With the 2021 Chisel Air Frameset Specialized has chosen to grace the updated frame with a limited run of special paint and finish schemes that reflect human relationships with the natural world, in this case, Air. The designs are thought provoking and inspirational, while also representing the beauty of the elemental world we coexist with. The purpose is to highlight, encourage all of us to ask questions and examine that relationship, without judgment.

The all-new alloy Chisel frameset has been purpose-built to tackle modern cross country trails and race courses with the utmost speed. In fact, it shares many of the same modern features as its Epic Hardtail sibling, but maximizing the capabilities and properties of alloy to keep the price very reasonable, making it the most efficient and capable alloy hardtail available. While the complete bikes are great options, the frameset allows you to build your new Chisel exactly how you like. A top-end build for a durable XC trail or race bike? Definitely. Or maybe you create a budget-friendly build that you can upgrade later? Easy. The Chisel frame is the perfect canvas to start painting your new path to XC racing, and would a great option for riders of any age who prefer pedaling hard and exploring fast trails without the need for a full-faced helmet or protective padding.

Specialized has been one of the foremost alloy bike manufacturers for decades, with impressive forging, hydroforming, welding and integration techniques that have made their alloy bikes durable and long term investments. The Chisel's all-new frame utilizes their D'Aluisio Smartweld technology that moves the hydroformed tube joints away from the areas of the highest stress, making the finished frame's balance of strength, rigidity, and weight more pronounced than any alloy frame in history. This not only makes the Chisel one of the lightest alloy hardtail frames coming in as light as 1,400g, but it also allows for tuned frame stiffness across all sizes. For those familiar with the success and spirit of the current Allez Sprint frameset, the same technique is used, but the Chisel features the M5 alloy blend (versus the E5 alloy of the Allez Sprint), which has been optimized for the requirements of XC trail riding.

Besides the frame construction process, the Chisel also carries a more applicable, progressive XC geometry for today's courses and equipment. All sizes feature a 68 degree headtube angle with a 74 degree seattube angle, which help to improve the handling speed and agility without compromising straight line stability. Capable of easily clearing a 29x2.4" tire, the rear triangle combines with the front triangle for measured compliance without losing power transfer or performance. Specialized moved this Chisel to a 30.9mm seatpost diameter, which gives you the option to run a legit dropper post if desired. A 73mm wide BSA threaded bottom bracket shell equates with ideal reliability and quiet operation. A very clean internal routing system makes for clean visual and practical effects. The rear disc brake caliper mount is a 74mm Post, type, sitting in side the seat and chainstay. It is set up for 160mm rotor use without an adaptor.

The Boost 12/148mm rear thru-axle dropout spacing opens up the rear triangle while adding strength and stability. The rear derailleur hanger is replaceable, and an alloy bolt-in thru-axle is included. You will require a Boost chainline crankset option. Up front, the Chisel was developed around a 100mm travel fork (except for the XS, at 80mm). Remember, this frame was designed as, and engineered for, and XC platform. The headtube is tapered for 1⅛-1.5" tapered forks and compatible headsets, with a Zero stack set-up.

Details

• Limited Air finish scheme on the Chisel XC race oriented alloy frameset
• Frame: Specialized D'Aluisio Smartweld M5 Alloy, Hydroformed tubes, Progressive XC Geometry, internal cable routing, BSA BB, 12x148mm TA Boost spacing, 30.9mm Dropper post compatible
• Tapered steerer/headset, 1.125" top, 1.5" bottom, Zero stack headset
• Seatpost/Binder: Specialized Alloy, Single Bolt, 30.9mm post / Alloy, 34.9mm binder
• All sizes come with a 400mm seatpost, except for the XS which has a 350mm
• Standover height lowered from previous generation Chisel frameset
• Fork travel per frame geometry with 29" wheels: XS 80mm, S/M/L/XL 100mm
• Rear Post Mount disc caliper interface set for 160mm rotor use
• Replaceable derailleur hanger
• Comes with bolt-in thru-axle for 12/148mm rear dropout
• Sizes: XS, Small, Medium, Large, XL
• Color/Finish: Air (limited edition scheme)
• Frame weight: 1400 grams (approx per size)