Submitted by
bikerider
a Racer
from DC Date Reviewed: September 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
schaeffer farm gathersburg MD
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Some Bum in Capitol
Strengths:
Beautiful welds, bomb proof, sex appeal
Weaknesses:
Corrupt brake pads, bent rotor, worn R rim, seized cables, no R brake pads, skipping gears, rusted chain.
Similar Products Used:
A new chameleon
Bottom Line:
i got a jacked up chameleon from a bum on the street for 80$ with Thompson stem, XTR/xt components, DT wheels, avid F brake. yee haw. if this used to belong to you make a post or something. thanks bums
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stint
a Downhiller
from Brisneyland, AUS Date Reviewed: August 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Seven Mile, Queenstown NZ
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
* Versatility;
* Simplicity;
* Strong, stiff frame;
* Pedals well;
* Geometry is on the money.
Weaknesses:
* Weight;
* Being a hardtail, the rear wheel goes through bearings a lot quicker, but that’s not just a weakness on the Chameleon;
* Not totally sold on the eccentric bottom bracket. As a person who prefers to ride with gears, I find it unnecessary, and the creak that developed in this area drove me nuts! Luckily, I managed to silence this after a few trial and errors;
* Can be harsh on the rough when the rider is not concentrating on being “flowy” on the trail.
Similar Products Used:
Yeti DJ, Norco Rampage, Giant STP, Specialized P2
Bike Setup:
Cherry red 09 Chameleon (medium), ODI Intense Lock On Grips, Sunline VOne 720mm wide bar with 35mm riser, Shimano XT 4 Pot brakes 7” up front – 6” at rear (and yes, the original XT brakes after 8 years), Thomson x4 50mm stem, Fox Van 32, Sun Ringle Equalizer rims 32H, Dice Hubs, XTR shifters, XTR rear derailleur, XT front derailleur, XT cassette (9 speed) 11-34 spread, XTR chain, e13 DRS, Gamut P30 bash guard, 36-26 chainrings, Thomson Elite seatpost, WTB Rocket V saddle with titanium rails, Shimano LX 175mm cranks, Shimano DX flat pedals or Shimano 545, Minion DHF 2.35inch single ply tyres.
Bottom Line:
Do it all bike
When I was looking around for a hardtail, I really wanted a bike that allowed me to cover the largest range of riding possible. Whilst having a freeride bike meant you could cover just about every type of riding (including downhill shuttling and the like), it was just too much of an overkill for much of the trails that I have easy access too. I wanted a bike that I could easily hop onto have have a bit of a razz around, as well as get some good miles in the legs if I really wanted some fitness work. The Chameleon maybe a heavier than a dedicated cross country bike, but I feel that what you lose on weight, you gain on the robustness of the frame, as well as the exquisite geometry that the Chameleon has been recognised for.
Something to sharpen the skills with…
Also, riding a hardtail on singletrack definitely helps sharpen the skills, making you concentrate on being smooth on the bike, and looking for the smoother lines, rather than pummelling through everything. This definitely translates onto the downhill side of riding, where I have found myself being a lot softer on the legs, when landing from jumps, or going through the rough sections. Having said that, the frames robustness also means that I have the confidence to know that I can approach the trails a lot more aggressively, without feeling nervous about the frame failing underneath me.
I have taken this bike with me when going to places where there is some riding to be had. Because of its versatility, it’s a great rig to explore new trails, and ride around on the pavements if city exploration is the order of the day.
Upgrades:
Like someone previously stated, I would love to install something like a Joplin or Gravity Dropper remote actuated seatpost on this bike, as I also find myself constantly adjusting the seat, depending whether I’m climbing a steep pinch, or descending on some singletrack goodness. As for the wheels, because the bike encourages you to pop off features on trails, I would probably look to get a rear hub with a 10mm thru axle. A similar treatment on the front of the bike would also improve the steering qualities of my current rig.
Conclusion:
If I had to be honest, this would be the only bike I would need if I had to only choose one from my stable. It allows for all types of riding, and simply put, is such a lot of fun. I would find it hard to part with this bike, and would probably replace it with a newer version!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
projectsTJ
a Downhiller
from SLC, UT, USA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
ePay
Strengths:
super stiff, short chainstays, slack headtube with 6 inch fork.
Weaknesses:
horizontal dropouts though I use this as an all mountain freeride bike
I bought this frame hoping to build up an all mountain/trails bike that could take drops and still climb well. Well I got more than I hoped from this frame. Its soo tough and handles well at high speeds despite the short chainstays. Also it climbs great. I would suggest a gravity dropper or joplin. I am stopping every twenty minutes to raise and lower the seatpost because this thing is just too fun on the downhills but when the uphills come it can also be fun. I have been on several xc rides since I finished building this bike, but would not hesitate in taking it to the resorts for some lift shuttling dh.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael clark
a Weekend Warrior
from concord, ca Date Reviewed: July 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
rockville park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
sharp bicycles
Strengths:
this frame is just like it's name suggests good at just about everything. it's bombproof, quick handling, good looking, and unlike the blur not everyone has one. also some people find the stickers a weakness i like the option of removing them. p.s. i realize the differance between hardtails and full suspension but seriously everyone has a blur
Weaknesses:
weight may be an issue but if light weight is what your looking for this isn't the frame for you.
Similar Products Used:
nothing really close but i was riding a specialized stumpjumper m2 comp
this bike is awsome set up as a single speed or geared. i rode this bike at downieville and it was a blast. this bike makes you feel like a kid again on you first bike, it gives you the freedom to do whatever you want with a huge smile on your face, and i also will never sell this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lioryi
a Weekend Warrior
from jerusalem Date Reviewed: July 6, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
rochvim,israel
Strengths:
strength, versatility
Weaknesses:
N O N E ! gurnisht ! (ok, not for racers,"too heavy..."
Similar Products Used:
nothing is similar
Bike Setup:
with tallas 32, mavic 819 tubeless and azonic dw bar!
Bottom Line:
i sold about 12 bikes in my life, i don't think i will sell this one ever!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
visitor
a Weekend Warrior
from denmark Date Reviewed: June 17, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
great handling. you will trust the bike when going downwards
Weaknesses:
my 2007 has the santa cruz logos as stickers.. yes they can be bought new when they dont look nice anymore, but it looks kinda cheap, but it isn't..
Similar Products Used:
this is my first really good hardtail. switched from full suspension because i also wanted to ride street
Bike Setup:
marzocchi 55. X9, atomlab rims.
Bottom Line:
great bike. if you consider one. buy it!
if you own one, be sure to join the santa cruz chameleon owners group on facebook.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
singlEspEEd247
a Weekend Warrior
from Know Where, Colorado Date Reviewed: June 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Virgins Epiphany
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
The Denver Spoke
Strengths:
Incredibly responsive/ Very strong/ Reads your body like ESP, Bottle Opener/ Chick Magnet
Weaknesses:
Doesn't massage me after a ride
Similar Products Used:
Various hard tails
Bike Setup:
2009 Chameleon frame--
Surly Instigator Rigid Chrome Fork
Single Speed Set Up
AM Wheel Set
Race Face Cranks
Bottom Line:
BUY THIS HARD TAIL!!!!
--The 2009 is unreal. This is hands down the most responsive and predictable ride I have ever built up. I wanted something simple, so I built this bike up as a single speed with a rigid chrome fork. (yes, I am insane).
TIRES--The bike is built to take fairly large volume tires--2.4 tire on the rear with no clearance probs....and my brother fit Maxxis Hookworms (2.5's) on his urban warrior without issue. GO WITH AT LEAST A 2.1..this bike climbs and claws like a pissed off mountain lion.
Extremely diverse bike--I use mine as a SS MTB on the weekends, and throw my WTB Graffiti SF 2.2's on for riding to work and busting Urban Sessions...Santa Cruz recommends the use of a fork between 100 and 140. Keep in mind that they say you can use up to 160.
Bump Slayer--This may not be a soft tail, but the rear end on this thing is predictable if you get to excited and get caught in a rock garden at speed by accident. (did it yesterday) With the correct tires and pressure, believe it or not, the rear end has a plush feel to it. Throw a gnarly suspension fork on the front and hold on! This bike inspires confidence. I ride with a rigid Chrome fork, so line selection is crucial--no lazy riding when I'm out on mine, and when it comes time to jump on a soft tail I'm riding killer smooth.
Welds--The welds on this bike are beefy yet clean. This bike begs to be pounded on and comes back for more.
Eccentric Bottom Bracket--New on the Chameleon is this crazy adjustable bottom bracket. Sounds complicated? Wrong! This thing is super easy to use and manipulate. And since mine is set up as a single speed I can adjust my chain tension exactly where I want it--goodbye to bulky chain guides!--goodbye to throwing chains like the guy before me talked about. He had an older model without this Trick new bracket.
If you are looking for a bike with Ninja capabilities and diversity, look no further brothers and sisters! This bad boy is the grin factory all the way. I payed 600 just for the frame--WORTH IT. I looked at so many other money saving options and am glad I didn't cut corners--THIS BIKE CAN READ YOUR MIND.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dflkgdladkfj
a Downhiller
from sc, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Z's
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
ABS
Strengths:
EVERYTHING! its a great bike
Weaknesses:
chain falls off sometimes but i could just get a chain guide to solve that problem
Similar Products Used:
blk mrkt riot
Bike Setup:
mountain stock set up
pike u-turn fork-these are great i highly recommend these forks
Bottom Line:
bottom line this is a great bike
it hasn't failed me nce for the two years ive had it and i plane to use it for the next 2 years at least.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kernal Klink
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: February 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Thirroul!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
CBD Bikes Sydney
Strengths:
Very Versatile, STIFF!!, Strong, excellent Geo for hardtail downill/freeride/jumping, fairly unique
This bike shreds.. So awesome. Its a premium product (all be it for a premium price!) With an adjustable fork its capable of anything. I use mine with seat up for commuting, then drop the seat and fork and its a street machine, wind the fork back out and its speedy on the DH trails. The Geo is laid back enough to be comfortable going down but at the same time its upright enough to be nimble. Want a do it all hardtail.. get this bike! remember the satisfaction of quality long outlasts the joy of a bargain!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barnsey
a Weekend Warrior
from uk Date Reviewed: January 24, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
from the states
Strengths:
Very versatile, nice weight, very rigid but just enough flex
Weaknesses:
none so far, apart from the price
Similar Products Used:
scott and a couple of giant full sussers
Bike Setup:
07 marzocchi am 1's, stroker trail v7's, various other bits of previous scott.
Bottom Line:
well this is easily the best hardtail frame i have ridden. So smooth and precise on the downhills, flick the eta on the fork and this thing can actually climb like a much shorter travel bike. The geometry is unbeleviably good, best fun you can have on a hardtail. So happy i forked out the cash for this beast!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
theMayor
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, Va Date Reviewed: January 11, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Custom build
Strengths:
Versatile geo, confidence inspiring and very nimble. Everything works exactly as expected.
Weaknesses:
Raceface cranks have very low clearance with chain stays, ~3mm!. No issues yet though. Black 'powdercoat' is highly venerable to scratches, and chipped around one of the bottle cage bolts. Not nearly as durable as the motorcycle powdercoats I'm familiar with
Similar Products Used:
Currently riding on Revelation U-turn fork, 100-130mm.
Bike Setup:
07 Chameleon, Medium frame, Marzocchi AM2, Raceface deus cranks, seatpost, stem and bars, Deore XT drivetrain/hubs, Hayes 9s, WTB momentum headset and wierwolf DNAs, fizik saddle, Sun rhynolites and Sun ringle flats
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love this bike. It's my do-anything and go-anywhere machine, and although it's a bit hefty at 30lbs, I expect the weight to continue to equate to durability. Horizontal dropouts are ideal for a singlespeed conversion, and post braze-ons for sidepull brakes. Geometry is set for long travel, (Marz AM is 150mm) but still 100mm feels sharp as a tack, without being twitchy. I intend to ride this bike in a variety of conditions, and so far it has not let me down. Highly recommended for an 'ultimate hardtail' ride, that can accept anymost any type setup! From a rigid singlespeed DJ, to a 130mm 27sp XC machine, to a full 160mm travel 9sp setup for HT downhillers and big game huckers, this bike does it all!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benster
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: December 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sycamore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
BikeBling.com
Strengths:
Looks sexy!! Heavy duty frame (for the heavier riders). Perfect XC and All Mountain geometry combination. EBB if I ever decide to try some single speed action.
09 Liquid Blue Chameleon. Complete XT/XTR build with 08 Fox Talas. Easton XC One wheels with Thomson stem/seatpost combo. Juicy 7's. 2.1 Kenda Nevegals. Shimano 540 pedals. Answer Pro Taper Carbon handlebars. Chris King headset. A few anodized blue bits just to finish her off.
Bottom Line:
So far I have absolutely no regrets going from a full suspension back to hardtail. This bike looks fast sitting still and really provides a whole different level of confidence going downhills that I have never felt on a hardtail. At about 27 pounds the bike feels very flickable in the tight corners. I can climb better than I could on my Stumpy and with virtually the same travel (in the front) as my Stumpy had, I feel as confident going down. 2 Thumbs Up! Due to finances, I was seriously on the fence about going back to a hard tail. I could have gone with a used full suspension frame from the online auction site without warranties etc, or go with a new hardtail. My decision to by new and build what is in my opinion the ultimate do it all hardtail is without any regrets and I would recommend this frame to anyone. They call it a Chameleon for a reason!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: November 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anything fun
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Gericks Sports
Strengths:
Great Geometry, eccentric bottom bracket, hyrdo-forming, light weight, looks dope.
Weaknesses:
On the more expensive side of the hardtail spectrum, long wait for the frame, stickered graphics easily damaged.
2008 Chameleon size Med. Fox 36 Float fork, King headset, Thomson stem and post, Holzfeller cranks, Sram drivetrain, single ring up front, Hayes discs.
Bottom Line:
Great bike if you can only own one! I run mine with a 5" Fox 36 Float fork, and it absolutly matches this bike. As a rider who has a history of destroying bikes, I chose a strong one. The tallish stand-over hight can be a little anoying when doing tricks like no-footed cans, ect, but all in all is a great bike. I ride mine for everything: Freeride, trails, dirtjumps, street/park, everything. If you want one hardtail for everything, I strongly suggest looking at the Chameleon!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mcdtown1
a Weekend Warrior
from SE PA Date Reviewed: September 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
dh's, climbing, frame strength, just about everything is positive when it comes to the ride of this frame. Running a uturn rev coil on it and handling is great at all travel lengths.
Weaknesses:
CHECK THE EBB, mine was not greased and the pinch bolt was misthreaded. This bike has spent over a month being fixed because I am not dishing out cash for a whole new EBB which runs around $125.
Similar Products Used:
Have an AM FS and HT SS that is XC geometry
Bike Setup:
SS, REV Uturn, thompson post, WTB PureV, sunline V-one stem, sunline carbon bar, King headset and cogs, Evolve DH cranks, leftover bontrag select wheelset(desperate need of upgrade) BB7 7"
Bottom Line:
Great bike just check the BB assembly, could be shop error or a fluke but either way it has pissed me off not to ride it because when I did it's a joy. This problem knocks off some chilis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Kyriacou
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol, England Date Reviewed: August 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Forest of dean, sculpture trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
mud-dock cycle works
Strengths:
The freme is as strong as you'll ever need
You can build it as heavy or as light as you want
Good range ou colour's and size's
Totaly reliable
Weaknesses:
The track ends take a wile to get used to
There are lighter frames around these days
Similar Products Used:
Two Kona Nu-Nu's, Kinesis Maxlight, Treck 6700,6600
Bike Setup:
Santacruz chamelion lrg Liquid blue. Rock shox Revelation dule air 130mm. Hope: hoops dt swiss ex5.1d, stem 70mm gunsmoke 0 degree rise, grip doctor gunsmoke, Seat post clamp. Easton cnt downhill bars. bontrager lockon grips. Avid Jucy7 team issue brakes 180f 160r. Cain creak head set DMR v8 peddles. Shimano:Deore shifters, Lx f Xt r mec, Hone cranks. E13 DRS chain device. Kenda Navegal 2.1 tyrers. Race face Ride seatpost. WTB sadle.
Bottom Line:
Finaly, baring a few small alterations, this is the final build for this bike. I've bin expepimenting with diferent stems latly and hve fonali found the perfect length and rise.
I quickly realised that this was never going to be an xc race machine, so I've gone for an allmountain build, but I didn't want to be riding a tank so I always had 1 eye on keeping wait down as mutch as my budget would alow.
Alot of the more expencive parts were bartered for or aqired hand me downs or teaidins,. A real adventure. and alot more fun than buying one off the peg.
I havn't had mutch off road time as yet, dew to other tings going on, But I'm taking it to France in October.
If it rides off road like it rides on I'll be having a blast.
I can recomend the Chameleon to any one who breaks xc frames or is sick of karting around 6lb diet jummping or freeride frames.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Lescak
a Cross Country Rider
from Stirling, Scotland Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Too many to choose
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
from a mate frame on
Strengths:
strong frame, horizontal dropouts for sspeed option, versatile
Similar Products Used:
Cove Stiffee
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Psylo's, Mavic 321 discs on xt hubs, high roller back tyre, gravity front
Bottom Line:
This bike can really do it all as some of the other reviews have pointed out, it really loves to rip up singletrack, and loves being airborne, I do have to say though that I did prefer riding the cove stiffee, as for an all day ride I find the Chameleon can get a little sore on the back, whereas my stiffee didn't. Both were an 18" frame, and similar spec. Can't really complain though, it's a really good all round bike. I bought the frame only, so can't really say about overall value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rdeery
a Cross Country Rider
from Logan, Utah Date Reviewed: June 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Whitepine
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
direct
Strengths:
Versatility, geometry and strength are all amazing.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy. My part spec doesn't help with that but it is definitely not the lightest thing out there. Of course its weight is due to its serious strength making it capable of downhill and free-ride action as well.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Hoss
Bike Setup:
Kris King hubs and headset, WTB Laserdisc dh rims, Fox Talas R adjustable 80-120 mm travel fork, XT shifters and d-rails, Race Face carbon riser, Avid Juicy 5's, Thompson stem and seat post
Bottom Line:
I call this baby my down-country bike. I can put in thirty miles XC style or do moderate downhill and free-ride type action and it handles all of it better than I do. A fine bike for those of us relegated to a quiver of one. Some day, oh yes some day, when I can afford multiple bikes this hog will be my single speed slayer. Until then though, it is a fabulous bike to take on an all day single track ride one day, to the dirt jumps the next, and out to the ski hill for bombing downhill the next.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MikeE
a Weekend Warrior
from Derby Date Reviewed: May 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Very well balanced and stable, you can trust it. The Lizard loves tight and twisty singletrack.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Many other bikes, none really similar
Bike Setup:
08 Ano Red Medium, DTHubs with Mavic rims, Revelation 130 Forks, Middleburn cranks, SS running 32:18, Thompson Stem and Post, Nobby Nic tires, BB7s.
Bottom Line:
I'm a general trail/xc rider and I'm really enjoying this bike, it's a blast. I specificaly wanted a single speed frame for a long travel fork, and I'm not disappointed. It's a more forgiving frame than I expected, and long rides so far have been no problem. It's not an out and out racer, but neither am I. Very predicatable, secure and sharp handling. It does seem expensive for a hardtail frame, but it works so well I feel I got good value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kev
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY Date Reviewed: March 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Rockypoint/ Stillwell
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat.com (Frame only)
Strengths:
Bulletproof Strength, Versatility, Comfortable Geometry, Good looks.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't make espresso. I guess there's less expensive hardtails out there.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper, Kona Cowan
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla fork 140mm travel, juicy 7's, x9 gears and derailers, dt swiss wheels. Geared AM, sometimes dirt park hardtail style
Bottom Line:
If you only have a budget for one bike and you do more than just XC or if you realized that you're too old to ride a BMX bike (yes, cruisers included), the chameleon's really the best bet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stardumb
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: February 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The Ord
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Geometry. This thing can corner and it can climb. I'm a stand up climber and it isn't too hard to keep the front up and rear from slipping with this bike on steep ascents. I've taken this thing on great XC rides and some fun singletrack with plenty of flat drops. It fits my riding style plenty.
Weaknesses:
Weight maybe? I haven't checked the actual weight of the frame but even with its weight for the it being used on FR it climbs like a smoothe mountain goat.
Great bike for whatever you want to do. XC? It's here. AM? It's here as well. Jumps? By all means, i've seen plenty of people use it for that type of riding. You can't go wrong with this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jr Catilo
a Cross Country Rider
from Rockville,MD. USA Date Reviewed: January 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Schaeffer`s Farm
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Private
Strengths:
Strong,Light,Stiff,Tough
Weaknesses:
Nothing in mind...
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas RLC,Hayes El camino disc brakes,XTR on board,Mavic wheelset,Bontrager stem & handelbar,Thomson seatpost.
Bottom Line:
This bike is AWESOME,Santa Cruz did a good job.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich Auden
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol Date Reviewed: January 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Leigh Woods singletrack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$840.00
Purchased At:
Mud Dock, Bristol
Strengths:
Strong, stiff, low, does everything (really - everything!) inspiring geometry, not too heavy, looks cool - get a black one.
Weaknesses:
I'm being picky - the horizontal dropouts are kind of interesting to start with, but don't let that put you off as it's quick to get the hang of and the 2008 frame has a different system anyway.
Expensive. But worth it - so worth it. It's about three timesthe price of a dmr sidekick or trailstar, but I reckon it's about three times as good as well.
Similar Products Used:
Commencal combi disc, ancient Kona hahana. I tried a DMR sidekick and a DMR trailstar whilst shopping for this frame.
Bike Setup:
rockshox tora forks 130mm (318), short truvative stem, easton risers, lx cranks, sram x7 drivetrain, sun ds2+xc on a commencal hub on the front, DT Swiss ED 5.10 on a dmr revolver hub on the back, LX discs. Quite a heavy setup, built for trail centers,xc riding but able to take downhill and bmx tracks.
Bottom Line:
Coming from a BMX background, I used to be frustrated whenever I found something to jump off/over/up halfway round a big xc loop. Not any more... this frame has totally changed the way I ride! It's at home anywhere - BMX tracks, all day XC rides, downhill, uphill, manuals and hops on the way to work. The geometry is amazing, the bulid quality is as good as anything I've seen come out of the states, and there's some nice details to cap it all off like the seatstay junction and massive square-section chainstays. The key to it all (I think) is a really slack seat tube angle, which means that the wheelbase is short and your weight is really far off the back, but you still have lots of room up front for climbing. It's not unstable at speed either... somehow all the angles and lengths just work together to produce a frame that does everything without feeling like its compromising anywhere. Technical climbing in the saddle is a bit of a challenge to figure out - as it's quite a short bike and the seat is so far back, you need to be quite delicate balancing the grip and steering. But it's not hard to get the hang of... and if you put a longer stem on it would climb much easier.
I am SO glad i swallowed the cost and bought this frame. i was looking at cheaper dmr's, planet x's and various other do-everything hardtails, but having tried a few bikes this was the only one that really did do everything. It's fun, fast, indestructable, confidence inspiring, versitile and comfortable. I find myself forgetting i even have a bike under me, it's everything I could want in a mountain bike. If i ever break my one I'm getting another without any doubt. If you don't like the idea of full sus or it's too pricey, and you like to ride everything fast and hard without worrying about what your bike is doing, this is for you. Stop thinking about it and buy one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Santa Cruzer
a Cross Country Rider
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: December 23, 2007
I'm a XC rider but since I got my lizard, I'm turning into a maniac. This lizard gives me the confidence from jumps, down hills to unpredictable trails. Most of all she climbs too. Never regret purchasing the frame where I transfered all my XC stuffs. Will add AM components soon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Vail, CO, USA Date Reviewed: November 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Capt Jack's
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
bicycle emporium in auburn, CA
Strengths:
It's a great climber on loose steeps, fun whippy handling on twisty singletrack, nice bmx'y feel overall.
Weaknesses:
Not the best choice if you ride a lot of super-rocky bumpy trails, otherwise fine on most XC type trails.
Similar Products Used:
Marin aluminum hardtail (Pine Mtn???)
Bike Setup:
RockShox Duke fork, Thompson seatpost, short & steep stem.
Bottom Line:
Bought this frame and headed to a trail that had a few climbs I'd always considered "unclimbable," and nailed a few of those climbs the first time out with the Chameleon. If you ride a lot of bmx-ish trails that twist and turn sharply, have a lot of natural berms in them, you'll absolutely love the handling of this frame. My friends routinely drift off of corners that I'm able to hammer through at faster speeds. If you ride a lot of rough fire road style terrain, or really technical trails with large rocks, logs, etc, save up for a full suspension ride. Otherwise, this is a great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex kyriacou
a Cross Country Rider
from bristol england- uk Date Reviewed: November 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
foreat of dean
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
mud-dock cycle worx
Strengths:
Great handling, Looks cool, built like a tank, climbs like a goat.
Weaknesses:
non in the frame, horezontle dropouts take a lile to get used to,
Similar Products Used:
Kona nu-nu with millenieums
Bike Setup:
liqued blue, large,2007 frame (one of the last sold in europe). mavic crossride disk,kenda navigal 2.1" raceface ride bars stem and seatpost, avid jucy3 brakes with 185 rotor, shimano deore cranks and shifters, lx,f-mec xt shadow r-mec, and e13 drs
Bottom Line:
I got this bike about two and a half months ago, when my last bike was stolen, It was strongly recomended to me by Matt Carr at mud-dock in bristol, a shop I have bin going to fo nealy 10 years. I'd riden one before but felt that it was to mutch of a bike for the kind of riding I do, also this was the first time the bike was afordable to me. I chose the basic trail pakage for £1300 witch came with the above spec. I like to have a ridable bike so I can upgrade only the bits I need, fortunatly most of the kit is to my standard, even the basic brakes work realy well, I realy feal the power difference over the 165s on my last bike (a race ready maxlight). the only probolem is the rear hub, I have bent the rear disk twice undere heavy braking, (I'm currently saving the cash to up grade to a bolt through hub)as I can't stop the whele from sliding in the trackrnds. Apart from that all is good. I've wanted a chameleon for 10 years, now I have one I'm not disepointed, this bike is me! it's the way I ride, if I can ride somthing I will. This bike lets you do that, 4x dh, fr, dj even xc race, I intend to do the latter next year. (p.s, don't buy one if you are after a size zero race bike)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Loehr
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh,PA.... USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bavington,Pa
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Scholls Bike Shop- Westview,PA 15229.
Strengths:
It is the do it all bike !. My bike is now a single speed,but wait... its also a 69er !. 29er wheel up front with a Rockshock Reba 100mm travel fork. 26 rear wheel on a surley single speed hub wheel.
Weaknesses:
None that I have noticed !.
Similar Products Used:
My other bike is a multi-geared Gary Fisher 29er Supercaliber.
Bike Setup:
Rockshocks Reba 29er 100mm travel front fork with lockout. Hope brakes, stainless steel front and rear rings. Surley hubs. Raceface carbon seat post. Bontrager flat aluminum handlebars,Bontrager no rise stem. Lock on grips. Kenda Nevegal rear tire and a WTB nano-raptor up front.
Bottom Line:
My first single speed and this bike rocks over any log piles like no other. I suck at climbs with the single speed so I cant be a judge yet ?.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jscrilla
a
from CA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$379.00
Purchased At:
Phat Tire
Strengths:
Fast, light, low center of gravity. A fun BMX bike made sweet love to a XC trail bike and produced this lil' offspring.
Weaknesses:
Went up in price for 08...booooooo.
Similar Products Used:
Soma Groove
Bike Setup:
Fox Float Fork, WTB seat, Mavic Rims, WTB Tires, 22t & 36t Salsa Chain ring with e13 Bashguard and a 9 speed cassette. Mechan. disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
This bike is the end all for me...it climbs like a dream is lighter than a feather and descends like a beast...in fact I wouldnt recommend anybody getting a full suspension bike since this bike exists....you want cush, sit on a pillow...there are very very very few times in Cali that you absolutely need a full suspension frame. Best of all no linkages, bushings, pivot points to replace clean or tighten just hop on an ride. This bike brought back that single speed asthetic to my geared bike. With the Chameleon you are gauranteed not to miss a single day due to pivot/linkage problems that plague even the best Full suspension frames....get one
PS If your 6 feet tall dont be tempted to get the XL get the large it might seem short at first but the top tube is long and perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony Dale
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: September 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Too many to list....
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
The Edge Cycleworks
Strengths:
Jumps, climbs, accelerates, awesome looks, single track dream...all round bike goddess! Very lightweight for a tough hardtail.
Weaknesses:
None really...
Similar Products Used:
2002 Kona Chute, 2006 Cannnondale Chase (awesome jumper, not so good as all round bike), 2003 Azonic DS1, 2005 DMR Trailstar.
Bike Setup:
2007 SC Chameleon (free-ride build)
Bottom Line:
I wanted to change from my Kona Chute to an all round trail/trials/jump/street bike.....I didn't want to get a full sus bike that would make me lazy on the trails. I really liked the snappy light weight manoeuvrability of hardtails. I read many reviews and also rode my friends 2003 SC chameleon, that was it for I was hooked. I didn't think it could be that much better than the Kona Chute, but it was awesome! Much better at everything then the Chute! Simply fun..! Cannot recommend this bike enough, I like it more than my DH bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aman
a Weekend Warrior
from Glousta Date Reviewed: September 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
400 for the frame, includes shipping
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
ebay for frame and parts
Strengths:
Amazing geometry for cornering and agility. Stiff as all heck - great power transfer. Climbs like a dream decends like a wet dream. Burly - this frame can take punishment.
Weaknesses:
I don't often say this - none.
Similar Products Used:
Giant hardtial - model unknwon, GT Avalanche, old Cannondale hardtail, specialized P3, specialized HardRock,Specialized Enduro 06-07(not sure), Santa Cruz Nomad 07, Cannondale Prophet 3, Gary Ficsher Fat Possum, Cannondale Rush 3,a few others - don't remember
Bike Setup:
This is my custom heavy duty general purpose assault bike: Large Chameleon frame in liquid blue, Wheelset - mavic ex 729 - with chris king heavy duty disc Hub rear, Chris king 20mm disc front hub, dh tubes, WTB Decsent 2.5 tires, Avid Code 203 disc brakes front and back, Shimano Saint cranks - 170mm, 38t shimano saint chain ring, e.13 SRS - bash guard, chain tensioner, and guide, 11-34 Sram casset, Sram x9 short cage rear derailer, sram x7 triggr shifters, 50mm stem, chris king headset, DMR cromolly wing bars, DMR trailblade 2 - fully rigid front fork, Gravity dropper turbo - 4 inches(seat post), Saddle WTB Jaxon V
Bottom Line:
This bike is just plain fun to ride, learn and improve skills on, and tempt fate. I use this bike for trails,urban assault, trials training, and bumming around town. It is rock solid and percise. Hands down, if I could have only one bike this would be it. I'm a very athletic 6 foot, 210-220 lbs depending on what I ate that day, and where I'm at in my training schedule. This bike takes all the beatings I put on it. Literally hours of static bunny hops, endos, pedal kicks, endurance riding, trail riding etc. It is always ready to go - never had a problem - never derailed the chain. The brakes stop on a dime. The geometry makes this thing eat corners, The few times I have temporarily lost it on steep corners at speed - it easily- naturally lends itself to correction. - the frame is forgiving. An XC guy would find my bike a little on the heavy side - but anyone who has picked it up is amazed by its lightness for what it is. The geometry is very comfortable for xc riding, tricks, and riding around standing. I built this bike just the way I wanted, I spent time researching parts and pre spec the bike. For me it is the best fit I have ever riden. Only short comings - they have more to do with my build then the frame - I'd like to have a couple more gears on both sides of the spectrum, The fully rigid DMR fork + the cromoly handle bars can beat the crap out of your arms and shoulders on very bumpy down hills at speed. Those were trade offs though. Less gears - more reliable and tighter chain. Super rigid front - better for trials and tricks. Over all the chameleon is great - the best frame I've riden to date. There maybe better niche bikes but for all around use this frame may be equaled but not beat. The gravity dropper Turbo kicks ass! I have long legs which means my seat post is usually very high when xc riding or endurance riding - nice to drop the seat 4 inches when going down hill or hopping on the fly, Lets me get my but out over the rear tire and back again without any gymnastics. I use a quick release seat clamp with the gravity dropper this even further extends the versatility. I can raise the saddle for the trek to the riding spot then drop the seat all the way to practice tricks. From the lowered position i can pop up the gravity dropper turbo for rest periods. Although not optimal for leg stroke still alot better then the seat totally dropped. Bottom line - a versitle and beefy frame that handles like a dream - this bike is more fun then any other in my arsenal. This review may sound to good to be true but once you spend some time on the bike you will see what I mean - by time I mean I few weeks of daily riding on the bike in different terrain - so you get to know it, I'm not talking about a 20 minute demo - alot of bikes are great on a 20 minute demo around the LBS. This frame Rocks! 5 steamy doggie piles for this frame!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Horgan
a Weekend Warrior
from London, England Date Reviewed: September 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Trickle Falls NZ/Glentress Scotland
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Ssockwave, Nottingham, England
Strengths:
Where do i start??? Quick, controllable steering. Light front end to get over granny ring obstacles without getting too much lift. As the name suggests, will be a ity bity purring kitty when off to get a pint of milk for a pre-ride caffeiene-fest then turns into a spitting, hissing physcho when any rocks, trees, drop offs, jumps etc dare get in it's way and try and slow it down. soaks up everything the off-road world has to offer and leaves you laughing your bits off and wondering 'how the **** did i get away with that one?!?!'. A great forgiving ride for start-out novices and tattoed jump jockeys alike.
Weaknesses:
Rear horizontal drop-out can be a pain. some brakes(Hope DH4, 160mm rotor)won't allow you ro pull the wheel out horizontally without unbolting caliper first.Rear skewer needs to be super-tight to avoid tyre rubbing chainstays when skewer slips under hard power strokes or big hits.(tho i solved that issue with mine by making a simple aluminium bracket). As with all Santa Cruz, the low bottom bracket, great low c-of-g and cornering, needs a bit of caution when pedalling through rock gardens/ruts.
Similar Products Used:
Cove Stiffee
Bike Setup:
Fox 2004 Vanilla 125RL. Hope XC hubs, Mavic X717 rims, Hope Mono m4 front with 180mm floating disc. Hope mono mini rear with 140mm floating disc.Easton Monkeylight Carbon bars, Titec carbon post, Raceface forged cranks with titanium bottom bracket, 20t and 38t front rings, DIY 5speed cassette, 24lb all up weight but chunky enough to attack jumptastic singletrack in French Alps. Mostly Shimano XT drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
Posted a review in april 2005 after a year of ownership and things just get better and better!!!
As we say in the UK .... 'The Mutt's Nuts!!'
It's soooo versatile and forgiving. One day i can be blitzing my XC mates on 5000ft high lung bursting climbs (Nepal), the next, (err...after a tyre change, a 10,000mile flight and after doning body armor and full faced lid)hassling my DH mates on their Santa Cruz VP3, Yeti 575 and Cannondale Jeckl in the French Alps. I know these guys have all the gear but they certainly have a damn good idea as well.
My chameleon is medium sized and is idea for my 5ft 8inch 137lb bod as is the fox Vanillas with no pre-load, the lighest spring fitted and rebound damping set to the middle click.
I ride most weekends and in the summer get a few cheeky after work blasts midweek and probably clock up a couple of thousand miles a year off road. So in three years that's about 6ooomiles. During that whole time i've had a Santa Cruz Heckler as well. Of those 6,000miles i reckon about...umm...err...5,700miles have been done on the... Chameleon! and the other 300miles were because i was waiting for service items for it so i had to use the Heckler. i love the chameleon sooo much, it really improves your skills level. As a comparison of it's many talents, last year i rode the 'South Downs Way' in a day. This is a 100mile XC route with 10,000feet of ascent in total. 15hours in the saddle and 7,500 calories burnt. Later in the year,With exactly the same set up, i cleared a 5 metre jump.... that's 16foot, in old fashioned money, in scotland. Of course this was a big mistake....flew aroung a blind corner to find big jump ahead, no time to stop so popped it off the lip and hoped for best.......luckily got enough height and distance to clear.... a real white knuckle ride!
So, don't delay...buy one today!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bambam
a
from Colorado Springs, CO USA Date Reviewed: August 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Not telling...
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Stiff, strong, light and fast. Long-travel fork geometry. Short Chainstays.
Weaknesses:
Nothing comes to mind.
Similar Products Used:
I've ridden one since 1999, along w/downhill, DJ, freeride, and road bikes.
Bike Setup:
Truvativ cranks, stem and bars. Thompson post. WTB/DT hubs on Mavic tubeless hoops. Rock Shox Pike Air U-Turn. Code Disc Brakes. Mavic 2.1 High-Rollers. 32x18 gear combination... singles rule!
Bottom Line:
If you scroll down a ways, you'll find a review I wrote some years ago about a Chameleon. It was red and it was fast. That bike ended up as a dirt jumper, which I sold to buy something else.
Four years later, I got my little red frame back and built it up as an XC singlespeed. The bike still rocked, even though it was missing more paint that it was when I sold it.
I just picked up an 07 Chameleon and I am still impressed - it climbs, it descends, it goes over, around, and through everything. As built up, it's a total joy to ride. Great value, great bike... all around fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Oregon Date Reviewed: July 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The chameleon is strong, stiff, and is a blast to ride from day one. It is also incredibly versatile hence the name.
Weaknesses:
Horizontal drop outs don't lend to easily to disc brake use while single-speeding, however, it is possible.
Bike Setup:
Currently single-speed rigid. pace rc-31, hope pro II laced to wtb laserdisc, the usual.
Bottom Line:
I got the chameleon to be a do-all bike for me. half freeride and half XC, it weighed in at 34lbs and was huckable (20 ft tabletops) and trail ridable with a little effort. Alas, i parted it out for another build, and it sat for a while. now a 22lb rigid single-speed, it is still a kick in the pants. this is a great frame for you if you are not sure what kind of riding is your favorite. i have used it for medium freeriding, DJ/street, heavy trail riding, and light XC. the chameleon does well in every category, but it is best in its current incarnation. It is just plain fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dale
a Cross Country Rider
from San Clemente Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Rancho San Clemente trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Store
Strengths:
Tough as nails. Light. Responsive.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
All XT components, Rock Sock Revolution fork, Thompson Post and head set, Chris King, Avid Juciy 7s, Carbon Riser Monkey Bars, Mavic SL wheels w/ WTB UST Weirwolf tires.
Bottom Line:
Sweet bike. Super fast. I use it for XC riding mostly. Climbs great, desends better. Very agile and great in corners. This is a really great frame for any type of ridiing. I was not sure if I would like it for XC but it is really holding it's own. Mid 25lbs range w/ Hutchinson UST Pythons, I added some weight to it with the WTB UST Weirwolf tires, but these tire are much better for what I ride than the Pythons. All in all, a really great bike to go really fast with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Cox
a Cross Country Rider
from Newark, DE, USA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Skills Trail, White Clay Creek S.P.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Very short and stout chainstays. Very laterally stiff. Relatively light weight. Options for running gears or singlespeed.
Weaknesses:
Fixed rear disk brake mounts.
Similar Products Used:
Misfit Psycles & Bianchi singlespeeds
Bike Setup:
Singlespeed!!! Rigid Misfit aluminum fork, Race Face Evolve XC cranks & X-Type BB, Avid Juicy 5 disk brakes, White Industries Freewheel, Race Face bars, stem and seat post, Dirt Rag saddle, Paul hubs, beefy WTB rims, Panaracer Fire XC pro rubber.
Bottom Line:
After I snapped the downtube of my last singlespeed frame, I went looking for a new SS frame that was reasonably priced and solidly built. I settled on a Chameleon frame, and I couldn't be happier. As a rigid XC singlespeed, my Chameleon provides a great platform to hammer on, as well as to play on my local stunt trail. I was prepared to have some trouble getting proper alignment of the fixed rear disk brake with the sliding dropouts, but everything went together easily running 34x18. A word of caution though - sliding the rear wheel all the way forward WILL cause the tire will run smack into the chainstay yoke. Also, I'm 5'11" and wisely chose the medium sized Chameleon. The big boxy chainstays do get very close to the cranks, but I haven't had any trouble running my feet into them. Lastly, be careful the first time you pull up hard on the bars. With such a short rear end, the bike likes to wheelie - that's a very good thing once you retrain yourself not to pull up too hard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jack speil
a Downhiller
from china Date Reviewed: June 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
barnsly
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
zim bike
Strengths:
very strong but very light and can be used for croscountry chalanges and also good for mug ranps
Weaknesses:
nothing realy
Similar Products Used:
................
Bike Setup:
.............
Bottom Line:
if you are looking for a bike made for anything get this one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
K K
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
one that wont hurt too much if I crash
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
private
Strengths:
HI I had a question about what bike to buy a brodie holeshot or santacruz chameleon?
i do city/jumps/very tame freeride, trails rocks logs, all mountain, single track etc and XC (i know i need an entirely different bike)
i am worried i will buy a bike that is too heavy and "too much bike" for me as i am a 5'4 140lb girl so i am not as strong/tall as guys so its harder to find fit, reach, light enuff bike. i dont do huge crazy things id only do 5 - 6 ft drops etc max so i dont need to pack around all the weight and my physical size/strength limits me to what bike to get. i wanteed feedback anyone have any ideas for me?
thank you for your time you can email me direct crisisofconscience3@yahoo.ca
Weaknesses:
me
Similar Products Used:
brodie rocket/climbmax
Bike Setup:
2006 brodie holeshot b team, with snowflakes on the frame! chris king headset, funn serial grippa stem, XT shifters/derailure, howitzer BB, chainguide outboard bearings, DMR chromo h bar, , hayes 9 hydro disc 6 inch rotors, marozocchi DJ1 airspring fork 6inchs, 26, 24 sun rims doublewide, thompson elite seatpost, WTB lazer saddle, Trvative holzfeller cranks, shimano deore R hub, Formula oversized F hub, kenda 2.5 tires
Bottom Line:
It looks like a really sweet ride so i can buy this or the santa cruz chameleon. with what u are reading what do you think would be more suitable for me and fit me better? or should i look at another bike entirely?
feedback is much appreciated! I dont know!
thank u for ur time
Kira K
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WorldBTom
a Racer
from NorCal Date Reviewed: May 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs, Soquel, Joaquin Miller
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$440.00
Purchased At:
Solano Ave Cycles in Albany, CA
Strengths:
Reasonable price, solid paint job (army green), very stiff frame, corners well, and fantastic in tight-twitchy singletrack
Weaknesses:
I am 6'2" and I bought the XL frame and it still feels too small. To compensate I put a 120 mm stem on it to stretch out the top tube "length".
Similar Products Used:
Marin Pine Mtn, Schwinn Factory Homegrown, Sycip Unleaded
Bike Setup:
SS, Chris King hubs, Marzocchi Marathon fork, Avid discs and wide (26") flat bar
Bottom Line:
I broke my old single speed (the '98 Pine Mtn finally broke at the chainstay) from excessive pedaling and wanted to get something stiffer and more "jumpy". While I expected the Chameleon to be more of BMX type bike like my old Homegrown, it actually feels like a true XC racing bike. Maybe it is the long stem I put it, who knows? In any case I am very happy with how responsive it is in tight singletrack. No need to steer, just push your pedal down in the turn and it rails for you. I had my first rooty, rocky ride last weekend and my ability to quickly dolphin through the gnarly stuff was surprising. It can be a little twitchy on fast, fire trail decents, but that is what the brakes are for. Good job Santa Cruz, I am a happy customer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Griffin
a Downhiller
from Mill Valley, CA Date Reviewed: May 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Rollercoaster
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$313.00
Purchased At:
Santa Cruz EP Program
Strengths:
Low BB, great seat angle, sweet super-strong headtube gusset, and moderately-short chainstays make the Chameleon a great all-around bike. As always, the colors offered by Santa Cruz are awesome, and there are no paint flaws.
Weaknesses:
The headangle makes it so that my medium doesn't make a good dirtjumper/street rider *and* trailbike, because over the front of the bike on singletrack, it steers too quickly, and tends to screw up my flow on slower turns. Slacken the angle 1 or 2 degrees and then you're speakin' my language.
Similar Products Used:
Azonic DS-1, Azonic Steelhead, Kona Roast, Black Market Riot, Cannondale Chase.
Bike Setup:
Medium midnight blue frame, 4X WC, profile cranks, dura ace der, ck/dt wheels, ck headset, hayes and hope brakes, wtb exiwolf 2.3s, kona flatties, azonic bar/stem, slr saddle, ritchey post.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that the Chameleon lives up to its name. Adaptable geometry and frame features make this bike the swiss army knife of anyone's quiver. It's surely a dream bike for any street/freeride/dirtjump/dh/xc/all mountain rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rodney Crowe
a Racer
from TX Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Versatility, durability, handling, and finish
Weaknesses:
None, maybe slotted disc dropouts to make it easier for SS.
Similar Products Used:
On-one inbred, Surly 1*1 both colors, Titus Riddley
Bike Setup:
Right now it is a SS>Surly hubs, Truvativ stylo, Avid ultimate brakes, black ops levers, easton ea-70 stem seatpost, easton carbon bar, ritchey foam grips, cane creek solos gooold head set, continental speed kings, Rockshox Sid.
Bottom Line:
This is one of the best frames I have bought over the years. Right now it is built up as a SS I race occasionaly. Yet I have had it built up with XTR for a XC bike. Also a Sram X-9 Freeride hardtail with a bomber (5) up front and weirwolfs. The bike gets up hill like a scalded monkey, corners like it is on rails and really doesn't beat me up like you would think a heavy duty aluminum would. Thumbs up across the board. I keep the other parts around for when I feel the need to do something else. Which it seems to do everything very well. I would recommend it to anyone. If you are looking for that do it-all frame to race, jump, or just have fun on, I believe this one is one of the great choices out there!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from ontario Date Reviewed: April 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
great versatile frame. solid build. stiff bottom bracket. good geometry for long travel fork
Weaknesses:
not the greatest paint or welds
Similar Products Used:
dean ti. trek. specialized stumpy
Bike Setup:
thomson post and stem, fox talas rlc, race face next lp crank, surly chainring, spot bashguard, azonic a-frames. xtr v-brakes and levers, wtb laser v saddle, ruffian grips, race face next, low rise bars' paul word hub with whiteindustries freewheel, king front hub and mavic rims, kenda blue groove tires
Bottom Line:
a great versatile bike, stiff and great tracking frame. i built it up as a singlespeed but it is easily converted to a 9 or 27 speed. it is one bike that can do it all. singlspeed, xc race, freeride hucker, dirtjumper. it is only limited by your build. big props to santa cruz for designing a bike that can do it all with minimal tweaking. if you can only have one bike this could be it. it has a solid tubeset and great geometry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary, NC Date Reviewed: December 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
My yard
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Spin Cycle
Strengths:
Stiff, responsive and versatile frame. Great handling with the ability to carry my 6'2 200lb's confidentily.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Giant STP (2007)w/upgrades.
Bike Setup:
R/FR package=XT rear/Hussefelt crank/Race Face Diabolus stem and bars/Mavic 325 w/WTB Hubs+Rock Shox Pike 454
Bottom Line:
Pricey, but solid and confidence inspiring. Trails, stairs, drops, ladders, jumping the Chameleon is there. The Pike 454 air is super responsive and still plush, easily adjusted to different riding conditions which the Chameleon is great for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Amishscum
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacto Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Salmon Falls
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Mad Cat Cycles
Strengths:
Absorbtion, response, lightweight, fast, tuff!
Weaknesses:
Nada.
Similar Products Used:
Ambrosia
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Team Pike forks, Raceface Turbine LP crankset, Easton MonkeyLite carbon bars, XT/XTR shifters/derailers.
Bottom Line:
I'm 5'7, 155lbs, and I'm an intermediate XC rider. This is the most killer bike I've ever owned! I took it to Downieville and it ate up the bumps no problem. I got mine set up as a superlight XC bike, but the great thing about the Chameleon is the versatility. I like knowing that this bike can do it all and that I can take it anywhere, something that can't be said for all hardtails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: October 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
human zoom bikes
Strengths:
Light weight and strong
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
x-9,race face cranks,thomson stem and seat post,BB7's, rock shox revelation 100-130 u-turn,crossland wheels
Bottom Line:
This is the bike you need!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
will
a Racer
from burlingame Date Reviewed: September 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
waterdog, skeggs,
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Purchased At:
Summit Bicycles
Strengths:
light (4.64lbs for lrg frame and 24.5 altogether), stiffn strong, climbs like a goat, tubing detail, rear triangle is gnarley, cheap, quick, handling, can use up to 160mm travel fork.
Weaknesses:
hmmm... Made in Taiwan (really, who cares)
Similar Products Used:
ellsworth specialist, trek liquid 25
Bike Setup:
black frame, red chris king hubs, full xo, red nokon cables, black avid juicy's 07, thomson elite post, wtb rocket v saddle red, easton ec70's, dt swiss 4.1d rims, xt crank, bontrager race X lite stem, crank bro candy ti pedals black/red, 07 32 Talas RLC, and a red king headset.
Bottom Line:
The bike is awesome. My rides consist of a 10mi road ride to get the trails, gnarley single track, and then i go hit up some jumps later. I can do that all on one frame, and it weighs 25 lbs w/ pedals! Santa Cruz is one of the coolest companies out there. Full suspensoins are for weenies who can't take a little impact. Hardtails are the best: lighter, smoother, manuals better, and less to go wrong. Santa Cruz are fricken awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LSDancer
a Racer
from Lodz Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCa Date Reviewed: July 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
5 Deer
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Helen's-Santa Monica
Strengths:
Durable yet lightweight. frame is bomb proof. 5-6 inch front fork is no problem.
Weaknesses:
I can't think of any.
Similar Products Used:
I been riding for years. Currently own a '04 5 Spot and a On-One single speed.
Bike Setup:
Fox Float 130RCL, 717 Mavic rims, Shimano XT, Easton seat post and bars.
Bottom Line:
This frame is awesome. I am a clydsdale type rider and weight around 215-225lbs. It is built up light and has held up well over the past last year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: May 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Given
Strengths:
Awesome handling, stiffness, indestructability.
Weaknesses:
Hmmm...maybe the fact that I start to rub with a Factory DH 2.3 in the rear triangle.
Similar Products Used:
S-Works
Bike Setup:
Psylo XC, Sun Mammoth DH rims...
Bottom Line:
I was given this bike by my brother so I could have a bike for college...never knew what I was getting. I love this thing. It is versatile for virtually any type of riding, from jumping off picnic tables to riding up technical terrain to flying down technical terrain. Mine is built up rather tough, and I've beat the living crap out of it, and it seems like I still just woke it up from a nap.
Buy this bike if you like to have fun, play around, and are prone to breaking things.
Don't if all you want is to do XC
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikudze
a
from UK Date Reviewed: May 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
this bike will take you everywhere and anywhere wicked all round bike.. that is if you get desent quality one.. :(
BTW it's lite! In one of the reviews there was a guy complaining about the weight of this bike - F. U. if you want to go XC get yourself a XC bike..
Weaknesses:
...yes that is truth, hell knows where they make them now, but quality check is pretty low.. well at least I haven't heard of anyone snapping the frame..
Bike Setup:
PIKE, MAVIC 721, E13, SRAMx-9,TRUVATIV..
Bottom Line:
Jonn a Downhiller from Revere, MA got this one like nail on the head.. In this year that I'm using it, I'm in process of getting second replacement frame!!! first one with no apperant reason was clicking in the wishbone area and this one is even worse head tube is welded on nearly 40 degrees off how it should be + it is larger diameter, that the headset sits on the paint, facing tool just goes in without tuching the walls...
...despite all the bad things that is happening to my bike I love it - I love how it rides and I'm looking forward of getting a new one of these again (warranty replacement of course!:)
3 chilis on overall of what it used to be and what it could be again, while keeping in mind what it is now..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: May 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Frame, handling, strong, stiff, perfect on handling corners, going off drop offs, good for really ALL MOUNTAIN not what some brand call their bikes all mountain but isn't really as this bike can take XC, dirtjump, freeride, trials, maybe not downhill.
Weaknesses:
None really, its is little heavy with the 6066, I have no problem with it being Made in Taiwan but some people care and I have no clue why. Paint job is not as good as my Klein Attitude Race.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Attitude, GT tempest and zaskar, Trek 4900
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanllia RL 125, Chris King front and rear ISO with Mavic 517/519, Hope M4 & Avid Juicy 7, Thomsons, Easton CT2 Handlebar, XT complete, RaceFace crankset with Real and BlackS rings, Nokian NBX 2.3
Bottom Line:
I love this frame with the setup and how the bike handles. If you want a super good handling frame, this is it. I haven't tried any hardtail as good as this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Foehr
a Downhiller
from Salt Lake City, UT, United Staes Date Reviewed: May 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
uh....
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$514.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Strong, Stiff
Weaknesses:
Heavy, Horizontal dropouts, be careful if you are running and MRP chainguide, it will only fit the mini-me and a 34 tooth chainring.
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
Large frame, FSA Pig DH, Holzfeller stem and bars, Sherman flick, SRAM drivetrain, MRP Chainguide, EX721 rims to onyx hubs (build by Go-ride)Maxxis high roller 2.35 rear, michelin 2.5 front.
Bottom Line:
I bought this frame last year and built it up over the last few months, I have only been on a handful of rides but my other bikes will be seeing alot less attention. The bike, is responsive, wickedly stiff, the short chainstays allow you to lift the front end easily, the bike tracks like its on rails, when it does loose traction it's momentary and then your right back in it. In the air it is balanced and solid. The negative, weight, yeah it's heavy, but it's a trade off, this is my full time trailbike, the weight could have been cut down if I didn't use tubeless but with the horizontal dropout i didn't like my other options. Five chilis for value the chameleon is now 749.00 if you get it polished like mine is, 4 chilis for the overall, because of the dropouts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Phillipsburg, NJ, United States Date Reviewed: May 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Washing Machine Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
Saucon Valley Bikes
Strengths:
Everything about this frame is a strength. The headtube has plenty of gussets for a 6 inch travel fork. The boxed chainstays and horizontal dropouts keep the back end stiff and solid. And the geometry is perfect for building the ultimate trail bike.
Weaknesses:
Weak - Lacking firmness of character or strength of will. This does not describe this frame.
Similar Products Used:
Lots of other bikes... none of which compare.
Bike Setup:
Manitou break out, truvativ crank with e13 guide, rhyno lite xl's, hayes, and various azonic/irc/fsa parts
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this frame deserves its name. It can truely morph into whatever type of bike you want it to. It can be built strong and dropped off the roof of your house or a solid trail rider or a dirt jumper... there is no end. Although, I'm not sure i would build it up for XC. It would be like driving a tank to drop the kids off at school, its just unecessary. I built this frameup to be a fun backwoods playbike and it delievers. The short stays make manuals across bridges easy and the slack headtube makes steep chutes feel easy. The bike is easy to ride and is confident in the air. With a shoter fork the handling would be even more snappy. If you are looking to use some of those dusty parts laying in your basement or you are looking to build your first custom rig (or your second or third...), this is an awesome frame to do it with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
will small
a Racer
from london Date Reviewed: March 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
ridgeway
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
santa cruz
Strengths:
everything, great control, fast and very very versatile
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
chase 1 kona cowan
Bike Setup:
satna cruz chameleon frame in black, avid juicy 7, x.0 9spd /diabolus 22.32 drivetrain, fox van 36 rc2, mavic deemax ust wheel set, holzfeller stem, chris king steelset headset, raceface evolve FR bb, truvativ 710mm carbon riser bar and DMR tension seeker mk 2.
Bottom Line:
this is a mint frame and with my setup its amazing!!! although it is expensive i saved for 1 year and sold my chase and cowan to fund it and hell has it been worth it!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan C
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, Ca Date Reviewed: March 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Long Meadow Wilder Ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
built up. private seller. mtbreview.com
Strengths:
stellar geometry, beefy chainstays, solid rear, versatility, light-but-just-right front end, begs to be punished
Weaknesses:
are you kidding me? weakness not in the vocabulary of the chameleon
Similar Products Used:
what's the use?
Bike Setup:
black 04' santa cruz chameleon, polished, set up as singlespeed, black khs kinesis rigid fork, blackspire badger DH cranks, shadow interlock chain, The pig dh pro headset, evolve dh stem and bars, WTB velociraptor 2.1, Alex Adventurer wheelset 32 spoke lace
Bottom Line:
best hard tail bike on the market and has been for years. climbs with efficiency and ease...hums and slices steep technical downhill. carves the hairiest singletrack. this frame absorbs all the punishment you can throw it's way.
Oh, and by the way:
one god, one country, one gear. real men ride singlespeeds. ride singlespeed...or go home.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonathan
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego, ca, usa Date Reviewed: February 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$459.00
Purchased At:
frame at speedgoat.com
Strengths:
incredibly strong, reasonably light weight, versatile(you can make it a xc bike of a dj bike, or even a hardtail fr bike), craftmanship is great(even though it's not completely made in usa any more), great price, and the paint still looks good on mine after a year of constant riding, I LOVE THIS BIKE!!!
Weaknesses:
there is only one weakness this bike has;1-the horizontal dropouts kinda get on my nerves because i run a 9 speed set up, but i wouldn't change them and lose the single speed option either.
Similar Products Used:
giant, gary fisher, kona, santa cruz bullit and heckler and blur lt( i am a santa cruz lover)
Bike Setup:
z-1 fr fork, chris king headset, race face evolve dh stem and bar, xt pods, hayes 9 hd 8" hydros front and rear, sun singletrack's, truvativ husselfelt cranks with bashguard, truvativ gigapipe bb, xt front and rear mech's, titec knock seatpost(highly recommend-comes with a three yr no questions asked warranty), wtb speed v race saddle, and a number of maxxis tires depending on what i am doing or where i am riding( larsen tt 2.35's, or high roller 2.35's, or mobster 2.5's), not a fan of skinny tires.
Bottom Line:
real quick, the guy scott o. is wrong about the tire fitting unless he is on an older frame, so if you buy at least '04 or newer you have nothing to worry about, i can even run a 2.7 on the fork and safely run a mobster 2.5 in the rear with plenty of clearance. THIS IS THE FRAME TO BUY IF YOU ARE ON THE FENCE FOR A NEW HARDTAIL, IT CAN DO IT ALL, IT HANDLES GREAT(REGARDLESS OF FORK HEIGHT) AND CAN TAKE ALL THE PUNISHMENT YOU WANT TO THROW AT IT. i can't say enough about it, except try one for yourself!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris o.
a Weekend Warrior
from Amsterdam, the Netherlands Date Reviewed: February 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
Versatile. Agile. Controlable. Fast. Reliable. It makes you (feel like) a better, in any case a faster and bolder driver. And off course it looks great. Especially when it overtakes full-suspension bike twice as expensive. Which it will do on allmost any terrain. For me it was and is the perfect bike to learn what mountain biking is all about. In mountainous terrain but also on the board walks and stairs of the Low Lands.
Weaknesses:
Stifness of rear fork/chainstays is ridiculous. Steering agile, almost nervous.Tires wider than 2.1", maybe up to 2,3" inches won't fit in the rear chainstays. And on this bike, you need all the extra comfort you can get... Fitting fatter tires at lower pressure would be nice. All this resulting in little comfort when riding for more than two hours (xc/marathon).
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
XC trim: Magura Rond Fork (80mm), Magura HS33 rim brakes. Mavic wheels.
Bottom Line:
Great versatile bike. Street, XC, Trail, anything goes.
But... the downside to this is the fact that the bike offers too little confort on long rides: the steering is incredibly light and agile, but if you just want to go straight ahead this can get very tiring. And because of the absurd stifness of the rear end, you have to get off the saddle all the time. Because of this I am considering shifting to a full suspension bike (like the Rocky Mountain Element). But I would never let the go of the Chameleon, just because it's so much fun and riding it is moutnain biking in it's purest form.
So it has to be a perfect rating. You can't have it all, and I knew of the limitations when I got it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kei Green
a Downhiller
from England Date Reviewed: January 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Speedway, Diamondback
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
From a Friend
Strengths:
Super Rigid, inspires you to ride beyond your abilities and it let you know when you are at them!
Weaknesses:
None.........just they are impossible to keep clean!
Similar Products Used:
Planet X Jackflash Kona Shred Kona Cindercone Specialized Supercross
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Chameleon (Med), Manitou Stance Flow, DMR Revolver hubs laced to Mavic EX729 CD rims, Kooka cranks, Gusset Tribal chainring, DMR V8's, XT 8 speed shifter, DMR speedguide, X-lite assasin bars, Atom Lab I-beam stem
Bottom Line:
If you want a frame for allround versitility then this is definately the one to go for! The chameleon is designed to take maximum punishment and just keeps coming back for more! There isn't another frame out there that is designed to do everything this well!! It's just unfair on all the others.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nicholas johnson
a Racer
from tiburon Date Reviewed: December 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Zig zag
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Cycloworck beter yet cyclowjerks Never go there
Strengths:
Fastgreat truner fun versila strong fun DJ and soo much more it never braks and races like nothing. they are so much fun. good for Dj Race MX DS Even Dh somewhat not Mammoth. fun streat bike holds up welll
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
Pike fork Sramed out Juciy brakes wtb Hund me up so Daulduty FR wheels and Estan Bars and steam. Wierwolf in front and nano In back Faster than life in the city. all one the blue 2005 camelom
Bottom Line:
Is is the best bike I have ever onwd and rides like no other buy one and be amazed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pepi
a Cross Country Rider
from San Geronimo Date Reviewed: December 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Pine Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
Great geometry, tough as hell, can be used for many aplications.
Weaknesses:
I received my first Chameleon from Santa Cruz and the chainstays were welded unevenly. Check your frame before you build it up. I sent mine back and they had a new one for me in less than a week.
I wanted a hardtail to do long, hardcore XC rides. This bike is great the way I set it up. With the Talas set at 90mm and the seat post up high it screams uphill. When I'm ready to go down I open up the fork, drop the seat, air down the tires and this thing rips downhill. They no longer build these in the US and it can show if you don't take the time to check the frame. Just make sure it's welded correctly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jumpdaddy
a Downhiller
from San Difego, CA Date Reviewed: November 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
cheap
Strengths:
Basic layout, works best as 1-speed. Steers great w/ 5" forks. VERY durable, at least for me. Easy setup, no surprises... Great street bike, I've had lots.
Weaknesses:
I've heard of them breaking, though neither of mine did. Look how many you see in magazines... no jackals.
5" spv sherman, 8" st. brakes, cassette drive 1 speed hub, st. cranks, street all the way.
Bottom Line:
compares well to anything, builds up whatever way you like. cheap enough, great reputation. nice and light too...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Loehr
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh,PA ~USA Date Reviewed: October 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bavington / Hillman State Park ,PA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Scholls, West View PA
Strengths:
Very Stiff rigid frame ( I LIKE IT ! )!. Very light frame and a great climber !. It goes over logs, Down stairs, across rocks alot better than my Trek Liquid 30. I am in love with this bike and plan on gettng a medium frame Chameleon for my son who is needing a real bike !. I cant say enough about this bike !. ITS A KEEPER.
Weaknesses:
Rear wheel comes loose since frame is so stiff unless tightened alot.......ALOT !. Not a real weakness,just a bike quirk !.
I would buy another just to make a single speed !. I am buying a medium for my sons,first real higher end mountain bike !. It ROCKS !.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonas
a Racer
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: September 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Follow me Lörrach
Strengths:
lightweight nice design good geometry extremely versatile
Weaknesses:
horizontal dropouts are not cool if you'r using a rear mech disc mounts are fix so maybe you get in problem when using it as a singlespeed frame had to wait half a year until my frame arrived at my dealer
Similar Products Used:
Intense Tazer HT Purepower Pedal Power Orange MsIsle
Bike Setup:
Manitou Minute 3, Hope Mono Mini, Chris King hubs and headset, DT X4.1 rims, Thomson stem and seatpost, Flite TT, Easton Monkey Light DH, Middleburn cranks, Ultegra mech and cassette, XTR shifter, selfmade carbon chainguide.
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing bike. I use it as a 4X/DS bike, but I could also use it for general riding or even xc racing. It is light (frame under 2kg), nice and has an excellent handling, perfect mix between agil and fast. Very affordable too, nice colours.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
E !
a Cross Country Rider
from Vegas Date Reviewed: September 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
bootleg canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
cambria bike
Strengths:
Geometry,beefy head tube and drop-outs.Very stiff
Weaknesses:
A lil heavy. Not such a good climber as compared to XXC bike.
Similar Products Used:
All types of hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Light weight all- mountain. Xt drivetrain,thompson and race face components.
Bottom Line:
This is my all around bike. Handles very well. The bike is not such a great climber and i only use a 4" fork. It rails through the fast stuff and tackles really techy ST well. It is a bit harsh on the bum compared to my rockhopper aluminum HT. I think if you want to go big on some jumps and even urban this will be a good choice. I use it mostly in Rocky/technical coditions and it hasn't let me down yet. Except for the uphills as mentioned before.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a
from Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Smart Cycles in Norwalk
Strengths:
very adaptable geometry: is can dirt jump, racing slalom, 4x, and cross country. really thick clearcoat gives the paint a good look especially with the trans blue paint, can fit any fork up to 153mm
Weaknesses:
i don't care, but some people don't like the fact that it is assembled in taiwan, the quality hasn't suffered at all but know that it isn't US made
Similar Products Used:
diamondback topanga comp disc
Bike Setup:
Trans blue, fox vanilla 125, sram x-7 level drivetrain with LX crankset, avid 7 mech. disc brakes, alex rims and LX hubs
Bottom Line:
if you want a hard tail this is the best one you can buy, you are a chump if you don't buy this bike. if you want a hardtail that can do it all this is the bike for you , if you don't buy it i will fight you
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john horgan
a Weekend Warrior
from london,England Date Reviewed: April 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Trickle Falls NZ/Nant YrArian Wales
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Sshockwave, Nottingham
Strengths:
AWESOME!!! V quick steering yet controllable, the bike seems to know what i'm thinking. Light front end to get over obstacles yet stays on ground in granny gear climbs. Top kit for all day lazy sunny XC or blasting it on brain out downhills.
Weaknesses:
2004 Chameleon+Hope DH4=Pants!! Please please please ditch the horiz dropout: Have to take the rear caliper off every time i take the wheel out as it fouls the disc.So that's every time i get in/out of car, change a tube/tyre etc etc. Usually resulting any spacing washers ending up lost in the gravel. Also if you don't do the skewer up gut bustingly tight the axle can slip when pedalling hard or on rufty tufty landings. Bottom bracket is pretty low compared to a Cove Stiffee, bit of a pain clattering your pedals on rocks etc. Front top tube Cable/hose guides a bit close to the gussetting at the headstock causing hydraulic hose to rub.
Similar Products Used:
Cove Stiffee
Bike Setup:
Fox 2004 125RL(Woo hoo!). Hope hubbed, Mavic 317 rimmed wheels(Woo Hoo!).Hope DH4 brakes (D'oh!).Race Face chainset (D'oh!). Mongraloid mix of other bits 'n bobs (Woo Hoo!)
Bottom Line:
Pleased as pie with this one.... so long as i don't have to take the back wheel out! Need a bit more care in rocky terrain to avoid whacking pedals. This set up allows ya to be a pain in the butt to all your buddies with full suss who should be able to roast ya. I'm thinking of adding a whicker basket to my other bike, a Santa Cruz Heckler, so i can do the groceries on it, cause when the Chameleon's on form it won't get a look in!
Great bike for any level of ability, even people newish to the sport wanting a forgiving bike that'll still have loads of scope for improvement, i.e. if you're too good for it you should be looking for a works ride in the world champs!
Cove Stiffee may be worth considering for an extra 100 sovs if the above weaknesses are likely leave you foaming at the mouth in a straight jacket.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seth Doull
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Date Reviewed: April 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Whistler, Bellingham, Epic Rides
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Phat Cycles
Strengths:
Stiff. No Flex. Solid. Excellent Geometry. Grey powdercoat hides scratches and looks awesome. Incognito.
Weaknesses:
None. Sometimes the rear skewer shifts in the horizontal dropout. The skewer nut needs to be just about an 1/8" larger in diameter to seat in the dropout perfectly and not move.
130mm Z-1. Hope DIscs (8" front and 6" rear). King Hubs, Mavic XM819 UST Rims. 2.5" Front WTB and 2.3" Rear tires. Race Face cranks with bashguard. XT Thumbshifters. Etc. Light and strong.
Bottom Line:
This bike climbs like a champ and descends as fast as you are comfortable taking it. I love technical trails, log rides, stunts and high skinnys. This bike goes where you want, it is incredibly stable. My confidence level is through the roof. I am able to ride things that had been difficult in the past with relative ease. I am able to see new lines on old trails cause of the stability and confidence this bike provides. I have begun hitting some of the larger doubles that are popping up around the hills without hesitation. I have ridden hard, both competively and soully, for about 10 years now. This bike kicks ass, takes names and enjoys doing it. Don't hesitate. Buy it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonathan
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego, ca, usa Date Reviewed: February 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all of 'em
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$459.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
bombproof frame, gussets galore, super beefy chainstays, extremely versatile design, amazing craftsmanship, great welds, beautiful powdercoat black finish.
Weaknesses:
none so far.
Similar Products Used:
giant, gary fisher, kona, still own a bullit.
Bike Setup:
z-1 fr fork, chris king headset, race face bar stem and seatpost, husselfelt cranks, gigapipe bottom bracket, xt shifters, xt front and rear 'railers, hayes 8 in hydros, single track rims, panaracer 2.5's.
Bottom Line:
great all around bike, you can jump it, freeride it, long ride it, it is just fun to ride. handling is awesome, geometry is great. frame is literally bombproof. looking for an all around bike, get a chameleon( hardtails force you to ride smoother anyway ) you won't be dissappointed. plus the black looks so sweet that it's a shame to get it dirty, but that's what they make bike wash for. good luck hope this helps somebody. keep ridin'
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Missouri Date Reviewed: February 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
nothin
Bike Setup:
mavic 721, drop off 2, diablous. single speed.
Bottom Line:
i was just riding my bike today and i was thinking how much i love it. this is the coolest bike ever. i can do whatever i want. this bike is great for crusing around campus and just as good on the trails. If you're looking for a hardtail this is it. strong and light. I'm 6'4" 250lbs. I don't do any crazy, but i'm not easy on the bike. i ride down stairs all the time. sets of 5 and six i always try to jump and always land wrong (721 are insane). anyway.... i could talk about this bike forever. if you want a racer, build it light. if you want a bike that will last forever, build it not so light. this bike rocks bottom line.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Schroen
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: February 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Moab- Porcupince Rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25000.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Sports Shop, Austin TX
Strengths:
Well, many strengths indeed. Great Geometry-it cant get any better for me. BEEFY-definetly a damn beefy bike, great for jumping, trails and trials. The high travel capability. And i just love it...
The Chameleon rocks the trails, rocks the street, rocks the downhill, it rocks. The geometry is perfect for me, it fits my tall ass well, and it will ride over anything that's put in front of it. I would highly say you must test ride this, and even better, go buy one! Whether you jump, jib, DH, XC, or want to ride over thoses damn hummers, do it...do it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
STEVE
a
from OREGON Date Reviewed: January 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Stiff. Adjustable.
Weaknesses:
None that I have found.
Similar Products Used:
I have had many different bikes, both hardtails and squishies.
Bike Setup:
Sherman, singletracks, Chris King, minis, Thomson setback post
Bottom Line:
This bike is great. I have had many bikes, but none as good as this. This bike will do anything I have the balls to try.I have other bikes that are good for certain things, but when I get on my Chameleon it feels like home. This bike fits me perfectly. This is my third Chameleon. I loved the first ones, but I wanted disc tabs. I was worried that the new version would not be as good. The welds are not as smooth, but the bike rides great. I would recommend this bike to any one who wants a do anything hardtail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JC
a
from Bristow, VA, USA Date Reviewed: December 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
geometry, strength to weight ratio, price, versatility
Weaknesses:
powdercoat paint not the greatest, if you care (I don't), not made in USA
Bike Setup:
shimano triple drivetrain, thomson, chris king, fox vanilla, (awesome) speed dream wheels
Bottom Line:
i debated over a LONG time whether to go hardtail or full suspension, years actually. i was looking for a "do it all" ride that would be light and fun, while being beefy enough to accomodate my faults as a rider (ie numerous wrecks). my chameleon is set up as a true "all-mountain", 5 in fork, beefy cranks, light weight drivetrain, light/strong wheels. so far, the frame has held up great with the pricy parts spec. i love this bike for technical singletrack, urban-type riding, and even going to the store for milk. i would 100% agree with other reviewers as far as the versitility and fun factor goes. normally i can't stand "do-everything" products 'cuz they usually do NOTHING correctly. the chameleon REALLY is a great all around ride...
i have a large (18") frame, and at 6ft, 215, I couldn't see going smaller. it really fits wells and except that I am going to have to adjust my riding style to the light (squirrely?) front end, the geometry is excellent.
i knew that whatever i bought would have been from Santa Cruz because I really think they are the best value out there. i got the frame direct from them, and i have to say, their service was great, too. support this company!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from bristol Date Reviewed: December 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
chamonix
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2799.00
Purchased At:
bikedock + chainreactioncycles
Strengths:
Super Strong, Super rigid, Looks Sweet
Weaknesses:
Chain line not perfect but who gives a f***
Similar Products Used:
Specialised p1
Bike Setup:
Fox forx, Saint, xt, Easton, Mavic
Bottom Line:
This buike is the dogs bollocks i love it for all types of riding, i go x-country freeride jumping etc. It withstands the abuse i give it very well. the only noticable niggle is the chain line because it isn't the best availble but that doesn't matter if u run singlespeed or front mech but because i have a single ring ont he front it isnt the best. I hope that a chain guide will sort this properally but until then it is definitly worth every penny
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott beck
a
from durango co usa Date Reviewed: November 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
a steep one
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
The geometry on the bike is unbeatable, it fits a 2.3-2.4, plus it’s relatively light considering what it is.
Weaknesses:
BB had overspray on it.
Similar Products Used:
rocky mountain flow, surly instagator and a stable of XC hardtails
Bike Setup:
Z1, xt fr/rr w/suntour shifters, avid discs, bontrager cranks stem and bar
Bottom Line:
Get this bike if you just want to go out and ride. I went through four bikes in a matter of months before I got this bike and I haven’t considered getting anything else since. I had a Surly Instigator which rocked on the DJ’s and DH but sucked to pedal up the mountain and I also had a Cannondale F900 which flew up the hills but took the fun of going DH so I sold them both and built a Chameleon.
This bike is super fun, works well wear ever you are
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guy Shuman
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago IL USA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any I can get to.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
1200/ Evanston Illinois
Strengths:
I love this bike, I found it built up as a single speed. I was looking for one at the time and this one was hanging in the shop front window. Love at first sight.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
No other single speeds, my suspension bike is a Tomac 78 special, Love that one as well
Bike Setup:
Duke XC (the white looks great with the white frame). Ritchey bars stem and post, Avid disc brakes and levers, Tru Vativ cranks, Surly hubs with black DT spokes on Sun Rhyno lite rims. Flite Titanium saddle.
Bottom Line:
Nice frame, handles well and is predictable. tracks straight and hops nicely. I foresee many a happy year on this one. If you can find a USA built frame buy it. I love this thing. Lots of fun for the racer and the everyday rider. I still like full suspension for most of the tougher stuff but this is good for a lot of it and for a city bike you can't beat it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a
from Brighton Date Reviewed: August 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Marin trail at Betws-y-Coed
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Stif
Strengths:
Good looking, excellent handling, strong and still relatively light weight frame. Versatile - build it up how you like. Price in pounds.
Weaknesses:
3 month wait to get frame.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Roast. Cove Stiffee.
Bike Setup:
Large Black Chameleon frame, Mavic F519s, MX Coil ETA Bombers, Avid Arch Rivals, SDG Bel Air, Thomson post, World Force stem and risers, Race Face crankset, XT gears/shifters and Enduro Pro Tires. Weighs 28 lbs.
Bottom Line:
I wanted a do-anything hardtail to replace my Kona Roast. Final decision was between the Cove Stiffee and the SC Chameleon. I preferred the looks of the Chameleon and have not been disapointed with the performance: light enough for epic South Downs rides but at the same time strong enough to with-stand some abuse. Large Frame fits me perfectly (6ft tall) and the geometry feels well sorted. The black frame with black finishing kit looks cool. Rear end is rock solid and inspires downhill confidence and handles very well through technical and swoopy Welsh singletrack. Only minor niggle is that during steep climbs the front end is a bit light and tends to lift; however, the light front is easy to get used to (a longer stem should help)and benefits the feel of the frame outside of steep climbing situations. So if you want a tough, versatile, hardtail which is great fun to ride: get a Chameleon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
grant lacey
a Cross Country Rider
from san aaselmo, ca, usa Date Reviewed: August 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
summit bikes
Strengths:
beeeeefffy. no doubt this thing will take anything you give it. stiff as a monkey, which is good for getting up and pumping up a hill or sprinting. price is fairly reasonable. paint job is awsome.got is to 27 lbs so i will be able race in the norcal high school race curciut along with some agressive xc riding like i usually do. im 5'9 and i got a large. it fits me perfectly for xc riding.
Weaknesses:
chainstays are maybe to beefy for my liking but they are still P.I.M.P.! scared i will scratch the paint. nothing seriuosly wrong. it is a tight bike.
Similar Products Used:
giant xtc 1
Bike Setup:
marzocchi 5" mx pro w/ eta, mavic crossland wheelset, thomson post, tites stem and bars, race face cranks and rings, fsa bb, magura louise brakes, wtb tires and seat, xt/ xtr drive train, shimano pedals.
Bottom Line:
awsome bike for a young guy looking for a really good, fun fast, ride. you cant take it to the max like so nice sized drops and not have to worry about breaking anythin, and still be able to xc race with just a little weight gain on the bike. get this bike!! you'll get beat up before it does- its a tank, yet a light tank. peace happy trails
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle A
a
from Idledale, CO USA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
white ranch
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Denver Spoke
Strengths:
Very Solid frame, frame price is pretty good for a Santa Cruz. black paint is mint. the bike rides great - just point and shoot. wheelies are a cinch. fatty tyres are a must on a hardtail and fit fine.
Weaknesses:
rear dropouts are a bit wierd and taking the wheel off is awkward, your forget about it after five seconds though. dropouts are real wide, my cranks JUST clear (remember that itll all flex a bit when cranking on them) overall the bike is bomber and could run over a hummer.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Caldera, FSR, a horse, moped...
Bike Setup:
5" Bomber w/ travel adjust, sram x7 twist, big fatty 2.5 tires are a MUST. im 6'1" fame is a Large.
Bottom Line:
love the bike. i just grab it and go. the only time i wish i had a dual boinger is when the going gets fast and chattery, this applies to every hardtail, not just mine. 5inch front fork is PLENTY. frame design is solid and you big hosses shant need worry about breaking it.
great XC play bike. loves mud. this is not a race bike, so dont put a sid on it. youll never break it. get one if you want a hardtail to thrash on or want a dualie freeride but cant muster the cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justin van aken
a Cross Country Rider
from richmond Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
all are nice
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
agile, beautiful bike, very easy to ride.
Weaknesses:
none, I dont know what the guy below really bought. My finish was flawless, welds, perfect and pit free. But the taiwan deal never sat well with me either.
Similar Products Used:
Trek,and an '03 Litespeed, motobecane. I still own all these, some people have a garage with cars, mine are bikes
Bike Setup:
full xtr, carbon bars and seatpost, wtb saddle, crossmax wheels and tubeless tires
Bottom Line:
You put the right set up for what you want to do on this bike and it rivals most hardtails out there. Nice smooth bike, feels like moves with you like a good dance partner.44444
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Inglis
a
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: July 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Burro/Hazard/Porcupine-Moab
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Murfreesboro Outdoor - TN
Strengths:
Versatile-It is capable of riding everything with a few tweaks in setup. Super stiff and beefy
Weaknesses:
Santa Cruz forgot a couple of items with the SS setup. The bike didn't come with chain tensioners (you know the BMX ones that stop your wheel form sliding forward when you crank). They also forgot to put adjustment in the rear disc mount. When you take the slack out of your chain by shifting the rear wheel back and forth you are limited by the rear disc caliper which should be allowed to move with the wheel. Finally to make this a true chameleon, they should have made allowances for a 24" rear wheel. The beefy chain stays allow you to run up to probably a 2.5" 26" tire, but they neck down in the area that a 24" wheel would sit giving you no freedom.
Similar Products Used:
A bunch of XC frames
Bike Setup:
sun rhino lite rims, 125 fox, xt hydraulics, Gusset - 1'er SS Conversion (easy interchangeable way to run a single speed on you 9 speed hub)
Bottom Line:
This frame is as bombproof as aluminum can get, and the fact that you can buy it by seperately for cheap is great. I agree with all of the other rave reviews on this list, I just wanted to point out a few of the shotcomings so you know what your getting. Hopefully, santacruz will update the frame for '05 and make it a true single speed.
By the way I am 5'11" and ride the Med frame. To get the full versatility of the bike I couldn't imagine anyone under 6'3" needing a large.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Deery
a Cross Country Rider
from Petoskey, MI, USA Date Reviewed: July 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
North Country Trail in Michigan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
A place you shouldn't order from
Strengths:
I never realized what a difference a well-built bike can make until I started riding this bad boy. If your a hard-tail enthusiast but still like it rough this is a great frame. PS- the root beer color is pimp city.
Weaknesses:
Same complaints as everyone else, took forever to get the damn thing once I ordered it and the horizontal drop-outs have caused me to lose a wheel once or twice on the trail when the quick release gets bumped
Bike Setup:
Customized
Bottom Line:
Well worth every penny. I will be riding this frame through a few years worth of components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roberto
a
from U.S. Date Reviewed: July 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
You just get on it and ride.
Weaknesses:
I work at a shop where we deal with Santa Cruz often and they'll do anything for you... it just might take a few months. I'd swear those guys are stoned 24/7.
Similar Products Used:
Other hardtails and my Blur
Bike Setup:
4-5" travel fork, 8 speeds (total)
Bottom Line:
Steve (in a previous review) made a good point. Just remember being a kid, getting on your bike, riding the crap out of it and having a blast. Doesn't matter what kind of components it has. That's the Chameleon. Just go ride. Urban ride, 5" travel, lowered seat, flat pedals, fun as hell. X-country ride, 4" travel, carbon seatpost (to cushion my delicate ass), clipless pedals, fun as hell. I rode it to the store the other day, fun as hell. I played around for half an hour hopping up and down a curb. Honestly, I might sell my Blur.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: June 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sierra Singletracks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$525.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great geometry, rock solid construction, very pretty in the polished finish
Weaknesses:
Horizontal dropouts have a bit of learning curve when it comes to fixing flats on the trail, but it's all groovy now.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Bullit
Bike Setup:
Custom Build: Marzocchi Z1 Freeride, King Headset, RaceFace Turbine LP Cranks, XT/XTR Derailleurs and Hubs, Hayes Mechanicals, Sun Mammoth rims, etc...
Bottom Line:
This frame is everything I've always wanted. I went away from full suspension due to initial cost, maintenance and durability, though my old Bullit was flawless. I wanted something that was a "jack of all trades" and I guess Santa Cruz aptly named this particular bike. It does everything I want with no complaints, and that's a concern for a 225-pound clydesdale like myself. I can climb with it, I can jump it, do the cross-country singletrack, and a little freeriding insanity when my insurance plan is in full coverage mode. I can also tow my son in his trailer on the odd bike path. I flat love this thing and it's gotten me out of my 6-year cycling hiatus...Halleljuah!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Razor S
a Weekend Warrior
from Jaks, Indonesia Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
everywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
PG Bike
Strengths:
Got red color frame, very satisfied so far with the performance of this bike. Very strong frame, I used this bike for xc or even extreme DH. It climbs like a crazy goat. very stiff and the geometry is perfect.
Weaknesses:
None so far...
Similar Products Used:
Marin, Kona ???
Bike Setup:
Talas RL, Thompson stem and seatpost, King, Full XT 04, Easton EA 50 handlebar, Selle SPX (not good), Mavic 221 and IRC Notos (Great tire for semi wet condition)
Bottom Line:
Very satisfied with this bike. Looking forward to try other product of Santa Cruz (Blur or Superlight). very nice for climbing. I have been trying to abuse this bike on DH, so far, after falling several time, the frame still stay solid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Adams
a Weekend Warrior
from London, England Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Bad shop with bad service
Strengths:
Great frame - relatively light, extremely stiff and great looking. Takes a while to get used to - but once you do you'll love it. Gives you confidence to do things you never would have before - go faster, drop from higher, just feels so solid and stable.
Weaknesses:
Horizontal drop outs are a pain for taking the wheel out and mean you have to crank the quick release harder than you would ever do normally.
Similar Products Used:
Cove Stiffee
Bike Setup:
Sherman Firefly SPVs, King headset, Race Face Turbines plus Diablos stem, Hope Minis, Sun Singletracks, Easton carbon risers and carbon seatpost, all XT otherwise...
Bottom Line:
Great bike - makes every ride a great ride. Inspires co nfidence - your body will feel the pain way before the bike gives up !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
w. p.
a Cross Country Rider
from North Carolina Date Reviewed: March 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
ebay store
Strengths:
stiffness, durability, can handle longer forks, gussets look good, increased seat tube size, integrated disc mounts, versitility -- santa cruz makes great frames
Weaknesses:
this frame is really quite stiff and will show the weakness of lesser parts. santa cruz makes great stuff, but their warrenty program is a little different. . ?
Similar Products Used:
cannondale hartail, santa cruz heckler
Bike Setup:
fairly tough -- z1dropoff, rf cranks and bb (isis), shimano 9speed stuff, azonic bar/seat, thomson post, lockons, wtb tires
Bottom Line:
great stinkin' frame. with my bike set up it does not balk at any drops, jumps, or climbs. this is not the lightest racer hardtail, but the bike can be set up with heaver parts and still stay in the weight range of some dualies with more fragile stuff. the head and seat tubes are beefy, the square chainstays and wishbone seatstays are extremely stiff (for better or worse). the more i ride this bike the more i love this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
JT's Holden Hill
Strengths:
strong, light, beautiful handling and looks. SC quality.
Weaknesses:
horizontal drop outs make it a bit fiddly to remove rear wheel to fix flats. expensive in Australia but worth it overall.
Similar Products Used:
Avanti Manic. other SC bikes, hecklers, superlight and bullit.
Bike Setup:
large black frame with Fox Vanilla 125 RL, thomson, hope, hayes, XT, SDG etc.
Bottom Line:
It always there ready to go and have fun, be it scooting to work thru the park or long weekend trail rides. First thought i would use this bike as a fun ride and back up for when my main ride is not going, suprised me and i now ride this bike more than the others. Love it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Marina, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Ft Ord trail 22
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Family Cycle Santa Cruz
Strengths:
Strong, stiff frame, handles large tires. Climbs like a goat, easy to jump
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
chris king headset and hubs, mavic 721 disc, avid mechanical, shimano xt, Marzochii Z1 Freeride fork, Thompson seatpost,
Bottom Line:
Typical Santa Cruz quality, the 04 frame is stronger because of gussets and weighs same as 03. No disc adapteer needed. I weigh 240 and this bike can handle everything I throw at it. Can be a single speed very easily. Buy if you punish your equipment. Or if you don't have the money to buy a litespeed or seven
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a
from Boise, ID Date Reviewed: March 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Dirt only!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
ABS - Santa Cruz, Ca
Strengths:
Light, considering how strong it is. Geometry. Fun, quick and nimble. A blast to jump. Unbelievable on the single track. It’s a Santa Cruz. Disc ready (about time S.C). The Price, there's NO way you can beat the quality for this price.
Weaknesses:
…this is being really picky. Chain stays are so fat that if I’m not clipped in, the heel of my shoe clips them once in a while. Hardly ever ride without clipless though.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing else compares
Bike Setup:
CK H&H, Thompson P&S, Nokia (sweet tires), XT/XTR. RS Psylo (a must have for this bike).
Bottom Line:
I have an ’02 Heckler that I love (Great bike), but something always makes me grab the Chameleon when I'm heading out. It’s just a fun light bike. When I’m shooting down the single track, I’m always on the lookout for things and ways to jump. I also think this thing could throw me off and continue down the single track by itself, it’s a very point and go bike. If you’re used to a FS bike, you’ll notice the difference. It’s a hard tail, no way around it (although my Nokians do help a lot). But, remember when you were eight or nine yrs old. You never thought about things like, my chain stay might break if I jump this or I wish my bike felt different or I wish I had some special part to make my bike better. You just road your bike and had fun. THAT is what this frame feels like. You don’t think about anything, you don’t worry about anything; you just ride and have fun. Having an adjustable fork though will transform the bike instantly from a goat to a wild boar.
Have fun and never stop riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Broyer
a Cross Country Rider
from Apex, NC Date Reviewed: February 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Laurel Mt, Pisgah
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$459.00
Purchased At:
Wheel Power, Exeter NH
Strengths:
The whole frame is strong, that's what drew me too it. I'm a clydesdale. Beefy chain stays.
Weaknesses:
Not sure if this is a weakness or not, but I had the rear wheel slip out of the horizontal dropout after crashing on a log stack. Too early to really form an opinion yet...
Bike Setup:
120mm RS Pyslo Race, XTR Cranks, Chris King HS and Hubs..
Bottom Line:
BEEFY. I'm not afraid to jump or huck this bike. It is stong and stiff. Chameleon is a good name for it. I plan on changing to a on the fly travel adjustable fork. I figure I got two bikes in one. Quick stem change and run the fork long and I got a decent hooligan bike. Throw a longer stem on and shorten the fork and I have a good XC bike for the mountains. But actually, it climbs pretty well with the short stem and long travel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan K
a
from Emmaus, PA, USA Date Reviewed: February 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
ones covered in dirt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Saucon Valley Bikes
Strengths:
Strong. Everything is strong. New gussets ont he headtube, a real disk brake mount for the rear (no more bolt-on) Horizontal dropouts so I can switch between geared and SS.
Weaknesses:
Stickers not clear coated..I hit my ankle on the seat/chain stays sometimes because of their size, but I can run 2.4 tires with plenty of mud clearance...gotta be trade-offs
Similar Products Used:
Kona's, Trek's, and my race bike Yeti ASR
Bike Setup:
Common stuff-FSA Pig Headset, Manitou Black 80/100 fork, Truvativ cranks w/bashguard, Tompson post, Easton bars/stem, WTB seat, Avid discs, Sun Singletrack rims, 2.4 motoraptors....
Gear stuff is lx/xt Singlespeed stuff is Paul components...depends on the day what is on the bike...
Bottom Line:
This bike rails through turns, flies over jumps and drops, is stiff as hell, and is a blast to ride. I never worry about what is going on under me and just ride, weather with gears or not. The choices this bike offers makes it like owning multiple bikes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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