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I've not long since built up a Santa Cruz Chameleon hardtail but I'm having some pedal strike issues, mainly on some local rutted climbs.
The recommended minimum fork travel is 130mm but I've built it ups with some 120mm SIDs, Apart from the pedal strikes it rides really nicely.
I guess the obvious option would be to get hold of a 130mm fork to try on it but I really like the SIDs. It's running 170mm cranks so I guess I could try a set of 160mm cranks on it (possibly a good excuse to upgrade to T-Type AXS!)
Any other suggestions?
Thinner pedals?
10mm of fork doesn't make a huge amount of difference to pedal position, in the end because some of it is sagged away and the pedals are far back it tends to amount to 2-3mm. So cranks and pedals are definitely a better place to look first.
But in the end longer lower bikes will pedal strike more, it took me ages to adapt to just not pedalling in some places. Not so easy on a climb!
It's quite odd as my Solaris Max was similar geometry, possibly longer and lower, but never seemed to have this issue.
Longer and lower shouldn't make a difference, it's all about BB height. I think Reverse components make a 10 mm lower headset cup spacer which would be the cheapest option (aside from adjusting your technique) otherwise shorter cranks and thinner pedals.
Been there in the past and it's annoying. My work around was to ride a slightly higher gear and pump through sections that I might ground on. It works but also you get used to different riding techniques and eventually it's not a problem
Thinner pedals short cranks- yes but limited effect ime