2025 Special Cheese costs MUCH less than Epic

Earlier this year came the new Specialized Epic 8. Thanks to its in-frame storage, progressive geometry and 120mm of active suspension, the Epic 8 proved to be one of the best XC bikes we've tested. It is certainly not too heavy due to its soft carbon fiber frame, but it is also very expensive for the cheapest model. to begin with at $7,500 AUD.

To provide a more affordable option, Specialized has just released the new Chisel. It joins the existing Chisel HT as a full suspension XC bike made from alloy instead of carbon. That makes it significantly cheaper than the Epic 8, which is good news for XC riders and racers on a tight budget, or anyone who simply prefers the durability of a steel mountain bike.

Specialized Chisel overview

In terms of overall frame design, the Specialized Chisel is heavily based on the latest Epic 8. It rolls on 29in wheels and features a 120mm travel fork. The rear has slightly less travel at 110mm, although the kinematics are said to be very similar between the two bikes.

You'll get the same single-pivot suspension with flex-stays and two-piece linkage, and a top-tube shock means the Chisel can fit two bottles inside the front triangle. Unfortunately there's no in-frame SWAT storage like the Epic 8, but it does use a wired BB, standard internal cable routing that avoids the headset, and a UDH hanger.

Of course the main difference is the frame material. Instead of carbon, the Chisel uses hydroformed M5 alloy tubes that are joined together using Specialized's patented D'Aluisio Smartweld technology. This fixes the critical junction to move the welding points away from the high stress areas. The best example is the seat tube, which is essentially a single piece of alloy that combines the BB shell, main pivot and seat tube pivot into one structure.

Chisel special weight

The result of this high-tech construction is an impressive claimed weight of 2,720g on the Specialized Chisel frame and shock. Not only is it lighter than the competition, it also makes this the lightest hybrid full frame we know.

To put that figure in perspective, here's how the Chisel compares to the claimed weights of the Epic 8 and some of Specialized's biggest competitors;

• Specialized S-Works Epic 8 (FACT 12m) – 1,795g
• Specialized Epic 8 (TRUE 11m) – 1,965g
• Special Chip – 2,720g
• Scott Spark Alloy – 3,290g
• Trek Top Fuel Alloy – 3,740g

Specialized Chisel geometry & size chart

Drawing from the Epic 8, the geometry on the Specialized Chisel is on the progressive side of an XC bike.

Features a slack head angle of 66.5°, steep seat angle of 75.5°, and 445mm reach for the Medium frame size. The rear center length is 438mm for all sizes.

On a geometry note, Specialized has installed a two-position chip in the lower shock. All of the figures above have a flip chip on top, which is how the Chisel will come setup from the factory. Switching to Down will lower the BB height by 5mm and reduce the angles by 0.5°.

If you want to go back further, Specialized told us that the Chisel frame is limited to use with a 130mm travel fork.

Special chisel price and details

There will be two Specialized Chisel models coming to Australia this year. Prices will start at $3,900 AUD for the base-spec Chisel and go up to $5,300 AUD for the Chisel Comp.

Both bikes have a trail-ready build kit that includes a Specialized Ground Control and Fast Trak tire combination, 760mm wide drop bars and a TranzX dropper post. Unlike the Epic 8, the Chisel eschews remote locking in favor of a clean cockpit setup with fewer wires. The fork and shock still have two-position levers if you need to lock the suspension.

If the stock options aren't compatible, Specialized will offer a Chisel frame for $3,200 AUD for those eager to build their own custom bike. That's great, especially since most of the big brands are pushing their customers on carbon these days. So while high-end alloy bikes may be a shrinking market, we're excited to see Specialized offer a proper premium option in the Chisel.

• Outline | M5 Alloy, Single Pivot Suspension Design, 110mm Travel
• Fork | RockShox SID, Rush 2-Position Damper, 44mm Offset, 120mm Travel
• Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+, 2-Position Damper, 190x40mm
• Wheels | Alloy Hubs and Specialized Alloy Rim, 27mm Inner Diameter
• Tires | Specialized Ground Control T5 Control 2.35in Front & Fast Trak T5 Control 2.35in Rear
• Train | SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 w/32T Alloy Crankset & 11-50T NX Eagle Cassette
• Brakes | SRAM Level T 2-Piston w/180mm Front & 160mm Rear Rotors
• Bar | Specialized Alloy, 20mm Rise, 760mm Width
• Title | Specialized Alloy, 60mm Length
• Seat | TranzX Dropper, 30.9mm Width, Travel: 100mm (XS-S), 125mm (M), 150mm (L-XL)
• Seat | Special Power Sports, Chromoly Trains
• RRP | $5,300 AUD

• Outline | M5 Alloy, Single Pivot Suspension Design, 110mm Travel
• Fork | RockShox Recon Silver RL, Motion Control 2-Position Damper, 44mm Offset, 120mm Travel
• Shock | IX-Fusion PRO-o2, 190x40mm
• Wheels | Alloy Hubs and Specialized Alloy Rim, 27mm Inner Diameter
• Tires | Specialized Ground Control T5 Control 2.35in Front & Fast Trak T5 Control 2.35in Rear
• Train | SRAM SX Eagle 1×12 w/32T Alloy Crankset & 11-50T Cassette
• Brakes | SRAM Level T 2-Piston w/180mm Front & 160mm Rear Rotors
• Bar | Specialized Alloy, 20mm Rise, 760mm Width
• Title | Specialized Alloy, 60mm Length
• Seat | TranzX Dropper, 30.9mm Width, Travel: 100mm (XS-S), 125mm (M), 150mm (L-XL)
• Seat | Specialized Power Sport, Steel Rails
• RRP | $3,900 AUD

• Outline | M5 Alloy, Single Pivot Suspension Design, 110mm Travel
• Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+, 2-Position Damper, 190x45mm
• RRP | $3,200 AUD