Specialized Chisel - Good Stuff?

Cyclotourist

Cyclotourist

iMTB Hooligan
I want to get a new bike for my son, and keep coming back to these. He races un-competitively in the NICA league, as well as rides with me in Big Bear or elsewhere very occasionally. I'm looking for a lightweight hardtail with Boost spacing, 68-69^ HTA, somewhat long/low modern geo that is XC but heading towards trail. I'm reluctant to go to crabon fibre with him ($$$ plus he's hard on stuff). The Chisel Expert seems to tick off a lot of the boxes: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/mens-chisel-expert/p/154335?color=239070-154335

Any feedback on these? Good choice, bad choice, something better? Similar options I haven't considered?
I'd be looking for a gently used large size if you happen to have a line on one.

91719-32_CHISEL_DSW-EXPERT-29_STRMGRY-RKTRED_HERO?hei=600&wid=920&$hybris-pdp-hero$}.jpg
 
Cyclotourist said:
I want to get a new bike for my son, and keep coming back to these. He races un-competitively in the NICA league, as well as rides with me in Big Bear or elsewhere very occasionally. I'm looking for a lightweight hardtail with Boost spacing, 68-69^ HTA, somewhat long/low modern geo that is XC but heading towards trail. I'm reluctant to go to crabon fibre with him ($$$ plus he's hard on stuff). The Chisel Expert seems to tick off a lot of the boxes: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/mens-chisel-expert/p/154335?color=239070-154335

Any feedback on these? Good choice, bad choice, something better? Similar options I haven't considered?
I'd be looking for a gently used large size if you happen to have a line on one.

View attachment 45246
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For 2k, get him a dual suspension bike to unleash the most potential from his abilities.
 
HBkites said:
I know this doesn't check all the boxes, but there is "value" there.....
$500 more than the Specialized, but the value is in the upgraded components.
https://www.canyon.com/en-us/mtb/exceed/exceed-cf-sl-6-0-pro-race
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I'll probably end up w/ a used one (There's one FS right now on CL and another on ebay), so would need to find a used Exceed for a possibility. I'm reluctant to go with CF for him... he crashes too much. I literally need to keep rear derailers and hangers on hand for when he inevitably twists one off. I was looking at a used Highball, and eventually walked away from it for the same reason. I wish SC had the new Highball out in an aluminum frame, that would probably be my go-to.

DangerDirtyD said:
For 2k, get him a dual suspension bike to unleash the most potential from his abilities.
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He's already fast enough on a hard tail... I'd hate to see his potential unleashed! I've poked around with short travel FS bikes as well, but value is in the HTs.

rossage said:
I might know a guy that rides one...
View attachment 45247

Excellent hardtail. Lot of fun to ride. Won't find this parts spec on the Specialized site, I built this up from the frame.
Get one!
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I was thinking about you when I posted this, hoping for some input! Do you see any holes in my thinking? Other similar bikes that I can consider?
 
Cyclotourist said:
I'll probably end up w/ a used one (There's one FS right now on CL and another on ebay), so would need to find a used Exceed for a possibility. I'm reluctant to go for CF for him... he crashes too much. I was looking at a used Highball, and eventually walked away from it for the same reason. I wish SC had the new Highball out in a metal frame, that would probably be my go-to.

He's already fast enough on a hard tail... I'd hate to see his potential unleashed! I've poked around with short travel FS bikes as well, but value is in the HTs.

I was thinking about you when I posted this, hoping for some input! Do you see any holes in my thinking? Other similar bikes that I can consider?
Click to expand...

The other bike I would mention would be a Highball too. That's my other bike...
The Chisel has slacker angles, Boost, and more tire clearance the Highball. It's also lighter and more flex than the Highball, but that adds to the unique feel. This is a smooth Al bike.
The spec is solid. Not a fan of the fork but it works. Can easily lighten it up. The 4lb frame helps. Mine weighed 3.99 out of the box.
There are a lot of good hardtails out there. I would make sure they check all your boxes, but I think you are on the right track.
Highball currently rigid.
IMG_20180923_171132.jpg
 
rossage said:
The other bike I would mention would be a Highball too. That's my other bike...
The Chisel has slacker angles, Boost, and more tire clearance the Highball. It's also lighter and more flex than the Highball, but that adds to the unique feel. This is a smooth Al bike.
The spec is solid. Not a fan of the fork but it works. Can easily lighten it up. The 4lb frame helps. Mine weighed 3.99 out of the box.
There are a lot of good hardtails out there. I would make sure they check all your boxes, but I think you are on the right track.
Highball currently rigid.
View attachment 45254
Click to expand...

My only gripe about the aluminum Highball was the tuning fork qualities of the frame. It translated every rock into vibrations that passed through my soul. Maybe a little hyperbole there... maybe not. The plastic Highball is a magic carpet in comparison.

Thankfully the Lizard does not share those frame characteristics...

I've never ridden a bike with a big S on the front... Can't help there.
 
rossage said:
The other bike I would mention would be a Highball too. That's my other bike...
The Chisel has slacker angles, Boost, and more tire clearance the Highball. It's also lighter and more flex than the Highball, but that adds to the unique feel. This is a smooth Al bike.
The spec is solid. Not a fan of the fork but it works. Can easily lighten it up. The 4lb frame helps. Mine weighed 3.99 out of the box.
There are a lot of good hardtails out there. I would make sure they check all your boxes, but I think you are on the right track.
Highball currently rigid.
View attachment 45254
Click to expand...
Faust29 said:
My only gripe about the aluminum Highball was the tuning fork qualities of the frame. It translated every rock into vibrations that passed through my soul. Maybe a little hyperbole there... maybe not. The plastic Highball is a magic carpet in comparison.

Thankfully the Lizard does not share those frame characteristics...

I've never ridden a bike with a big S on the front... Can't help there.
Click to expand...

I don't know where the ad-hype ends, and the actual characteristics begin, but reviews have the Chisel being fairly compliant.
Nobody is saying it's harsh at least!
 
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Lots of good reviews on the Chisel.

I'm looking to let go of my large F-Si soon. Yes, it is all carbon though (minus the fork) at sub 21 pounds race ready (cages, pedals, etc). I've tossed it down many trail. But...the derailleur bit would concern me.
 
I think both are probably great... Hard to go wrong. He might just have to go based on what is available in his size right now?

I think they are more comparable to the new tallboy and hightower now. Either choice will have an extremely capable bike.
More pedally up down, longer days.. Then regular.
Long slow climbs to epic descents... Occasional park or shuttle duty, evo.

Either way both could serve as a one stable machine I think.
 
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