Written by:
Liam E.
Last updated:
May 28, 2020
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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.
The Specialized Fuse is a hardtail bike. Hardtails are bicycles that only have front suspension. You can use them on any terrain, but they perform really well off-road. So if you buy this bike, you should do some mountain biking with it.
If you’re not looking to buy a hardtail bike, check out our review of the Diamondback Atroz. A full-suspension mountain bike that goes for under $1000 (really good price for a full-suspension bike).
Specialized has three Fuse bike models. These are the Fuse Expert 29, Fuse Comp 29, and Fuse 27.5. For example, all the Fuse bikes have the same design and a Specialized aluminum frame. The three bikes also all have RockShox suspension. However, they have different cranksets. The Fuse Expert 29 has a Sram NX Eagle, DUB. The Comp 29 has an SRAM SX Eagle, 170/175mm, and the Comp 27.5 has Stout, forged alloy, 76mm BCD crankset.
The prices also vary. The Fuse Expert 29 is the most expensive bike going for $2,150. It has the best features in the Fuse series. The Comp 29 and Fuse 27.5 sell for $1,675 and $1,250 respectively.
The Specialized Fuse is a really smooth and comfortable bike to ride. This is made possible by:
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.
Specialized M4 Premium Aluminum, 148mm thru-axle, adjustable dropout, SS compatible, tapered head tube, internal cable routing
RockShox Recon RL
RockShox Recon RL, air spring, 46mm offset, 130mm of travel
Specialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 15x110mm thru-axle, 28h
Specialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm thru-axle, 32h
SRAM SX Eagle, 170/175mm
SRAM Powerspline
SRAM SX Eagle, trigger, 12-speed
SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed
SRAM PG-1210 Eagle, 11-50t
SRAM Level, hydraulic disc, 200/180mm
Alloy, disc only, double-wall, 29mm internal width, 28h, tubeless ready
Butcher, GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON® compound, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.6"/ Purgatory, GRID, GRIPTON® compound, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.6"
Stout Riser, double-butted alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 5-degree upsweep, 15mm rise, 750mm / 780mm width, 31.8mm
Stout 3D-forged alloy, 31.8mm, 6-degree rise
TranzX dropper, 34.9mm, XS-S: 100mm, M: 120mm, L/XL: 150mm Travel
Bridge Comp, Hollow Cr-mo rails, 155/143mm
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.
