SPECIALIZED FUSE COMP 29
Mountain Biking UK|November 2022
£2,000 Spesh’s burly aluminium hardtail is very good, but not perfect
Luke Marshall
SPECIALIZED FUSE COMP 29

Specialized's beefiest hardtail is aimed at trails that would make the other rigid frames in their line-up wince. So, how does this aluminium 29er trail thrasher stack up in a competitive market? S

THE FRAME

The Fuse Comp 29 is made from Specialized's 'M4' alloy. An oversized down tube boosts stiffness, while the slender seat tube should add some comfort-boosting compliance and the top tube is low-slung to help with manoeuvrability. A chip at the rear axle allows you to adjust the chainstay length between a short 435mm and a very short 420mm, for an even poppier ride. To make room for the chain line with such a short rear end, the Fuse has asymmetric chainstays, with the drive side one being slightly raised. The frame has internal cable routing, a threaded BB and 12x148mm Boost hub spacing. Bottle cage mounts feature on the down tube and seat tube.

This story is from the November 2022 edition of Mountain Biking UK.

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This story is from the November 2022 edition of Mountain Biking UK.

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