Hello, Have narrowed the choice down to these 2. Anyone had a go on both, for comparison? I know the 305 is usually cheaper, but I can get a good deal on a Chameleon, which will make them almost equal in price. Thanks
Ok, have owned both in there previous incarnations, and from test-rides, dont think there is much difference between old and current. There are marked differences, depending on what use you have in mind.
Head angle is a couple of degrees slacker on the SC.
Pace is a much lighter frame, and the back end seems to offer great compliance, whereas the SC is like a anvil, so stiff.
Obviously the Chammy will take slightly longer travel forks, so if this is what you're after, i'd take it. As an all day bike for general trail duties my pick would be the Pace. (Or should i say was, hence still owning it and not the Chammy)
Buy British.
(I have a Chameleon 🙂 )
If I was buying again I'd get the Pace, but only because it would match my Pace RC405 full sus. Don't think there is much between them.
In fact, buy a Pace in medium, black, and I'll swap you for my medium white Chameleon frame.
Helpful aren't I...
Cham is fine as an all day bike. Geometry is pretty conventional TBH, and the tales of being stiff and anvil like can be mitigated by a decent carbon post and a squigdy(er) saddle. Cham can be singlespeeded if that bothers you, apart from that, either one would be great I reckon
the pace has a cramped feel for me as the top tube is shorter than most 19" framed bikes so if your short the pace is fine, but if you are over 5 foot 10 your knees will hit the bars on the pace
Tough choice - if it was the heart Id go for the Pace (Ive always lusted after one since back in the day)..If its cash Id go for the SC cos ATB have an ex demo on sale 😉
Had both.The Pace seemed like a xc bike trying to b something it wasnt.The new SC Lizard is an amazing bike.I think the new frames r more forgiving that they r given credit for.Can b built up in many different ways and at the end of the day the bike will put an enormous grin on your face.
Thanks for the replies. Fotorat, according to the websites the top tube of the XL chameleon and the large Pace are the same, the sizes I would be looking for. Coasting, did you think the Pace was underbuilt or just neither fish nor fowl?