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Santa Cruz makes a carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon Chameleon

SHEFFIELD - November 2018 - during the 2019 Santa Cruz Chameleon shoot in Sheffield, Yorkshire, with Craig Evans. Photo by Gary Perkin
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Following the evolutionary trend of the mountain bike, the legendary Santa Cruz Chameleon is adapting to the new world. Yes, the much loved aluminum hard tail has now grown a carbon body that is just as versatile as the original.

Santa Cruz makes a carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon Chameleon

Santa Cruz makes a carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon Chameleon

Santa Cruz has proven over and over that they are fully capable of building a durable carbon bike, so it comes as little surprise that we would see a new version with a composite skin. The Chameleon C is still convertible between 29 and 27.5+ wheels and offers clearance for 27.5 x 3.0″ or 29 x 2.5″ tires.

Dropout options allow for geared or single speed use, while a threaded bottom bracket is meant to keep maintenance as simple as possible. Cable routing is internal for brake, shift, and dropper post cables. You’ll also find two one water bottle mounts inside the front triangle with a triple bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube in case you want to tackle any extended adventures.

Santa Cruz makes a carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon Chameleon Santa Cruz makes a carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon Chameleon Santa Cruz makes a carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon Chameleon Santa Cruz makes a carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon, carbon Chameleon

Offered in two builds in both wheel sizes, the SE bikes will include Santa Cruz’s own Reserve carbon wheels in addition to color matched Hope hubs and headsets to complete the look.

Available in four sizes, pricing starts at $1,599 for the frame only, and $3,799 for the Chameleon Carbon C S or S+ (29 or 27.5″ wheels). The SE Reserve models increase the price to $5,699 in either wheel size. Check out the full specs here.

santacruzbicycles.com

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Naero
Naero
5 years ago

So, after seeing that commercial I don’t want to buy the bike, but I sure as hell want to work for Santa Cruz!

badbikemechanicx
badbikemechanicx
5 years ago

Finally the return of single speed mountain biking.

Ron
Ron
5 years ago

So what is the weight difference between the Alu and Carbon frames?

El Bonzero
El Bonzero
5 years ago
Reply to  Ron

Uhh…one is carbon and the other is aluminum?

Dicky
5 years ago

I don’t see “two water bottle cages inside the front triangle .”

Ron
Ron
5 years ago

@El Bonzero, I meant actual weights. I’m a current Chameleon owner and would like a lighter frame, for the price I’d like to know the weight difference.

David
David
5 years ago
Reply to  Ron

The carbon frame is supposed to be 250 grams lighter than the aluminum version, at a cost of $850 more.

Tim
Tim
5 years ago
Reply to  David

@David- if what you’re saying is true, that’s messed up. The almost literal elephant in the room is that aluminum Chameleon frame is a bit of a pig, at 5.5lbs. I know these frames are supposed to take some abuse, but HT frames should weigh much less than FS ones.

JasonDoubleU
JasonDoubleU
5 years ago

Yes!… BUT. No additional rear tire clearance as compared with the alloy version. For my full-suspension loving body, being able to run a bigger is key. I would love to fit a 2.6 -2.8 tire for more cush (yes, I read the FAQ that moving the drops back may allow some 2.6 tires). Big 29er tires maybe not cool in California, but here in the Midwest it’s what I dream of. Oh well, a great bike that will be highly sought after, but not likely my next purchase… Pivot must be redesigning the Les soon right?!?

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