Chameleon
- Overview
- Bike Builder
- Geometry and Sizing
- Product Support
Built for...whatever
We made the Chameleon for riders who like to sculpt their ideal bike, and aren’t afraid to experiment. Whether 29er or mixed, geared or fixed, multiple major configuration transformations are made easy via the interchangeable dropouts. The low slung top tube and progressive geometry means this bike blends into whatever surroundings you place it. From raucous short-cuts across town to skipping the city altogether. It turns itself to trail exploration with the flip of an Allen key, thanks to the triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and standard bottle mount within the frame.
Want something a notch swifter for more XC style riding? Check out the Highball
More focused on dirt jumps and pumptracks? Check out the Jackal
Proud owner of a Chameleon? Register your bike here.
Key Features:
| Available in: | Aluminum |
| Wheel Size: | MX & 29" |
| Front Travel: | 130mm |
Please note: Price, Weight, and Parts Spec information is subject to change.
D 29 $2,599 USD $2,099 31 lbs / 14.06 kg | D MX $2,599 USD $2,099 30.82 lbs / 13.98 kg | R 29 $3,199 USD $2,599 29.28 lbs / 13.28 kg | R MX $3,199 USD $2,599 29.12 lbs / 13.21 kg | S 29 $3,749 USD $2,999 28.64 lbs / 12.99 kg | S MX $3,749 USD $2,999 28.44 lbs / 12.9 kg | Frame $1,049 USD 5.63 lbs / 2.55 kg |
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Material With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too. Learn More | Material With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too. Learn More | Material With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too. Learn More | Material With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too. Learn More | Material With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too. Learn More | Material With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too. Learn More | Material With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too. Learn More | ||
Fork | Fork | Fork | Fork | Fork | Fork | Fork | ||
Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | ||
Shifters | Shifters | Shifters | Shifters | Shifters | Shifters | Shifters | ||
Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | ||
Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | ||
Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | ||
Headset | Headset | Headset | Headset | Headset | Headset | Headset | ||
Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | ||
Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | ||
Sealant | Sealant | Sealant | Sealant | Sealant | Sealant | Sealant | ||
Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | ||
Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | ||
Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | ||
Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | ||
Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | ||
Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | ||
Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | ||
Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | ||
Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | ||
Stem | Stem | Stem | Stem | Stem | Stem | Stem | ||
Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | ||
Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | ||
Grips Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good. Learn More | Grips Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good. Learn More | Grips Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good. Learn More | Grips Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good. Learn More | Grips Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good. Learn More | Grips Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good. Learn More | Grips | ||
Travel | Travel | Travel | Travel | Travel | Travel | Travel | ||
Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size |
Geometry
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 420 | 445 | 465 | 490 |
| Stack | 620.1 | 629.2 | 638.2 | 647.3 |
| Head Tube Angle | 65.0° | 65.0° | 65.0° | 65.0° |
| Seat Tube Length | 380 | 405 | 430 | 460 |
| Front Center | 729.4 | 758.6 | 782.8 | 812.1 |
| BB Height | 315 | 315 | 315 | 315 |
| BB Drop | 56/40 | 56/40 | 56/40 | 56/40 |
| Wheelbase | 1154.4 | 1183.6 | 1207.8 | 1237.1 |
| Rear Center | 425-437 | 425-437 | 425-437 | 425-437 |
| Head Tube Length | 100 | 110 | 120 | 130 |
| Top Tube Length | 596.1 | 621.3 | 643.4 | 668.8 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 74.1° | 74.3° | 74.4° | 74.6° |
| Standover Height | 682 | 682 | 686 | 708 |
Units
cm
Frame Sizing
If you're on the cusp between the recommended height range of two sizes, the absolute best thing is to try to ride them both. At a minimum, check the stack/reach measurements on your current bike and compare it to the new model you are looking at to get an idea of a fit you are already comfortable with. If riding the bike is not an option, consider the following.
Personal Preference
A larger size frame will be more stable, and will give you more room to move without upsetting the weight-balance of the bike. The larger size will put the front wheel further in front of you, which gives the feeling of security and conversely, it will require more significant body movements when you WANT to shift the weight-bias of the bike. Think hard about your riding style and how active/intuitive you want it to be vs stable and speedy. You'll need to work a bit harder to muscle the larger bike around.
Body Dimension
Not all bodies at a given height are the same. If you have longer legs and a shorter torso than the average person your height, that may push you towards the smaller of the recommended sizes. If you're all torso and arms, most likely you'll want to size up.
Units
cm
S
M
L
XL
Design Details
Design Details
1 / 6
Aluminum frame
The Chameleon reinvents itself yet again, returning to the no-nonsense alu roots that make it our most versatile hard-working hardtail of all time.
MX or 29
Options for full 29 or MX setups means you can opt for speed and comfort for hauling or quick and nimble handling.
Single speed or gears
Adjustable dropouts make it a multi-geared trail charger to single-speed racer to bikepacking mule...and pretty much anything imaginable in between.
A Mule That Rules
Tougher and stronger than any race horse, the Chameleon blends stamina with agility to create a whole new kind of beast. A triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and additional mount within the frame ensures the Chameleon is ready to play wherever The Wild Things Are.
Fun-loving, shreddy spirit
The low slung top tube and more progressive geometry (65.5-degree head-angle and longer reach) provides all-trail capability.
Lifetime warranty
Built to last many lifetimes and supported by the legendary Santa Cruz rider support.
Chameleon Frame Specifications
| Front Derailleur | No compatibility |
| Headset/Headtube | Integrated (IS41/52) |
| Seat Post | 31.6mm |
| Seat Clamp | 36.4mm |
| Fork Compatibility | 130mm - 140mm |
| BB Shell | 73mm Threaded |
| Max Tire Size | 29"x2.6" | 27.5"x2.8" |
| Max Chainring Size | 34t |
| Water Bottle Mounts | 2 |
| Fork Offset | 42mm |
| Chainguide | ISCG-05 |
| Brake Mount | Post Mount 180 |
Geometry
All units are in millimeters or degrees.
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 420 | 445 | 465 | 490 |
| Stack | 620.1 | 629.2 | 638.2 | 647.3 |
| Head Tube Angle | 65.0° | 65.0° | 65.0° | 65.0° |
| Seat Tube Length | 380 | 405 | 430 | 460 |
| Front Center | 729.4 | 758.6 | 782.8 | 812.1 |
| BB Height | 315 | 315 | 315 | 315 |
| BB Drop | 56/40 | 56/40 | 56/40 | 56/40 |
| Wheelbase | 1154.4 | 1183.6 | 1207.8 | 1237.1 |
| Rear Center | 425-437 | 425-437 | 425-437 | 425-437 |
| Head Tube Length | 100 | 110 | 120 | 130 |
| Top Tube Length | 596.1 | 621.3 | 643.4 | 668.8 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 74.1° | 74.3° | 74.4° | 74.6° |
| Standover Height | 682 | 682 | 686 | 708 |
Units
cm
Frame Sizing
If you're on the cusp between the recommended height range of two sizes, the absolute best thing is to try to ride them both. At a minimum, check the stack/reach measurements on your current bike and compare it to the new model you are looking at to get an idea of a fit you are already comfortable with. If riding the bike is not an option, consider the following.
Personal Preference
A larger size frame will be more stable, and will give you more room to move without upsetting the weight-balance of the bike. The larger size will put the front wheel further in front of you, which gives the feeling of security and conversely, it will require more significant body movements when you WANT to shift the weight-bias of the bike. Think hard about your riding style and how active/intuitive you want it to be vs stable and speedy. You'll need to work a bit harder to muscle the larger bike around.
Body Dimension
Not all bodies at a given height are the same. If you have longer legs and a shorter torso than the average person your height, that may push you towards the smaller of the recommended sizes. If you're all torso and arms, most likely you'll want to size up.
Units
cm
S
M
L
XL
FAQ's
Why MX (Mixed Wheels)?
Mixed wheels provide the stability and traction of a 29" front wheel with the agility of a 27.5" rear wheel. The smaller rear wheel and its comparatively lower axle height allows the rider to more easily unweight the front wheel- this makes for confident yet agile handling on the steepest of descents.
I've been riding 29ers for a while- what will feel different with MX? Any setup tips?
29" bikes provide a ton of front wheel grip- this is partially due to the front wheel itself, but also due to the axle height of the rear wheel which works to keep the front end weighted. This creates a natural position on lower-angle terrain but requires body position and/or setup adjustments to achieve any sort of rearward bias.
On an MX bike, the bias is more rearward. This gives a very natural feeling on steep descents, but requires some body position and setup consideration for a balanced feel on flatter terrain. Compared to a 29er, a slightly lower handlebar and a more forward-biased suspension setup will make an MX bike feel more like what you're used to. Additionally, using the Hi BB setting will lend itself to a more front biased feel. Using these tuning parameters will help you find the sweet spot for your terrain and preference.
You'll know you have it dialed when it feels like you're never making large bodyweight shifts to either lift the front end or keep it stuck to the ground.
I'm coming from a 27.5 bike- what will feel different with MX? Any setup tips?
An MX bike will definitely handle differently than a full 27.5 bike. The main difference you'll feel is a more stable and confident front end. The turning will be a bit slower than a 27.5, but the payoff is a more secure feeling in corners and more traction. Due to the taller front axle height and improved roll-over of the large wheel, your chances of stuffing the front wheel or going over the bars is vastly diminished. Use this security to ride challenging terrain with a more aggressive and dynamic body position.
What fork offset is the recommended?
We recommend 42-44mm offset 29" forks for the Chameleon
Can I run a 27.5" front and rear wheel on this bike?
The Chameleon is not designed for a 27.5" front wheel, but you could make it work with a ~150mm travel fork if that's what you want to do.
What do I need to do in order to switch wheel sizes?
There are two sets of dropouts- one set for a 27.5" rear wheel and another for a 29" rear wheel. You just need to order/install the dropout set that you want, and switch the wheel itself of course.
Is the Chameleon single speed-compatible?
Yes, the Chameleon has sliding dropouts that provide 12mm of chainstay length adjustment. These can be used for geometry adjustment or for tensioning the chain on a single speed setup. The dropouts are only available in 148x12 and use the SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger.
How do I adjust the dropouts on my Chameleon?
Take a look at this video for information on dropout adjustment.
Exploded Diagrams
Rear Axle, Deraillaur Hanger, and Dropouts
Bottle Cage Bolts and Bottom Bracket
Seat Collar and Cable Housing Grommets
