"My cyclocross bike could only take me so far in Pittsburgh’s leafy trails, so I began piecing together a plan to start my mountain bike journey in Spring 2019 when working for a local bike shop. I chose the Specialized Chisel, a budget-friendly aluminum XC bike. However, none of the stock offerings piqued my interest. I worked with our head mechanic (and now longtime friend) Teddy on a frame-up build. We installed parts we selected together on a polished silver Chisel frameset, a frame-only colorway. This bike got me hooked on the sport in my early mountain biking days. It was sharp enough for my first XC races while also supporting me on the all-day epics.

I picked up a carbon full suspension bike years later, and the Chisel slotted in as my secondary mountain bike. Having two dedicated mountain bikes allowed me to use the Chisel for non-practical riding, expanding my riding abilities. I swapped the Rockshox fork for a rigid carbon fork and learned how to absorb chattery roots with my body. I learned how to carry speed through corners and hills (including learning which of Pittsburgh’s many steep hills to avoid) after setting it up single speed. These rides didn’t just make me a better rider – they were fun, too!

I graduated, moved to CT, and started at MCC shortly thereafter. Over time, I found myself reaching for the Chisel less and less; the bike just felt tired in its present form. The original drivetrain was worn, and the wheels were battered. I considered selling the bike to reclaim space in my apartment and for some extra cash to allocate to other bikes. I recognized mountain biking’s technological advancements in the years since this was built and pondered replacing the bike altogether. My stance shifted after looking through some photos from rides the bike took me on and feeling sentimentality grow. After all, this bike played a key role in my journey as a cyclist. I chose to reinvest into the bike with new drivetrain parts and new hand built wheels last fall. I reach for the bike frequently again. It’s comfortable and quick on my short commute to the office while being lightweight and snappy, capable for the region’s gravel and rocky singletrack.

So why am I telling you this, and why should you care? I have learned, and those who have been riding for a long time have come to know the same, that a bicycle becomes more than the mix of materials that it is made from. It isn’t just a tool. It’s a companion on a long day, an extension of our personalities. What the Chisel, my Chisel, has become to me through its many iterations over the years is far more valuable than any bicycle I can purchase today. There is no other Specialized Chisel in the world that is like mine. Each scratch and ding tell a story of my personal progression through the sport (aka, each time I crash). This is a bike I plan on riding for years to come.

Building a bicycle from a frame is an experience that I believe all cyclists should have. We have extensive knowledge and resources at MCC to guide you through a frame-up custom build if you want to make it happen for yourself. And while there is nothing quite like new bike day, I’d argue that a “new part day” can give even greater satisfaction should you choose to inject life back into the bike you love.

Our MCC motto of “Betterment by Bicycle” applies to all bicycles, including new, old, vintage, and antique. My life is better riding this Chisel, my bicycle that I love. We look forward to hearing about the bicycle you love next time we see you at the shop!"

-Caleb