Custom NICA Race Bike: Specialized Chisel FS

Aluminum XC race bike, is that really a thing? Not sure, but we are going to see! Specialized is using D'Aluisio Smartweld technology to make the lightest aluminum XC frameset in its class. This bike is the same geometry of the previous generation Epic, which is highly regarded as a great XC bike. Our goal with this bike was to build a sub-30lb. race bike for NICA that was still fun to ride on our home trails in Pisgah National Forest. Time will tell if we achieved what we set out to build or not. Check out the frame specs here. Best part of this build was that I got build it with my son. He did the work and I supervised! Full build specs listed below.

Chisel FS Frame (Large) in Gloss Rebel Pink.

2024 Chisel FS Custom Build (Size Large)

Fork - Rockshox Sid Select+ (120mm)

Rear Shock - Rockshox Deluxe Select+ (190x40mm)

Shifter - SRAM GX Eagle

Rear Derailleur - SRAM GX Eagle

Crankset - SRAM GX Eagle

Bottom Bracket - SRAM DUB

Chain - SRAM GX Eagle

Cassette - SRAM GX Eagle

Brakes - Shimano XT BR-M8120 (4 Piston)

Wheelset - Roval Control 29 Carbon, DT Swiss 350 Hubs

Tires - Front-Specialized Ground Control T7 (29x2.35), Rear-Specialized Fast Track T5 (29x2.35)

Handlebar - Burgtec Ride Wide Enduro (35mm Rise) Cut to 780mm Width

Stem - Burgtec Enduro MK3 (35mm)

Grips - Burgtec Bartender

Pedals - Crank Brothers Candy 2

Seatpost - Fox Transfer Performance Elite Dropper (150mm)

Saddle - Specialized Body Geometry Power Sport

Chisel FS Frame in Gloss Rebel Pink.

Rockshox Sid Select+ Steerer Tube Cut

Burgtec Bar & Stem Install

Chisel FS Frame.

Sam installing the SRAM GX Shifter.

Crank Brothers Candy 2 Install.

Finishing touches on the build.

Build finished, on the shop floor ready for final setup.

Rockshox Deluxe Select+ Shock.

Poser pics out of the shop.

Front view, chrome stem is sick!

Chisel FS complete.

Post Build Feedback

Build was straightforward, with the exception of internal cable routing on the Chisel/Epic family of bikes. Not sure why Specialized makes the routing so hard, but it requires removal of the fork and bottom bracket and lots of patience. The only issue was the rear shock was blown out of the box. I set the fork and shock pressure and my son rode it around the block and the shock was fully bottomed out. I took it to my local Specialized dealer, Sycamore Cycles, and they warrantied with SRAM. Great service as usual from Sycamore and SRAM, but I would expect the shock to work on a new bike. Because of that two-week delay and the winter weather in our area, this bike has still not been ridden. Hope to change that soon!