First Look: 2017 Santa Cruz Chameleon

Santa Cruz Bicycles are back with the seventh iteration of their classic alloy hardtail, the Chameleon. The latest version takes its shape-shifting persona to new levels with capabilities that range from hardtail ripper to bike-packing mule and everything in between. Adaptable from 29er to 27.5-plus, geared or single speed, the Chameleon utilizes a series of swappable dropouts to change modes and match its terrain. Throw in a low stance and laid-back geometry, and the Chameleon delivers that stable trail bike feel, all in an affordable aluminum package.

With a low stance and laid back geometry, the Chameleon delivers that stable feel that defines the modern trail bike.

Chameleon Version 7

Chameleon Features

Trail Bike Geometry
67.5-degree head angle
120mm travel fork
Internal dropper routing
Two water bottle mounts
6000-series aluminum
Low direct FD mount
Threaded 73mm BB
Geared or single speed
Color: Olive Green
27.5+ complete - $1,599-$1,999 USD
29 complete - $1,599-$1,999 USD
Frame-only - $749 USD

Wheel Size-Specific Swappable Dropouts

Wheel size-specific swappable dropouts maintain the same geometry while allowing the use of 27.5+ or 29er wheels in geared or single speed configurations. Geared options use 148mm Boost spacing while the single speed options use 142mm spacing to accommodate dedicated single speed hubs.

Build Kits

Chameleon 27.5+ Geometry

Frame Size Reach Stack HT Angle HT Length ST Angle ST Length RC//Chainstay FC BB Height BB Drop Wheel Base (short) Wheel Base (long)

S 415 615 67.5 100 73 390 415-430 704 315 50 1,115 1,130

M 440 615 67.5 100 73 420 415-430 729 315 50 1,140 1,155

L 460 614 67.5 100 73 450 415-430 749 315 50 1,160 1,175

XL 490 624 67.5 110 73 490 415-430 783 315 50 1,193 1,208

F Travel
AC R Spacing FD Headset BB ISCG05 Wheel Size

120
530.0 148x12 Low Direct IS Threaded 73mm No 27.5+

Chameleon 29er Geometry

Frame Size	Reach	Stack	HT Angle	HT Length	ST Angle	ST Length	RC//Chainstay	FC	BB Height	BB Drop	Wheel Base (short)	Wheel Base (long)
S	412	617	67.3	100	72.8	390	415-430	703	315	55	1,115	1,130
M	437	617	67.3	100	72.8	420	415-430	728	315	55	1,140	1,155
L	457	617	67.3	100	72.8	450	415-430	748	315	55	1,160	1,175
XL	487	627	67.3	110	72.8	490	415-430	782	315	55	1,194	1,209
F Travel		AC	R Spacing	FD	Headset	BB	ISCG05	Wheel Size
120		530.0	148x12	Low Direct	IS	Threaded 73mm	No	29