Specialized’s New Chisel FS Has Landed.

·Tuesday 18 June 2024

Specialized have combined their World Cup-winning Epic 8 and their entry level XC hardtail, the Chisel, to produce the Chisel FS.

Following in the footsteps of the Specialized Epic 8 and Epic 8 EVO is the new Chisel FS. The Chisel FS is an alloy-framed, full suspension machine that sits somewhere between the two in terms of kinematic but designed to be happy between the tape or rallying singletrack.

Despite the new Chisel FS being considerably easier on the bank balance than its bigger brother, the Epic 8, there’s certainly no lack of tech and work gone into this new bike. Specialized claim it’s 18.4% lighter than the nearest competitor, which is the Scott Spark that comes in some 570g heavier.

This weight is achieved by use of the D’Alusio Smartweld which allows the welds to be moved away from the areas of highest stress and further allow the tubeset to be lightened. There’s also a one-piece seat tube and bottom bracket unit that further reduces weight. A flex stay rear also helps keep weight and complexity down.

Beyond the nifty frame construction, you get 110mm rear wheel travel that sits somewhere in between the Epic 8 and Epic 8 EVO in terms of kinematic. Anti squat is tuned to reduce pedal bob, making the most of the power you put in.

Two complete bikes and a frameset will be available. The frameset comes with a Rockshox Deluxe Select+ shock at £1,400.00. The Chisel FS Base Shimano comes in at £2,000.00 with the Chisel FS Comp Shimano at £2,700.00.

Geometry

The Chisel is available in sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL.

Reach on the M is 445mm with a seat tube of 410mm. Head angle with the flip chip in Low is 66.5 degrees with a seat tube angle of 75.5 degrees. Chainstays are 437mm across the sizes with a wheelbase on the M of 1177mm.