2022 Santa Cruz Chameleon Review
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- čas přidán 20. 06. 2024
- Last month, Santa Cruz launched the ninth iteration of their Chameleon, which has been around since the '90s. Though the modern-day version looks quite different, it maintains its original purpose as an adaptable hardtail that's ready for nearly anything. In this video review, Neil shares his thoughts on the Chameleon's riding characteristics, build spec, and much more...
Outline:
Intro: 0:00
Support and subscribe: 0:43
Understanding the frame: 1:18
Sizing: 1:59
Frame highlights: 2:34
Aluminum thoughts: 3:46
New dropouts: 4:46
Geometry: 5:35
Bikepacking: 7:31
Build kit: 8:56
Wrap up: 11:30
Mentioned and Related Links:
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Music by Ben Weaver (benweaver.net)
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As a 220lb 6’2” ss rider, I love my alu highlander. My weight makes aluminum a good choice always. I was interested in getting the chameleon for bike packing due to the ability to add 27.5 + tires (I’m rubbing at times with 29x2.4) with extra bottle mounts. This newer chameleon takes away the bottle mount advantage, but I can’t decide if I should just keep my highball .
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Thanks! The harshness is real... several other CZcamsr's found the same thing compared to the last version. Unfortunate... All these bike aspects (and cost) keep me coming back to my current Intense Primer full-sus at 27 pounds as ridden. I just wish it had a bigger triangle for bags :-(
Can't wait! Jealous! Ugh... I ordered mine in July. Delivery... maybe in Dec... Please already! :) Thanks for the review! :)
Good stuff, in line with several other reviews. I think I'm going with the Specialized Fuse Comp 29. Cheaper and I was able to ride it. Thanks for the great content.
how ironic
Basic
Nice video of all the trails around my house!
Some pretty good ones around these parts!
Whoa! Sram hub called out!! 😂😂
Does a similarly priced shimano perform any better or is just annoying that a bike at this expense has a cheap hub no matter the brand?
I owned the previous iteration of this bike and I've had a chance to demo this version. All in all, I found both versions to perform best when either loaded or descending at high speed. This is not a nimble bike, it's a charger. It needs to be pushed to get the most out of it. I felt the new version is perhaps a hair too long and slack for it's own good to the point where it can feel sluggish at speeds lower than "likely death". As for bikepacking, neither version plays well with bags. If your set up isn't dialed, you will likely need to supplement with a small backpack.
All that being said, it's an incredibly well made bike. Yes, the component package isn't great but these frames will survive a nuclear blast. Fantastic build quality, you get what you pay for.
Is it great build quality? The welds look like a Walmart bike.
@@Monkeyseemonkey79yes. They’re amazing build quality. The welds are much larger and uniformed than any cheap Walmart bike. The aluminum is also heat treated and cryogenically treated after the welds are made. Similar to the difference between a quality hunting knife and a gas station folder.
Great review! I’m sure you have been asked this question, and I know it’s a really difficult one,but if you could only afford one do it all bike what would it be?
Tough question, I'm a huge fan of full-sus trail bikes, they are so capable and most of them climb really well and it's a great bike to have not just for bikepacking, but likely what you do most which are day rides. But, I think the best answer to your question would be a titanium hardtail, they are expensive but so comfortable, work great for bikepacking/trail riding and can work as your gravel bike too!
where can i get a bag like the one you had made?? i have the same bike and would love it.
I just ordered one, in size large. Im the same height as you and weigh 200 pounds. I think ill love it.
I've been riding the 3rd gen Chameleon (2006) exclusively for the last 10 years. It's been a blast, but it's time for a change. Just ordered this new one, should be here next month. Can't wait to see what all the fuss is about with these bigger wheels and updated geo.
Did you get it? How is it?
@@fengcarlos I did! Bike finally showed up in early March. It's been awesome. Took a couple weeks to get used to the larger wheel size. Way more confident on the downhills. Bike climbs really well too. Super happy with it.
@@dansartin Great. Are you running mullet setup?
@@fengcarlos I am. I figured that after riding 26" bike for so many years, the mullet would give me some of that agility that I'm used to. Cool thing is that I can always swap to a full 29" setup in the future if I ever want to try something new. I'm digging the mixed wheelsize so far.
Loaded and obvious question... how does this compare to the Kona Honzo?
This bike makes so much more sense for most people than a gravel bike. I have two gravel bikes and I recently realized that I don’t get it.
I'm in between DSX FS and a Chameleon. Can you elaborate? Thanks!
What’s that frame pack called?
Great review Neil!! Too bad a lot of theses cool “big” brand HT bikes are so overbuilt.
I find it as a positive. I have the 2018 version that I crashed more times that I can count (including some pretty harsh encounters with trees) and this thing took it all like a champ. Love it.
@@EloEast I understand the value of durability. All manufacturers are required to pass baseline durability tests. But if you've ever ridden a bike that's built with thin wall, or small diameter tubing, and designed to work as a spring with the rider, you will never go back. The benefits of lightweight and efficient energy transfer are unbelievable. You feel as good at the end of a LONG ride as you do at the beginning.
Guys tell who have this bike in size XL. Do you feel good? I’m 191cm and wanna know are this bike in XL frame is good for me. Thanks)
I’m not sure if anyone has noticed this fact about the new HT frames available. They’re slacker and have more reach and shorter stays than many of the 130mm forked full suspension bikes. The other fact with these new HT’s is many have adjustable drop outs, perfect for SS or for just making a more playful or more stable bike.
Solid review. Until I learn otherwise I will stick with my Trek Stache 9.7. The most fun and capable bike I have.
Watch hardtail party. Ragley has some good bikes.
I tried to buy one of these a month ago and was told by every shop that I could contact that they were sold out all the way through '22.
I just did a quick search and see some in stock, where are you located?
North Bay area; I bought a spesh fuse a few weeks ago, but I'm curious if you do manage to turn up some special cache of chameleons
$3k for lower-end components and an aluminum frame. a Thrd of the price seems to be for the Santa Cruz decal. Given the weight and the price it seems that a better ride and better components could be gotten for the same price,
That's what I was thinking...
What would you say is your most balanced hardtail for bikepacking?
Timberjack
Out of the bikes I have pedaled, it's hard not to say the Timberjack. Check out my thoughts here...czcams.com/video/ukar_k6-KWs/video.html
Timberjack or Karate monkey
what bag is that you have on the frame please?
Custom frame bag from Rock Geist. rockgeist.com/
How much it?
I don't think mullets make sense for hardtails unless you're less tall and need that smaller rear wheel to get a reasonable fit. I prefer hardtails with wide low-pressure 29x2.6-2.8 tires to soften the ride and improve roll-over. If the bike will fit 29x2.6-2.8 tires that's a big Plus. I also think that the geo isn't quite right. I would have like to have seen a 76* STA. Doing so would vastly improve the climbing capability and also increase the wheelbase. A size large bike should have about a 1230mm wheelbase to be adequately progressive. The Chameleon is stupid expensive for what you get.
Norco Torrent has your 76 degree seat tube angle. Paired with a 64 degree head tube angle, not-too-long reach, and the ability to run 29 x 2.6, it does a lot of things really well for me. Gut lucky 4 months ago. Just walked into a bike shop to buy sealant and there she was...in my size!
@@cyrusdolph2339this Norco geometry sounds to me like having the handlebars right in front of your balls 😂.
This cannot be right for a geo!
I am 5’11” what size bike for me?
I'm the same height, I weigh 175, short legs, long torso, and I love riding fast on my local trails that feature steep climbs and eye popping downhills. I went medium. It's playful, poppy, and also....has some of the rough spots mentioned in this and just about every other review of this bike - lil heavy, poor rear hub engagement. That said, the more I ride it, the more I love it!
Rear dropout is just another genius idea for Santa Cruz to make money on. Instead of making the frame take 27 and 29er wheel. Giving a rider a choice is a good thing but at a cost is not.
$2700 for cheapest in UK.
Which would get me a Ribble HT titanium with pike fork and hope fortus wheelset.
My bike is 1258 mm wheel base
I wish they hadn’t slacked it out so much. I would prefer 67.5 But I like chill terrain.
I'm sure the bike brands are having a very hard time with the pandemic :P
Right, they are doing well, just a struggle to source parts at the moment.
Good, honest review. While I appreciate your softening of the weak points of the bike, let me translate: Bike is heavy, harsh junk. What genius at Santa Cruz thought this up?
Great bike , rides smooth czcams.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L I added a bigger spring loaded seat to it . Takes a bit of adjusting cables to get brakes and shifting to perfect . I've owned quite a few bikes in the past that were absolutely uncomfortable to ride and they always ended up as garage wall decor . I'm not seeing that with this one. It's pretty light I've only ridden it a few miles but I like it . As for the pedals falling off in the other reviews , the pedal arms are aluminum along with the pedal studs look to be also . I would not overtighten them. I can see it would be very easy to overtighten them and strip the threads right off . All in all I think it's pretty good quality besides the aluminum pedal thing
Funny you (Neil in the video) should mention this grame as harsh; when reviewers way more experienced in testing hardtails than you (WAY more) will ever be found it quite compliant.
Wow, you (guy in the comments) are really confident in who you believe on the interwebs. First off, learn how to spell 'frame'. Second, this frame is harsh as fuck. I've tried and reviewed about 30 hardtails over the last decade, so I'd say I have some experience and can honestly say that this is one of the harshest frames I've ridden.Third, considering Neil has a ridiculous number of long-distance rides (and route course records) under his belt-many of which are on hardtails-I trust what he has to say. Maybe you should asses why you believe who you believe in bike media.
@@pedalingnowhere dude. Triggered much? 30 hardtails in the last decade? 10 years? That means you are in no position to comment on the latest hardtails at all. Maybe you should take a moment to reflect on your lack of insight in the matter, let alone ability to compare recent hardtails with modern geometry.
Have Surly's Steel version (2018 Karate Monkey) sans the suspension; suspension and bikepacking loads equals diminished suspension performance.... The steel isn't as harsh and the frames are less flashy color wise; also, wouldn't be caught dead riding said color (!). Do like the rear-wheel dropouts but, wonder what the maintainence factor is and how securely they stay bolted. The bike industry loves using cyclists as their R&D staff instead of doing the R&D themselves much of the time...
Yep, rigid Steele or Titanium for bikepacking all the way.
When you think of it a hardtail should have a 29r rear wheel and 27.5 front. You have your suspension fork to help you roll over stuff but the back has nothing. And not even mentioning that your weight is also over the rear wheel that makes it even harder to role over chunk. :-p
wat i don't think a reverse mullet bike would work very well. in fact, there's a video of someone riding one and they say it was terrifying to try and descend with it. if anything hardtails want plus-sized tires.
@@PebusGalacticus Doddy, at Gmbn did that reverse mullet ride, but he used a 26-inch wheel. With the correct fork length, and using a 27.5 wheel front/29 x 2.6 rear, you could have something interesting and potentially great. On the right frame
I think the previous Chameleon versions had the better geometry!
And I was rubbing my eyes in disbelief what Santa Cruz has done to the Chameleon… typical case of „improving“ and renewing stuff for no reason but for marketing reasons or for the sake of bringing something „new“ to the market. In this case: BAD IDEA
Bigger is not always better...
Any hardtail ride down on chunky, rocky Mountain♢♢, you will feel it all over your body. I don't care what people say how capable a hardtail is. A hardtail is not meant for ♢♢chunky, rocky down all mountain. Just because its capable does not mean its the best. I have ht and full susp bike. And yes! Overpriced for the NAME brand.
This ain't no bike packing bike - what are you talking about?
Every bike is friend.
It has a chain. Boo.
Bring on the belt drives or you're living in 1997. Seriously, chain drives are for girls & Shimano calls it's customers "suckers". More moving parts than a space shuttle! LOL. Wake up folks & get a belt drive.
Are you day drinking?
@@cjohnson3836 Always. But that's not the point. Chain drives are yesterday, you just don't know it yet...
@@jpalmer1967 I love mine! And not having to clean the chain, f***ing priceless!
Pinion 12-speed gearbox And that belt drive. That's the future for sure. Once they can lighten up the gearbox just a tad, we'll start seeing more complete bikes sold with that setup. It'll be pricey at first but once the major players start competing in that category, I'm diving into that pool immediately!
@@cyrusdolph2339 Gearboxes are a niche product. Yall need to realize that bikepacking is a very small minority of people who ride bikes. And gearboxes are only optimal for lazy bikepackers. Their performance is not on par with traditional drive trains and so they will not be the favorite for day rides. You know, 99% of the riding people do. Particularly fatal is the poor engagement angle.