Chameleon
Origin
The Chameleon is one of the oldest continuously-produced names in mountain biking. Santa Cruz Bicycles rolled the first one out in 1997, conceived as a shape-shifter that could morph between a freeride hardtail, a single-speed cross-country rig and everything in between - hence the name. Over eight generations it evolved from 26in wheels and rim brakes through plus-size and 29in tyres, thru-axles and 1x drivetrains, at one point growing into a 160mm-forked hard-hitter (2003) and later shrinking into a carbon, 27.5-plus bikepacking all-rounder. The 2017 seventh generation introduced the now-signature swappable dropout system that lets a single frame flip between wheel sizes and gearing without changing its geometry. The eighth generation (2022, the model's 25th anniversary) went longer, slacker and lower - and returned to being aluminium-only after the carbon experiment. Throughout, the Chameleon has stayed Santa Cruz's most affordable and most adaptable trail bike.
Specifications
- Frame
- Aluminium (2022+ V2, all builds) or Carbon C (2017-2021 V1 'Chameleon C'); threaded BB, replaceable/modular dropouts
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- 1x12 SRAM Eagle, spec by trim: SX (D), NX (R), GX (S); 30-34T chainring, 11-50/52T cassette
- Brakes
- 4-piston hydraulic disc, 180/180 mm rotors (e.g. SRAM Guide T / DB8 depending on year/trim)
- Wheels
- 29in, or mixed MX (29in front / 27.5in rear); V1 also 27.5-plus. i30 rims typical (RaceFace/WTB by trim)
The verdict
- Exceptional versatility - swap between 29er, MX mullet, geared or single-speed on one frame.
- Balanced, lively and confident trail manners; playful on mellow trails yet capable when pushed harder.
- Well-built with a lifetime frame warranty, threaded BB and generous tyre clearance for bikepacking.
- Pricey for the component spec - you pay for the Santa Cruz frame more than the drivetrain fitted.
- Bottom-bracket height sits a touch high versus some rival hardtails.
- As a hardtail it asks more of the rider on rough, high-consequence terrain than a full-suspension bike.
Generations
V1 - 7th gen (2017-2021)
- Carbon option available; introduced swappable dropouts; more XC/bikepacking-oriented, steeper and shorter.
- Wheels
- 29er or 27.5-plus
- Frame
- Aluminium or Carbon C
V2 - 8th gen (2022-present)
- Longer, slacker, lower; carbon dropped; MX mullet capability; marks the model's 25th anniversary.
- Wheels
- 29er or MX mullet (29/27.5)
- Frame
- Aluminium only
Versions & builds
Every official build side by side — differences highlighted.
| Spec | CurrentChameleon D (Aluminium) | CurrentChameleon R (Aluminium/Carbon by year) | CurrentChameleon S | Chameleon R (V2 alloy) | Chameleon C SE (V1 carbon) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2022 | 2020 |
| Frame | Aluminium | Aluminium (V2) / Carbon C (earlier) | Carbon C / Aluminium by year | Aluminium | Carbon C |
| Drivetrain | SRAM SX Eagle 1x12 | SRAM NX Eagle 1x12 | SRAM GX Eagle 1x12 | SRAM NX Eagle 1x12 | 1x12 Eagle |
| Brakes | 4-piston hydraulic disc | 4-piston hydraulic disc | 4-piston hydraulic disc | SRAM Guide T 4-piston, 180/180 mm | hydraulic disc |
| MSRP | €2,200 | €2,600 | €3,000 | €3,200 | €3,500 |
| Purpose | Value | Balanced | Flagship | Balanced | Balanced |
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