With the Chisel Comp, Specialised is launching an affordable alternative to the high-end Epic race bike. In the configuration shown here, the Chisel costs less than a fifth of the top model in its big brother’s range – an incredible price difference!
Sure, the frame is made of aluminium rather than carbon, and the Specialized Chisel Comp is completely devoid of state-of-the-art electronic components. However, the Californian brand has built a reputation for making good mountain bikes. So is the Chisel good value for money? We put it to the test.
Conclusion
With its progressive cross-country geometry and tailored spec, the Specialized Chisel Comp covers a wide range of uses. Thanks to its reasonable weight – despite its attractive price – it’s a solid short-travel bike for touring, easy trails and first racing experiences. The only thing holding the Chisel back is a few budget components. There’s scope for upgrades here! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Specialized Chisel Comp in detail
- Intended use: Cross-country / Marathon / Touring
- Suspension travel: 120 / 110 mm
- Wheel size: 29”
- Frame material: aluminium
- Weight: 12.8 kg (BIKE measurement, size XS, excluding pedals)
- Price: 3,300 euros (currently reduced to 2,499 euros)
- Special features: Flip-chip
Facilities
- Front fork / Rear shock: RockShox SID / Deluxe Select+
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle (1 x 12), 32; 11–50
- Brakes: SRAM Level
- Seatpost / Travel: TransX Dropper / 100–150 mm depending on frame size
- Wheels: Specialized Alloy
- Tyres: Specialized Ground Control / Fast Trak T5 Control Casing, 29 x 2.35
In the footsteps of the Epic
Apart from the aluminium welds, the Specialized Chisel differs little from the Epic – though it is based on the slightly older Epic 8 model. The latter was highly praised by many test riders worldwide, and the Specialized Epic 8 also won over many fans at the BIKE editorial office with its impressive performance for its travel class. No other bike was as overwhelmingly successful in the 2025 Cross Country World Cup season as the Specialised Epic 8. So the Chisel has definitely chosen a good role model.
The differences between the two bikes lie in the details, however. The Chisel was designed as a standalone aluminium platform and has ten millimetres less rear travel. Nevertheless, it shares the rear suspension kinematics of the company’s in-house suspension development with its luxury sibling.
There are also many similarities in the geometry specifications. However, to ensure beginner-friendly handling even at low speeds, the Specialized Chisel Comp’s head angle is 0.6 degrees steeper than that of the Epic 8, and the reach is slightly shorter. The Chisel also features a flip-chip, which allows the geometry to be adjusted to suit personal preferences or the conditions of the route.
Small but significant differences in the spec suggest that Specialised has designed the Chisel more for all-round use rather than as a specialist racing bike. The Rockshox Deluxe shock, despite its limited travel, is a model from the trail bike segment. Its slightly larger air volume promises greater comfort on rough terrain.
It’s great that, despite cost pressures, the product managers have opted for the high-quality Select+ suspension technology on the rear shock. Furthermore, Specialized has fitted the Chisel Comp with a front tyre that offers better grip than the one on the Epic race bike. This should make the entry-level full-suspension bike a bit more forgiving to ride on various surfaces and mean it doesn’t reach the limits of its grip quite so quickly.
A short-travel bike for all occasions
Specialized has made a clever move with the Chisel. The minor tweaks make the bike more versatile and appealing even to less experienced riders. At the same time, many components from the cross-country range ensure it retains its touring capabilities whilst keeping the weight down.
Specialized has opted for a lightweight aluminium frame with optimised wall thicknesses, saving on material wherever possible. With a fast rear tyre, a flat but not extreme front tyre and efficient kinematics, the Chisel should make long distances a breeze. So it’s great that the Chisel has two bottle cage mounts.
In our experience, many cyclists, caught up in the enduro and trail trend, end up carrying too much weight on their bikes when out on a ride and, sooner or later, lose the desire to pedal under their own steam. That’s exactly what the Specialized Chisel is designed to prevent. A mechanical 12-speed rear derailleur is mounted on the derailleur hanger.
However, the bike only comes with a budget 11-50-tooth cassette, which doesn’t offer sufficient gear range for alpine climbs. For beginners in particular, the highest gear might be a tad too heavy. The Sram Level brakes are also no longer quite up to the latest technical standards and lack power.
The tried-and-tested geometry, with its long reach and compact rear end, promises a smooth yet agile ride. This combination makes the Chisel ideal for both long day rides and fun on flowing trails. Our experience with its big brother, the Epic 8, shows that versatility – even off the race track – is one of the platform’s greatest strengths.
Naturally, the limited suspension travel of 120 millimetres at the front and 110 millimetres at the rear reaches its limits on rough trails. The suspension fork, a RockShox SID, is a branded product, but features only the most basic damping. In terms of sensitivity and feedback, this model cannot compete with higher-end forks.
Strengths and weaknesses
Pro
- Versatile short-travel frame design, from road to trail
- Smart adjustments for beginners to cycling
- Good value for money
Cons
- Inexpensive components in the gearbox, brakes and fork can limit performance off-road
What do you think: would you rather have an affordable, versatile bike, or do you prefer an expensive specialist competition bike? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor