Specialized Chisel Shimano (Gloss Sea Foam/Deep Orange) (M) (Full Suspension)

Love this bike. I went with the shimano version, because I prefer mid-tier Shimano to mid-tier SRAM components. After 1 or 2 barrel adjuster clicks, the 12-speed Deore derailleur has been flawless. I have put about 50 miles of single-track on it so far. I converted to tubeless after the first ride. I double checked the crank, headset, caliper bolts, etc, and someone assembled this bike well. Nice of them to include tubeless valves and a pump to adjust the shocks. I was looking at trail bikes, but this is roughly 3 pounds lighter than your typical trail bike in this price range, with plenty of room to become even lighter. A carbon wheelset alone would probably shed 3 more pounds from this thing. But the stock alloy wheels do seem tough, which I may value more for just racking up fitness miles. Head tube is super slack for an XC bike, so it descends really well… and still climbs like a goat because it’s relatively light. Owners of the hardtail chisel rave about it on social media, and I suspect this FS version will receive the same praise.