 RS boasts a larger 140mm of front travel, providing significant shock absorption. It can also achieve faster speeds, reaching up to 26 mph. Additionally, it comes equipped with Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature grips, offering riders added convenience and eliminating the need to spend extra time searching for suitable grips.
Learn More: Is Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite Splendid – [Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite Review]
Summary
This is our review of the Specialized Fuse Comp 29. It’s an outstanding hardtail mountain bike that enhances the riding experience. Considering all factors, we’ve awarded it a high rating of 4.7. If you’re looking for more bike information, please check out our other reviews.
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