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If you are looking for a new hardtail mountain bike, you might be wondering whether to choose the Specialized Chisel or the Specialized Fuse. Both are 29″ aluminum frame bikes that can handle a variety of terrain, but they have some key differences that might suit your riding style and preferences better.
We will compare the Chisel and the Fuse based on their geometry, components, performance, and price.
Geometry
The Chisel is more XC oriented than the Fuse, with a steeper head angle and shorter wheelbase, making it faster but twitchier on steep downhills.
The Chisel has a stack/reach ratio of 1.41, which means it has a more upright and comfortable riding position than the Fuse, which has a ratio of 0.99.
The Chisel also has a smaller fork with 100mm of travel (80mm for XS size), while the Fuse has a bigger fork with 130mm of travel.
The Fuse has a slacker head angle and longer wheelbase, making it more stable and confident on rough terrain. It has a dropper post, which allows you to lower your seat height on descents for better control and balance.
Components
Specialized Chisel
The Chisel has better components and higher gearing than the Fuse, with a Shimano SLX rear derailleur, a Shimano MT511 crankset with a 32T chainring, and a Shimano Deore M6100 cassette with a 10-51T range. It has hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors front and rear, and Specialized Alloy XC minirise handlebars.
Specialized Fuse
The Fuse has a Shimano Deore rear derailleur, a Stout Pro crankset with a 30T chainring, and the same Shimano Deore M6100 cassette as the Chisel. It has hydraulic disc brakes, but with larger 180mm rotors front and rear for more stopping power. The Fuse has Stout Riser handlebars, which give you more leverage and control on technical trails.
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Performance
Specialized Chisel
The Chisel is designed for speed and efficiency on smooth and fast trails, where it can accelerate quickly and maintain momentum. It is lighter than the Fuse, weighing around 12 kg (26 lbs) for the medium size, compared to around 14 kg (31 lbs) for the Fuse.
The Chisel also has higher gearing, which allows you to pedal faster on flats and climbs. It is responsive and agile, but it can feel harsh and nervous on rough terrain, especially with the smaller fork and tires. It is best suited for riders who value speed over comfort and who prefer XC racing or riding.
Specialized Fuse
The Fuse is designed for fun and versatility on varied and challenging trails, where it can handle bumps, drops, and jumps with ease. It is heavier than the Chisel, but it has more suspension travel and larger tires (2.6″ vs 2.3″) that absorb shocks and provide more traction and stability.
The Fuse also has lower gearing, which allows you to tackle steep climbs and technical sections without losing power or cadence. It is playful and confident, but it can feel sluggish and heavy on smooth terrain, especially with the dropper post and tires.
It is best suited for riders who value comfort over speed and who prefer trail riding or exploring.
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Price
The Chisel costs $1,400 USD, while the Fuse costs $1,099 USD.
Both bikes are reasonably priced for their quality and features, but the Fuse offers slightly better value for money than the Chisel.
However, the Chisel offers more fun and versatility than the Fuse, as it has more suspension travel, a dropper post, larger tires, and better brakes for $300 more.
Ultimately, the choice between the Chisel and the Fuse depends on your personal preference and riding style.
Conclusion
The Specialized Chisel and Specialized Fuse are both great hardtail mountain bikes that can handle different types of terrain. The Chisel is more XC oriented than the Fuse, with a steeper head angle, shorter wheelbase, smaller fork, higher gearing, lighter weight, and high price.
The Fuse is more trail oriented than the Chisel, with a slacker head angle, longer wheelbase, bigger fork, lower gearing, heavier weight, dropper post, and Lower price.
If you want speed and efficiency on smooth and fast trails, the Chisel might be the bike for you.
If you want fun and versatility on varied and challenging trails, the Fuse might be the bike for you.