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Today’s Deals2018 Santa Cruz
Chameleon D 29
A 29″ aluminum frame hardtail trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price
$1,699| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Hardtail, 120mm |
| Fork | RockShox Recon Silver RL |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 11 |
| Groupset | NX |
| Brakes | Avid Hydraulic Disc |
5'2" – 5'8"
5'6" – 5'11"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'1" – 6'7"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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Summary
The Santa Cruz Chameleon is a highly versatile and adaptable trail bike, praised for its swappable dropouts allowing for different wheel sizes and drivetrain options, making it a favorite among riders seeking customization. Its lightweight frame and affordable build kits add to its appeal, though some note the price may be steep for an alloy frame. The bike's handling and ride quality are frequently highlighted, with a geometry that balances speed and stability, though the 120mm fork travel may not suit everyone's needs.
Versatile with swappable dropouts for different wheel sizes and drivetrain options
Lightweight frame
Affordable build kits available
Excellent handling and ride quality
Highly adaptable and customizable
Pricey for an alloy frame
120mm fork travel may be insufficient for some
No dropper post included in default kit
Being unexceptional equates to blending in–like oh, I dunno…a Chameleon?
BIKE MagazineThe new Chameleon is an addictively enjoyable all rounder that’s both kneepad rowdy but race plate fast
BikeRadarThe Chameleon is full of surprises.
NSMBOne of the most fitting names for a bike has always been the ‘Chameleon’ by Santa Cruz.
MTBRFeedback?
View all reviews
May 2019 · Logan Watts
Just unveiled, the Santa Cruz Chameleon C is a carbon version of their bikepacking-friendly trail hardtail. Here's our first ride report with photos...
Dialed geometry makes it well-balanced and highly maneuverable on the trail
Adjustable/pivoting dropouts allow you to change the bike’s chainstay and wheelbase depending on the type of riding you’ll be doing; this is especially interesting for tweaking between trail riding and longer bikepacking outings
Swappable dropout inserts maintain the bike’s intended geometry for both 27.5+ and 29er wheels/tires
SE build is really nice, though expensive
Three-pack mounts under the downtube; take note, other hardtails!
Nice color and graphics
Expensive, especially for a hardtail
Wish it cleared 29 x 2.6” tires (and had swappable dropouts for that configuration)
Curved seat tube creates a slacker effective seat tube angle for long-legged folks, like myself; but, then again, without that, you couldn’t have that sweet 415mm chainstay length
Jan 2019
Does the Chameleon live up to the name now that it's hewn into smooth lines and arcs of carbon fibre?
Jan 2019 · Antony de Heveningham
There can't be many models of mountain bike out there which can claim to have the longevity of the Santa Cruz Chameleon.
Jun 2018 · Guy Kesteven
Outstanding sweet spot balance of rowdy confidence and easy speed with added wheel size, transmission and futureproofing versatility built in. Buy if you want an addictively engaging, hyper-versatile all rounder that refuses to play by category and geometry fashion rules
Sharp and fast enough to race, tough and stable enough to rave
Excellent cost effective componentry selection with quality tyre highlights
Sweetly detailed frame with simple 29er or Plus conversion and singlespeed options
No dropper post in the default kit package
Mar 2017
The Santa Cruz Chameleon has received an overhaul. Here are the details on the 2017 version.
Mar 2017 · Francis Cebedo
This new Chameleon from Santa Cruz has been spotted in several Santa Cruz dealers. It not only looks promising but the the rumored pricing is attractive as well. - Mtbr.com
| Frame | Aluminum BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Recon RL Travel: 120mm |
| Shock | N/A |
| Bottom Bracket | Standard, threaded |
| Headset | Cane Creek 10, IS |
| Stem | Race Face Ride, 50mm |
| Handlebar | Race Face Ride, 35mm diameter, 760mm width |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Sport |
| Seatpost | Race Face Ride Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | none |
| Grips | Santa Cruz Palmdale lock-on |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM NX, long cage, 11-speed |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | Race Face Aeffect |
| Shifters | SRAM NX, 11-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM PG 1130, 11-42 tooth, 11-speed |
| Chain | SRAM PC1110 |
| Chain Guide | none |
| Brakes | SRAM Level with Avid Centerline 180mm rotors front and rear Type: Avid Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Level |
| Rims | WTB ST i23 TCS, 28 hole |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Competition (28) |
| Front Hub | Front: Novatec D711, 15mm x 110mm, 28 hole, Rear: Novatec D462, 12mm x 148mm, 28 hole, HG |
| Rear Hub | Front: Novatec D711, 15mm x 110mm, 28 hole, Rear: Novatec D462, 12mm x 148mm, 28 hole, HG |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Minion DHF, 2.3", EXO, TR, Rear: Maxxis Crossmark II, 2.25", DC, EXO, TR |
First added April 14
Last updated April 14
Not listed for 2,981 days