Specialized Fuse Review: The 2020 Specialized Fuse Comp 29 - Hardtail Party
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- In this episode we review the 2020 Specialized Fuse Comp. Do the new updates to this bike translate to a different riding experience? Who is this bike for? What would I change? Did you learn something valuable? If so, show your appreciation and support this channel by becoming a Patron today: / hardtailparty
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The video the people have been asking for! Cool to see the Comp build out ripping. I like that you admit that most riders don't need the highest spec to enjoy a bike. Well done, bro.
Instablaster
How the feel in comparison to Salsa Timberjack 29 ?
Love your insight into this bike I'm looking at the Fuse Expert how does it compare to the Santa Cruz Chameleon ?
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A few notes.
1) Unfortunately i can't recommend absolute bikes anymore. Their service has gone downhill and they treat the locals rude.
2) a lot of people love to hate on the sx drivetrain. While I can't speak to its longevity, it felt flawless to me. I can feel the difference between a gx shifter and the sx shifter, bit the derailleur would be hard to tell the difference. It's a great budget groupset.
3) these are almost sold out everywhere. So if you want one, you're going to have to get creative.
4) this shares the same frame as the fuse expert. Only difference are components.
5) a lot of people are hating on the RockShox 35 that comes on the expert. A few of those forks were manufactured with incorrect tolerances. If yours has unnecessary striction, talk to your dealer and get it checked out.
6) if you have one of these bikes and you hate the fork and brakes and want to sell them, hit me up. I'm always looking for more brakes and forks for my builds.
Will sell you forks if you want once I get my Fox 34. Hit me up
Just a heads up, NX cassette, sx everything else for drivetrain. Great review!
Rockshox has a setup guide app/site where u put the serial number of your fork in. This will give you a bunch of information about the fork but there's also a tune tab, they ask for your weight (lbs or Kg you can choose) and based on that they give a base pressure and rebound setting and this has worked for me on a 2017 recon fork. So it might be worth giving that a shot, googling rockshox setup guide gets you on the site pretty quick. Typed this right after you said that you put a 145psi in the fork hope this'll help
@@gsbionicleboy I have been riding for 25 years, and worked at several different shops as a mechanic. You'll notice the fork legs also have the recommended pressures written on them. I can tune a fork by feel, rather than the app. The app is a good starting point for people who are new, but this fork definitely needs more pressure to be ridden this way.
@@samjezard very interested. Do you mind sending me a message on Instagram?
😢Specialized fuse or chisel..... What's the better choice??????????
For versatility/trail, Fuse. For XC, Chisel
This video just cost me 2000 dollars
This video just got you 2000 smiles on the trail. Congrats, it's a really fun bike.
a mi tambien !!!!
@@hardtailparty I got the one with the plus size tires.
@@Nicool333hows your bike?
@@UrbanFishing-MTBI just sold it and got a trek remedy this year. But it’s an awesome bike. I just needed full suspension to ease things up on my back. The geometry is absolutely perfect.
I have the 27.5+ version of this bike and I LOVE it! It's got the wide rims you're looking for (38mm internal width and 2.8" tires). I might go down to a meaty 2.6" after I finally wear out the stock tires.
Andy Shive how small of a tire can you run on those wheels?
Detroit3Pistons I’m running 2.4 with no issues
I've got the 2020 fuse 27.5 too. Absolutely love it!
@@thatsjimmii you're running 2.4 on the 38mm? I have the 27.5 as well and was considering doing 2.4 at least in the rear. Wasn't sure if I'd need a new rim or not
I’ve got the 27.5+ version as well. Still trying to wear out the stock tires. Wondering if anyone has fit 3.0 tires on one?
Had this bike for 3 weeks now, love it so far coming off a 2012 Rockhopper.
One reason I chose this was because the stack height of 652mm was a lot higher than similar complete bikes in the price range. Even then I put 38mm rise bars on.
can you do a review on the 2020 giant fathom 1 ?
I had levels on my previous bike and never had any issues stopping. They're not codes but they do work !
100% agree. I know it's in vogue to make fun of sram, but I'd take this level of components over anything from 2010 and before
@@hardtailparty that's because everyone's opinion on what's best is always the final say ! I put code R's on my san quentin 3 build and have no complaints. They are powerful ! And I can feather them when I need and not worry about the wheels locking up when I don't need them too. Right now running the factory pads but looking into alternatives when these wear out.
Love my Fuse 29, but I intended to pay less than say a chameleon so that I would have $600 to upgrade it. Here are my gripes:
The SX derailleur is godawful and broke after a month of use. I upgraded to a GX Eagle and it’s a night and day difference. Never any chain slapping, and nothing but responsive shifting.
I upgraded the brakes because even after changing the pads and bleeding the brakes it still did not have the stopping power that I needed to feel safe on the trail.
The last one is a big one: the adjustable dropout is cool in theory, but it’s tied into the derailleur hanger. Consequently, if you have to replace the hanger, as I have to now, you realize that no one sells this part online and it’s hard to get. The 27.5 fuse by comparison doesn’t have the adjustable dropout, but shares a derailleur hanger with pretty much all common specialized bikes.
I love how this bike rides, but the amount of work that I’ve had to put into it to keep it trail ready is pretty staggering.
Where did you end up finding the hanger?
Great review Steve! Agree on the stack height - I have 30mm of spacers under my stem with 20mm rise bars on the L. Another thing worth mentioning is the lifetime frame warranty - it was one of the deciding factors when I decided to do a frame-up build; the quality of the welds inspires confidence!
I’m curious what wheelset you went with on your frame up build ?
Great review, "goofy bars on other budget bikes" love that comment. Your having fun so that's what its about.
This was high on my list when building a custom hardtail but the frame is crazy overpriced. $800 for the AL frame I think. Crazy. But maybe at some point I can find a used one to swap my parts to. For now I'm loving my Honzo ST. Anyways, thanks for the review! Love how you advocate for riding in general in all of your reviews.
I found the same thing. I ended up with a Nukeproof Scout as it was half the price of the Fuse.
This is my bike but mine is in black...thanks for the review! I started riding almost 3 years ago...then I wanted a Mtn bike and got this. I am 54 and very much a beginner. After a bunch of research I chose this bike and I love it! I do feel the same you do about the short head tube. The rest is great so far for me. So far we haven't done anything technical but I have had so much fun riding the gravel roads and trails at our conservation area and am gradually adding some scary to me things. Still learning so much so going to Google to look up some of the things you mentioned. 😁 Thanks again!!!
I have the ‘21 Fuse Comp and the review for the ‘20 is pretty spot on. One of the first things I did is compensate the short stack with a riser handlebar and a slightly shorter stem to 35mm. I run the dropout about halfway but after watching this, I think I will experiment with that a bit. I agree the hub leaves something to be desired. When I do upgrade the fork it will go to 140 with a longer post and might need to go back to slightly shorter bars. I did replace the Stout cranks with a matching Deore crank and a Shimano HG (XT) chain. Pretty sure once the fork and hub (or at least rear hub) gets swapped it’s gonna be fairly dialed, but even now the bike is a blast to ride and it just eats up trails.
Appreciate the video Steve! Thanks for doing what you do. I was surprised to hear that you like this over the steel middle child though. Is it a material or geo thing? Just curious as I'm in the market haha
It's the feel of this aluminum vs the feel of the mc steel. Geo is more aggressive on the steel mc, but ride is stiffer on the mc, despite being steel.
Love the feedback, this is the bike I ultimately selected for my first "real" bike. I've been thinking about trying a clipless setup, what did you use for pedals and shoes for this video? Thanks!
I used the cheapest Shimano spd pedals I could find. I think they were $30
Your reviews are excellent and much appreciated. This vid made me pull the trigger in a 22 Fuse Comp. They spec it with NX now and my local shop actually had one in my size. I pointed out a small ding in the top tube and they knocked $400 off the price which I thought was amazing for the state of things these days. Can’t wait try it out. As a guy who has been mountain biking since ‘87 I have seen everything from the advent of front suspension, full suspension, and all the trends and fads pass through but this is my first real modern geo bike. 🤙
for me i ask myself the question "what do i want from my next bike" then look for a bike with the right geometry then a fork that's 34mm or up(i am heavy and find anything under 34 to be flexy) the drivetrain i don't worry that much about as it will wear and ill probably change it out ,dropper is a must
Everything I needed to know! Another appreciated review! Btw, that looked like a pretty fun trail you were on.
The human analogies had me cracking up. Loved the review keep up the great work. 👍
I agree with low stack being not ideal, especially for my aging back. The slack seat tube angle is great for me. I often like getting back in the saddle and engaging my Gluteus Max, most saddles on my bikes are slammed all the way back. Being to far forwards also causes me knee problems. Well, we all have individual anatomy, so it's nice to learn about the differences in bike geometry.
Love my fuse. Tested a good amount of bikes when I was looking. The fuse was the most "fun" bike I tried. I do not like the engagement. I do find being clipped in does help a little with that.
Looking to put some Chris king hubs into mine when these specialized generics eventually keel over. Still waiting for them to die though lol. They just seem to keep on truckin
This review helped me narrow my options down and I would up getting a second hand version of this exact bike. I was looking into getting a new one, but the retail price jumped up by almost $400 compared to last years for the same spec. Would have loved the warranty, but I’m stoked I found a deal. If you had to pick a good budget wider rim set for those 29+ tires, what would you wind up with you think?
thank you for this ride review.. I just pulled the trigger on it and pre-order the Fuse comp 29 here in Australia & its my first Mtb and I hope it wouldn’t disappoint me was looking for full sus but I just like the simplicity of HT. Cant wait for it. Thank you and new sub here.
I own this bike. Got into riding only 2 months ago. The thing climbs and charges. I'm really pleased with my purchase. The 29" wheels roll over everything. I love the thing so much. Its got me riding 3 times a week. If you want a solid hardtail you can't go wrong with this.
How does it handle on jumps?
@@Brotha_J619i own a older version but its the 27.5 plus and its 100m and it you cant do crazy jumps. In 24inch jump im almost bottom out. Its fast for sure and super fun. I been riding it for 2 years here in az. I did most of the ride in south mountain. I had the fast rolling tires. I was able to use it on a black diamond. It can handle alot just the fork.
@@UrbanFishing-MTB ty i ended up getting a kona honzo esd. Fuse looks nice but wish it cane a like slacker for what i ride
@@Brotha_J619 nice congrats on the bike. Have you given a chance before to test drive it?
@@UrbanFishing-MTB no I didn’t
Awesome review man! Did you do Marin San Quentin review? I must’ve missed that. I owned that bike for 2 months with good parts such as Stans Baron/Hydra hubs, Carbon cranks, bars, XX1, etc... I take it on smooth trails in Mid-Peninsula, Bay Area. It’s nice! Then I took it to Demonstration Forest. 😏 That frame has no give at all! I felt like a pinball getting bounced around. I couldn’t let go of my brakes! Couple of weeks later, I moved the parts over to my GG-Pedalhead and took it to Demo (Braille Trail) and I matched my Full Suspension PR on that Pedalhead. Super compliant frame! That SQ is good on smooth trails but for a ligh rider like myself, that frame is stiff! I’ll send this link to my friends who are looking for budget hardtail. 🤙
I have 2018 Fuse, I love it, but I had to make some adjustments. Came with 3.0 tires, and I put 2.8, which made it way more nimble. Great little bike! Loves to get air!
That’s interesting what kind of tyre??
Can you compare the salsa timberjack and fuse??These are the 2 bikes I’m looking at and can’t decide which one to get.
Same, did you decide?
Same, what have you decided guys ?
Oh man, that scenery! Greets from Norway.
Completely agree with your frame assessment. Total blast. I have a 21 Fuse Expert. I've never ridden the comp spec, so I couldn't compare, but I really love my Fox Rhythm and SLX drivetrain. Great video.
Hey glad to hear you like the expert, do you still have it and what does it weigh? Thanks
@@stevez3041 I do still have it. Around 31/32 lbs if I remember correctly.
That's kind of funny I looked at it on paper and said that's perfect had a stump jumper before I'm just waiting for that bike to come back in stock. or a chisel I just have to find one to test ride in a medium
What a great review. Been watching your vids all day. Subd
Great review as always.
Hope you could get a chance to review the lower specced 27.5+ version.
It's a totally different frame. It would be interesting to see how it rides.
@@hardtailparty Ye exactly 🙂
"usually bike shops do not list for MSRP".... well welcome to 2021 where they're now at LEAST MSRP if you can find anything *sigh*
"like your kid sister's best friend" ... didn't see that coming.
Thanks for the review. You definitely had some great points about my bike that I couldn’t have figured out (due to lack of experience). Like the wider rims!
Great review on the Specialized Fuze Comp, fun little bike. Seems like it was a little ripper, great
second bike or first for that matter. Enjoy your week and have a great party in the mountains.
I have that bike. Specilized Fuse comp and really its very fun. I felt many difference on the down hills, its really incredible. And its not a fast byke, but i think that was my best buy. Great video.
Inspiring budget MTBers!!! But NOT the Walmart bikes, like some other UA-camrs have demo’d. Thank you!!
I do wish the tire companies would keep the 27.5 x 3.0s!!!
The Fuze has a 27.5 x2.8 that I like better than the Comp version. Although the Head Tube Angle they say are same, it doesn't feel that way. The 27.5 is great with this geo. I wanted too buy one, but they were all sold out and picked up a Chameleon 27.5+ instead.
🔥A lot of very useful information!! 🔥 I WANT ONE !! it’s gonna cost me the price of one to fix up my enduro! It would be perfect on my local loam.
That hoot at 10:05 man that is the best endorsement a bike could get! That’s what it is all about … laughs and hoots per mile.
Edit: I have never heard you hoot so much in a review. Wow. I am sold!
Rock on bro! Great review. I think I’m smiling as much as you are because you just kicked the crap out of those trails on my bike and it performed great. My full squish is a ‘19 Stumpjumper, I enjoy it so much I got the Fuse to match because the geo on the two are very very similar. Your right about the stack, but they ride almost identical on the trail and I so enjoy it. I’m happy you liked it. I believed I made a good choice when I got it and you just proved to many that Specialized got it right on this one. Nice ride, nice review, lookin forward to the next one.
Thanks for this bike review. I’ve been waiting for ages for someone to do a review, and you did great even handed unbiased review.
Please explain the triple triangle technology from GT and please review their hardtails like the avalanche and zaskar series because they seem to be the most luring hartails when it comes to good components at the same price....... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE...... i plan to buy a GT avalanche comp for my cousin....... Please PlEaSe
Great review, I would love to see your opinion on the Giant Fathom 1 27.5
The fathom 1 wants to party but big brother Steve does not like to take the fathom 1 to party...smh
I actually pulled the trigger and ordered this bike after watching this vid to replace my aged trek 8500 xc bike to get back into mtn biking! Mountain biking and racing use to be my primary hobby but that has changed and now it’s to get back into shape and stress relief!!!
Make an XC version as you did with the Banshee
2 rides so far on my new expert. It’s pretty burly. Feels great. The fork is plush and haven’t had any issues with it so far. Gonna start playing around with the chain stay see what feels best for me.
Hey do you still have e the expert? What does she weigh? Just curious if ahead drops much weight in the expert vs the comp. Thanks
Hey, I'm in the market for a new hardtail, i am currently looking at the 2019 Santa Cruz Chameleon D and this Specialized Fuse Comp, i am stuck, not knowing what way to turn. Anybody got any ideas? Thanks for this review btw! Any suggestions between the two?
Same
Not so much of an answer, but just an affirmation of the reviewer's comment - I was debating between those two bikes as well. Local shops did not have the Santa Cruz in stock so I jumped on the Fuse and tried it out. I am 6'3, 175# and the XL fit like glove. Only mods I made were shorter handle bars and clipless. Wholeheartedly recommend after spending 6 months on the bike.
I have the gen 1 fuse, got over 10k miles on the frame. The XXL is one of the biggest bikes you can get, great for me at 6'7. Perfect ride quality for me, have heard lighter people find it too stiff(I'm 195lbs) I bought the comp level build and have slowly upgraded it as stuff died. Now have it setup 29er as more of an xc bike and the geo is spot on. Fox 34, shimano 12spd, slx 2 piston brakes and hand built alloy wheels. 25lbs with 2.4 tires, can get it do to 23lbs with gravel slicks. Full capable of sending double black diamonds, rips tight single track and can do big gravel epics if I put slicks on. I don't really like the pf30 bb standard in general, but never had any issues with it on this bike. I highly recommend it.
I have the expert version of this bike. I like it so much that I have been upgrading it. I just put a pike Ultimate on it, whole other level. Took this bike on White Rim in a day, flawless. Can't say enough on how this bike handles itself.
Nice work! That's how I'd set it up too white rim in a day is no joke, congrats on a massive achievement. I'm not sure I will ever be able to do white rim in a day.
@Kwinten What year model do you have and what wheel size?
Steve, you should try to get a hold of a Norco Fluid HT, would love to know your thoughts on that
Geo chart looks fantastic. Should be a fun bike. I'll see if I can get one in for review.
What I've seen from reviews is its heavy and doesn't ride as well. Pinkbike did a review on it. A bit pricey too.
When's the Pine Mountain review coming??
Soon
I just bought the 27.5+ version with fixed 430mm stays. What's your thoughts on that?
Love the review! I am looking into get this bike once they are back in stock. Love to hear the opinion and things to look out for. Thanks!
You could go to a specialized dealer
Ethan Rubel all specialized dealers around me don’t carry my size for the fuse
Loved the review. My expert should be here Friday. Just in time for a long weekend. I was waiting for the Johnny rotten and the price to come out. Just can't give up any more riding time waiting. Thanks Steve.
I totally get it. Congrats on the fuse, it's a super fun bike. I wonder if we're ever going to see the Johnny Rotten. Who knows...
So in the sub $2000 price point, is he Santa Cruz chameleon still the consensus front runner?
I also have the Recon fork and yes you have to overpreassurise it. I am trying to make it more progressive by taking a wine Cork and drilling a hole into it. If it fits in my air cap it would basically be a custom token since the recon can't take one.
Any links on how to do this?
@@jeremynsuess nope, but I'm pretty sure it should work as long as the cork isn't to small. It was an Idea I had so I don't think there's really going to be any totourial put there on how to do it.
Specialized use to spec 38-45m rims on there 3.0 tired Fuses so idk why only 29 on the 2.6
could anyone please tell me what the bike is like for some small jumps buy mainly some downhill technical kinda trails
Can you review the Bird Zero 29 \ Bird Zero AM hardtails? They look awesome on paper, too bad there aren't that many reviews of those bikes...
What’s your general thoughts between this Specialized Fuse Comp (2021 update), Santa Cruz Chameleon and Rocky Mountain Growler 40? For trails (flowy) and some climbing of Northern California.
That's the exact type of discussions i have with my patrons. I'd be happy to help you over there. Patreon.com/hardtailparty
I have the same bike in an xl, when I adjusted my chainstays to the shortest setting my gears would skip. I was wondering if you removed a link from the chain. I also switched to a 32t oval upfront maybe that combo caused the skipping. But more recently I switched to longest setting and im amazed at how this thing climbs now
I bought the 2020 Fuse 27.5+ that starts at $1249. It comes with 2.8” tires and 38mm internal width. You might have enjoyed it more and it’s probably the better value. I love this bike. I have to change the BB and Crankset after the second ride though because the square taper BB was stripping the crankset so I just upgraded to DUB and NX cranks. The Tektro HD-275 were garbage and I finally upgraded to SRAM Guide Ts. The fork is Rockshox Judy which isn’t the best but works fine when I fill it about 40 PSI over recommended like you did. The fork and rear hub are the next things I’m looking to change but I’ll probably wait till the end of their life span because it rides amazing as is!
Sounds like I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it more. I really like the sliding dropouts on this m4 frame, and the lower end frame doesn't have that.
Looking at this for the 2022 model. How would this perform for a 40 mile ride cross country with varying terrain? I mainly ride around 10- 20 miles due to time but want something that can handle itself, do the miles with a frame worthy of some upgrades as and when they need doing
I do 60-100 mile rides on a old full suspension giant. I can't see 40 miles being a problem with this bike.
I'm also looking at a 2022 fuse. Personally I would switch out the fork to a pike and a much bigger chainring.
@@buckroger6456 thanks. I've upped my miles and there wasn't a fuse around anywhere for me to try. I was able to find and sit on a voodoo Bizango Pro which was very comfortable so just bought this for now
@@nito_gocni5460 yeah I only have one fuse in my area that is in my size, I'm hoping it hangs around long enough for me to buy it next month.
Building up your miles on the bike takes time, I know. When I first started 15-20 miles was almost torture lol, now it's torture because of how short it is lol. I found what worked for me was just riding at a pace that I liked. Anyways have fun and be safe out there.
@@buckroger6456 ah well. One shop told me I'd have to wait until march, which for me was too much of a gamble for a bike I might sit in and not really connect. Looking back at my comment is funny as I'm already looking to plan rides with a much greater distance, now the problem is finding the time! All the best, good luck with the fuse! mini mini mini
Hey, Steve! Have you ridden a 2020 Trek Roscoe 8 yet? If so, how did it compare to this Fuse Comp 29? I'm debating on getting either bike and while the Roscoe has better components, I don't like that it has a QR hub. I did get to test a women's model out(only one in stock and it fits me) and I really enjoyed it, but I'd want to swap out the saddle and handlebar. The 27.5+ was really neat! This would be my first mtb so I'm sure I can't go wrong either way. I'd love to hear your opinions on it!
the qr hub is a deal-breaker for me. I'd go with the fuse for that reason alone. I also love the sliding dropouts of the fuse. I love 27.5+ too. You could easily put a 27.5+ wheelset on the fuse. 100% fuse all the way. The only challenge will be finding one, as they're sold out just about everywhere.
I just bought this bike 2 weeks ago and after 10+ years of being away from the sport, the Fuse made me fall in love all over again. This was an awesome review. Cheers!
Congrats on a great purchase!
What budget wheel set would you recommend to upgrade this to?
A used set of Ibis s35 wheels. Or the dt Swiss 1700 35 or the wtb 35i wheels. If you can get it with ela dt350, even better.
@@hardtailparty Awesome, thanks!
I just started riding last month and got the 2020 fuse 27.5+ secondhand for a smoking deal for my first bike. Love the bike for AZ trails. I enjoy dialing in the bike (tire psi/handle bar roll, etc) like you would a cars suspension/engine. Sofar added cushcore to the stock 2.8 tires and loving the ride quality. Only thing I would like to upgrade just because is the fork (knowing the Judy silver are budget level) and the hub with more engagement. Any suggestions on a hub that I can upgrade too?
Lots of hubs have better engagement. Onyx is my favorite. No need to upgrade the front hub, just the rear.
Nice review! I'm glad you liked the bike, and you right, the SX drivetrain is good enough, once the cable stretches and the derailleur gets dirty you gotta fiddle with the tension, but even I am no mechanic head and I managed to fix my gears... Also, they are really sold out everywhere! My friend went to order one and the LBS had to deal something with Specialized on the phone to get a second one in Canada... LBS guy told my friend we would be the only two owners of this bike across Canada... How cool :D
Would be interested to see your thoughts on the Nukeproof Scout 290 Expert.
Just bought a Fuse 27.5 yesterday, I lucked out and managed to find one in that sick matte green color in size Large at a shop about 3 hours away. I know it has lower end components than the 29 Comp and a different frame but I’m sure it will still be lots of fun. And at least it has 38mm wheels! Just getting back into MTB and I’m sure it will be a nice upgrade from my 11 year old Kona Cinder Cone! Also it was nice to see a familiar face, I remember watching your videos on your other channel when I was shopping for a camper and dreaming about Airstreams, glad I found this channel!
Congrats on the new bike!
Thanks for the lengthy review! I bought the exact bike for the wife and I to share today. Luckily we found one! I've got a Trance 27.5, which I love, but miss the hardtail GT Zaskar from back in the day so this became an option. Plus, budget for this year prevented me from upgrading to a full suspension carbon. This is an awesome compromise!
Congrats! Not even a compromise. I'd take this bike over most carbon full suspensions.
Man I also have a 27.5 2017 trance and i’m thinking to change it for a fuse expert 29, how you felt both bikes? What’s your opinion in my decision? I ride mostly jump bikepark and blue trails
Woow, I'm amazed at the fuse. The past few years I drove the commencal meta ht with 27.5 wheels and to be honest I was considering buying a new one but 29 wheels. but after watching this video I definitely need to see the fuse before making my decision.
I know this is a bike review, but what kind of sun glasses you wearing? Hahaha! Im digging them. Seems like a photochromatic type?... thnx
Julbo airospeed reactiv. Fantastic eyewear. It goes completely clear at night.
Umm isn’t the seat angle the same as the middle child at 74 degrees? Great review!
Immediately ordered my Expert from my LBS after reading Bike Magazine's review back in June 19. It's so much fun I find myself riding it more often than my 150/140mm rig that's 3x the $. A lot of the fun from hardtails comes with the challenge of keeping up with buddies on FS rigs but by keeping it stock there's the added satisfaction of having them seeing you right there with them on an "entry level" build, dropping out of trails a hardtail really has no business being on. Definitely a capable bike.
I'm looking at the fuse expert as well ! That or salsa timberjack xt. Any thoughts?
Just got the 2021 comp and loving it so far!
If you own this bike and you have never put the seat-stays all the way forward you literally have not ridden the best version of your bike (climbs better, corners better, accelerates better, more playful) . I put 36mm Duroc 40 rims on this bike complete game changer with the 2.6 tires. This is 1 of the best trail hardtails made IMO.
This really looks like a do it all hardtail. Very, very tempted to buy this.
I just bought mine. Only found one XL in Canada
@@PopCanIdea I'm 6'2" and think I need an XL Fuse. Can you let me know your height? Are you still enjoying the bike?
Top Notch review mate. Clearly a bunch of peeps were waiting for this one. Thanks Steve! “...even though these SRAM Level brakes are goofy looking...” 😆
Is this supposed to come with spacers? I've been dealing with some massive hand pain from the really low front end. Ended up ordering a riser bar that I'm waiting on, but I'm kinda miffed if my LBS didn't give me spacers it was supposed to have.
No, they don't come with extra spacers. You can't fit any more spacers on there.
Hey man, did you managed to fix your hand pain with the riser bars ?
Are you going to review the base model version of the fuse as well? Would be interesting to see how it compares to this more expensive model on the trail.
The Fuse is a great mid-range hardtail, but I'd honestly rather have the base model than the comp. I'd much prefer the Deore drivetrain, Tektro brakes, and 27.5+ tires to the SX drivetrain, Level brakes, and 29" tires, not to mention that the comp is more than $500 more expensive than the base model.
I'd rather have the m4 frame with sliding dropouts, but to each their own. It's good to have options.
A1 frame is not as good as the M4 especially if your looking to upgrade components in the future.
What's your thoughts on using a tire insert on the rear to give it a bit more stability. It would be cheaper than upgrading the rim, although it doesn't fix the hub engagement.
I've got a few videos on cushcore and how it affects your ride. But I feel it can't quite mask this issue. It's better than nothing, but the shape of the tire will still be the same, so it won't feel as stable as having the proper rim width.
I'm glad I have the the fuse comp 29er 2wks old and That's why I only I believed hardtail party😊🍺 - from canada
I started with the old Fuse, upgraded to a 140 Pike. Transferred it all to the new frame with the sliding dropouts. One of the best bikes I’ve ever had, simple fun. Most likely it’ll (or something similar) will be my forever bike.
Great review Steve! I got lucky and stumbled across a 1 week old used one for ~$1100 because the guy wanted to go full squish. My only gripe is the limited seatpost insertion when the seattube is otherwise straight. I'm contemplating drilling out the rivnut to fit a 180 dropper as I think this bike would be even more awesome if the seat could be totally slammed. If anyone reading the comments has done this let me know how it worked - while specialized would probably void the warranty I can't see it compromising the integrity of the frame if done carefully.
That's a steal, nice job. I love the idea of drilling out the rivnut. If you're careful, I don't see that being a problem. It's aluminum, so it won't rust. Do it!
New to droppers… at 5’-4” how much difference is that 1 cm going to make? Legit Q
A noticeable difference. Always run as much drop as you can fit, especially if you're short. I like 175-200mm droppers
I'm currently looking at picking up a used 2020 fuse comp 29 for $1,400. Does that seem like a good deal?
Great review! I liked the "punches above its weight class" comment. My Specialized dealer doesn't have one to rent. Does Absolute in Sedona have them?
Absolute is sold out. This was their last fuse and it sold in a week after I gave it back to them.
should i get one locally for 1500? its my first bike and that's my absolute top budget!
This video was literally created to help you decide that. It's entirely up to you.
@@hardtailparty You make a very valid point!
Thanks for the quick response!
2020: [HTP] "Is it overpriced? Possibly."
2022: [Specialized] "Hold my beer while we up the price $1300."
Awesome! The part where you were talking about $1700 being entry level nowadays got me thinking. For many people who are truly going to be entering the sport, this would be way over budget. Would you consider reviewing one of the sub-$1000 2021 Rockhoppers? I would be really fascinated to see your review of that true entry price point. That's the type of bike I started on (25 years ago) and I'm curious to see how far that segment has come. Thanks for pumping out these vids!
Possibly. I usually try to focus on bikes that have thru axles and current axle width standards since they're easier to upgrade down the road.
I'm always on the lookout for fantastic bikes that ride well at lower pricepoints. That said, this bike is 10x better than even the best bikes from the 90s. So while it may be budget today, it's still way better than the bikes that cost $5000+ back in the day.
I hear that, totally agree. I think your takeaways on riding a new trail bike with qr skewers would be really interesting.
Great review, might be just what I'm looking for to complement my 160mm full suspension. Sounds super fun trail ripper that can go anywhere. So hard to find HT in local shop that isn't budget or XC. Had older Commencail and was fun till got new fully and made me not like the short reach, was looking at Honzo nice you had comment on that. Cheap components really don't matter, can all be swapped.
I'll have a review on the honzo st soon
How does it compare to the Chameleon?
I'm still looking for a bike. It seems like the older I get, the pickier I am about my bikes! Another issue with low stack height is - if the shift and brake levers don't easily clear your top tube when your holding your bike and turn the bars to check- that could dent and f*k up your top tube in event of a crash if the bars spin around. That, along with the slack SA, is a deal breaker for me. I really don't understand why Specialized didn't think this through better. Ridiculous, just like 9mm QR's that bike companies are still speccing on their "non department store" bikes in $1,000 to $,1400 price range.
Nice review, you should test a nukeproof scout