Update to my gifted and returned e-bike prior posts; after getting the full return and refund organised I was able to choose an alternative bike that cost significantly less that's much more practical for me as well.
I was going to choose the Epic hardtail but decided against carbon frames as I'm used to aluminium ones and am concerned with extreme temperature variation on a balcony negatively affecting a carbon frame's lifespan. I also watched a lot of videos of carbon frames snapping, and a few aluminium ones too including an Orange frame that exploded, but I do think carbon requires more care, and even with repair options is a lot more expensive. Also stories of carbon frames getting damaged from being placed on their side on sharp rocks, or not being able to clamp on them, etc.
So I ended up choosing the 2025 Chisel Comp; at £2100 it's almost a grand cheaper than the Epic and only about 4lbs heavier, still very light for me at about 25lbs. I almost got the 2023 version without realising the 2025 version existed, as Specialised UK have older versions in stock on their website, but managed to change order to the 2025 version that I prefer that's lighter and in a better colourway for me.
Feels really smooth and easy to ride, doing much longer rides already without feeling any extra effort. Mostly using lockout as lots of hill climbs in my area, but the front fork is really nice for unlocked for downhill trails. Frame is a large but doesn't feel that big, I think is still a better option for me than the XL would have been. I ordered some Specialized Bennies platform pedals to go with it as it doesn't include pedals, which match it really well. Lame as it may be, I've left the reflectors on as I think they add a lot of visibility for very little weight, but I did at least take the bell off. Colour is basically black with a blue tint, looks a lot darker than in product images and is also matt, not gloss as described, but is still a good looking colour.
Very happy overall, saved my family member a lot of money and still got the best bike I needed for my purposes. Will likely keep and replace parts off this frame for many years.
