Aluminium instead of carbon, and fun for everyone - whether for technical trail tours, bikepacking trips, the daily commute to work or as a carefree hardtail in winter: The eighth expansion stage of the Santa Cruz Chameleon focusses on versatility.
Interchangeable dropouts make it possible to ride the trail hardtail with 130 millimetres of travel in a mullet setup with a 29er front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel or as a pure 29-inch bike. The frame also fits 27.5-inch plus tyres up to 2.8 inches wide.
But that's not all: the Californians also give customers the choice between classic gears and a purist single-speed drivetrain. Those who like to ride long distances on the aluminium hardtail will also be pleased to find two mounting devices for bottle cages.
The Chameleon is available in three equipment variants. Originally available in BIKE 02/2022 The published prices of 2449 euros, 3099 euros and 3749 euros are surprisingly attractive by Santa Cruz standards. The equipment ranges from the Sram SX NX Eagle mix and Rockshox Recon RL fork to the Sram GX Eagle in combination with the 34 Performance from Fox.
The prices have since been corrected, and at the beginning of February 2022 the Santa Cruz website for the base model Chameleon 8 D is 2699 euros. The Chameleon 8 R with Sram NX and Fox Rhythm 34 is priced at 3199 euros, and the Chameleon 8 S is expected to cost 3899 euros. The Chameleon frame is available separately for 999 euros.
According to the manufacturer, the weights are between 12.9 and 14.06 kilos. However, the company reserves the right to make changes to the price, equipment and weight. The first models should be available in Europe from spring 2022.
Santa Cruz Chameleon: Facts at a glance
- Price: 3 models from 2699 to 3899 euros (single frame: 999 euros)
- Tyre size: all models optionally available as a 29er (29 x 2.5") or MX bike (29 x 2.5" front & 27.5 x 2.5" rear)
- Weight: 12.9 to 13.98 kilos (manufacturer's specification)
- Front suspension travel: 130 mm
- Gearing: Sram Eagle, from SX to GX
- Bottle cage: 2 pieces - 2-point holder in the frame triangle + additional 3-point holder on the down tube
- Internal cable routing
- Tyre clearance: maximum 29 x 2.6" or 27.5 x 2.8"
- Chainring size: maximum 34 teeth
- Seatpost: Stealth Vario post, diameter 31.6 millimetres
- bolted BSA bottom bracket (73 mm)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
Ideal for purists, bikepacking or in winter
Low maintenance, uncomplicated and durable - A robust hardtail like the Santa Cruz Chameleon, which is also so versatile, is also well equipped for tough use in the cold winter months. But without the right care no bike can survive the winter unscathed. We show you the best tips for relaxed tours on icy days and the most important steps for washing your bike afterwards. In BIKE 02/2022 - read now!
Max Fuchs
Editor
