Looks like you have the "D" build on the Chameleon. The Chameleon "R" build, although a touch more $$ (around $600 more), comes with a full Sram NX groupset shifter and derailleur. MUCH better gearing than the SX. The NX feels closer to a GX, but the cogs are built with spacers rather than being pinned together. Gearing with my SX on this bike improved GREATLY once I added a Burgtec 32t chainring and a KMC Ti gold chain. The "R" build also comes with the FOX 34 Rhythm which is a 2mm larger stanchion than the Rockshox 32 fork on the "D" build. The Rockshox 32's are still likely as "stiff" feeling as the FOX 34 Rhythm, and Rockshox are easy to get a uniform progressive feel with air pressure adjustments and sag. I have the "R" build, in full 29er, and have had to make a few extra adjustments to the FOX 34's in order to get the exact "feel" I'm looking for. I was trying to get a similar response as to my PIKE's on my Stumpy and may have to consider one extra volume spacer in order to get it just perfect. Have been riding it for a while now and have decided I like those FOX 34 Rhythms a little better than I thought I would have. Overall I think with the "D" build you have there, I'd upgrade at least the derailleur to a SRAM NX and the whole groupset and shifting would feel better--possibly consider the 32t chainring--it'll make up for the 11 on the rear in comparison to the 10-cog that's on the FUSE w/the Shimano groupset. My choice is the Chameleon hands-down. This thing has been the maddest hardtail ride ever. I like the headtube and the frame feels incredibly solid and the right amount of stiffness. MAYBE a touch more weight than the Spesh' FUSE, and I even upgraded the Centerline rotors to 200mm front and rear making these SRAM Guide brakes feel like they're super responsive. www.pinkbike.com/photo/22403324/ ~JSV
I initially ordered the R build, until this day i somewhat regretted i downgraded to D build.. i got stucked with the average components.. i just swapped the fork to fox 36, but the rest are still stock..
Both are nice. just got niner air 9 aluminum hardtail a few weeks ago. Awesome bike already upgraded wheelset industry nine trail 1/1. And magura m8 pro brakes.
Looking at the spec list of the Chameleon and it shows a groupset mainly of NX and X1 with just the rear derailleur as SX. Is that accurate? It's strange they would put an SX derailleur on a bike which features higher end components. Usually it's the other way around. Bike manufacturers often seem to put a higher end rear derailleur and spec the rest of the drivetrain lower as a selling point. Often when people shop for a bike, the rear derailleur is one of the first things they look at to see how good the specs are on a bike so they put a higher end derailleur on to make a good first impression on the buyer. The SX derailleur is kinda subpar but the Chameleon's got it where it counts with the crankset, BB, shifters, etc. Higher end on the more expensive parts. Easy replacement on the derailleur for sure.
Love my fuse. Prefer the Deore over the SRAM that Chameleon has…All. Day. Long…but I’ve since moved most of the group over to XT. Also like the slightly less steep HTA compared to the Chameleon which helps on the climbs but is still slack enough to hang going downward on the trail…not real steep where I ride, TBH. Only thing I wasn’t real impressed with on mine (same bike, only in Satin gray) was the rear hub, cranks and BB… all replaced now, but I’m a pretty big guy. Also didn’t like the short stack, but that was taken care of w/ a fork upgrade and new stem/bars.
I agree, the 12 speed Deore drivetrain is far more superior than my stock SX eagle on my Chameleon, i kinda regretted i did not get the higher build bike with more superior components.. Now, i’m thinking of upgrading some of the stock components, which for me a waste of money 😩 . Good to know, you really like your upgraded Fuse MTB.. , it’s a great all around bike for sure!
Hi WAL, whats the length of the stem for Chameleon? I'm trying to decide if i need to upgrade to another different size stem if i buy the Santa Cruz. Thanks!
That Fuse looks like new, like it's got its whole life ahead of it. Had it ever even been on the trail before you got it? It's as in good condition as my XC bike that I've put less than 150 miles on and babied it the whole way on just light trails and stuff. Have you sold it yet and if not, what is your asking price and which area of the world are you located? The Chameleon looks pristine too. Looks like you take good care of your stuff.
It was lightly used by the previous owner..it was almost mint condition when i got it, at a bargain price…Too bad , i did not try it in the trail before i sold it.. yes, i like to keep my bikes clean , and like in the showroom after i use it…lol😆
Looks like you have the "D" build on the Chameleon. The Chameleon "R" build, although a touch more $$ (around $600 more), comes with a full Sram NX groupset shifter and derailleur. MUCH better gearing than the SX. The NX feels closer to a GX, but the cogs are built with spacers rather than being pinned together. Gearing with my SX on this bike improved GREATLY once I added a Burgtec 32t chainring and a KMC Ti gold chain.
The "R" build also comes with the FOX 34 Rhythm which is a 2mm larger stanchion than the Rockshox 32 fork on the "D" build. The Rockshox 32's are still likely as "stiff" feeling as the FOX 34 Rhythm, and Rockshox are easy to get a uniform progressive feel with air pressure adjustments and sag.
I have the "R" build, in full 29er, and have had to make a few extra adjustments to the FOX 34's in order to get the exact "feel" I'm looking for. I was trying to get a similar response as to my PIKE's on my Stumpy and may have to consider one extra volume spacer in order to get it just perfect. Have been riding it for a while now and have decided I like those FOX 34 Rhythms a little better than I thought I would have.
Overall I think with the "D" build you have there, I'd upgrade at least the derailleur to a SRAM NX and the whole groupset and shifting would feel better--possibly consider the 32t chainring--it'll make up for the 11 on the rear in comparison to the 10-cog that's on the FUSE w/the Shimano groupset. My choice is the Chameleon hands-down. This thing has been the maddest hardtail ride ever. I like the headtube and the frame feels incredibly solid and the right amount of stiffness. MAYBE a touch more weight than the Spesh' FUSE, and I even upgraded the Centerline rotors to 200mm front and rear making these SRAM Guide brakes feel like they're super responsive.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/22403324/
~JSV
I initially ordered the R build, until this day i somewhat regretted i downgraded to D build.. i got stucked with the average components.. i just swapped the fork to fox 36, but the rest are still stock..
Beautiful response 👍
Both are nice. just got niner air 9 aluminum hardtail a few weeks ago. Awesome bike already upgraded wheelset industry nine trail 1/1. And magura m8 pro brakes.
Nice ! That’s my dream wheelset and rotors bro.. Have fun with your new ride…
SX has a clutch, I don't think Sram makes any non clutch MTB derailleur. Not for 12 speed Eagle drivetrains.
Good choice
The geometry on the fuse feels so good. I test rode one from my local bike shop. I am seriously considering getting one.
You could save approx. $500 or more, if you get the Fuse, with same specs of the Chameleon.. Their geometry are about the same ..
Looking at the spec list of the Chameleon and it shows a groupset mainly of NX and X1 with just the rear derailleur as SX. Is that accurate? It's strange they would put an SX derailleur on a bike which features higher end components. Usually it's the other way around. Bike manufacturers often seem to put a higher end rear derailleur and spec the rest of the drivetrain lower as a selling point. Often when people shop for a bike, the rear derailleur is one of the first things they look at to see how good the specs are on a bike so they put a higher end derailleur on to make a good first impression on the buyer.
The SX derailleur is kinda subpar but the Chameleon's got it where it counts with the crankset, BB, shifters, etc. Higher end on the more expensive parts. Easy replacement on the derailleur for sure.
Ganda ng bike mo tay👍
Love my fuse. Prefer the Deore over the SRAM that Chameleon has…All. Day. Long…but I’ve since moved most of the group over to XT. Also like the slightly less steep HTA compared to the Chameleon which helps on the climbs but is still slack enough to hang going downward on the trail…not real steep where I ride, TBH. Only thing I wasn’t real impressed with on mine (same bike, only in Satin gray) was the rear hub, cranks and BB… all replaced now, but I’m a pretty big guy. Also didn’t like the short stack, but that was taken care of w/ a fork upgrade and new stem/bars.
I agree, the 12 speed Deore drivetrain is far more superior than my stock SX eagle on my Chameleon, i kinda regretted i did not get the higher build bike with more superior components.. Now, i’m thinking of upgrading some of the stock components, which for me a waste of money 😩 . Good to know, you really like your upgraded Fuse MTB.. , it’s a great all around bike for sure!
@@weekendadventurelife8665what bike is the better choice? Specialized fuse or chisel ?
Hi WAL, whats the length of the stem for Chameleon? I'm trying to decide if i need to upgrade to another different size stem if i buy the Santa Cruz. Thanks!
Its 50 mm only
What size chainstay guard did you get for the fuse? They make them in 3 sizes
It’s a lizard skin chainstay guard, one size only, i cut it to fit the length where it needs to be protected…
Yeah...fuse 29.
the bike will fuse to your needs, if you know how to twitch it to your style of riding properly...
what bike is the better choice? Specialized fuse or chisel ?
That Fuse looks like new, like it's got its whole life ahead of it. Had it ever even been on the trail before you got it? It's as in good condition as my XC bike that I've put less than 150
miles on and babied it the whole way on just light trails and stuff.
Have you sold it yet and if not, what is your asking price and which area of the world are you located? The Chameleon looks pristine too. Looks like you take good care of your stuff.
It was lightly used by the previous owner..it was almost mint condition when i got it, at a bargain price…Too bad , i did not try it in the trail before i sold it.. yes, i like to keep my bikes clean , and like in the showroom after i use it…lol😆
My guy bragging about buying a stolen bike