This is a 2007 frame in liquid blue, 2008 rock shox revelation 426 duel air, mavic crossride, race face ride, bars, stem and seat post, avid jucu three's 185 front roter, (soon to have shimano hone crancks and e13 drs) curently deore, new xt shadow r-mech, lx f-mech, deore rapid fire+ shifters and kenda nevigal 2.1 tires.
Bottom Line:
I've only just got this bike and have just returned from only my second off road ride, and I already love this bike. In 2000 I was looking for a new bike, but my budget wouldn't stretch to one so I bought another frame and canebleised my kona. Nealy 8 years later I actualy have one. £1300 all in bargin! Over the years i have experimented with diferent set ups some worked (marzochi jrt 98s on a kona nu-nu) some did't (manitou milenieums on a trek 6500 slr). the rock shok combine the best bits of my favoret forks, Light, (reba team,) long travel (jt millenieum) amooth, nothing(z5) I've had yet has bin this smooth, they stay composed even when bottomed out. this combined with a frame that puts every ounce of power to the back wheel, means that it exelirates like a rocket, onlt the stikky nevigal tyres hold it back, from toasting cars and every thing elce on the road,. It steps up when all other hardtails can't, I'm a better rider al ready. only probolem so far is the wheel slides in the drop out under heave braking, and it can be hard work on long road climb's The only people who shouldn't get one are every gram counts xc racers,(it ain't evean that heavy 28lb's) or people who ride things that would kill any hard tail. I'll post again when I've put more miles in
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad
a Racer
from Rapid City, SD, USA Date Reviewed: May 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
From Santa Cruz
Strengths:
I've owned this bike for 7 years. I ran it geared for the first 2 and SS for the last 5. I have won races on it and it is my dirtjumper too. It can do almost anything. I even got 4th once in an Expert DH race on this frame. The geometry is very upright and comfortable. I used to be into big drops back when I was stupid and the frame never failed me then either.
Weaknesses:
Too many Santa Cruz's around nowadays. These used to be dope cause no one else had one.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Ti Lite
Bike Setup:
Reba, Crossmax ST, Hays hydraulic, pro taper carbon bar
Bottom Line:
The frame cost me $350 brand new in either 99 or 00 can't remember. That's value. Next week my Blur LT will be here and the Chameleon may have to be retired. It's been a good ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Nelson
a
from Anacortes, WA. USA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
fast twisty ones with big things in the way
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
manufacturer
Strengths:
This bike rails. It's stiff as a board which means I don't have to wait around for the stern to catch up in fast, tight turns. I'm a big fan of the horizontal drop-outs. Had them on my last bike. They seem to keep the wheel aligned better when things get bummpy.
Weaknesses:
The only thing I'd like to see changed are the hydrolic cable guides. I wish Santa Cruz had used the type that has a slot for cable ties insted of the kind that necessitates the use of those silly little plastic reducers that always slide out of place. I still zip tie anyway. Pretty petty. Not really a weakness.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing all that similar. GT trials, Klein Attitude set up mountain trials/xc several Kona hard tails. For that matter, I've never had a shock on the back of my bikes.
Bike Setup:
Green Chameleon with mango King hubs on Sun rhyno xls, King mango hs, LP carbon bars, New 05 XTR shifters and short cage derailleur. XT front der, Avid Juicy 7's w/ 185mm rotors, Thomson 100mm stem and seatpost(16mm setback). I'm 5'10" and find that this stem/post combo works for me for technical climbing and letting 'er rip when coming down. Italia trans-am leather seat, lock-on grips, 2.35 dtc Nevegals, and oh yeah an 07 Fox talas RLC fork.
Bottom Line:
This is the first bottom up build for me in over 10 years. I, literally had never used discs or more travel than 70mm. Not that I'm a wanker nor do I wank, but I'm a rock hopper/ trials rider. This bike is opening up a whole new world for me. It's fast, stiff, and very nimble both up and down. Gotta recommend this bike for anyone who likes rhythm.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil McQuillan
a Weekend Warrior
from Ulverston, Lake District, uk Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Red Trail Peebles
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Biketreks
Strengths:
Fantastic angles and frame design. Love the square chain stays. Long top tube, short seat tube - all bikes should be like this.
Pace RC41's are fantastic on this bike, although I've had no end of hassle from a set of RC40's on another bike.
Weaknesses:
Paint finish
Similar Products Used:
Kona Explosive
Bike Setup:
XT, Hope mono mini brakes, Pace RC41 XCAM, Cinder treads.
Bottom Line:
This bike is fantastic. The perfect hardtail - light weight, but with decent strength. It surprisingly capable for a hardtail as well - I've took up riding street and dropping off walls. The long travel fork allows you to ride 90% of the things a full susser could, but the bike feels fantastically alive. You can do anything on this bike. Its really reawakened my enthusiasm for riding. Better than a susser for the new style of man made trails which are popping up throughout the uk. Can we handful on rocky descents.
Great value as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Reid
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: June 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Rotorua singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stiff rear end, versatility, strength.
Weaknesses:
Top tube a bit slopy, powdercoat a bit weak.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Oxygen, various hardtails, specialised epic and enduro.
Bike Setup:
Single speed, Chris Kings on Mavic 717, Trusty marz MXR's, Raceface turbine crank with evovle xc bb, FSA bars stem, Avid Single Digit 7 brakes, cane creek s8. Sub 25 lbs with hutchy pythons.
Bottom Line:
An awsome frame, makes a wicked single speed. nice angles with an 80mm fork, strong yet light. chain tension and line easy ti dial in. handles bumps and jumps sweet as. really reponsive, can throw it around easily. loves single track. be warned, build it as and ss and you'll be a convert. If youre an all mountain rider who thinks they might like a ss this is the frame for you, as you can run gears if you like.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from OH Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
West Branch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Design, strength, geometry.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Bianchi Tycoon, Trek 6500, 8000
Bike Setup:
02 Psylo Race dual air set at 120mm, Icon Crankset w/ FSA Ti BB, RF Bash Ring, Gusset 1'er, Regline Tugs, Avid 2.0 brakes, Easton EA-70 stem, CT-2 Monkeybar, XTR,King/Mavic D521 w/ Michelin 2.5
Bottom Line:
What everybody says is true. This bike rocks. Drasticly improved my skills. Inspires confidence. Just huck it. Built up as a SS. I bought a med. frame sold it after a year to get a lg. Haven't found one to replace it yet and have regreted it ever since. For my next frame I am going to set it up like this: Black gloss frame, 04 Marzochi Marathon S 120, King headset (black), Easton Carbon Monkeybar, Thomson stem & post (black), Bullseye Crankset w/Shimano Dura-Ace external BB (wow), Bullseye hubs/Mavic D521, Avid SD SL brakes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Haidar Samiei
a Cross Country Rider
from Aberdeen Date Reviewed: August 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Glentress black / Innerleithen black
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
£3000
Strengths:
Everything, absolutelly everything about this bike rocks.
Weaknesses:
After 2 years, many falls, ridiculous wipeouts, it only has 3 scratches and that scares me, I mean surelly it should be broken, or cracked, or something...
Similar Products Used:
Marin bear valley, Specialised rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Chameleon frame, SID world cup front shocks, XTR groupset (V brakes) Mavic SL wheels, Thomson stem and post, Easton carbon bars, selle marco carbon, crank bros triple ti peddles, nokion cabling, hutchison mosquito tyres
Bottom Line:
If you are going to build your own bike, get this frame. Don't even think about it, just do it. My only regret is wasting time thinking about what frame to get. The small rear triangle will transmit every bit of energy and is way stiff, the angled top tube means you can do mad things with the ride geometry- post up, lock out on, climb or race like a lunatic, post down- attack anything that looks at you funny. Oh, and she corners like nothing I have seen before.
I have messed around with the stem length, shoks, components and appreciate that the components seem better suited to a real lightweight frame, (my rig comes in at just over 10kg) but I swear that i have never ridden anything so reassuringly adaptable. My only real fears cycling are about the wheels, shocks and saddle when doing slightly more stupid things, but when the frame is so good, you have got to worry about something, right??
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max
a Cross Country Rider
from Providence, RI via VT Date Reviewed: December 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
arcadia
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$530.00
Purchased At:
Providence Bike rocks
Strengths:
The ultimate bicicleta ever, no joke. SIngle speed epics with drops thrown in for fun, up like a champ, down even better, SINGLE SPEED Destroyer
Weaknesses:
Old disc brake mount sucks, doesn't work for single speed, forces filing of AVid BBDB for geared, they changed it now
Similar Products Used:
jamis dakar comp sucked 95 gt avalanche rocked
Bike Setup:
fox vanilla tompson avid bbdb in the front $100 surly sunn ss wheel, goin' strong crank bros candy
Bottom Line:
this bike makes me happy, make sme happy to ride, happy to talk to, happy to just hang out with you know? It is happy riding with my cross country buddies at high speeds for long times, it is happy riding with my free ride buddies off rocks and ledges, it's happy cruisin' around town jumping off stairs. It was not happy with gears but I've heard they can be. It's red. It wants a disc brake in the back, hence teh thing i got welded on and the part i hope my friend will machine for me. It is fast and agile, like cat, jumps real high. I don't knwo why I'm saying this I've already convinced three of my friends to get one and that's weird, but you shoudl too. ONE GEAR
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Nicholson
a
from Hendersonville, NC USA Date Reviewed: November 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Sycamore Cycles(the best)
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
nothing, that i know of yet
Bike Setup:
MX Comp, LX evrything else, except XT cranks, raceface xy seatposts, about to get a sweet azonic big drop saddle
Bottom Line:
I have not put this bike through much, but so far it is sweet. I ride a lot of street, trails, dirt jumps, and slalom; and this frame has not given me a single problem. I have broke some Manitou SXs into two pieces and the frame has not been bad at all. Even though the frame is light, it is really strong! I f you are looking into buying this frame, GO FOR IT! This bike is made to please just about anyone. XC, street, dirt jumps, slalom, hardtail DH, ro tials; this biek is built for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FastEddy
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingston Ontario Date Reviewed: October 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Collins Bay
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Duke's on Queen
Strengths:
coolness factor
Weaknesses:
Tends to attract attention from undesirables---Bike Thieves
I purchased a trans gold Chameleon from from Dukes and built the bike up with spare parts. Loved it for three weeks then it got stolen. Contacted Dukes and Scott at Santa Cruz regarding a new ride. Both were very helpful in getting me a new bike fast. It's reassuring to know that Santa cruz customer service is all that is reputed to be. Scott informed me about the production process and when the next chameleons would be ready. Initially I ordered a black frame to replace my sweet trans gold due to cost concerns after having to buy a second dream bike in less than a month. Scott talked me into going with the trans gold again and even threw in the paint upgrade for free. Santa Cruz ROCKS!!! They make quality products and their customer service is the best there is in the industry. My second bike had to be built up so Dukes gave me a pseudo R build kit with Duke XC fork. When my frame came in it turned out that they were out of Duke forks so they upgraded me to a psylo sl for a very modest fee of $75. I dealt with Barry at Dukes and when he showed me my new bike and the parts spec it was evident this guy loves bikes and he had taken the time to pick out each part for my new ride. It was hard to tell who was more excited, him or me. The chameleon is a fast handling bike with slack geometry. You almost sit straight up in the rig. Technical sections are handled with ease on this superbly balanced machine. The bike climbs well, especially with the u-turn lock out engaged. For steep climbs it's best to lower the front travel from 120 mm to about 100 mm. This allows for rolling over uphill obstacles while reducing the squishy feeling upfront. On twisty singletrack the chameleon is in a league of it's own. It really carves out the turns and is super stiff. Downhill sections, usually my achilles heel, are a blast on this bike. The slack geometry allows the rider to get way back. Rocks that I usually steer around now provide sweet launching platforms and I have no fear of breaking this bike on harsh landing. In a word, this frame is built to be strong. Unbreakable even with a sledge hammer. The best thing about this bike is how it looks. I find myself staring dreamily at it as it sits in my living room. One look at this bike inspires the rider to do things previously unimaginable. Did I mention the effect it has on chicks. I'm no looker but the ladies now queue up to stroke my mighty beast-the chameleon not my lizard. The bottom line is that this bike is the genuine article. Versatile in any riding conditions. Built by a quality company that knows and loves bikes. If you are in the greater Toronto area check out Duke's on Queen, I recommend them to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Hockenberry
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Golden Gate
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Craigs List
Strengths:
Durability, versatility, chicks dig it
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Treks, Giants, Home Grown(very nice too)
Bike Setup:
Stylo cranks, marz mx comp fork, race face xc stem, bont crow bar, xt/f219 wheelset, avid mechanicals, forte seat, atac pedals, xt derailers.
Bottom Line:
Oh my God I love this bike. My girlfriend is getting jealous and suggested I sleep with it. Its a strong bike that seems to be able to perform exactly as the name suggests...chameleon. I have the 2003.5 and bought it for $400 off Craigslist.org. It was brand new and he through in the fr derailer and seat post...not a bad deal. I've ridden mostly single track in Colorado and it has performed flawlessly on very tough terrain. I just moved to Detroit for school and have been doing drops, stairs and jumps around the city and the chameleon has taken it all. My nephew has a dirt bike track and I have taken it over there and landed gaps. If your like me and like to ride everything this is the only bike to get.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryce
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: August 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anything dirt
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Nielsons
Strengths:
strong as @#$!, FLAWLESS geometry, looks beautiful
i love this bike! i currently ride a used 2000 chameleon...and my next bike will definitley be another chameleon! like the name implies, its great for everything, will do the job well for xc, beefy enough for freeride, is a street MACHINE! and dual slalom too if thats your thing. you shallnt regret this
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach Martin
a
from Langhorne, PA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Neshaminy high school
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Guys Bicycles
Strengths:
Super strong frame, really nice and fast feel to it, cool colors, and the dirt just sheeds right off the paint with you having to work hard. This bike is the Hummer or Tank of biking.
Weaknesses:
There is no such thing as a weekness in this frame.
THIS IS THE BEST BIKE I HAVE EVER RIDDEN IN MY LIFE I WOULD RECAMEND IT ON ANY BODY THAT WANTS THE GET THE MOST FOR THEIR MONEY. ANY BODY THAT WANT A TOUGH FRAME SHOULD DEFFINITLY GIVE THIS ONE A LOOK!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MIKE D.
a Weekend Warrior
from BRUSSELS BELGIUM Date Reviewed: January 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
COTE QUI CRAQUE
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$720.00
Purchased At:
HOT WHEELZ
Strengths:
CLEAN ,STRONG DESIGN ,STIFF AS HELL ,QUITE LIGHT AND VERSATILE.BEST PLAYBIKE EVER IS A REALLY GOOD XC MACHINE TOO!
Weaknesses:
EERMMMM...WHY THE UNDER THE CHAINSTAY DISC CALIPER?NOT A CON BUT CAN'T SEE THE REASON...
Similar Products Used:
KONAS,MAINLY...NOTHING IS REALLY SIMILAR TO THE CHAMELEON I THINK.
Bike Setup:
17" FRAME ,Z1 MCR'01 QR20 ,KING ,DEORE ,XT ,XTR ,AZONIC 50MM STEM ,EASTON CARBON POST ,XT DISCS ,MAVIC ,DMR PEDALS AND SO ON...
Bottom Line:
BEST HARDTAIL I'VE EVER TRIED!GEOMETRY IS JUST FANTASTIC.I GOT MY FIRST CHAMELEON IN '99 AFTER 4 FULL SUSPENDED YEARS AND IT WAS MEGA!I THEN GOT A 2002 FRAME SO I COULD PUT REAR DISCS ON IT.I'VE BEEN DOING EPICS ,STREET ,FREERIDE WITH IT AND IT FELT AT EASE IN EACH APPLICATION.HEEOOOGE FUN GOING DOWN!MY '99 FRAME IS STILL ALIVE AND WELL AND MAKING ANOTHER RIDER VERY VERY HAPPY...THIS IS THE ONLY BIKE EVER I WOULD RECOMMEND TO EVERYBODY CAUSE IT WILL BECOME EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT IT TO BE IF YOU PUT THE RIGHT COMPONENTS ON IT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles
a Cross Country Rider
from Brossard, Canada Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bromont 41
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Lacordée
Strengths:
Indestructable frame! Geometry on this bike is perfect! good frame geometry.Very lightweight, strong frame, lightning fast, and an awesome looking bikeGreat Product! Very responsive and has a great fell. I use it for urban riding and dirt jumping, and it preforms great.Very good price not very expensive for that kind of bike.
Weaknesses:
None yet, I just bought it this summer and its was on sale!
Similar Products Used:
Giant Nrs 2
Bike Setup:
Rock shox sid team carbon, rear derail. shimano xtr and front derail. shimano xtr, hutchinson python and rims mavic x223
Bottom Line:
Very good bike just change te fork and you can go everywhere you want and do whatever you want. Downhill, cross-country or freestyle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jacob
a Cross Country Rider
from flagstaff Date Reviewed: November 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
stong, light, low top tube, great looks, rare, handles better than any bike I have ever ridden, climbs very well, descends well, stiff
Weaknesses:
people think that stiff is bad
Bottom Line:
The best hardtail out there. Santa Cruz is a top notch company and this is a great product. Won a 2002 choice award from us mtbr reviewers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
split
a Downhiller
from brewster mass. Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the streets
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
stiff, tough, short, light, great balance point. this is the toughest best built bike around, if you are thinking of byeing this it is best used in the streets or dirt jumping because of the short frame. buy this bike.
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
specielized p.3 it sucks never even think about buying any thing made buy specielized.
this frame is thee best I bought it used. ever sinse then may ridng has improved amazingly this frame is allso very confedence inspireing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin Canes
a Cross Country Rider
from Essex, England Date Reviewed: November 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hockley woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Grips
Strengths:
can take fat ass abuse, with a bonus of light weight
Weaknesses:
zilch
Similar Products Used:
specialized rockhopper
Bike Setup:
XTR/XT, mavic, Eastern monkey lite, race face, chris king headset, selle italia, X-lite, rock shox
Bottom Line:
i have only owned it for a few months a i love it! i commute on it clocking up around 16 miles a day, along with long epic rides at weekends. it will happily sit on its back wheel for 1/4 of a mile and still get me to work in half an hour. fast, responsive did i say fast? (only 41mph so far)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Weekend Warrior
from england Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
damn strong, light, great for throwing around on trials or jumps!
Weaknesses:
a little short
Similar Products Used:
konas
Bike Setup:
planet-x bmf rims, psylo xc forks, xt chainset, power pro cranks, pig headset
Bottom Line:
this is an awsome bike, brilliant for pumping in and out of dirt jumps, and has it's benifits for trials!! extreamly hard to damage and never fails to satisfy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob
a
from top secret Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Picnic tables
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$520.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
strong as an ox light as a fly straight up freakishly stiff
Weaknesses:
disc brake mount why take an unbelivable frame and screw it up like this botom sided mount atleast its beafy.
Similar Products Used:
1978 chevy truck
Bike Setup:
Z1 FR azonic shiznat with hayes all black
Bottom Line:
Its strong light and stiff puts it best stands up to every kind of riding
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Berkeley, CA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
mail order
Strengths:
Super stiff and strong. You can huck this thing all over the place and it stays solid. I'm a big guy, I do a lot of downhilling and I wanted a hard tail for climbing. I thought I might break it but it's done great.
Weaknesses:
The extra $ for a disc brake adapter is pretty lame. The waranty is less than impressive also.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Nail Trail, Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Marz Z1 MCR, xt/xtr, rhylo lite xl.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a hard tail that can take some abuse then this is your lizard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julian
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, California Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Zig Zag Trail (Mt. Tam)
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Direct from Manufacturer
Strengths:
Perfect geometry. Great climber and decender with very predictable handling and balance. Stiff in all the right areas. Great price.
Weaknesses:
Still searching...
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar LE, Dean Oscar.
Bike Setup:
Sid Race, Full XTR, Easton MonkeyLite Bar and Seatpost.
Bottom Line:
I recieved my Chameleon in December of 1997 as it came off the first production run. I've owned much more expensive frames, but this bike outhandles and fits better than anything else I've ridden - by far. The frame is designed with a lot of standover clearance, hence necessitating the use of a long seatpost. Having a long seatpost extension give a lot of flex in the post which makes for a very comfortable ride in the saddle. When you really hammer it, the stiff rear triangle tranfers every ounce of power to the ground. This bike really screams on the downhills too, offering way more control than you'd expect. This bike has always got healthy reserves to give me whatever I need regardless of the terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nate
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage Alaska Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ROVERS RUN
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Santa Cruz..RTR in Anchorage Built it up
Strengths:
CLimbs Like a Billy goat..Especially when you lock out the fork!! Geometry is great for freeriding as well as xc racing.. Chicks love the Sid blue Color
Weaknesses:
The paint scratches off..
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Medium sid blue.. Z-1 MCR Thomson post and stem.. King headset.. Bombshell Proshift Breaks and levers Titec hellbent bar-Xt deraiulers and bb.. Gripshift something I don't remember Race face turbine lp crank
Bottom Line:
This bike is outta hand.. I have let many buddies ride it and 2 are in the middle of getting theres built up.. Definitely a sweet ride.. The cost of the frame is also swell
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: August 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Normac
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Bike Zone
Strengths:
Indestructable frame! Geometry on this bike is perfect!
Weaknesses:
No disc mount on frame, bracket is custom ordered, improper b.b. length selection can lead to very little clearence between third ring and chain stay. (If the chain gets sucked in, you have to seperate it to get it out!)
Similar Products Used:
Marin Indian fire trail, Devinchi Chili Pepper, a Norco
Bike Setup:
Rock shox SID 80 XC, mavic 317's on xt hubs, full XT drivetrain, except for XTR rear, selle italia saddle, Race face prodigy crank, easton carbon handlebars, pazzazz stem and seatpost, hayes hydraulic brakes(top end), race face headset.
Bottom Line:
My dream bike has arrived! If you like xc but crave more then the chamelian is for you! I can't say enough about this bike, totally custom build. Scuba yellow frame, yellow seat and handle bars. Everything else on this bike is black. What a sweet ride.
I got a medium even though I am 6'2" tall. No complaints.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Forked River, NJ Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Tiger Woods
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
mail order
Strengths:
super stiff, light, great handling, compliant, scary fast
Weaknesses:
no disc mout on the frame
Bike Setup:
full XT build kit,mavic 517's, kore bars, titec stem, salsa post
Bottom Line:
At 24.5 lbs this is by far the best bike i've been on. If you're in the market for a new ride this is the one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gregy Gai
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz Ca 95063 Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
dead campers
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Manufactuer
Strengths:
Great Jumping and all around dual slolom frame . Will hold a tripple clamp any thing and make it look good. Great wellds on frame. STRONG DESCRIBES THIS FRAME.
Weaknesses:
Disc brake adapter. Lame shouldnt cost more.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Deore cranks, avid mech discs, physlo, boxxer, ryno lite xls
Bottom Line:
This bike the best for the money, makes a great bike with any components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Maine Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Fern
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Vernon Cycle
Strengths:
Strong, Stiff, plenty of standover, takes a beatin! Price!
Weaknesses:
No disk mount on frame
Similar Products Used:
Hartails: Specialized, Voodoo, Surly.
Bike Setup:
Vanilla Fox fork 125, Sram 9.0, Mix of good strong stuff.
Bottom Line:
Very Nice!! This bike handles great. Super stiff rear triangle for mashin the uphills. Plenty of room to move around. 5 inch travel fork is great on this frame (Fox rules!) Super strong! I'm sure it will break me before I break it! Solid on the downhill and can take big hits/drops. With plenty of ti seatpost to flex, it is suprisingly smooth at speed. It could use a little more tire clearance in the rear and disk mounts would be nice instead of having to buy an adapter.
I rode it as a single speed for a couple of months with a rigid fork. Not so good. Very twichy and harsh. it needs front suspention.
For the price, you can't beat it! If you want an inexpensive frame that handles almost anything you can toss at it, I highly recomended it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate White
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles,CA ,USA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Will Rogers
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Fron Friend In Bike Industry
Strengths:
Quick handling like you wouldnt believe,descends like a demon,really unbelievable.It is super rigid,no power lost on the climbs,period(if there is,its not the frame!!!),and super strong.I repeat,great climber.
Weaknesses:
Only one complaint for me:I have a Marzocchi X-fly 100 on the front(highly recommended)and when I climb super steep ,I mean vertical!,hills,the front end wanders because of the highish front end(even with flat bars and 0 rise stem),and if I'm not careful,it will even try to pull a wheely.A little disconcerting,but well worth the trade-off in down hill prowess.Like I said an absolute beast downhill.
Similar Products Used:
none really.Last bike was a Superlight(did not like it,but then it was a size too big...hmm),before that,a Voodoo Bantu.The Chameleon blows them both away.Its my dream bike
As far as I'm concerned,it is a beautiful,well made,kind of rare(I've never passed one on the trail)do-it-all that allows me to do things I could never do on any other bike I've been on.Awesome!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtnbikej
a Downhiller
from Tustin, CA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Switchback Cyclery, Orange-CA
Strengths:
Durability Strength Geometry designed for 5" fork Boxed chainstays Standover clearance Versatility Sexy Trans Red paint job
Weaknesses:
Very tight tire clearance 2.4 barely fits Slopping top tube causes lotsa exposed seatpost Rear disc mount location Gotta pay extra for the Disc mount
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar GT Avalanche GT Xizang Azonic DS-1
Bike Setup:
'02 Large TransRed Marzocchi Z1 QR20 w/Blackspire Arch XT drivetrain Hayes Hydro Disc 8"F/6"R Mavic D321 Maxxis 2.7 Mobster Front WTB MutanoRaptor 2.4 Rear Thomson Stem Thomson Seatpost Chris King Headset Selle Italia Max Flite Azonic World Force 2" riser Shimano 646
Bottom Line:
This bike is everything you can ask for in a hardtail. Stiff, but not overly harsh. Very strong. Geometry with a 130mm fork is still XC'ish. Steers quick and is still very stable.
I built this up with burly parts and it still only weighs 31 lbs. I am used to riding a Bullit so was worried about the transition back to a hardtail. Howver it only took a few minutes in the saddle for the bike to shine.
I am 6' and am riding a large. The cockpit is layed out nicely with a 100mm stem.
I ordered the TransRed.....looks much better in person than it does on the SC website. Nice dark and rich.
The only hardtail I have spent any time on in the last 2 years is a Azonic DS-1. There is no comparison. The DS-1 would flex under hard efforts. The Chameleon stays rigid.
There are a few things that I do not like about the frame, but I would not get rid of it for any of these items. First of all, rear tire clearance is minimal. I know what you are saying, it is a XC bike and you don't need larger than 2.3" tires. Wrong....it is designed for XC, DS, dirt jumping. More tire clearance would be nice. Next, the rear disc caliper mounts below the left chainstay....kind of in harms way. However you can remove the rear wheel without having to loosen the caliper(like on the DS-1). Plus you have to pay extra for the disc brake adapter. Everybody else has incorporated IS mounts on the frames, why not on this one. Last, with the severe slopping of the top tube....you end up running a lot of exposed seatpost. My post if 410mm and there is just about 1" over the maximum extension in the frame. Going to the next largest frame would have made the top tube too long. If I was shorter than the seatpost would no be an issue.
All in all, a great bike. Very happy with my choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tayler todd
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
circus
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
steeds
Strengths:
good frame geometry, upgraded gusset and tubing, cool colors, boxed chainstays, cable routing, dropout. Handles very nicely. great fun ride. can be pretty light but why??
Weaknesses:
barely any clearence, no 24inch wheel
Similar Products Used:
other cool hardtails
Bike Setup:
z.1 with envy arch, raceface,xt,doublewide front with gazz. 3.0, radical seat, color white, hayes 8" front xt disc rear 6"
Bottom Line:
handels nicely, doesnt flex, strong. just needs some clearance. cooooooool bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam, Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
Employee Purchase from SC
Strengths:
Of course it's stiff, box stays are really nice, replaceable derailleur hanger (because i think i bent mine already), super strong, really nice looking paint job.
Weaknesses:
can only fit a 2.35 or so tire, i would have made a wider BB shell to allow for wider stays...this is also an issue since my front derailleur is very close to my rear tire when it's in the small chainring. i wouldn't even consider using the disc mount, i've landed on my chainstay when riding urban/trials, the caliper would be long gone.
Similar Products Used:
none really.
Bike Setup:
Marz. Z1FR w/QR20+, D521 rims, Chris King headset, XT rear hub, derailleurs, shifters, cassette, levers, V-brakes, Raceface Next LP cranks, ISIS Raceface Prodigy BB, Raceface DH riser bars, Thompson 90mm stem, Thompson seatpost, Gazz Jr. 2.6 front, Kujo DH 2.35 rear(soon to be Gazz too).
Bottom Line:
a great deal for a great frame. could use some rear geometry readjustment, but it's all pretty minor. a great riding, super versatile bike. the most important part is a Salsa seatpost QR. with this, i can ride urban, trials, drops, and even XC (sorta though, cause my bike is around 30lbs). you really can't go wrong. oh, did i mention that it looks really nice? i can't wait to get a Gazz Jr. on rear, and an Evil Dual Chainguide when they're out!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hot Brain Sandwich
a Racer
from Tarheel Country, NC USA Date Reviewed: February 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Pee Wee's MTB Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Ride-A-Bike Bicycle Shop
Strengths:
Super stiff and versatile. Great single speed or dual slalom geometry. The MacGyver of Mountain Bikes
Weaknesses:
None noted...yet
Similar Products Used:
Surly 1x1
Bike Setup:
Chameleon frame, Chris King single speed hubs w/ Mavic 517's, Psylo Race, Race Face cranks, Spot brand rings and guard, Thomson seatpost and stem, Race Face handlebar, bottom bracket, Hayes hydraulic's.
Bottom Line:
This bike can do it all. You can make it into a geary, or run it clean and simple in single speed format. Great big tubes with beefy welds makes it virtually indestructible, and super stiff. The geometry is comfortable and adjustable with fork. Buy one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Piedmont, SC USA Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Isaqueena
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Sunshine Cycle Shop
Strengths:
Very lightweight, strong frame, lightning fast, and an awesome looking bike
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Haro (aka Tank)
Bike Setup:
Sram 9.0, titec stem and bar,rolf satellite rims,avid levers,lx crank and front derailler
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome lightweight frame for the money. If you are building a custom bike, this is the one!!! This bike is for anyone who rides hard, and wants a lightweight,strong, and lightning fast ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos Merle
a Racer
from Dallas TX USA Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002
After 13 years of riding Hard Tails, This Rig is the one! The tracking is incredible! And at 22 Lbs, and my 190Lbs on top, This Bike can take it, and Take hard!! Texas terrain is very hard, and my Chameleon's Setup seems to eat it up very well. Wheather it's rocky or loose this bike's geometry takes technical riding to a new level. At least for me!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr. Tiles
a Racer
from NC Date Reviewed: January 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Pee Wee's Mtn Bike Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Ride-A-Bike
Strengths:
Super-duper high hand-crafted quality. Sweet bike...
Weaknesses:
There are none.
Similar Products Used:
Cheetah, Azonic, etc...
Bike Setup:
OFS 42:20 with Hussefelt Isis drive cranks, hand built rear wheel with flip flop Surly and Laser Beam rim. Psylo SL...
Bottom Line:
The bike rocks if you like to rip it up on urban assaults or just having fun. I built it to keep from destroying my race built Superlight doing stupid stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from Bethesda Date Reviewed: December 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Capital Cresent
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
BIKE PRO SHOP
Strengths:
Great Product! Very responsive and has a great fell. I use it for urban riding and dirt jumping, and it preforms great. So far, I have been very pleased with this product. Its one of Santa Cruz's best bikes.
Weaknesses:
NONE SO FAR
Similar Products Used:
I have another santa cruz (superlight), and it is also an awesome bike. The Azonic DS series is very similar to the chameleon. I have to say i like the chameleon better. A few of my friends have the Azonic DS-1, and I can say that the chameleon out preforms them eaisly.
$ 1524.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
