Inside Line: First look at the new Specialized ‘6Fatty’ Fuze and Ruze

Based on the success of its Fatboy, Specialized debuted the new Fuse (men’s) and Ruze (women’s) 27plus at the Sea Otter Classic, a platform the company has dubbed “6Fattie.”

Built from Specialized’s M4 level aluminum, the 67 degree head angle is slacker and more trail bike worthy than the Fatboy and the bottom bracket is also lower. Specialized says part of the reason the Fatboy handles so well is that it simply transferred its 29er hardtail geometry over to the fat bike. In fact, Specialized says that this 27plus bike now fills the hardtail trail bike void in the line-up. Cable routing is internal and all levels of both the Fuse and Ruze are 1x specific.

The frames features Boost 148 rear dropouts and a 110 mm front hub and all models will come with an internally routed dropper seatpost. Perhaps the most visually enticing feature of the frame is its drive-side Diamond Stay that allows for short-ish 16.9 inch chainstays without sacrificing strength or effecting clearance. Cable routing is internal and all levels of both the Fuse and Ruze are single chainring specific.

Three levels of both the Fuse and Ruze will be offered: Pro ($3,100), Expert ($2,100) and Comp ($1,600.) The Pro has a SRAM X0/X1 drivetrain, 120 mm travel RockShox Reba fork, custom tubeless ready, 38 mm Roval rims and tubeless ready 27.5 x 3 inch Ground Control tires and custom SRAM DB5 brakes with four pistons in the front caliper and two in the back.

The Expert gets a Manitou fork and SRAM GX parts and the Comp an SR Suntour fork, SRAM X7/X5 drivetrain and TRP brakes (both of these have 45 mm WTB Scraper rims).

While both the Fuse and Ruze share most of the same parts and price points, subtle differences for the women’s version include a 100 mm travel fork and Specialized’s Women’s Trail Geometry. Availability is planned for May of this year.