I have a 2024 Matte Blackout frame pre-ordered and it will replace my 2019 Sea Foam Blue Chameleon.... can't wait! Was this a 140 fork in this video? Hopefully you do an update soon!
Sweet! Yeah I was waiting to see what new color they came out with for 2024. A lot of build ideas came into my mind when I saw the new frame color haha. Yeah in this video it had a 140mm Fox 34. The bike has changed a little bit since then. Still riding it often and enjoying it. I'll have to get an update video for it soon!
Crazy how similar your opinions are to mine in this video. Nodding in agreement to everything for 10 minutes straight. Building up a Merida Big Trail in a similar manner to your build. It’s a bang for buck build, with mostly mid tier parts, all purchased 2nd hand. Custom paint job too. Sign of the times, but very fun!
This is a bit late, but YT suggested this video because I have been researching the Santa Cruz Chameleon. If you're still having issues with numbness because of the saddle, you might look at a road oriented one. I put a Shimano Pro Turnix on my plus hardtail because I sometimes do longer XC rides or backcountry rides in excess of 25+ miles. Another favorite of mine that I am currently using on my road bike, a Specialized Romin.
Nice build! I absolutely love my 2021 Carbon Chameleon...simplicity at its finest. I sold my 2015 Bronson Carbon CC and replaced it with the chameleon.
Hey buddy, i got the same bike, R MX build. I wanted to ask if it's worth building new wheels if i want to upgrade to better hubs. I want to lace Hope hubs to my stock ARC30 rims but I'm wondering if its better to save up for carbin rims for example. I'm also thinking if carbon rims are comfortable on a hardtail!
Awesome build! How is the bike keeping up? Love that fork! I just got a blue 2019 version. Alloy frame too. Insane bike! Size L 29er. I'm inlove with it. I need an orange fox infront too. Whats the travel on yours and what would you suggest for 180 pound guy? 24 26 or 38? would love to hear your thoughts on size and travel of fork! Thanks!
The bike has been great! Been putting a lot of miles on it. I've been meaning to make an update video about the bike since I have made some changes. Hell ya congrats on the 2019 Chameleon! That blue would pair really nicely with an orange lower fork. Since the head tube geometry is a bit steeper on the 2019 versus the current gen, the Fox 34 140mm would pair pretty nicely with it. Though, I did recently switch my Fox 34 to a 36. I'm also 180lbs. Look for an update video soon on my bike!
@@JStarPropertyServices For the downtube logo, I bought some custom stickers from www.slikgraphics.com/shop/frames/santa-cruz-downtube-logo-stickers/ AS for the bottom bracket, depends on what crankset you have but you should be able to find something from WMFG. It uses a 73mm threaded bottom bracket
Beautiful bike, just wanna ask how did u change the decals/graphics to that kashima color thing? is it a sticker like wrap or paint? sorry to bother thnx
Thank you! They essentially are just stickers that you stick on top of the painted Santa Cruz logo underneath. They are from the company Slik Graphics slikgraphics.com
Personally, I think it’s here to stay. I rode the Hightower before with 29s front and rear and I do feel enough difference between the wheel set ups to support both their existence. I plan on building a rear 29 wheel for the Chameleon. At that point, I’ll really know for sure. For now, I’ve been loving the MX set up a bit more.
wow, nice build! are the gold Santa Cruz logos special order? I have a 22 Chameleon AL MX R build coming in Large, and the color of the decals is different. how tall are you, and what is your inseam?
I ordered the Santa Cruz downtube decals from a company called “SlikGraphics”. They are based in Europe so it can take about 2 weeks to get to me here in the States. I am 6’2” and about a 33-34” inseam. Congrats on the build coming in! Which color frame did you go with?
@@JoosshhST I ordered the same blue you have but it comes with light blue SANTA CRUZ Decals. I’m 6’1.5” with a 32” inseam. I like a slightly smaller bike though. I’m going with largely “Kash Bronze” components for my bling color. Your bike looks sick though, congratulations to you too! I hope you’re enjoying the ride. I expect this to be the last bike I ever buy.
Yes I can’t wait to see what they do for 2023! Haha I’ve only tried the MX version so far on the Chameleon. I have to say I am a fan. I do plan on building a 29 rear wheel sometime in the future
@@JoosshhST Cool. I've been thinking of getting a Chameleon but I'm not sure which version to get. Also, I'm not sure what size to get. I'm 6'2" and thinking of getting a large so I can have some fun at bike parks.
I actually ordered up another set of grey decals. Time to change up the look a little. It’s pretty tough with this frame since it’s blue on blue so it’s tough to see the letters. You have to just try your best to line it up by hand. Luckily SlikGraphics includes an extra set in case you mess up haha
I don't have any experience with the Trek bikes but looking at the specs it seems like a solid bike for the price. I see it has a 140mm Air fork, 12 speed drivetrain, a dropper seat post, and tubeless tires. Stuff you'll want in any mountain bike
Suck a sick built. I’m about to purchase a stock 2022 chameleon and plan on upgrading. Do you sell your stock parts, if so how well do they sell? I’d hate to upgrade parts and have the old ones just sitting around not being used. Also did you change the color of the Santa Cruz graphics on your frame? Love that!
Thanks Tyler! I actually just purchased the frame and bought everything else seperately. Yeah, it might be tough selling stock parts if they "lower spec". I'd still recommend going that route and upgrading as you go. The chameleon is such a great bike
As someone who owns this exact same bike in mullet form as well, I can assure you he is not asking for trouble. That comment dosent even make sense. I also have a previous gen Chameleon in full 29 form. The mullet accelerates a lot faster when putting down the power on a climb. When pointing the bike downhill or through twisty sections of trail it is super nimble. If i rode in an area with all flat trails I would have gone full 29 on this one. I purchased the 29'er dropouts immediately when I bought this bike, expecting that I wouldn't enjoy the smaller rear wheel. Man was I wrong. They are still sitting in the package and will still be sitting there in 5 years I expect. Here's some food for thought. Everyone these days acts like a 27.5 wheel is so small and it's going to get hung up on everything. What about all of us who are in our 40's now and used to ride the same trails on 26" wheels and never had a problem?
@@jd0132 when I say trouble I mean different wheel size frame design, suspension cables breaks geonomatry.symatary weight distribution, you know the basics. Just a daft idea.
That Fox drop post is ❤
I have a 2024 Matte Blackout frame pre-ordered and it will replace my 2019 Sea Foam Blue Chameleon.... can't wait! Was this a 140 fork in this video? Hopefully you do an update soon!
Sweet! Yeah I was waiting to see what new color they came out with for 2024. A lot of build ideas came into my mind when I saw the new frame color haha. Yeah in this video it had a 140mm Fox 34. The bike has changed a little bit since then. Still riding it often and enjoying it. I'll have to get an update video for it soon!
Crazy how similar your opinions are to mine in this video. Nodding in agreement to everything for 10 minutes straight. Building up a Merida Big Trail in a similar manner to your build. It’s a bang for buck build, with mostly mid tier parts, all purchased 2nd hand. Custom paint job too. Sign of the times, but very fun!
Sounds like a sweet build! Should be a lot of fun
Beautiful build! Well choosen parts and color machting is perfect 🤘🏽
This is a bit late, but YT suggested this video because I have been researching the Santa Cruz Chameleon. If you're still having issues with numbness because of the saddle, you might look at a road oriented one. I put a Shimano Pro Turnix on my plus hardtail because I sometimes do longer XC rides or backcountry rides in excess of 25+ miles. Another favorite of mine that I am currently using on my road bike, a Specialized Romin.
Nice build! I absolutely love my 2021 Carbon Chameleon...simplicity at its finest. I sold my 2015 Bronson Carbon CC and replaced it with the chameleon.
Hard tails are so simple but so great! Ahh nice do you have that metallic copper chameleon? One of the best
@@JoosshhST yep, that’s the one. I pick ed it up gently used for $2200…no regrets.
@@havefunbesafe Just done the same - so from V3 Bronson to carbon Chameleon - picking it up tomorrow. Looking forward to lots of riding. 🙂
@@edwardgurhy100 Awesome!! You’re going to love the simplicity of that design; it will bring back the magic of mountain biking to you!
What a beautiful beast. 😍
Thank you! I’m loving this bike so much
Nice video! I need to try the same with my bikes, although they're a lot rougher looking than this freshie!
Yoo Perry! Haha yeah it’s doing a lot better than I expected. I need to get some riding footage now. Definitely need to see your lineup
Hey buddy, i got the same bike, R MX build. I wanted to ask if it's worth building new wheels if i want to upgrade to better hubs. I want to lace Hope hubs to my stock ARC30 rims but I'm wondering if its better to save up for carbin rims for example.
I'm also thinking if carbon rims are comfortable on a hardtail!
nice looking chameleon…..haven’t seen one in person, but are the “Santa Cruz” graphics printed on the frame or is it a decal???
Awesome build! How is the bike keeping up? Love that fork! I just got a blue 2019 version. Alloy frame too. Insane bike! Size L 29er. I'm inlove with it. I need an orange fox infront too. Whats the travel on yours and what would you suggest for 180 pound guy? 24 26 or 38? would love to hear your thoughts on size and travel of fork! Thanks!
The bike has been great! Been putting a lot of miles on it. I've been meaning to make an update video about the bike since I have made some changes.
Hell ya congrats on the 2019 Chameleon! That blue would pair really nicely with an orange lower fork. Since the head tube geometry is a bit steeper on the 2019 versus the current gen, the Fox 34 140mm would pair pretty nicely with it. Though, I did recently switch my Fox 34 to a 36. I'm also 180lbs. Look for an update video soon on my bike!
Man and Bicycle Love
One of the best inventions humans ever made
@@JoosshhST Excellent choice
Props to your build!
I have a custom Chameleon as well 😅 should I make a video about it?
Of course you should! I would love to see it
sick bike
Nice build! Looks like fun.
Thank you! It’s been a blast so far. Glad I went with a hardtail
Try the Ergon saddle .. best ever the enduro version .. hope it helps
Thank you for the suggestion! I’m still trying to decide which saddle to go with
I own the same bike. R MX. I have upgraded everything but the bottom bracket. My components color is blue. Will a wheels manufacturing BB work
How did you change the damn downtube logo
@@JStarPropertyServices For the downtube logo, I bought some custom stickers from www.slikgraphics.com/shop/frames/santa-cruz-downtube-logo-stickers/ AS for the bottom bracket, depends on what crankset you have but you should be able to find something from WMFG. It uses a 73mm threaded bottom bracket
Beautiful bike, just wanna ask how did u change the decals/graphics to that kashima color thing? is it a sticker like wrap or paint? sorry to bother thnx
Thank you! They essentially are just stickers that you stick on top of the painted Santa Cruz logo underneath. They are from the company Slik Graphics slikgraphics.com
Hey again. Did you order the 2022 carbon fiver slik graphics?
Hello. For this video I ordered the “FOX Kashima” color for the frame. I have changed it since then I need to make an update video on the bike
Liked and subscribed. Berry Nice!🍓🍓🍓
hi there, nice bike. Do you know approximately how much your complete bike weighs? Thanks.
Hi Jack. I weighed it after I first built it and with tire sealant it came out to 32lbs 3oz. Heavier than I thought but it's still a pretty big bike
What do you think of the MX setup? Fad or long term trend?
Personally, I think it’s here to stay. I rode the Hightower before with 29s front and rear and I do feel enough difference between the wheel set ups to support both their existence. I plan on building a rear 29 wheel for the Chameleon. At that point, I’ll really know for sure. For now, I’ve been loving the MX set up a bit more.
@@JoosshhST Is the MX setup good for someone looking to have fun more than just raw speed?
wow, nice build! are the gold Santa Cruz logos special order? I have a 22 Chameleon AL MX R build coming in Large, and the color of the decals is different. how tall are you, and what is your inseam?
I ordered the Santa Cruz downtube decals from a company called “SlikGraphics”. They are based in Europe so it can take about 2 weeks to get to me here in the States. I am 6’2” and about a 33-34” inseam. Congrats on the build coming in! Which color frame did you go with?
@@JoosshhST I ordered the same blue you have but it comes with light blue SANTA CRUZ Decals. I’m 6’1.5” with a 32” inseam. I like a slightly smaller bike though. I’m going with largely “Kash Bronze” components for my bling color. Your bike looks sick though, congratulations to you too! I hope you’re enjoying the ride. I expect this to be the last bike I ever buy.
Will a 3 inch tire fit in the rear?
Santa Cruz claims it will only fit a 29x2.6" or a 27.5x2.8" in the frame. I've never tried a 3" so I don't know for sure
Sweet build! I have a 22 frame I'm building up now. Plan to do 27.5 front and rear and a Fox 36 at 150mm. Curious - what's the weight of yours?
A 36 is going to be gnarly! Would love to see a vid once it’s built up. An updated weight on my bike came out to 31lbs and a few ounces
Nice bike. I'm also hoping pictures will be available soon for the 23' Chameleon. Do you prefer riding an MX over a full 29er?
Yes I can’t wait to see what they do for 2023! Haha I’ve only tried the MX version so far on the Chameleon. I have to say I am a fan. I do plan on building a 29 rear wheel sometime in the future
@@JoosshhST Cool. I've been thinking of getting a Chameleon but I'm not sure which version to get. Also, I'm not sure what size to get. I'm 6'2" and thinking of getting a large so I can have some fun at bike parks.
I want to do a similar thing with the logo to mine but silver. How did you mock it up?
I actually ordered up another set of grey decals. Time to change up the look a little. It’s pretty tough with this frame since it’s blue on blue so it’s tough to see the letters. You have to just try your best to line it up by hand. Luckily SlikGraphics includes an extra set in case you mess up haha
@@JoosshhST silk graphics then?
@@JoosshhST on their website it says it doesnt fit alloy models. not true or am i at the wrong place ?
liked and subscribed you sound like a handsome man
If I 180cm tall which size best for me?
Based off Santa Cruz’s sizing chart on their website, it looks like a size Large would be perfect for you
Is roscoe 7 2023 good
I don't have any experience with the Trek bikes but looking at the specs it seems like a solid bike for the price. I see it has a 140mm Air fork, 12 speed drivetrain, a dropper seat post, and tubeless tires. Stuff you'll want in any mountain bike
Thank u but more in yellow chameleon 29😂
Suck a sick built. I’m about to purchase a stock 2022 chameleon and plan on upgrading. Do you sell your stock parts, if so how well do they sell? I’d hate to upgrade parts and have the old ones just sitting around not being used.
Also did you change the color of the Santa Cruz graphics on your frame? Love that!
Thanks Tyler! I actually just purchased the frame and bought everything else seperately. Yeah, it might be tough selling stock parts if they "lower spec". I'd still recommend going that route and upgrading as you go. The chameleon is such a great bike
Pharts!!!!
post more bro plz
I still don't understand the "mullet " you are just asking for a bunch of trouble...all around.
As someone who owns this exact same bike in mullet form as well, I can assure you he is not asking for trouble. That comment dosent even make sense. I also have a previous gen Chameleon in full 29 form. The mullet accelerates a lot faster when putting down the power on a climb. When pointing the bike downhill or through twisty sections of trail it is super nimble. If i rode in an area with all flat trails I would have gone full 29 on this one. I purchased the 29'er dropouts immediately when I bought this bike, expecting that I wouldn't enjoy the smaller rear wheel. Man was I wrong. They are still sitting in the package and will still be sitting there in 5 years I expect. Here's some food for thought. Everyone these days acts like a 27.5 wheel is so small and it's going to get hung up on everything. What about all of us who are in our 40's now and used to ride the same trails on 26" wheels and never had a problem?
@@jd0132 when I say trouble I mean different wheel size frame design, suspension cables breaks geonomatry.symatary weight distribution, you know the basics. Just a daft idea.