This is the video that gave me the last push I needed to buy my Chameleon. I chose this color because of this video and it's still my one and only bike... Thanks!!
Hi! Im thinking of grabbing one as my next bike (woo!). How do you find it on the chunky stuff? Here in the uk we get a lot of mud and roots, so was wondering how it faired. Cheers.
As James mentioned there is no difference other than color between a 2018 & 2019 Chamelion frames. I was offered a floor model 2018 D Chamelion with 29 tires & 20% off inc 70- composite pedals and I jumped on it. Thank you for the upload:)
I really wish Santa Cruz offered this bike in a standard 27.5 wheel size option, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. I understand why most bike companies are only offering 29 or 650b+ hardtails though. The majority of riders seem to prioritize speed or capability. I want my bike to be extremely playful, and that means no wide rims or wagon wheels. The only 27.5 bikes I can find that truly suit my needs are the Transition Throttle or the Why TF, which are far too expensive.
Curious to know how strong the chainstay and rear axle drop are. Im 185 and do quit a bit of jumping and hard enduro downhill. Im sure climbing on this is a dream!
Technically SC wants you to change them to preserve the Geo. It's possible to re-use the dropouts, it just won't have the BB height in the perfect place. Hi/Lo depending on the combo you run.
Would you pay that much for a Hardtail frame, though?? I sure as hell wouldn't, seeing as we have offerings from Dartmoor, Mondraker, Nukeproof, etc. edit: that wasn't meant to be negative. I am genuinely curious about the sticker price difference between the companies which seemingly offer the same base frame statistics
The Kona Honzo has about the same chainstay length. The 29+ Trek Stache also has about the same CS length. So does the Canfield EPO carbon hardtail, although Canfield seems to be going out of business.
The (almost literal) elephant in the room in the room is the weight: 2470 grams is 5.4 pounds. There's no excuse for a frame that heavy- they could cut 400 grams and still end up with a highly durable frame. It's a shame, because everything else about this bike is so well thought out- short stays, adjustable dropouts, external routing, threaded bottom bracket, 27.5+/29 compatibility, multiple water bottle mounts... They did everything right, but made a pig of a frame.
This is the video that gave me the last push I needed to buy my Chameleon. I chose this color because of this video and it's still my one and only bike... Thanks!!
Cheers 🥂
I now own this 2019 Chameleon. Love it. So much fun and rides great. Had to wait 2.5 months for delivery but well worth it.
Worth the wait for sure!
Hi! Im thinking of grabbing one as my next bike (woo!). How do you find it on the chunky stuff? Here in the uk we get a lot of mud and roots, so was wondering how it faired.
Cheers.
As James mentioned there is no difference other than color between a 2018 & 2019 Chamelion frames. I was offered a floor model 2018 D Chamelion with 29 tires & 20% off inc 70- composite pedals and I jumped on it.
Thank you for the upload:)
Thats a good deal, other than specs there is not a frame difference.
I really wish Santa Cruz offered this bike in a standard 27.5 wheel size option, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. I understand why most bike companies are only offering 29 or 650b+ hardtails though. The majority of riders seem to prioritize speed or capability. I want my bike to be extremely playful, and that means no wide rims or wagon wheels. The only 27.5 bikes I can find that truly suit my needs are the Transition Throttle or the Why TF, which are far too expensive.
I have the 2018 version. Best aluminum frame I’ve ever had.
Yeah, it is a sick bike! I have a 2018 and it is a sweet bike!
I just got the 2019 in orange and I'm loving it
my 2019 Chameleon 29 R arrives today.
Awesome, how do you like it!
Finally took it out this morning up to Sandpoint. Solid bike,First time riding a 29er@@Jamesthebikeguy
What made you go with the R build?
Curious to know how strong the chainstay and rear axle drop are. Im 185 and do quit a bit of jumping and hard enduro downhill. Im sure climbing on this is a dream!
At 185lbs, this bike will not even notice you are riding it. Send it!
Question where did u get the frame alone , having a hard time finding it
This frame is part of a complete bike. You can get the frame separately as well.
Do you know what off set the 130mm fork should have for this frame? I have a 37mm I would like to use thanks
44 or 51
wonderful frame
Gosh yes!
Thanks for making this video! Do you know how to determine what the 27.5+ HTA would be with 120mm fork (Recon RL) as opposed to the 130mm?
Rule of thumb is +/- .5deg for every +/- 10mm. Not exact but would give you the idea of what to expect
@@Jamesthebikeguy Great. Thanks again!
How much for its price range?
Will you be posting a ride review of this bike?
Not this one, it is my friend's bike. I have a 2018 SC Chameleon that is awesome.
James do you need different drop outs for 27.5+ vs. 29
Technically SC wants you to change them to preserve the Geo. It's possible to re-use the dropouts, it just won't have the BB height in the perfect place. Hi/Lo depending on the combo you run.
@@Jamesthebikeguy James, do you ride a Chameleon? What is it like? I test rode one in the parking lot but that was it. I was impressed.
Yes, I have a 2018. At some point I'll put up a bike check, as I have modded it a bit. Awesome bike, I love it.
They sell the different drop outs for $79 each
So they only changed the color. Nothing else, right?
Yup!
How does the welding compare?
Appears to me to be the same. The Chameleon is a really well put together aluminum bike.
From what store did u buy it?
Any Santa Cruz dealer. This is a video from almost 3 years ago.
Hi there james. Do you know the fork rake for this frame?
51mm
cheers man you're a life saver!
Did the frame come with that crankset on it or is that aftermarket?
Crank came with the complete build from SC
Does it come if you only hit the frame?
*buy
Is the colour brighter or dimmer IRL?
It is a deeper/richer color in person.
Would you pay that much for a Hardtail frame, though?? I sure as hell wouldn't, seeing as we have offerings from Dartmoor, Mondraker, Nukeproof, etc.
edit: that wasn't meant to be negative. I am genuinely curious about the sticker price difference between the companies which seemingly offer the same base frame statistics
I've never seen those brands in person, but this is one of the nicest ALU frame's I have seen.
I think it would be better as a complete bike that you upgrade eventually. That's what I'm going to do! SC's not known for value anyway
If you want that short fun short chain-stay there is no other option.
The Kona Honzo has about the same chainstay length. The 29+ Trek Stache also has about the same CS length. So does the Canfield EPO carbon hardtail, although Canfield seems to be going out of business.
I would like to see the complete bike brother..🙏🏻
Then check out my video on the complete bike! th-cam.com/video/YzR4fp0LkFg/w-d-xo.html
How to order? Am here in Dubai...let me know please...thank you
Check with your local bike shop!
What is the weight of this frame plz ?
At the end of the video I weigh a 2018, this is the same frame so same weight.
Jamesthebikeguy sorry i haven’t see it
Great vidéo 👍
The (almost literal) elephant in the room in the room is the weight: 2470 grams is 5.4 pounds. There's no excuse for a frame that heavy- they could cut 400 grams and still end up with a highly durable frame. It's a shame, because everything else about this bike is so well thought out- short stays, adjustable dropouts, external routing, threaded bottom bracket, 27.5+/29 compatibility, multiple water bottle mounts... They did everything right, but made a pig of a frame.
Finally moved away from the Olive drab
Indeed!
Agreed.