Specialized is coming in hot with another premium alloy bike, the new Chisel FS, which takes the Chisel into the full suspension dimension. Specialized claims its the lightest full suspension alloy mountain bike in the world.(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)Hefty claims aside, the Specialized Chisel FS line is bringing the performance aluminum full suspension back. The line doesnt dumb down the geometry and leans into its World Cup-winning sibling, the Epic 8. It uses the same DAluisio Smartweld technology of the Chisel hardtail and the new Crux DSW, shedding some weight and gaining style.(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)Specialized Chisel FS What is it?The Specialized Chisel FS takes notes from the newly released Epic 8: advanced suspension kinematics, Specialized Ride Dynamics tuned suspension, and progressive geometry honed. The result is a noble riding machine that can slice and dice trails with the carbon crew.(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)Specialized engineered a flex stay rear end for added suspension performance while eliminating the extra weight and maintenance associated with pivots required in a traditional design. Compounding that with the DAluisio Smartweld frame construction gives you a light frame with less pressure on your wallet.(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)Frame Construction Specialized Chisel FSThe new Chisel FS employs DAluisio Smartweld technology. For those unfamiliar with the construction of the traditional alloy frame, it joins tubes with welds at the highest stress point. DAluisio Smartweld delivers the highest strength at the lowest weight using hydroformed tube junctions. This construction allows Specialized to move the weld away from the area of the highest stress and create a valley for the weld bead to lay in.(Photos: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)One-Piece Seat Tube/Bottom Bracket:The first of its kind, Chisel shaves extra material and weight with a one-piece hydroformed seat tube. The design resembles the Crux, Allez, and other DSW road frames. The unique build layup integrates the seat tube pivot, central pivot, and BB shell.(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)Notable SpecsCockpit: 29mm rise barsFork: 120mm travel RockShox forkShock: 110mm of rear wheel travel (metric 19040)Dropper: Dropper posts on all modelsBrakes: SRAM Level T BrakesFront Tire: Ground Control 2.35Rear Tire: Fast Trak 2.35Specialized Chisel FS Geometry: Modern XC and DowncountryImage: Specialized Specialized Chisel FS ModelsImage: Specialized Chisel Shimano:Notable spec: The Specialized Chisel FS Shimano has a Shimano Deore, M6100 12-speed groupset. The suspension is a RockShoxs Recon 120mm fork featuring their Motion Control Damper. The rear shock is Ride Dynamics Tuned X-Fusion. The dropper is by TranzX, with a remote lever for hassle-free operation.Image: Specialized Specialized Chisel:Notable specs: SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain. The suspension is RockShoxs Recon 120mm fork, featuring their Motion Control Damper. Ride Dynamics Tuned X-Fusion rear shock. TranzX dropper postImage: Specialized Specialized Chisel Comp:Notable spec: RockShoxs SID 120mm fork, featuring their Rush Damper, provides suspension. Ride Dynamics Tuned RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shockTranzX dropper post Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain.Specialized Chisel FS Pricing and AvailabilitySpecialized Chisel Shimano Comp: $3,400, 2,700, 2,700Specialized Chisel Shimano: $2,600, 2,000, 2,600Specialized Chisel: $2,600, 2,000, 2,600Chisle FS Frameset:$2,000, 1,400, 1,700(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)First Impressions Specialized Chisel Shimano CompIve been a fan of the newest Specialized Chisel since it came out. I like having an aluminum frame with race geometry and an affordable build. This alloy race formula is working for Specialized. So far, theyve taken a bike from every category and introduced an alloy alternative with nearly the same geo as the top offering.(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)The Chisel FS borrows a lot from the newest Epic. Its geometry is aggressive but playful, the suspension is modern 120mm, and its light for an alloy full-suspension bike.Little bits make the bike stand out, like cable routing, the little cover at the bottom bracket to keep out crud, and the beefy tubes.(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)Ride Impressions My rides on the Chisel FS have been mainly on rolling PA single track with roots, rock, and punchy climbs. The frame is notably stiff, and the suspension is smooth over the bumps and rocks. The pedaling efficiency is excellent over long rolling sections of less technical terrain.(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)The bike would be much lighter with a better fork and wheels. Thats why there is a frame-only option.That said, our review ride weighs 28 lbs on the dot in a size medium not bad for aluminum.(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)As for all-day riding and various types of trails, the Chisel does the job well. I want a remote lockout option or a hole in the frame to accommodate one, but that may not be the crowd for this bike.The flip-switch lockout isnt challenging, but it takes some getting used to if youre an XC geek like myself. The 120mm of travel is nicely expressed with the Chisel frames setup, and you forget youre on an alloy bike reasonably quickly into the ride.(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)Components The component setup is spot on, IMO. The Shimano SLX groupset combines solid shifting with a slight weight reduction. The brakes are the same Shimano model I use on my hardtail Chisel and perform great.(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)If I were looking to shed weight quickly (and not break the bank) on the Chisel FS, I would opt for lighter wheels (like the Hunt Race alloy) and a carbon bar. I plan to see how much weight we can take off and the best bang for the buck.(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)(Photo: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)Dont get me wrong, though. The Chisel FS Shimano Comp build is right in the sweet spot of being raceable and sendablewhere many riders will find a perfect fit.My time on the Chisel FS has been minimal, but I have big plans, so stay tuned for a few cool projects with this unique frame.www.specialized.comThe post Specialized Chisel FS: Not An Entry-Level Full Suspension Alloy Mountain Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.