Specialized Chisel 2027
Expected Arrival: November 2026
Pre-Order Now
Pre-order your Specialized Chisel 2027 today and we will keep you updated as its expected arrival approaches.
The Specialized Chisel is a lightweight aluminium full-suspension XC bike for riders who want efficient climbing, responsive handling and greater control on technical terrain. It uses the same D’Aluisio Smartweld frame platform and Epic 8-inspired suspension design as the Chisel Comp, paired with dependable RockShox and X-Fusion suspension, a SRAM S200 12-speed drivetrain and four-piston hydraulic brakes. Every bike in the Chisel range shares the same advanced frame and suspension platform. The differences between models come down to the components, allowing you to choose the specification that best suits your riding and budget.
Lightweight Smartweld Aluminium Frame
Specialized uses D’Aluisio Smartweld construction and hydroformed M5 aluminium tubing to place material where strength and stiffness are required while removing unnecessary weight elsewhere. This creates a responsive frame that transfers pedalling effort efficiently without feeling excessively harsh across rough terrain.
The one-piece hydroformed seat tube integrates the main pivot, seat-tube pivot and bottom-bracket shell. Reducing the number of separate welded junctions helps create a lighter and more precise frame structure.
Efficient Flex-Stay Suspension
The Chisel uses a flex-stay rear suspension design rather than a conventional pivot near the rear axle. Controlled flex within the rear triangle allows the suspension to move through its 110mm of travel while reducing the number of bearings, pivots and associated hardware.
Fewer moving parts help reduce weight and simplify maintenance without removing the traction, comfort and control riders expect from a full-suspension bike.
Epic-Inspired XC Handling
The Chisel takes its progressive geometry and suspension kinematics from the Epic 8 platform. A steep seat-tube angle places the rider in an effective climbing position, while carefully managed anti-squat helps limit unwanted suspension movement under pedalling.
A geometry-adjusting flip chip allows riders to fine-tune the bike’s handling according to terrain and preference.
RockShox Recon and X-Fusion Suspension
The RockShox Recon Silver RL fork provides 120mm of travel and uses a Motion Control damper for predictable performance over roots, rocks and repeated impacts. Its 15 x 110mm Boost thru-axle improves steering accuracy, while the Maxle Stealth keeps wheel removal straightforward.
At the rear, the Ride Dynamics tuned X-Fusion PRO-02 shock controls 110mm of travel. Rebound and compression adjustments allow the shock to be tuned according to rider weight, terrain and riding style.
SRAM S200 12-Speed Drivetrain
The SRAM S200 Eagle drivetrain keeps shifting simple through a single-chainring 12-speed system. Its wide-range 11–50T cassette provides suitable gearing for steep climbs, faster trail sections and longer cross-country rides.
Mechanical operation means there are no batteries to charge, making the drivetrain straightforward to use and maintain.
Confident Four-Piston Braking
SRAM DB4 hydraulic disc brakes use four-piston calipers for dependable stopping power. A 180mm front rotor provides additional control on steeper descents, while the 160mm rear rotor keeps braking performance balanced.
Trail-Ready Tyres and Dropper Post
The Ground Control front tyre provides cornering and braking traction, while the faster-rolling Fast Trak rear tyre helps maintain speed. Both use Flex Lite casings, dual T5/T7 compounds and a 29 x 2.35-inch size.
A size-specific TranzX dropper post allows the saddle to be lowered for steep or technical sections, improving freedom of movement and control.
Key Features
- D’Aluisio Smartweld M5 aluminium frame
- Hydroformed tubing and integrated frame junctions
- Progressive XC geometry inspired by the Epic 8
- 110mm flex-stay rear suspension
- Geometry-adjusting flip chip
- RockShox Recon Silver RL fork with 120mm travel
- RockShox Motion Control damper
- Ride Dynamics tuned X-Fusion PRO-02 rear shock
- SRAM S200 Eagle mechanical 12-speed drivetrain
- Wide-range SRAM 11–50T cassette
- SRAM DB4 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes
- Specialized 29-inch tubeless-ready alloy wheels
- Ground Control front and Fast Trak rear 29 x 2.35-inch tyres
- Size-specific TranzX dropper post
- Threaded BSA bottom bracket
- Boost 12 x 148mm rear spacing
- Claimed weight: 14.16kg in size medium
Why Riders Love the Specialized Chisel
The Specialized Chisel is ideal for riders who want modern cross-country performance without paying the premium for carbon or higher-level components. It combines the same high-quality Smartweld frame platform as the Chisel Comp with practical components that perform well across racing, fitness riding and everyday trail use.
Efficient Climbing
The steep seat-tube angle and supportive suspension kinematics place the rider in an effective pedalling position while helping reduce unwanted suspension movement.
Responsive Handling
Progressive XC geometry gives the Chisel quick and accurate handling without the nervous feel associated with older cross-country race bikes.
Controlled Suspension
The combination of a 120mm RockShox Recon fork and 110mm rear travel improves traction and comfort while retaining an efficient cross-country feel.
Low-Maintenance Frame Design
The flex-stay rear end reduces the number of pivots and bearings compared with a traditional suspension layout, helping lower weight and simplify maintenance.
Mechanical Simplicity
The SRAM S200 drivetrain provides 12 gears and a wide climbing range without batteries, charging or electronic components.
Technical Capability
Four-piston brakes, 2.35-inch tyres and a dropper post give the Chisel the control required for rougher and steeper terrain.
Strong Upgrade Potential
Because the Chisel uses the same Smartweld frame platform as the Comp, it provides a quality foundation for future upgrades such as lighter wheels, higher-level suspension or a premium drivetrain.
Who Is This Bike For?
Perfect For
✔ Cross-country and recreational trail riding
✔ Marathon and endurance events
✔ Long-distance trail adventures
✔ Fast, flowing singletrack
✔ Riders progressing from an XC hardtail
✔ Riders wanting aluminium durability
✔ Riders wanting a quality frame with future upgrade potential
Our Thoughts on the Specialized Chisel
The Specialized Chisel provides the most accessible route into the Chisel full-suspension platform without compromising the part of the bike that matters most. Its Smartweld M5 aluminium frame uses the same suspension concept and progressive geometry as the Chisel Comp, giving riders a responsive and efficient foundation. The Chisel proves that stepping into modern full-suspension cross-country riding doesn't mean compromising on the frame or suspension platform—it simply lets you start with a build that's ready to grow with you.
The RockShox Recon and X-Fusion suspension provide dependable performance for regular trail riding, while the SRAM S200 drivetrain offers straightforward 12-speed shifting. Four-piston brakes, a dropper post and capable 2.35-inch tyres mean the bike is ready for modern cross-country terrain without requiring immediate upgrades.
For riders who want an efficient full-suspension XC bike and would rather upgrade components gradually, the standard Chisel is a particularly sensible choice. It delivers the core frame performance of the Chisel Comp at a more accessible price.
Why choose the Chisel?
Every Chisel shares the same race-inspired frame and suspension platform. The differences between the models come down to the components, allowing riders to choose the specification that best suits their riding and budget.
If you want the ride quality and capability of Specialized's latest cross-country platform while keeping your budget under control, the Chisel is an outstanding starting point. You still get the same lightweight Smartweld frame, modern geometry and Ride Dynamics suspension found throughout the range, with a component package that leaves plenty of room for future upgrades as your riding evolves.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
✔ Official Specialized Dealer
✔ Professionally assembled, safety checked and workshop tuned before collection or dispatch
✔ Brakes professionally pre-bedded before collection or dispatch
✔ Premium handover including initial bike setup, suspension tuning, a complete feature walkthrough and practical maintenance advice
✔ Expert bike sizing and setup advice
✔ Lifetime workshop support from experienced mechanics
✔ Nationwide New Zealand delivery
✔ Finance and WorkRide options available
Geometry
The geometry-adjusting flip chip allows riders to alter the bike’s handling characteristics. Contact Chain Reaction if you would like help understanding the settings or comparing frame sizes.
Size Guide
- Small: Approximately 158–165cm
- Medium: Approximately 165–175cm
- Large: Approximately 175–185cm
- Extra Large: Approximately 185–193cm
Rider height is only a starting point. Body proportions, riding style and preferred handling can influence the ideal size, particularly where recommendations overlap. Contact Chain Reaction for personalised sizing advice.
Delivery and Assembly
Every Specialized Chisel purchased from Chain Reaction is professionally assembled, tuned and safety checked by our workshop.
Your bike receives:
- Complete professional assembly
- Full workshop safety inspection
- Gear adjustment and drivetrain tuning
- Brakes professionally pre-bedded using our Sinter Smart bedding-in machine
- Fork and shock pressures initially set according to rider weight
- Suspension controls and rebound adjustment checked
- Dropper-post operation checked
- Tyre pressures checked and set
- Secure packaging for transport
- Nationwide New Zealand delivery
- Click & Collect where available
For nationwide delivery, the bike is securely packaged after its workshop inspection. Some minor final assembly is required after unpacking. Instructions are included, and the Chain Reaction team is available if assistance is needed.
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change without notice.