Specialized Fuse Review

Written by:

Liam E.

Last updated:

Jan 20, 22

The Specialized Fuse is a hardtail bike. It is perfect for new mountain bikers who don’t want to deal with the high costs of purchasing and maintaining a full-suspension bike.

The Specialized Fuse has a sleek design and durable frame.

You can choose between 27.5" & 29" wheels. These offer better traction and comfort on rough terrain.

The bike's hydraulic brakes provide excellent stopping power.

The Specialized Fuse is a heavy bike.

The different bike sizes may not be a good fit for those they are designed for. The XL bike, for example, may feel cramped if you're tall.

Overview

The Specialized Fuse is a hardtail bike. It is perfect for new mountain bikers who don’t want to deal with the high costs of purchasing and maintaining a full-suspension bike.

Who is this bike perfect for?

  • If you’re looking for a versatile bike, you should consider buying the Specialized Fuse. With some slight tweaks, this bike can be a commuter, touring, or any type of bike you want it to be.
  • If you’re getting into mountain biking, top mountain bikers recommend starting with a hardtail bike to learn the fundamental skills of the sports. So you can get this hardtail as your first mountain bike.

Performance

The Specialized Fuse is a really smooth and comfortable bike to ride. This is made possible by:

  • The ‘one by’ drivetrain makes shifting of gears easy and fast as you cycle.
  • The fat tires on this bike give you plenty of grip on muddy terrain and provide decent cushioning on rock surfaces.
  • Hydraulic brakes make you confident that you can come to a quick stop in all weather conditions and terrain.
  • Specialized bike saddles are known for being comfortable, and the seat on the Fuse doesn’t disappoint. You can go for miles without feeling the need to stop to get off an uncomfortable saddle. A dropper post makes it possible to adjust your seat as you change terrain, so you won’t have to stop to change the seat position using the seat clamper.
  • The Specialized Fuse is a heavy bike primarily due to its tires. The weight does make it slow to pick up speed. But if you’re not looking for a racing bike, the Specialized Fuse will be fast enough for you.

Conclusion

We recommend buying the Specialized Fuse if you’re looking for an entry-level, reasonably priced, durable, comfortable, and low-maintenance bike that can handle challenging terrain. This bike will serve you well as you save up and consider options for a premium bike.

Specifications

Frame:

Specialized M4 Premium Aluminum, 148mm thru-axle, adjustable dropout, SS compatible, tapered head tube, internal cable routing

Suspension:

RockShox Recon RL

Fork:

RockShox Recon RL, air spring, 46mm offset, 130mm of travel

Rear Travel:

Specialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm thru-axle, 32h

Front Travel:

Specialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 15x110mm thru-axle, 28h

Crankset:

SRAM SX Eagle, 170/175mm

Bottom Bracket:

SRAM Powerspline

Shifters:

SRAM SX Eagle, trigger, 12-speed

Rear Derailleur:

SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed

Cassette / Cogset:

SRAM PG-1210 Eagle, 11-50t

Brakes / Brakeset:

SRAM Level, hydraulic disc, 200/180mm

Wheels / Rims / Wheelset:

Alloy, disc only, double-wall, 29mm internal width, 28h, tubeless ready

Tires:

Butcher, GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON® compound, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.6"/ Purgatory, GRID, GRIPTON® compound, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.6"

Handlebar:

Stout Riser, double-butted alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 5-degree upsweep, 15mm rise, 750mm / 780mm width, 31.8mm

Stem:

Stout 3D-forged alloy, 31.8mm, 6-degree rise

Seat Post:

TranzX dropper, 34.9mm, XS-S: 100mm, M: 120mm, L/XL: 150mm Travel

Seat / Saddle:

Bridge Comp, Hollow Cr-mo rails, 155/143mm

Chain:

SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed

The Specialized Fuse is a hardtail bike. It is perfect for new mountain bikers who don’t want to deal with the high costs of purchasing and maintaining a full-suspension bike.