Santa Cruz Chameleon Freeride Hardtail

4.83/5

(109 Reviews)

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MSRP : $650.00

Product Description

It can’t change color, and it’s made out of metal, but the name is still appropriate. With a super stiff, sharp handling aluminum frame designed to run forks with anywhere from 100 to 160mm travel, an eccentric bottom bracket allowing for either geared or singlespeed use, enough beef to handle some hard abuse, but still light enough to climb like it means business, the Chameleon can be built up to do whatever you want.

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Reviews 1 - 15 (109 Reviews Total)

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Submitted by Bodenz a Weekend Warrior

Date Reviewed: May 9, 2013

Strengths:    Geometry supports 1) higher speed & flow trail riding, 2) tap pump track, 3) dual slalom jumps
Strength to Weights is much better for all aluminum bikes for trail, xc and definitely the DS bikes
Great color and graphics

Weaknesses:    It looks "slower" than what it is capable of.
Its seat tube is much better if shorter..

Bottom Line:

The best all around bike ever had...

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Submitted by SCMTB1

Date Reviewed: March 8, 2013

Strengths:    im rolling on 650b 2.1 crossmark rear, 2.25 ardent front! climbs like no other bike i have ridden, decends with such control you think twice about braking! 0 flex where it counts :) value in its finest form, and so versatile!

Weaknesses:    weight it a tad on the high side, not a huge colour range to choose from

Bottom Line:

most versatile machine i have come across, upto 80-160ml travel optoins, ebb up to 2012 models, rock soild fames! im using the x-fusion velvet with 130ml travel and beating 100ml carbon racehorses on x/c tracks :) just feels so in safe and controlled even with the 650b wheels, plenty of clearance below! although i am thinking about a s/s conversion and a new rocky mountain altitude 650b soft tail for those comfort rides

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Submitted by mtnmark a All Mountain Rider from San Francisco, CA

Date Reviewed: February 27, 2012

Strengths:    Solid performing hardtail! Good value and super versatile for whatever style riding you want. On a whim I set mine up as a single speed and it has become my go to for short weekday rides, wet weather, pump tracks or if I am riding a smoother/flowy trail. Great ride, and I am really happy with the SC's new and improved powder coating.

Weaknesses:    1 1/8" Headtube- Only bc it doesn't fit some of my newer forks. I guess SC wanted to add a taper, but said it looked silly when prototyping it.

Bottom Line:

Great, versatile bike. Can be set-up however you want to ride it, so great to have one in the garage.

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Favorite Trail:   Lots

Duration Product Used:   2 Years

Price Paid:    $600.00

Purchased At:   Yuba Expeditions

Similar Products Used:   SC Blur LTc, Heckler

Bike Setup:   SS with a rockshox recon 130mm (I think).

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Submitted by Mtn Mike 2 a Weekend Warrior from France

Date Reviewed: March 10, 2011

Strengths:    Good weld quality, proven geometry - in other words it's great to ride, strong frame, capable of taking a STANDARD fit deep recess(cup) headset, single-speed option, lots of style...

Weaknesses:    Ridiculously small real world maximum tire size for this kind of bike in anything but sunny California. In muddy conditions you are limited to 2.25 if you don't want to grind holes in your frame. This is way off Santa Cruz's information of "2.5 being about the maximum." Be aware of this before buying.

Bottom Line:

Very good frame completely let down by not being able to run oversize tires. This could be easily fixed by Santa Cruz. There is little point in being able to put a 160 fork up front for downhill etc. with what are essentially only large XC tires on the rear. For example : in loose, mixed or muddy conditions - I can't seriously run a Schawlbe Fat Albert 2.35 in the rear and a Specialized Eskar 2.3 is only OK if I take steps to protect the chain stays. Overall happy in the (dry) summer but also quite disappointed the rest of the year. Will think more than twice before trusting Santa Cruz again.

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Favorite Trail:   Bagnères-de-Luchon area

Duration Product Used:   2 Years

Price Paid:    $829.00

Similar Products Used:   Rocky Mountain, Specialized and custom built frames on Columbus tubing

Bike Setup:   Hope Pro 2 20mm front and 10mm bolt through Hope Pro 2 rear, Pike 140(spring)fork, Alex-rims Supra-D, SRAM x.9...

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Submitted by jlarson55 a Weekend Warrior from Portland, OR

Date Reviewed: March 8, 2011

Strengths:    Others have said it very well below - It's stiff & responisve - great do it all bike.

Weaknesses:    Stiff

Bottom Line:

I agree with all the positive posts describing how responsive & stiff this bike is... how it's a great climber... excellent handling characteristics on the trail or downhill, etc...

The only thing I can add to all the posts... I'm 35 and a "smooth" trail rider. After a few rides on the rocky/rooted NW trails I got to borrow a Thudbuster seat post. I ordered one the next day.

I now run 2.4 F/R tubeless & the Thudbuster. I haven't had the though "I wish I had FS right there" since. I spend a lot of time out of the saddle – but that combo really takes out the constant little sting's you stay seated for.

I haven’t decided if I’m going to use it for racing – but for trail rides it’s staying on.

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Favorite Trail:   Browns Camp, Sandy Ridge Trail

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $400.00

Purchased At:   Used

Similar Products Used:   1998, 2002, 2007 Specialized FSR & multiple cyclocross bikes

Bike Setup:   2010 frame, Rock Shox Pike 426, Hope Pro 2's w. Stans Flow, Thudbuster seatpost

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Submitted by theburls a Cross Country Rider from roanoke va

Date Reviewed: February 5, 2011

Strengths:    "Bottle Opener" this bike loves to go fast downhill, uphill, and anything else you can throw at it! It is my Super D racer with some superior strength and handling. This thing handles!!! Its tight in the turns and opens up on jumps and downhill; great bike.

Weaknesses:    None

Bottom Line:

I've been riding for twenty years and have had a wide range of rides; the Santa Cruz Chameleon has seriously impressed me. It descends faster than any fully I have owned, and is more diverse than any bike I have ever ridden. It's a strong climber as well.

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Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Price Paid:    $500.00

Purchased At:   Just The Right Gear/

Similar Products Used:   None

Bike Setup:   Marzocchi Z150 on the front with ryhno lite rims, the rest is history.

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Submitted by sierrasta a Weekend Warrior from Geneva

Date Reviewed: November 13, 2010

Strengths:    I was looking at the reviews and had to post one. I have recently moved to Geneva, so know some fairly hectic trails which I normally cover on my Specialized Enduro or Santa Cruz VP Free. That said, I was keen to try my Chameleon out over here on the trails that attract almost solely downhill and freeride bikes. This bike is solid - the geometry is fundamentally outstanding - the bike can handle the most technical of trails you throw at it, with a short stem and 160mm of travel up front. It is incredibly versatile and robust, but most of all, reliable, trustworthy and supremely fun.

Weaknesses:    Happy to criticise, but there are no weaknesses to this frame. At least not the way i have it set up. Obviously you can't rail down trails at the same pace as a downhill bike, but if that's what you want to do, then you are missing the point of this bike.

Bottom Line:

This bike is seriously fun. It is awesome, and to a certain extent, the do it all bike. I was riding the freeride trails over here in Geneva last week and was inspired to write this as the experience is second to none. This bike has also been with me and hit the rockiest trails in Spain and South Africa - it is excellent. Serious quality. Worth every penny.

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Favorite Trail:   La Longue, Le Saleve, Geneva

Duration Product Used:   More than 3 years

Price Paid:    $3700.00

Purchased At:   Built from Various

Similar Products Used:   Cove Stiffee

Bike Setup:   XTR front and rear mech, Saint brakes with 203mm rotors and drivetrain. Thomson seatpost and short stem. Fox 36 RC2 Talas forks. DT Swiss 5.10 wheelset Hope Hubs.

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Submitted by TheMajor a Weekend Warrior from Tokyo, Tokyo-to, Japan

Date Reviewed: October 31, 2010

Strengths:    Strong, light, well-built, no flex, good BB design, frame can ride any style

Weaknesses:    A little pricey but will ride well forever.

Bottom Line:

This frame is just the best hardtail you can buy in my opinion. Strong and light (not super light but light), It can ride any setup or style of riding. It is a hardtail that can run 160mm forks and not have any problem. I have seen people running triple clamp forks too.

The Chameleon is a great frame but there is one important point that is either love or hate. The rear end is as stiff as they come. You know what the back wheel is doing and where it is. That makes for a rough ride if you are from full-suspensionland. I love it, the back wheel goes where you want it to go and it is where you want it because the bike gives so much feedback. If you want to be a smoother ride then I recommend this back. If you want to be a mindless bomber of hills this bike is not for you. This bike is so ridge that if you don't pick your lines you will be dead at the end of the day. You will see people with suspension seat posts for this reason.

Great bike and is super stuff. So if you are not smooth = stiff the next day. If you are smooth, you will beat the full-sus guys to the bottom. I haven't ridden a better hardtail.

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Favorite Trail:   Monkey monsoon fighting squirrel trail

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $1000.00

Similar Products Used:   Kona Cowan, Cindercone, Firemountain, Azonic DS1, Merlin

Bike Setup:   Chameleon, Fox vanillas 140 RLC. XT groupset, Hopes on tweet tweet rims, Avid Elixir R brakes

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Submitted by longviewsyndicate a Weekend Warrior from longview, wa u.s.a.

Date Reviewed: July 5, 2010

Strengths:    stiffness, does everything pretty damn good, looks awesome

Weaknesses:    i look too cool riding it around...

Bottom Line:

i had one of the older chameleons that i never should have sold... so i bought a newer frame. felt good right from the start on the thing. tracks great, does everything expected. never feels out of place. the bottom bracket thing is a little strange, but seems to work ok. buy it, ride it, love it. everybody should start out on a hard tail, i think you become a better rider for it. i went back to it after a number of full suspension bikes, glad i did.

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Favorite Trail:   angry pirate

Duration Product Used:   6 months

Price Paid:    $519.00

Purchased At:   speedgoat

Similar Products Used:   p2, mullet, kona..

Bike Setup:   2009 chameleon, rock shox domain, single track hoops with king hubs, shimano brakes, truvativ cranks, gamut chain guide

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Submitted by JPDX a Cross Country Rider from Portland, OR

Date Reviewed: July 1, 2010

Strengths:    Stiff, Incredible handling that is predictable and gives confidence in rough conditions. Short wheelbase and geometry is great for quick steering and getting around technical stuff. Balanced front and rear weight.

Weaknesses:    Hurts my arse when hit big rocks and roots.

Bottom Line:

I've been riding this bike for about 6 months, and I really expected to not like it much. The first month or so I basically hated it and wanted full suspension. I've discovered that riding an FS bike makes some trails too easy as you become a better rider. Riding this hardtail adds the challenge back and also the fun. The carbon bars make a huge difference, and running big tubless tires I find I can run it at 15-20psi in the rear and get a great comfy ride. This also makes the bike pedal really well with great small bump compression. I hardly have any pedal feedback unless it's a big root or rock. This bike handles so well it amazes me and just feels awesome and confident to ride even through rocks and off drops. Loves to jump and rail corners like no FS bike will ever do. This bike makes all but the most F'd up technical trails fun.

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Favorite Trail:   Anything in Bend

Duration Product Used:   6 months

Price Paid:    $600.00

Similar Products Used:   Stumpjumper HT, fully rigid bikes, Turner DW 5 Spot.

Bike Setup:   Float 140, XT/XTR components with 2x9 setup. Tubeless Kenda 2.35 F/R, carbon bars. Weighs about 26lbs with pedals.

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Submitted by yamahauler a Weekend Warrior from central coast ca

Date Reviewed: May 5, 2010

Strengths:    Looks,welds, mud clearence,bottle opener,beefy frame,everything!

Weaknesses:    NONE!!

Bottom Line:

This is the sickest hardtail i've ever ridden. Dont see any reason to ever buy another bike.Just like everyone says on here this bike does it all!!Fast,fun,climbs good. BUnnyhops killer,wheelies.manuals.ext. SO stop hesitating and go out and get the best hardtail money can buy! You won regret it.

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Favorite Trail:   any trail

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $598.00

Purchased At:   cbo

Similar Products Used:   GT backwoods,avalanche 2.0

Bike Setup:   2010 black med.Fox vanilla rlc fork. Shimano slx shifters and rd. Xt fd.Raceface evolve xc bars,stem and cranks. Raceface next sl carbon seatpost.Avid bb7 brakes. Avid speed dial7 levers.Sram 990 casete. Sram 991 chain. Azonic outlaw wheel set. Azonic pooky plat form pedals. SDG grandprix seat.Hope wheel skewers,headset spacers and seatpost clamp.Kenda nevagal folding beed 2.35 tires. Answer falline xc lock on grips!

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Submitted by bikeboy005 a Weekend Warrior from Kew,Melbourne, Australia

Date Reviewed: April 30, 2010

Strengths:    Super Stiff, Great Geometry, Horizontal Dropout so you can run single speed, Wide chain stays for tyre's over 2.35.

Weaknesses:    None

Bottom Line:

I have been riding mountain bikes for 1990 when it was old school time brakes and forks with elastomers in them.This frame has evolved and morphed into the do it all bike. Can run up to 160mm forks and have seen triples clamps run at DH events. I use my bike more often as a daily commuter. Put on the slicks, lock out the front fort and away you go. Drop the seat down firm up the shock rate and its off to the jumps.
Really it can do everything. I love this bike.

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Favorite Trail:   Mt Beauty

Duration Product Used:   More than 3 years

Price Paid:    $3000.00

Purchased At:   Brunswick Street Cyc

Similar Products Used:   Cove Handjob, Yeti DJ, Intense Tazer,

Bike Setup:   Full XT, Thomson Elite Seat Post and Stem, Rock Shox Pike 454 U Turn, Mavic 317, Chameleon Large Limited Edition Anno Red Frame, Avid Elixer Carbon Brakes.

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Submitted by jsccinc a Cross Country Rider from Brick, New Jersey, USA

Date Reviewed: April 25, 2010

Strengths:    easy to ride fast, stiff, well balanced, great climber ,and predictable...

Weaknesses:    stiff frame...ride can be harsh at times

Bottom Line:

The bottom line is, I've been riding this bike since 2001(and riding for the past 18 years) and in is by far the best bike I have ever riddin

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Duration Product Used:   More than 3 years

Price Paid:    $1850.00

Bike Setup:   full xt kit, rock shox pike 426, mavic 517's

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Submitted by lovejoy a Downhiller from lakewood,ohio,usa

Date Reviewed: April 23, 2010

Strengths:    bombproof

Weaknesses:    no complaints

Bottom Line:

frikin love my bike. ride it at rays indoor mountainbike park,all day trail riding, our local dirtjump spot, and bout most anywhere.
going on my 7th season with this frame and cant see ever letting go of it. though i hope to park a nomad next to it soon.

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Favorite Trail:   our local metropark

Duration Product Used:   More than 3 years

Price Paid:    $2500.00

Purchased At:   frame:lakewood built

Similar Products Used:   first REAL hardtail

Bike Setup:   '03 med black frame fox36talas hope hubs xm729tubeless rims hope m4 brakes 7inch rotors raceface atlas cranks mrp mini g2 chainguide with 36 tooth ring xt rear mec gore sealed cable race face atlas bar/stem

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Submitted by billysan a Cross Country Rider from South East UK

Date Reviewed: March 31, 2010

Strengths:    Agility, accuracy, strength, versatility, looks

Weaknesses:    None

Bottom Line:

I dont have the space to have more than one mountain bike. So my goal was to build a bike that litterally did everything. Including occasional races (2-4 hour XC), up to 75 mile offroad day rides, 2-3 hour hard riding a couple of times a week at the local trail centre, a little bit of playtime on some northshore and jumps etc. I also prioritise reliability and quality over fashion hence having a hardtail for my budget.

Anyway, this bike satisfies every criteria I set for it perfectly. I know it is difficult to build a bike that is supposed to do everything, but this one near as damn it does for me. It is ok weight wise (28lbs) but is solid and dependable. Im not very heavy, and am quite a smooth so dont stress the components too much. I do push it very hard and fast over some quite rough ground however. Im 5'10" with a 32" inside leg and specifically chose the large frame to get the longer top tube. Combined with a 100mm 10deg stem inverted it gives the perfect XC to all day riding position. The sting from the rear end everyone complains about is dealt with fine by the carbon post and a 2.25 out back. The rigidity of hte frame is still very welcome when powering over rough ground, and very noticable when coming from my previous Cannondale. The Chameleon wouldnt be many peoples first choice for this type of bike, but for me it allowed me to run a Rohloff without issue, and had the geometry I was looking for. The comparitively high BB felt a little odd forthe first 30 mins but is fine now. I managed to get an annodized one too which seems to shrug off stone chips and scratches beautifully which seems to be a week point with the painted ones.

Overall I couldnt think of anything I'd currently prefer. It does actually do everything, and most of it it does very very well. Hightly recomended.

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Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $350.00

Purchased At:   ebay

Similar Products Used:   Cannondale Caffeine, Orange P7

Bike Setup:   2009 Large Chameleon, 2010 Magura Thors, Rohloff hub, Saint M810 cranks, XM719's and 2.25 N'Nics, Thomson stem, Noir team bars and seatpost, Juicy 7's.

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Santa Cruz Chameleon Freeride Hardtail

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