Review of my Santa Cruz Chameleon After a Year- HARDTAIL PARTY
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- čas přidán 12. 02. 2019
- It's been a year on the chameleon. Here's what I think about it. Learn more about the chameleon here: bit.ly/3edSSeO . Did you learn something valuable? If so, show your appreciation and support this channel by becoming a Patron today: / hardtailparty
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Great job Steve! You really give all your soul energy! I wish you, always be healthy and do what you really love! Totally impressed!!!
Andreas Mantopoulos, bike shop owner, Athens, Greece
Great content Steve, love the new channel! It was really interesting to see what you changed up on the bike over the course of a year, and why. Can't wait to see what's coming next!
Great vid Steve. Your knowledge and ability to talk so factually and detailed off the top of your head is impressive. Yet you keep the info and comparisons very applicable and real for the everyday rider.
Wow, thank you so much skot, that means a lot. I am humbled.
I once tried to follow a madman on a Chameleon down Capt Ahab, and it was a party!
Love the concept for the new channel.
This is the first review I have watched from start to finish. Really well done.
Thank you. My initial review was on captain ahab as i rode. That was a fun one too, but WAY longer. There's no way you (or anyone else) would make it through that.
Steve. I've been following you on The More We Explore. Thanks for all the great content.
Thanks for following!
I remember watching the video of you getting this bike and how stoked you were. It influenced me to get a plus bike. For me the trek Stache made more sense and I couldn’t be happier! Love the party!!!
I love your videos so much! I'm looking at buying a hardtail frame and transferring all of my components over from my current bike since they've been upgraded. Your content has been super helpful in guiding me towards what I want!
So glad to hear it Claire! Thanks for watching. I'm excited to hear about your new bike.
Awesome video. Can't wait to see what's next!
Great review Steve
Great review. Congrats on you new channel.
Very complete review! Well done
Thanks Adam!
Awesome review! I hope the next video comes out soon. I’m really interested in seeing what the new bike will be and why. 🤙🏾
I can at least tell you why. I love the chameleon, but the head angle is a deal-breaker for me. My new bike will have a much slacker head-angle. I want the same 415mm chainstays though. My new bike is AMAZING! I can't wait to share it with you.
Yeah STEVE!!! Like the critique about what YOU want and what works. I'm building a steel HT 29/27.5+. Frame is brazed up and I fitted a
I liked my Chameleon so much I bought a second one when these 2017-18 models went on sale to make room for the 2019's. Keep one 27.5+ and the second set up 29er. Perfect for my single track rolling riding!
I wish I had the room and budget to have multiple hardtails. My new bike is pretty awesome, even for singletrack rolling riding. I can't wait to share it. It'll go live tomorrow.
I am not a party person but I love your video. So here I am.
Great review
FInally pulled the trigger on getting one of the 2020 frames now I just need to bite the bullet and start building it up
Great & thorough review!
Cool to hear you're in AZ! Just found the channel and I'm loving it. Any plans for hardtail party rides?
Yes! This Saturday and next Saturday and a few other times. We are in Tucson right now.
Im going to say you are getting a spot rocker!
Now that I see you replied to another comment is a handmade frame and heavier, I will change my guess to the Guerilla Gravity pedalhead! Cant wait for the reveal whatever it is!
I've had several hardtails, run the singlespeed and geared and settled on the Chameleon coming from the Kona Honzo ST.
Both the Chameleon and the Honzo are categorically the same, but ride a bit different. For one, you will notice the weight of the steel and the much much longer reach. It feels like riding a tank. Mine was a 2016 and had that slick phosperous grey black and orange....for looks, the Honzo just looks better, but the Chameleon isn't far back (same sage green/purple). Both bikes (used the same fork for both) updated the fork graphics from Slik graphics, orange on the Honzo, purple on the Chameleon. Past that, in every way I prefer the Chameleon. It's lighter, faster, more nimble. The biggest reason I sold the Honzo is that I don't particularly get along with the steep STA's and the Honzo is no exception. Where it becomes the biggest detriment is your weight placement when out of the saddle....which is quite often if you set it up singlespeed. It really felt that to clear the front of the saddle you end up with your weight a bit forward in the wheelbase. With the Chameleon, its more in a traditional spot (~73deg depending on fork) and less of a problem. I built from the frame up, but took OEM wheels off my Ibis and fork from previous three bikes (RS Revelation RCT 130mm), Shimano brakes, and GX 10sp drivetrain. About to swap the cassette to a 10sp 11-46 so we'll see how that works. The only upgrades I would like to do would be a 140mm fork w/ 51mm offset and maybe stiffer wheels. The OEM Easton ARC 35? w/ Formula hubs are not very stiff....hubs are fine, but not very stiff wheels...otherwise it's pretty dialed and an amazing fast fun bike to ride!
As a 250 ish 6’ tall guy, extending the chain stays to 430 really opened up the bike and made it more balanced for me
Yas! My Plus bike Chameleon is really fun and fast. Rode this bike on downhill and it was bananas!!! Rode this bike to endurance(Jamboree) race in Malaysia and it was awesome and she can climb well!! Been riding this bike for 2 years and still loving it. I might upgrade to 130mm Fox and One up dropper.
I concur on plus for hardtails, it's a wicked good combo. Did a goofy 27.5+ conversion on my totally non-boosted Kona Honzo that didn't really take. Currently running 29 X 2.6 and it seems to be working out. Keep the HAAHDtail content coming, kid!
I want this bike.. the options are so crazy on how to run it with tire choice 🤯 blows my mind😄🤙 later man time for work💪
yeah I like that. some times I would prefer 29
I have a Black Spire bb mount bash guard on mine. I haven’t made it move in two years. I also have a Shimano direct mount chain guide so I’m well protected.
Great review dude, really enjoyed it. I'm about to invest in the 2021 model, I just bought a Ragley Marley, but that's getting sent back unopened, as I seen the Chameleon instead. Sounds and looks like a much better bike.
Thanks for the review, great job. You have a true skill in being able to articulate your observations/experiences on bikes. Have you ever ridden the Karate Monkey from Surly? If so, thoughts?
Sadly I haven't ridden the karate monkey yet.
Great review! I’m thinking of building up a 27.5plus single speed with the carbon Chameleon. As you said the 27.5 plus hardtail are super fun!
Very cool. Enjoy! I now rode a titanium rsd middle child and i like it even mror than the chameleon.
Good video - made me reconsider buying the carbon one. Maybe I'll see you on an AZ trail sometime.
Avoid the carbon one. I'll have a video on it soon, comparing it to the aluminum one.
It's stay at home dad here and my yewtube account has decided that it's a hardtail party kind of day which is ok with me 😍
Would love to see Danny Mac have a play on one of these!!
Hey Steve! Love your videos. So much knowledge. I have a 2019 Chameleon 27.5+ in a size Medium. I’m 5’8 and am new to the dropper post. Wondering what length you would recommend for the medium? Thanks
Nice review man. I was thinking of selling my Spot Rocker and buying a Chameleon frame to build up. I'll have to wait and see what this new bike your gonna be riding is first.
Yes, definitely wait. My new bike is better than my chameleon in every way except for weight. I don't feel the extra weight, but the scales show its a little bit heavier due to the steel frame.
Crazy, man. Seems like you just picked it up; time flies! Curious to know which route you're going on next, as you mentioned it's hard to find a playful-geometry hardtail out there. I built my Tallboy this past year and looking to save a bit this year so not sure if a nice hardtail is in the cards in the near future. Would have loved to pick this one up. Cheers!
It IS hard, but I've found one that's even better than the Chameeon for me. I'm super stoked on this new bike.
Nice long term of the Chameleon, very objective. Would like to ask your opinion about the bike, will that bike be good for general purpose riding? With general I mean the following commuting, bike packing/touring, and trail riding... So in essence will this be a do-it-all bike? If not do you have any hardtail suggestions?
Thanks and awesome channel btw!
Great detailed info!
I am also looking around for a semi plus ht for a while. There is not a lot of ht frames with slack ht, low bb, boost front & back, short cs, takes 140-150 fork, 31.6 dropper, iscg05,....
Only one I found so far is Nukeproof Scout 27.5.
Can't wait to see what you found~~°
Agreed. If you're willing to go to a 30.9 seat tube, you can find lots of cro-mo and ti options that tick the other boxes. I can't wait to share my new bike with you. It ticks all the geo boxes on your list, and it's a blast to ride.
Party factor! 👍
"Plus hardtails are gaining traction..." XD there's a pun in there somewhere!
sometimes it feels like there's a sweet spot with head tube angles... especially when it comes to hardtails.
I built up my Ragley Bigwig with a 150mm fork... and it slacked out to 64.5 degrees... which i thought would be really gnarly... it was GREAT when things were steep, but for most of the other riding when it was flat, or not super steep... i felt like the super slack head angle put force through the fork stanchions in such a way that it resisted compressing into the lowers... like trying to push a tube into a tube at the wrong angle...
I don't know if i'm making sense... lol
but i think when i build it back up, I'll go with a 120 or 130mm fork... idk
Great vid Steve! can't wait to see what you land on
I'm glad you caught that! I know what you're saying about the stanchions, makes perfect sense. Slack head angles definitely put more stress on the forks. Most of my bikes are running 65* HTA, so I think 64* would be perfect on a hardtail. Everyone's got a different feel though.
Hey, did u say that you can run standard 27.5" tyres on that?
New to the channel. I like the way you breakdown the feeling of each bike. Any Chance you have tested or could you test the Giant Fathom series? Similar to the Honzo, and from what I read a step up from the Fuse??? Thanks
Love my Chromag Rootdown in 27.5+ Hardtails are a blast and the bit of cush and added traction of the 2.8s makes them more fun and more forgiving.
Totally agree. My new bike, the rsd middle child, is very similar to a root down. I'm now running cush core front and rear and it takes it up another level.
@@hardtailparty I have been debating the cush core out back. I'm a big dude and running low pressures is always a gamble for me. Not so worried about the front with a 160mm Lyrik RC2 though.
@@stevetrojano1595 there are other amazing benefits of cushcore front and rear beyond rim/flat protection. The feel of cushcore is amazing, especially on a hardtail. It's like a tuneable suspension. If you do end up going they route I can get you 15% off. Videos coming soon about this topic.
Love my chameleon!
thanks
Hey Steve, so I'm guessing you will be reviewing more and more hard tails in the future??? If so great.......party on dude👊
If I can. It's tough to get ahold of good hardtails for review.
@@hardtailparty Maybe you should take a trip out to Denver and Try Guerrilla Gravity's Pedal-head (Free demo). I've been eyeing it for a while now. Also, Kona comes through most places with the Honzo fleet.
@@czechnolike the cost of traveling to Denver to review a bike would be significant. I like where your head is though.
Great review. I realize it's a couple years old but do you have any advice or things to keep in mind for converting a chameleon from 27.5+ with 3.0 tires and 120mm fork to 27.5 × 2.6 and 160mm fork?
Cool video
I run my Chameleon mullet (using the 29er drop outs) and put on a big fork (160 coil ), the HTA is @ 64.5. Makes the bike perfect as a bruiser trail hardtail. I rarely ride my FS Enduro bike now.
Sounds super fun!
Great video. What size is the bike in the video? Also what tires size? 2.8?
I can vouch for the fooker pedals.
Nice I ride a trek roscoe I love it just wish I would of got a large size the sales man convinced me a medium would fit me better this my first mountain bike been riding for a year and I wish it was a bit longer thinking of getting a chameleon frame and transferring all my parts over
Very cool! Too bad the sales guy steered you wrong. They try their best, but they're not always right. :( Before you buy a chameleon, wait to check out my new bike. I like it even more than the chameleon.
Thank you for all of your videos!! I'm currently trying to build a 2021 al chameleon. I can only get the frame in a 29 version. I want to buy the drop outs and change out with a 27.5 wheel 30mm with a 2.6 tire on. I'm having trouble with forks. I would like a fox fit 4 factory but after watching this video I don't know. If I change things I like to keep things as close to factory specs as possible. Please help!! Thank you
Love the detailed review. I’m getting back into riding after 2 years away. Ordered a chameleon 2 weeks ago and can’t wait to ride it. I’ve learned a lot from your videos, so keep up the good work.
Congrats, I have a feeling you're going to love it!
hardtail party thanks. I noticed SPOT has a pretty nice HT with short CS and a decent build kit. Hmmmmm!
:) You have a keen eye.
Did you find the new HT frame with slacker geo? I dig your vids. Keep up the good work
I now ride an rsd middle child and I like it a lot more than my chameleon. It's a lot slacker and it can handle aggressive terrain a lot better.
Oh shoot now I need to buy one😂
Is there room for a headset angle reducer? do you think that would improve the bike performance? Or maybe 140mm - 150mm fork? What changes would you consider to improve the ride?
Just bought mine in Canada
I was going to pass my chameleon to my son but I can’t. I keep wanting to ride this over my ripmo af except in the bike park. Rode it in Moab, Durango, and Telluride and was shocked how well it rides. I actually love to simplicity of the Fox rhythm 34. Now looking to upgrade and rebuild the bike: what tires did you settle on?is there any bash guard option?
Hi Seth, one one of your videos you had a frame bag on the lower cross bar. What brand was it? Does it attach with screws?
Hey Steve, great video. Just wondering and wanted to be clear that you said your fox 36 is a 160mm? I have one sitting around for a bike I didn't get and was just about to sale it but now you got me thinking?
Yes. Here's some info. It's a 2018 27.5" fox 36 at 160mm travel. This has a shorter ATC measurement vs a 29er fox 36. For 2018, a 140mm 29er 36 is the same ATC measurement as a 160,, 27.5 fork. Also, not all 27.5" forks will fit plus tires. THe 2018 Fox will just BARELY fit my 3.0s up front. Good luck!
Hi Steve, your reviews and info on this bike have been awesome, and have helped me in considering whether to buy this bike. In your other video(s) you've mentioned you raced a little XC before? I'm mostly an XC rider, but one who likes to party, and prefers longer "races" on the 6+hr side over straight up 1.5 hr sprints, and I want to enjoy myself during those rides. In the 29r version with a slightly skinnier tire setup, would you use this bike in such an event?
thx!
I would, but I don't care about results. If you care about results, I'd go with a highball, or another dedicated xc bike. The spot ryve 115 is my favorite marathon bike.
Just saw a good deal on one of these online (2018 D+) Thanks for the detailed review. Being that I'm almost exclusively using it for every day trail riding and bikepacking your vid convinced me I don't have to have a Honzo. Have you rated any hardtails "party factor" at 10?
Yes, the rsd middle child has a party factor of 10. As fun as the chameleon is, the middle child is s lot more fun to me.
I feel like I'm ready to party, but I don't have a hardtail ;) Been thinking about getting one for playing around at our new skills park here in Flag. You and I like the same kind of bikes so maybe I should take a look at yours. I'll see you at Sedona fest, so I'll check it out if you still have it by then..
I'll have it there. Definitely come see me at the Tasco booth and I'll show it to you. It's a killer bike.
Really liked this review. In depth and entertaining to watch! Do you have an opinion on the Kona Big Honzo DL? My LBS has a good deal on a 2018 model I’m considering pulling the trigger on. I like to ride fairly aggressive and also want something I can bikepack with
It's a cool bike. It's got longer chainstays than the chameleon, and the same head angle as the chameleon. It'll be good good all around bike. I'd personally hold our for something with a 64-65* head tube angle, but that's just my preference. It all depends on where and how you ride.
@@hardtailparty what bike would you put in the same category that has that slacker angle. I'm looking into quite a lot of bikes, fuse comp 27.5+, big hanzo, the chameleon, San Quentin 2. So many choices!
@@matbennett22 the rsd middle child (what I ride) cromag root down, commencal meta ht. There are some great bikes in the UK too with some pretty slack geometry.
I’m currently debating between a chameleon aluminum frame 1799 and a Kona Hanzo 1499. Would you be able to tell me which one is a better but, spec wise?
Hi Steve, don't they make an adaptor kit to put a bash-guard on it or am I mistaken? What's a better value, a 2020 27+ used or new 2021 29er R build? (yes, I'm part of your bike consultation service which I do recommend to anyone else out there that is having a difficult time in deciding which bike to go with. So many options out there.)
Hope your next bikes a Marin San Quentin 3. They look sick.
San Quentin are awesome bikes. I was hoping the chainstay would be a little shorter on them. I ALMOST bought a San Quentin 2 from Performance for 40% off, but the higher bb and low stack just didn't feel right to me. Just for kicks I threw my 27.5x3.0 tires on it and there was plenty oc clearance (wvwn though they state it's only for 2.6.max). With some riser bars or a 140 fork, the stack would be perfect for me.
Excellent job~! I'm right in the groove of a 'target' customer for this bike. Other than being way too old to start. :-)
No such thing as way too old to start! Happy riding. I recommend a clinic or two, it will greatly accelerate your enjoyment and safety.
@@hardtailparty Thanks.
Hey Steve, I'm a longtime rider/racer and looking to get new hardtail. I need an upgrade to my beloved SIR 9. I would like something with 120 up front and a longer reach. I'm 5'8" and around 450reach feel right. I don't race as much as I used to but I do like some longer xc type races. However most of what I ride is what I would say very technical rocky. I live in the southeast so some of our trails are certainly tighter than out west. Was thinking of looking at Chameleon carbon until I saw your review, great review BTW, and am concerned about the compliance. My sir is quite compliant but outdated and limited at this point. I Wondered if you might have a few bikes you might steer me to, I like the looks of the new SPOT Rocker. Keep up the great work!
I offer bike consultation through patreon. For those not interested in paying for purchase consultation/help, I keep all my bike reviews free on CZcams. I try to provide thorough reviews to help those in search of their next bike determine if this would be a good fit for their style or not.
I got the MRP XCG micro bash guard. Fits and works great. I have the 27.5 R+. Also swapped out to a 32mm Turbine R stem and 35mm Turbine R bars to make the bike feel much more lively than the stock setup. Also went up a few teeth on the front sprocket because I was easily out-spinning the top gearing on flat areas and shifting far too much on the trail. Chester pedals are great but shred skin if you slip.
I looked at the cost of the new carbon frame, saw it only drops a pound or so, and concluded I'm better off saving for Reserve or Industry Nine wheels.
Have you had any issues with your dropper losing air?
The seat collar on my dropper came loose. Once it was tightened up, no issues.
Hard tails ? Subscribed !
Welcome to the PARTY!
Looks like they raised prices on the Chameleon for 2021 slightly, but now they come with a SDG Tellis dropper post!
definitely worth the price raise.
i love mine never miss it i pimp it up same like you hahah
So what would you suggest in place of the chameleon for a sub 2k Hardtail that is a better value?
haha nice game with the 27.5 fork! it's tricky sometimes with tire to crown clearance (fully compressed) but you also have more travel to tune.
the BB is probably way too low to run proper 27.5 wheels (even with a massive fork, you'd slacken out the seat tube angle a LOT) as it's got a BB that's 55mm lower than the axles. for reference, my bike (which has no sag on either end) has just over 60mm of drop and it's just about perfect for BIG 29ers (2.4-2.6).
Fortunately the 2018 27.5 fork will fit my 27.5x3.0. The BB won't change a whole lot withi 275. But I like a low bb.
@@hardtailparty for sure low is the way to go! I work for a Santa Cruz dealer and it's been interesting to see people make the claim about 27.5 tires under 2.8, is all. there is certainly a point where low gets too low.
Steve. Been reading about your transition to the rsd, did you have a look at the prophecy oracle as well? Not quite as slack as the rsd, but just wondering.
Nope, it wasn't on my radar. Looks fun, but i definitely prefer slacker than 65* for my hardtails.
Steve, I’m a hardtail die hard. Getting close to making a choice for my new hardtail.....the SC Chameleon looks interesting. Wondering if you’ve had any experience with either Marin Nail Trail 7 or Scott hardtails? I’m looking Alloy/Aluminium......not fussed re Carbon.....I ride in UK, and wet conditions are part of life here.... which affects components and financials long term. Any thoughts MOST welcome. LOVE THE CHANNEL!!
You have some amazing options in the UK. Check out orange, Whyte, Stanton, and a bunch of other boutique makers.
Even with my condition, I would like to try that bike down a couple trails in the 27.5+ configuration. I like that bike. I agree with you on the head angle. Lastly, I like your signoff line.👍
I think you'd have fun on a 27.5x3.0 bike... For a short time. Most of the trails in your area are perfect for this bike. You know how your bike felt with lower tire pressure? Now double that feeling.
Also, have you looked into cuschcore? I think that would really help with your condition. I'm going to run them on all my bikes.
@@hardtailparty I've read a bit about cushcore. Seems like it would be nice. I hear it is s hassle to install. You going to do a review on it?
@@chameleonpogono yes.
hi,wich trail hardtail will you recomend under 1.600dlrs? ,to ride in south america, thqnks from ny
I love fooker pedals
Me too. They're my favorites.
I am so confused how do you change the length of your chainstay?
I love my chameleon so much
They're great bikes.
It is so versatile and a good budget hardtail
I don't think i'd put it into the "budget" category, but its definitely got a fun geometry.
Hey. Love your channel. Not sure you want to answer this question but I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on the best hardtail(s) for both bike packing and also flowy, not too crazy trail riding. I'm riding pretty much only blues and greens these days. Sounds like you don't think the Chameleon is worth the money. Thanks! Paul
I do my bike consultation over on Patreon, where I recommend bikes for different people. I'd be happy to help you over there. Patreon.com/hardtailparty
Steve, I’ve been loving your videos. Seriously considering a SC Carbon Chameleon from watching your vids, possibly aluminum if I can’t find a carbon. Was considering a Hightower before, but seems like a better speced HT might be a better choice than a lowe speced FS. Would you agree? Getting back into mountain biking and many reasons you list for HTs speak to me.
What is your intro music?!
See my review of the carbon chameleon. I much prefer the aluminum chameleon over carbon.
hardtail party thanks! I was considering the aluminum first, but the only one I can find in stock right now is a 27.5+ Carbon S build... Or I could wait until next Spring for the new stock.
I’m hoping the next bike is a Chromag! I’ve been wanting one for awhile now, but with so many similar models I’m confused.
Chromags are super cool. My next bike is a lot like a cromag, but with a threaded bb.
Now I need an opinion on the bike I’m going to buy. I race XC and do dirt jumps and enduro. I need a Hardtail. I’m currently looking at the Santa Cruz Chameleon R+ and the R (I need to decide on these two) as well as the specialized Fuse Expert. Thanks!
Sounds like you're a perfect candidate for my bike consultation service on patreon.
Got a chameleon, my first hardtail!
great choice!
@@hardtailparty BTW great content, I subed.
How does it do on chunky, technical, rocky stuff?
Steve, @8:55 you mention different preferences for how short/long chainstay bikes climb - and you really seem to like how this one climbs with the very short chainstays. I've been interested in getting a shorter chainstay bike (for easier manuals and overall whipping the bike around, etc.), but my main concern would be (presumed) poorer climbing. My current bike is an older FS bike with probably relatively long chainstays (haven't measured) and on rather steep climbs I still find myself lifting the front wheel and worrying about my balance shifting too far backwards over the rear axle. I've tried combatting this by shifting my weight forward over the BB, but I have trouble finding that sweet spot where enough weight is on the rear tire to not lose traction. Maybe my technique is wrong (or my tires for the terrain!) but I'd always assumed short chainstays would equate to worse climbing based on how this geometry would sit on an incline. Am I thinking about this wrong? Can you elaborate on the pros/cons of a short chainstay for climbing? (Only advantage I can thinking of is a potentially punchier acceleration from a stiffer drivetrain, but I'd think the fore-aft balance considerations would be more noticeable).
I'm short and I have pretty good climbing technique and i run really low tire pressure. What's your tire pressure on back? How tall are you?
Longer chainstays do keep your front end down, but so does proper technique. On older bikes, the front end tends to lift more than modern bikes. A short reach/top tube will make the front lift as well. There are different techniques for different climbs, but most people can keep their front wheel down more by staying seated, yet sliding their butt and inch or so forward on the seat. Putting weight on the nose of the saddle keeps the front wheel planted.
I see the Spot hat. Do you have a Spot Rocker? Maybe it's a little too XC, though.
I have a spot rollik 150. The rocker is a beautiful bike though but a little more trail/xc oriented than my new hardtail. I'd love to own one one day, but I'm trying to keep it down to 2 bikes for now. I don't have room for any more.
Great video.. is it possible to change the head seat? also I’m still trying to decide if I should buy the Bronson instead of the chameleon, any advice will be appropriated
You cannot make the head angle any slacker.
Nice man. What part of AZ? We gotta ride soon. I'm on the Marin San Quentin. I do FINS and T100 a lot in the valley. Once it gets warmer, I go to Prescott a ton
My wife and I travel full time, living in an rv. We are in Tucson for another week, then Sedona till the 2nd week of March.
I'm going to do a hardtail group ride on south mtn (national) in the next week or two if you want to join.
I have off on Fridays and Saturdays. Just keep me updated! I like Nati
@@toanmaxdark7 I'll post the date up on instagram
Hey what's up man! Loved your review here. I'm looking to get a chameleon but can't decide on a the 27.5+ or 29er. What would you recommend for a beginner like me lol
Depends on how smooth your trails are. I prefer 27.5+
hardtail party are you familiar with San Diego at all? That’s where I live.
@@mbrackmann8 I haven't ridden there. I like the plus tires, that's what I recommend mmend. 29ers are faster, 27.5+ are more fun and have more cushion.
Hey Steve check out kingdom bikes titanium hardtails, NOT toopricey but definitely a party for sure
I've never seen a kingdom in person, but their bikes look rad.
Just found your review.
Did you try the latest version of the Banshee Paradox?
It has a slacker headangle and a steaper seattube then the Chameleon.
It even fits 27,5+ tires in the rear.
I got my Banshee last march and it is a great bike!
Yes, I own one. See the rest of my channel, I have lots of videos of the paradox v3.
@@hardtailparty my bad.
I did watch the videos back in March or April 😂
Just found your channel because of a Trailbike discussion in a german bike group...
Great channel by the way.
Looking forward to some new videos 👍
@hardtail party try to get the fastforward (v2) from last bikes - most fun bike i've ever had!
I can't find any info on the geo.
Hey I have the opportunity to get the 2019 chameleon carbon frame for the price of the aluminum. Will I notice much of a difference between the two and, if so, what is it? Thanks and love the channel!
I haven't ridden the carbon fame yet, sorry. I hear the carbon frame rides nice. Id make sure the gerometry is what you want before you get it. The head angle isn't very slack on the chameleon, and it's not what I would consider a "hardcore" hardtail for steep, rowdy trails. It'll do really well on flowy trails that aren't too steep.
Any opinion on this bike vs the salsa timberjack? They seem pretty similar... the only reason I'm in between the two is because my bike shop of choice is a salsa dealer! Lol
They are both great bikes but that timber jack has a steeper head tube angle, which you will definitely feel. You might prefer one over the other. The timber jack is an awesome value for the money; way better than the chameleon. Bit it's going to ride a lot more like an older xc bike than an all mountain hardtail. Check out my livestream with B1KER last week, where I talk about this in more depth. It's probably about 2/3 in to the interview.
How about making another Channel/Playlist of hardtail underdogs? Also pinning them against eachother. Good example would be Aluminum Chameleon vs a Loki/Laufey, or the Carbon Chameleon vs a DV9, good reference since you have all 3 bikes already. :)
I've never ridden a carbon chameleon, but I'll share my thoughts about them in a review. They're all 3 suited for different riding. The loki charges the hardest, it's the rowdiest bike. The chameleon is the most playful and the dv9 is the fastest and lightest.
Did you change out the tires? I’m thinking about upgrading my stock 3 yo NX. Almost gave this bike to my son but I couldn’t part with it. After mainly riding in Wisconsin I took it to Moab, Durango, and Telluride and it was great. For some reason on I keep picking it over my ripmo af unless I’m in the bike park...I want to improve on it and in addition to breaks, fork, and other bits I’m thinking about a new rear wheel and beefier tires; any suggestions?
I'd get a slack-r on the front end to slacken it out. I don't even feel like the fork needs to be upgraded, it's a great fork for the price.
I'd keep the nx derailleur and just upgrade to a gx shifter.