Santa Cruz Chameleon
Totting up here at Singletrack we reckon this is the fourth incarnation of the Santa Cruz Chamelon. Unlike its users, the Chameleon hasn’t changed a great deal over the years. The ‘Cham’, along with the GT Zaskar and, to a lesser degree, the Cannondale Beast of the East, were the first bikes morphed into the quintessential ‘UK hardtail’
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Posted on: June 10, 2009
Ah, the Beast of the East and the old ball-burnished Zaskar. But surely you are forgetting the iconic S-Works M2, that was also a prized target for anyone wishing to be a bit brutal with their hardtail. Cannondale Killer-V was another popular frame for anyone with those kind of intentions.
Anyhow, still have my MK1 Chameleon, and it without doubt the most fun bike I’ve ever owned. A true classic.
luv mine 2
why does it cost so much?
I have just got a new model cham,now i know the meaning of true lust,145mm revalations,bonty carbon bars,raceface carbon post,raceface stem,xt running gear(xtr ti cassette),lx brakes,hope hubs,717 rims,crossmarks on the rims, and no-one catches me downhill,all you need is nuts! ride on dudes!.
Such an awesome bike and i had this pretty much since it was released. Fistly with ’98 Bomber Z1′s and then with Shiver SC’s. Loved the feel of it.
Alas it was stolen recently so keep your eyes peeled.
I have the latest model… set up with burly(ish) kit – saint double chainset, XT everywhere else and some coil pikes… its the nuts, fine for XC and even a 10 hour enduro (10 under the ben), climbs great and descends better – feels so good on swoopy bermy singletrack (glentress electric blue or spooky wood) infact I have not ridden much else that can compare on such a wide variety of terrain including full suss. That said you do end up a bit battered and it’s a handfull at times, but that’s what makes riding so much fun. No pain no gain – get one!