Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Chameleon chainstay length

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thanks.
I realize it's adjustable, lol. What I was trying to find out is can it truly be shortened to 425 if a large 29r tire is installed. Sounds like tire/wheel size is not a limiting factor. Thought maybe 425 was limited to 27.5 tire/wheel only.
 
#9 ·
Pretty sure you can slam the new one all the way forward. I have the V7 and when it is geared, I run it forward. Reality is that there is not a huge difference in ride even if you can't. The chainstay length is one of countless variables and the geo of a hardtail changes more with every suspension movement than a few mm in chainstay length will affect.
 
#10 ·
IIRC the only difference between 29'er and MX is the rear drop outs. If it says "29" it will work the entire range of adjustment, now, will all tire widths fit? Not sure how wide you can go. The MX version is for 27.5 and is stamped 27.5, and the full range will work for 27.5.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Hey Brad follow-up question,
How do you find the ride overall on the newest version?

I'm about to pull the trigger but I have reservations. I want to bike that is at least a somewhat playful on the trail and not a sled. I've demoed this bike in the parking lot several times and I just can't tell if it likes to get rowdy and can be easily thrown around a bit. Parking lot rides do not equal trail rides that's for sure.

I'm not a huckster or a jumper but I like the bike to be active and lively on the trail. That's why I ride Mojo 3 for my full suspension
 
#14 ·
I don’t think anyone should make a major decision based on anything I say but here goes. After spending a lot of time and money on my build, I just never really fell in love with the v8 and can’t help wondering if v7 was the sweet spot for the riding I do, particularly in 27+ guise.
Most reviewers use terms like playful and big BMX but I have not been able to unlock these qualities. The ride is also on the harsh side in my opinion. Possible reasons are I used a 51 offset fork instead of the prescribed 44 and specced stiff aluminum rims (ex 511).
It’s quite likely that for the majority of riders and their locales, this frame is a winner but I’m stuck riding old school chunk, root lattices and tight turns where a 65 HA is not always ideal. If I had access to smooth flow, my impression might be totally different.

At 5’11”, I’m pretty solidly on a large but there are times I wonder if the medium would be more entertaining. Not a fair comparison, but on my plus equipped fat bike with 67.5 HA and 440 reach, playful and lively are there in spades.
 
Discussion starter · #15 · (Edited)
Thanks Brad, all info is good info.

I ride in Phoenix so everything is kind of choppy even on the easier trails. Although I'm looking for a trail bike and not an Enduro Rock crusher I think I'll appreciate the 65° head angle that's more forgiving on the steep downs. Everything's a compromise I just don't want to bike that feels like it's bolted to the ground.

Based on some local Rrder input I think I'm giving up worrying about frame material and compliance. Our rocks are pretty chunky and hard-hitting but usually at low speed at least where I ride. Frame material on these conditions doesn't really matter.

A supple steel frame would probably shine at high speed roots and rock chatter. Out here I don't think it matters a whole lot. Wheels and tires can make a huge difference of course in how a bike feels so I'm going to stick with that in my head lol
 
#16 ·
Then I say go for it! Hardtail party rides a locale similar to yours and raves about the v8. I was expecting more of a manual machine but that is obviously highly skills dependent. It’s still a stiff, versatile and quiet hardtail (provided you use the included foam tubes for the cables). Had to learn that one the hard way. At the worst you will have a frame that’s easy to sell off and can move the parts to something else. You may have mentioned in another thread, but will this be a frame up build? And what color/size are you going with?
 
#17 ·
I know this isn't the same but I used to own a Salsa Timberjack and I placed the adjustable chainstay at 420mm and ran a 3" tire with it. Total mania right there. Have you tried reaching out to Santa Cruz for additional details about it?
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Discussion starter · #18 · (Edited)
Brad, I was looking at a medium full r build on pinkbike. 2022.

Price was good at least based on current MSRP however I decided not to pull the trigger.

I did three separate test rides on the chameleon ( no trails though) and it just doesn't really speak to me. Nothing wrong with it in fact it felt quite comfortable to ride around but I know me and if a bike isn't calling my name loudly then it's probably not the right bike for me.

I pulled in the reins and decided to be (more) patient. The yelli screamy is calling my name, perhaps even a nimble nine. Although I have zero chance to test riding those, I've been down this road before with bike buying.

I'm going to be patient and take my time and do a frame build-up of one of those two most likely. Maybe a banshee paradox. That's my pipe dream anyway. Need to save some duckets for that idea. It'll cost a lot more of course but buy once cry once. I've learned that lesson before.
 
#20 ·
Brad Pitted said:
I don’t think anyone should make a major decision based on anything I say but here goes. After spending a lot of time and money on my build, I just never really fell in love with the v8 and can’t help wondering if v7 was the sweet spot for the riding I do, particularly in 27+ guise.
Click to expand...
As someone with the V7 in 27.5+ I feel you'd probably get along better with it than the V8 with what you're describing. I have a bunch of time on the V8 as well and never got along with it for similar reasons (upper midwest tight rooty singletrack). V7 is much less harsh than the V8 (IMO) especially with plus tires. Yes it's more of an XC whip but there are ways around that if you want it.

As always though, entirely depends on where people ride. I wouldn't know what to spec for someone in AZ or UT since I don't ride that kind of terrain. I suspect the V8 may be better for those trails just because it's more aggressive, but for where I live, overly aggressive geo can be a detriment.
 
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
About this Discussion
21 Replies
10 Participants
Last post:
tstinchy
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
posts
16M
members
534K
Since
1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Downhill - Freeride California - Norcal Shocks and Suspension Passion