2020 Specialized Fuse Comp: First Look and Buildup - Hardtail Party 

I've been waiting for this review series. I bought this bike a couple week ago an I could not be happier! Really respect this guys opinion. Cheers from Canada

Mr. Hardtail Party, I must thank you, firstly, for your great content. Educational, genuine, and over all quality information and just enough production value to make it visually appealing and entertaining. But more importantly thank you for doing first looks. Too often the “reviewer” rips the bike out of the box, builds it up, and “reviews” it. Thank you for actually riding the bikes!

I did a custom 2020 Fuse build on 27.5 plus tires. So far I love it. It weighs in at 24lbs.

I bought the base model a few months ago as my first mtb, so stoked your getting around to reviewing it.

Hi Steve! The CS's adjust from 420 to 435. For a point of reference, my size L frame up build (not sure if the model you have is the higher end M4 which is lighter, but mine was around 4.8 lbs including the hardware) is around 28 lbs (140 MRP Ribbon, XTR brakes, Turbine cranks, X01 drivetrain, 35mm RF aluminum rims with 29 x2.8 Rekons, 160mm Bike Yoke, I9 stem, 800mm carbon bars). Specialized OK's a 140mm fork which you would probably dig. Stock builds are pretty good at the price point, but I think the frame up build is worthy of consideration!

Dude! You finally got your hands on one! I did a few key upgrades but LOVE mine! Looking forward to your review.

YAY! I have a Fuse. It's a 2020 and it's the 27.5 x 2.8 model size and I LOVE it!

Glad to see you helping out a local bike shop Steve .

I just bought one a few months ago I’m happy you did this review.

Great video. Just picked up the Specialized Fuse 27.5. It’s stellar! Upgrade from my 97’ Klein Pulse Race.

I ended up Selling my Trek Full Squish and bought a 2021 Fuse 27.5 (All they had in stock in my size) The bike is great and i will be upgrading some parts on it soon. Im glad i was able to join the Hardtail Party

Do you need help deciding which bike to purchase next? I offer a one-on-one bike consultation service through patreon. It's how I put food on the table for my family, and how I'm able to provide custom bike advice for my vieewrs. Become a patron today for access: sign up for the monthly bike consultation tier, and cancel at any time. Most people sign up for a month or two, and we work together to discuss their needs, riding style, etc. to narrow down the list of all the great hardtails out there. When they get the info they need and they no longer have any questions, they cancel. Become a patron today: patreon.com/hardtailparty. If my videos have saved you time or money, consider supporting this channel for as little as $5/month. Support individual content creators over garbage tv or sponsored content disguised as reviews. A few more things... 1) I weighed this with pedals, a bottle cage, and a multi-tool, just like I weigh all my other bikes. So it's going to come in heavier than claimed weights (claimed weights don't include any of these things). 2) For those with a fuse expert with issues with your RockShox 35: take it back to your dealer and get it checked out. A few of these forks had issues from the factory. One of the huge advantages of buying a specialized is their great dealer network and the service you get with it. If the fork has a defect, your specialized dealer will take care of you. I have a rockshox 35 on another bike and it feels just fine to me. I think a lot of people are freaking out due to some online chatter. There may be a few with issues, but don't assume all 35s are garbage. If you do hate yours, shoot me a message because I"d be interested in buying it.

The 2020 Fuse was launched in June 2019 so we'll likely see the 2021 range next month! Hopefully they address the seat tube water bottle mount issue and put the new Deore groupset on there.

The chainstay shift cable is a pain to run through the frame. Took me about an hour to do. The angle from downtube to chainstay is really tight but it does look nice once done. Learned my lesson about swapping back consistently from SS to geared. Best SS setup out there. Super easy to use and setup. Massive tubing on the frame and the 34.9 dropper is noticably stiffer. I love the wide bars and super short stem paired with a durable wheelset and tires on this build. If I had this I'd immediately swap the Levels for some XTs and potentially the derailleur for NX or GX and call it good. Solid trail hardtail with support everywhere as you mentioned. Even for those of us who are (somewhat) competent in working on their bikes can appreciate walking into any Specialized dealer for parts or if you have issues. That's why I'm also a fan of Giant with good build kits for decent prices with dealer support everywhere.

Hey Steve! I've been riding the Fuse Expert for some time now and I think you'll really enjoy it. Geared up I'm close to 300 lbs and I can beat this bike up all day with no worries! Glad to see you picked one up. Looking forward to your full review!

Definitely appreciate this review. It is exactly what you said. My local bike shop is a dealer making it most easily accessible for checking it out in person and supporting my local shop whenever possible. Keep up the great first looks, builds, and reviews.

I've owned this bike for 3 months now (in the uk) I have the 2020 Fuse Expert - been waiting for you to review it! I LOVE it, it shares parts with my Identiti AKA so I have multiple hardtail set ups 27.5, 29er, and 27.5+

Picked up one for my daughter a couple months ago. Lucky for me, she is tall and we both fit on the medium. \m/ It is a great bike. She is already riding faster with more confidence this year and I think this bike helps inspire that. She was already a hell of a climber, so she is absolutely crushing it with that Eagle drivetrain. I'm getting too old for hardtails, but this one sure is fun. For the price, it's hard to beat the Fuse. Love your channel. Party On!

Canadian here and I too have this bike, love it! =)

Thanks Steve! My brother is getting into MTB for the first time and we’ve been waiting for this one!

I'm really excited to see what you have to say about this bike. Seems like the big companies are starting to take hard tails serious

Love n Respect for Absolute Bikes in Sedona. I had a GREAT mtb experience due to their expertise and professionalism... I have had only 2 bike shops in my travails where I was blown away by a knowledgeable, friendly staff, attn to detail, non-judgemental tudes etc, & they are one of them... (Over the Edge in Fruita, CO is the other shop btw)

Thanks for the review. Had a chance to get an expert at a pretty good price. Pulled the trigger yesterday. Can't wait.

Looks like a sweet bike! I'm also a big advocate of people riding something before putting down money. I used to think I knew what fit me until I got on a bike that actually did.

Love the knowledge you drop, and your impartial opinions. Your channel is awesome, Steve!

I've got the 27.5+ model of this bike and I love it! Thinking I might go down from a 2.8" tire to a 2.6" when it's time to replace the ones that came with it.

Nice build and good looking bike!

I have a 2016 and it’s a great bike!i was sad to see the diamond chain stay abandoned,it was a kool little feature!

oh, SNAP! I have the base 27.5+ in that cool red color. I love it! just want a beefier chain on her

Just drove 4 plus hours and two states away yesterday to pick up one of these babies. My 15 year old got the Fuse 27.5. Looking forward to your review, hope it’s coming soon! 😀 Will be real interested in how it feels to you compared with your most recent Paradox review with the 120mm fork...

Good stuff Steve! Can’t wait to hear your unbiased views on how the geo rides for you(I assume you will go max short on chain stay) as well as the all up thoughts. I am loving my 2020 Comp.. but now want 97 other bikes too thanks to you! 😁

Specialized is always a good value. I’d love to buy a frame set and build up as a SS. My only problem is they should offer a 142x12 dropout conversion. That’s one of the reasons that I’ve been looking at the Chameleon. True I could use any Boost 148 geared hub rear wheel but I really like my SS specific 142x12 hub wheels. The wider flanges just make a superior less dished wheel

Cant wait! Great review! I wanna see that bike in action

I have this same bike except I have the plus with lager tires, I've been super happy with it so far! I've put a ton of miles on mine cross country and downhill, the fork has been good for me, my BB just started speaking after about a month of hard riding so I will probably upgrade it

Okay.... feeling like our Timberjack purchase is holding up based on what I see here. Looking forward to the full ride review. 🤟

I love the fuse. wish you could get in slx drive drain.

Just a thought but I'd love to see how the bike handles with an angle set headset (like your wife's hardtail). Would this make it a 65 degree head angle?

Great review. I was between this and the Marin San Quentin 3 and I ended up with the Marin in a large. The 27.5 sold me since the fuse 27.5 was specced much lower. This 29er looks great though! Wonder why they used such narrow wheels though 🤔

I'm super happy with my scout, I hope you could actually find one and try it..its a blast!!

Have had my '20 Fuse since March, built up from the frame with my own components. Aside from Shimano XT brakes and Eagle 12x drivetrain, a key difference is the fork I had was the standard 52mm offset, so it slackened the head angle a wee bit more. Overall, it's been a blast. Modern geo hard tail is a blast, super fast and nimble, loves to climb obviously, and really eats up downhill chunky stuff. Will be interesting to see your review. I think you'll dislike the brakes and fork, but the rest should tell the story.

Good looking hardtail. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it

Been thinking about buying this bike, awesome video!

Can’t wait for the review! Honestly, it was between this bike and the Chameleon. I went with the Chameleon.

I took my girl friend to the LBC and matched her with this bike. The camera doesn't do the color justice. That bike is dope.

So I have the 2016 Fuse Comp. Been happy with it. It has the Suntour Raidon fork, which again, I have had no issues with. But it leads me to a suggestion...you tested different tires with the Banshee and it changed the ride of the bike significantly. It would be great for you to try different forks on the hard tails, budget forks like the Raidon, to see what kinda difference they make on the bikes.

Ragley mmmbop and dartmoor hornet review please :)

I love this color. Great looking bike! I just picked up a 2020 27.5+ model in sage green! One of the last ones available in Utah atm.

I've been eyeing other bikes comparable to the Fuse but, like everything else, it comes down to components. I used to sell Specialized and never had an issue with customer service, even when getting defective parts or frames. I'm definitely going to subscribe and check out your channel. Hoping I can find reviews for the bikes I'm interested in.

Sliding drops!!! Yes! Yes! Yes!

Ah unlucky with the Nukeproof Scout. My local bike shop stocks them but I live in Ireland. Great video

If you haven't already, you need to review the Whyte 905 V2. The best hardtail around atm.

I almost got a fuse until a dude (I think you guys know each other) steered me towards getting a steel frame. Super happy with that decision, aluminum honestly does not feel half as good as steel.

Can’t wait to hear how it rides. Thus far, nothing in my opinion has beaten the Middlechild. Will the Fuse? We will know soon. Enjoy and remember, rubber side down!!

I was considering the Fuse Expert myself, but budget constraints kept me below $1800 for the bike plus needed accessories ie; tubeless setup, shock pump, pedals.... Sorry, but I ended up with getting a bike you didn't seem too thrilled about....2020 Trek Roscoe 8. It fit me the best and that's what ultimately matters, you gotta love it to want to ride it. I do love Hardtails the best, I am old school (started riding Mtn bikes in 1991). My first experience with a Mtn bike was in the Army, my buddy was from Oregon and bought an 1987 Specialized Stumpjumper. (New), so I am sorta old 😏

I got super lucky when I picked up my scout. I picked up the frame for the 290 and normally I'm a L frame but the only option I had was an XL. Luckily enough their XL ran a bit smaller and I didn't have any issues with it. Like you said, it's super sketchy to buy something and not have a chance to test it out

Just got a 2021 comp. hoping that rear adjustment thing , is solid , for big hits

the fuse is pretty cool - there is a shop in Texas that has nukeproof

Love... i Want the expert version

Santa Cruz highball all cables are routed internally and in the chain stay both brake line and shift cable

My 2018 dartmoor primal 27.5+ has the same cable routing for the derailleur. You should get your hands on one.

I've had one for a couple weeks now, fairly heavy compared to my 26 Gary Fisher sugar 2. In all honesty though it's just as fun and nimble on the trail.

Please review the Rocky Mountain Growler. The geo looks right your alley

Couldn't get to throw my leg over one in the UK before i paid a deposit and placed an order for one in the bike shops here. After x6 easy December rides out, bottom brkt and rear wheel bearings shot. Got replaced on 1st service through the warranty.

I’m probably buying a Nukeproof Scout sight unseen, it’s a solid spec and I’ve ridden other bikes with the same components and it felt great. The geo seems great and I’m smack in the middle of the range for a medium.

Great! Glad you got something close by. I demoed last year's, and it felt uninspired on those 29er, 2.6" wheels.

Great reviews. Was sold on Orbea Laufey base, now stuck between fuse base 27.5 plus and the Comp 29er. Leaning toward the base 27.5 plus with upgrade to fox 34? Seems like a great new bike for a 55yr old. Love the look of the 2.8 tires.

Just bought a 2019 Fuse Expert last fall. First new bike in 25yrs. Love it so far but definitely feel I've got a lot to (re)learn. A lot has changed! Not sure sure I'm digging the 800mm bars for one but do I take the plunge and cut them? :P Your vids help! Cheers.

Nice! Will you ever review a Giant bike? Fathom 1?

I just picked up this exact same bike partially on your recommendation. Wish they would have specked a slightly better fork but other wise I think it's good. The tires and bar are MASSIVE guna need to cut down the bar.

Love to see a Yeti ACR review.

Great thanks, hoping for a Kona Big Honzo review as well!

Just bought it. 29mm inner width

Specialized is the Honda of bikes, and I mean that is the best possible way. Like Honda, a lot of people hate on them but they are high quality and fun to ride.

Dude! Can this frame accomodate 3.0 wide tire? Btw congrats on the 20k subs!

Loving the channel mate have you tried any Orange hardtails? I’d recommend the Clockwork Evo - it’s the perfect trail HT!

I wonder if a 30.9/150mm dropper with shim would work with the bottle bolts removed? That’s something to try for those who owns a Fuse and wanting more travel on their post. OneUp also has 6mm lower saddle clamps. I use theirs on my PNW Components.

Sadly the fuse is not available in france and swiss, there are not a lot of hardtail here :(

My SRAM SX left crank fell off after a couple rides. Luckly it was not a steep turn, as I flowed out straight in small decent.

My dream bike is the brand of Chromag since the head tube angle is 64°, but having import one of their frames and built it is so expensive for me. I also like your RSD bikes but there are no dealers in my country. Specialized is one of the brands that is easy to get where I live, and the fuse, with that aggressive geometry is a sweet spot for me. How much punishment can this bike take and how does it ride? I'll wait to your next ride with the fuse.

Nice build. What is the weight of frame you've used on this build?

Where you able to get your hands on a Nukeproof scout? I’m looking for my first bike and it’s between the fuse comp and the scout pro. Not sure which one will be good for a first bike.

Almost ordered one of these, I tried out the 27.5+ version and a Timberjack, wound up ordering the Timberjack.

On the off chance you answer...quick thoughts on using a Slack-R on a Fuse (1.4 degrees) to get it more in line with modern hardtails? Worth it or just messing up an already great frame.

I think If you take out the bottlecagebolt you can slam the dropper all the way

You should review a Dartmoor Hornet!

Thanks for the great review. What size would you recommend for 5'10" -34 inseam and 6' arms spam. Thank you.

Since you like to ride and review a many hard tails as possible, if and when you're ever in NJ you can try out my 2020 Sonder Signal Ti. I also ride a medium so that should fit you. I got the GX build with a 130mm Pike Ultimate fork.

Maybe this is a dumb question but could you remove a water bottle screw in order to slam the post? Or is there a protrusion inside the seat tube? Thanks as always for the excellent bike reviews!

Looking forward for this review! Since outdoor gear lab reviewed the Fuse 2020 and ranked it over the Ibis DV09 and the SC Chameleon 29R I am after it, but not sure as I read other bad reviews on it. Would you tell us if the frame is stiff or more on the supple side? How do you feel the wheelset? Having tested that many hardtails I think you are the only one able to answer these questions :-) Thanks for your amazing job, greetings from Zürich (where by the way, Specialized does not distribute the Fuse, just UK and Spain here in Europe...)

You can get a nukeproof scout frame for £400 on chain reaction cycles or wiggle, also maybe try a vitus sentier

Hey Steve, curious where you set the chain stay length to start? When I ran my L at 420, it really limited it on the climbs as well as the overall balance and high speed stability. I know you dig short CS’s, but in a medium I think your sweet spot will be in the 425-430 range.

Been trying to decide between the fuse and the nukeproof scout for a while. But prob going with the fuse just because its slightly less money for the base model even with the dropper. And i can buy locally in person and throw a leg over. But after i try one of these i might order a nukeproof down the road and try it out.

Hi Steve, I just picked up a 2021 Expert (thanks for the recommendation). There was no chainstay protector on my bike. I noticed in your video that yours did not have one on the chainstay when you unboxed it, but at about 4:25 there was one. Was it in the box for you to attach? Thanks.

Steve, can i ask which size tyres you prefer to ride the most? 27.5 or 29? Im 5.8ft and wondering if a 29er on a medium frame would be a bit big for me. Im also thinking a medium frame on 27.5 tyres may be a bit small. I know a medium frame is recommended for my height, but im just not sure whether to go with a 29er or the 27.5 option.

I know this is a weird question, but what was that bright orange bike in the shop. (What can I say, ... oooh, shiny!)

Hi Steve, I know they’re more difficult to get in the US, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on Whyte bikes. The 900 series look on paper like your thing, and the UK press love them.

your issue getting a scout is almost the same as me. i tried to get the fuse to the netherlands. but the distributor told me it cannot be done. so i bought a dartmoor primal :-) curious what you think of that 35 fork tho i hear bad things and great things about it. keep up the entertaining/informal channel! cheers

Did the medium come with 180mm/160mm for rotors? Or does 200mm/180mm start with medium and up?

This is the bike is the bike I should of got

Have you tried the Vitus Sentier range ?