Specialized Chisel Comp 2027
Expected Arrival: Early October 2026
Pre-Order Now
Pre-order your Specialized Chisel Comp 2027 today and we will keep you updated as its expected arrival approaches.
The Specialized Chisel Comp is a lightweight aluminium full-suspension XC bike for riders who want efficient climbing, responsive handling and greater control on technical terrain. Its M5 aluminium Smartweld frame takes its geometry and suspension design from the Epic 8, while a RockShox SID fork, SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission and four-piston brakes create a capable package for racing, marathon events and fast trail riding.
Lightweight Smartweld Aluminium Frame
Specialized uses D’Aluisio Smartweld construction and hydroformed M5 aluminium tubing to place material where strength and stiffness are needed while removing unnecessary weight elsewhere. The complete Chisel Comp has a claimed weight of 13.11kg in size medium.
The one-piece hydroformed seat tube integrates the main pivot, seat-tube pivot and bottom-bracket shell. This reduces the number of separate welded junctions and helps create a lighter, 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 travel while reducing the number of bearings, pivots and associated hardware.
Fewer moving parts help lower weight and reduce maintenance without removing the traction 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 efficient 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 SID and Deluxe Select+ Suspension
The RockShox SID fork provides 120mm of travel and uses a Rush damper for controlled performance over roots, rocks and repeated impacts. Its lightweight chassis suits the Chisel’s cross-country focus while providing greater capability than a traditional short-travel race fork.
At the rear, the Ride Dynamics tuned RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock controls 110mm of travel. Its two-position adjustment allows riders to choose a firmer setting for smoother climbs and a more active setting for rough terrain.
SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission
SRAM Eagle 70 provides the durability and shift-under-load performance of the T-Type Transmission platform through a fully mechanical system. The wide-range 10–52T cassette supplies suitable gearing for steep climbs, faster trail sections and long-distance riding.
Mechanical operation means there are no batteries to charge, making the drivetrain straightforward to use and maintain.
Confident Four-Piston Braking
SRAM DB6 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 SID fork with 120mm travel
- RockShox Rush damper
- Ride Dynamics tuned RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock
- SRAM Eagle 70 mechanical T-Type Transmission
- SRAM 12-speed 10–52T cassette
- SRAM DB6 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 bottom bracket
- Boost 12 x 148mm rear spacing
- Claimed weight: 13.11kg in size medium
Why Riders Love the Specialized Chisel Comp
The Specialized Chisel Comp is ideal for riders who want modern cross-country performance without paying the premium for carbon. It combines responsive handling and efficient suspension with the durability and practicality of an aluminium frame, making it equally suitable for racing, long-distance events and fast everyday trail riding.
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 SID fork and 110mm rear travel improves traction and comfort while retaining the responsive feel needed for racing.
Low-Maintenance 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
SRAM Eagle 70 provides a wide gear range and T-Type shifting without batteries, charging or electronic components.
Technical Capability
Four-piston brakes, 2.35-inch tyres and a dropper post give the Chisel the control needed for rougher and steeper terrain.
Strong Upgrade Potential
The Smartweld frame, threaded bottom bracket and modern standards provide a quality foundation for future upgrades such as carbon wheels or lighter finishing components.
Who Is This Bike For?
Perfect For
✔ Cross-country racing
✔ Marathon and endurance events
✔ Long-distance trail rides
✔ Fast, flowing singletrack
✔ Riders progressing from an XC hardtail
✔ Riders wanting aluminium durability
✔ Riders wanting race performance without paying for carbon
Why choose the Chisel Comp?
If you're looking for a fast, efficient cross-country bike that delivers genuine race-inspired performance without paying the premium for carbon, the Chisel Comp is one of the smartest choices available. It combines modern suspension design, progressive geometry and advanced alloy construction to create a bike that's equally at home racing, chasing personal bests or enjoying long days on the trail.
Our Thoughts on the Specialized Chisel Comp
The Specialized Chisel Comp is much more than a lower-cost alternative to the Epic. Its Smartweld aluminium frame, flex-stay suspension and Epic-inspired geometry give it a responsive and efficient character that suits serious cross-country riding.
The RockShox SID fork is a particularly worthwhile inclusion, providing low weight and useful control through 120mm of travel. SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission, four-piston brakes and a dropper post mean the bike is properly equipped for modern XC terrain from the outset.
For riders who value performance but prefer the durability and value of aluminium, this is where we would point them. The Chisel Comp proves that a carbon frame is not essential for fast, efficient and confidence-inspiring cross-country riding.
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 Comp 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.