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2017 Santa Cruz

Chameleon D

A 27.5″ aluminum frame hardtail trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price

$1,599
FrameAluminum
SuspensionHardtail, 120mm
ForkFox
Wheels27.5″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetNX
BrakesSRAM Level T Hydraulic Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Chameleon D
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

25 mph

Chameleon D

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'8"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

XL

6'1" – 6'7"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

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Reviews

Summary

The Santa Cruz Chameleon is a versatile and adaptable trail bike, praised for its adjustable dropouts that allow for different wheel sizes and drivetrains, enhancing its customization and ride quality. Its lightweight frame and balanced geometry make it a responsive and enjoyable ride across various terrains. While it offers great value and performance, some reviewers note its aluminum frame can feel harsh compared to carbon options, and its price point may not compete with other hardtails in its category.

Pros
  • Versatile with swappable dropouts for different wheel sizes and drivetrain options

  • Lightweight frame and balanced trail geometry

  • Adjustable rear center for customization

  • Internal dropper routing and two water bottle mounts

  • Surprisingly smooth in rough terrain for an aluminum bike

Cons
  • Aluminum frame can feel harsh compared to carbon options

  • Price point may not compete with other hardtails in its category

  • Basic fork on some builds may limit performance

Key Quotes
The Chameleon is the Swiss Army Knife of bikes in the Santa Cruz line-up.
MTBR logoMTBR
It's a nice sensation. The closest bike I'd relate it to personally is Kona's Ti Explosif.
NSMB logoNSMB
Hefty and pricey, but a tough, versatile all-rounder with a smooth yet addictively rewarding ride.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar

Feedback?

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BikeRadar
Santa Cruz Chameleon R1 AM first ride review

Dec 2017 · Guy Kesteven

The latest version of this classic hardtail is a category, character and wheel-size-blending beauty

Read Review

BIKE Magazine
First Look: Santa Cruz Chameleon Hardtail

Mar 2017

The Santa Cruz Chameleon has received an overhaul. Here are the details on the 2017 version.

Read Review

MTBR
2017 Santa Cruz Chameleon first look

Mar 2017 · Francis Cebedo

Still aluminum and more versatile than ever, the new Santa Cruz Chameleon is here with plus tire compatibility, configurable dropouts, and very modern geometry. - Mtbr.com

Read Review

NSMB
2017 Santa Cruz Chameleon

Mar 2017

The new Santa Cruz Chameleon has a lot going on - for a hardtail. It's slack; it's light; it's surprisingly smooth in the rough. There's tonnes of tire clearance for a 29" or 27+ wheel with short chainstays. It has rotating dropouts that make it simple to single speed with a rear center adjustable from 415mm to 430mm.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Aluminum

Fork

FOX Rhythm 120

Travel120mm

Spring TypeAir

Bottom Bracket

Included w/ crankset

Headset

Cane Creek 10 Series; integrated

Stem

Race Face Ride, 35mm clamp

Handlebar

Race Face Ride 760mm, 35mm clamp

Saddle

WTB Volt Race

Seatpost

Race Face Ride 31.6x400mm

TypeRigid

Grips

Santa Cruz Palmdale Lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM NX

Crank

Race Face Aeffect AL, 30 Tooth

Shifters

SRAM NX

Cassette

SRAM XG1150 10-42

Chain

SRAM PC1110

Brakes

SRAM Level T

TypeSRAM Level T Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Race Face AR 40

Spokes

DT Swiss Champion

Front Hub

Novatec D711; 15x110mm

Rear Hub

Novatec D712; 12x148mm

Tires

Front: Maxxis Rekon EXO TR; 27.5x2.8, Rear: Maxxis Rekon Exo; 27.5x2.8

Disc Rotors

Avid Centerline; 160mm

Rider Notes
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First added March 23

Last updated March 23

Not listed for 3,354 days