Thanks! Stoked you like them. There's a lot of yelling on the internet. I try not to contribute.

@@bikersedge Is that at fruit loops?

Thanks for the feedback. Glad you liked the video and that you're digging your chameleon!

Totally agree with extending the dropouts. I have a 2021 Chameleon and when I maxed the dropout length it totally transformed the bike. Way more stable at speed.

I’ve got my dropouts slammed forward. I adore the playful feel. And I have good bike control from being on a bmx for so long in the past. It’s a lovely frame!

Great to hear!

I know what mean. I think you end up adapting to that geometry. At first I couldn’t get that damn front wheel Up! I find it to have excellent handling though. It corners on rails.

I ended up selling my Bronson CC for a 2021 Chameleon C...no regrets. Definitely suits my riding style better!

I also have a 2019 Bronson but am considering the SC 5010 or Chameleon...any recommendations are appreciated 👍🏽

Wow, thanks! Glad you like the videos!

Couldn’t agree more.

Hey thanks. Glad you like them!

To be fair, the chameleon is pretty high-priced for what it is. There are a number of quality hardtails that really are much cheaper than full suspension bikes with comparable specs. I did get a chameleon this year, and honestly love it. But I think I also would have been happy with the new Trek Roscoe, or Nukeproof Scout.

@@joelhenderson3723 The Chameleon is the bike I wanted but out of my price range right now. I lucked out and stumbled across 2 Roscoe's (2021) that I couldn’t pass up ($1500-both) and they’re perfect for what I need

​@@robralph1669 The Roscoes are cool bikes, too! Their spec is quite a bit better for the money. The main reason that they weren't my first choice is that I had my heart set on a chameleon since before they were redesigned, and 140mm is a bit more travel than I wanted for a hardtail.

I mean a modern full-squish bike would certainly help, but a hardtail is awesome for learning proper technique.

Right on!

Enjoy!

Do it! So good.

I do enjoy the challenge of riding all my normal trails on the hardtail.

I’d be going with sram gx groupset. Maybe even push the boat out and go for axs

I'm a 29" guy, but MX could be really fun on this bike.

The baby giraffe in the red shirt is me. I'll try to get more follow cam stuff in there. It's tough because I do most of these videos by myself.

I rode my hardtail once a week even though I have plenty of other bikes in the garage. Just happens that this is the cheapest bike we’ve reviewed. Seemed like an interesting point to call out.

@@bikersedge unfortunately it’s common though for people to frame hard tails as a “budget option.” That’s the first thing that gets brought up and the way they’re primarily perceived by the community rather than a design unique from that of a full suspension, that stands on its own merits, and has something different to offer. That’s why passionate hard tail riders choose them. Hard tails are cheaper because they have a simpler frame and components but that price shouldn’t be what defines them. I own this bike and love it and everything you said about what it has to offer is on point. I’m glad to enjoyed it! I’m just on a mission to try to get people to recognize the hard tail as a legitimate riding style choice rather than a budget choice.

My check must have gotten lost in the mail then.

Hey thanks. Glad you liked the video. Curious to hear which bikes offer a way better value than this. Most of what I've seen out there is at least in the same ballpark.

​@@bikersedge Growler, Roscoe, Nukeproof Scout, or a Ragley would be my choice if I were in the market for a full build. It's also worth mentioning that I don't really like SRAM, especially their lower-end stuff, so that absolutely has an effect on my value perception of a lot of the Santa Cruz models. We could also go on all day about how the availability of some of these competitors may affect their perceived value, but personally I have waited many months for a new bike before and I would be willing to do it once more. Of course, I know a lot of people who are now riding Specialized bikes that might not have the best components for the money simply because they weren't willing to wait for something else. Again though, since I'm only in the market for a frame, I'd absolutely be willing to fork up the cash to get the chameleon. The geo is spot on and the yellow is a fantastic color.

The growler does look pretty rad. RM doesn’t mess around.

@@bikersedge The Growler is a treat!

@@bikersedge or, very similar to the Nukeproof Scout - the Vitus Sentier. I got my Deore build for $1,200. I personally like the X-fusion fork more than this entry level rockshox fork, and I owned both

There might be some other options with better pricing but I’d bet most of those don’t have the versatility of this frame. It’s really not that much more expensive than other similarly specced hardtails including direct to consumer brands.

Trek Procaliber, any day

I don’t think this bike is going to pay a penalty on ups and downs. It would be great in NE.

@@bikersedge I couldn’t tell from the video if you don’t mind me asking was this the d version? Only reason I ask was I’m nervous about the fork and brakes wondering if I should possibly go up to the r version or stick with this and upgrade later . Basically is it worth the extra $500 for the components it would come on the next model up or can I get better components separately with that 500

Not too familiar with the Roscoe. We don’t carry Trek. Sorry I won’t be much help here.

We don’t carry Trek. Won’t be able to make it happen.

Hey thanks. Glad you liked it. XL and I’m 6’2”

I mean whatever best fits the budget and what you want to ride is what I recommend

I’m 6’2” and have an XL

They’ve held up for me so far. I run a lot of air in my tires though. That certainly helps.

I have an XL. I would be the last guy to ask about bike packing as I've never really tried it. I can say it's great for trail riding though.

@@bikersedge thanks man. I’m looking for a good beginner bike for my interest. Trying not to brake the bank but still get a good reliable bike.

This would probably fit the bill. A decent full suspension MTB would be good too if you can make it fit the budget. Giant Trance X or something similar would be great.

IS THIS BETTER?

Glad you enjoyed it

My daily driver is a Sentinel. I think the Chameleon is an awesome addition. It doesn’t allow for fat tires. You might be able to clear a 27.5 with studs. I don’t see the rear being an issue but the fork could potentially pose some problems.

There are a few bikes that are cheaper but they’re not all that much cheaper. Also I’d argue the versatility of the chameleon justifies the couple hundred extra.

Because it’s an adjustable/convertible dropout.

So good.

Not sure. Haven’t ridden that one.

I’ll do it if I can get one.

@@bikersedge Would you want to borrow my XL 2021 XT build?

Obviously! You in Utah?

@@bikersedge Ya I am, how can I get in contact?

Send me an email at conor@bebikes.com. Would be rad to make it happen.

I rode the XL. I make a point to not give out specific size advice over the internet. It’s a crapshoot without seeing someone on the bike. According to the SC size chart you’re on a L. But personal preference is a big deal when it comes to sizing.

I'm 6'2'' and have an XL, it's perfect

@@lr7815 im 6'2 but only 150 should I get the large or XL?

Its based on your inseam, you should go to a bike store and try out both sizes

Groundkeeper

Size advice over the internet is a crapshoot. Your best bet is to sit on one and rest it out.

@@bikersedge Thnx, but where I'm at that's not going to happen for awhile.

Unfortunately I couldn't tell you. I haven't tried the L Trance E.

@@bikersedge did u feel that the xl chameleon is somewhat small?

@@archietamayo76 I don’t.

I don't think it's available in the US

@@bikersedge Thank you.

Tire pressure

Not sure that's the case. I just looked - a comparable Fuse is $2300. I'd take the Heckler geo over the Fuse all day.

Ahhh. You said top tier models. I was looking at this level build. True the specialized is cheaper. I’d still take the geo on this one all day.

How is the fuse a better frame lol

@@yasonkkk8344 lighter, better welds, superier components, 30% cheaper when you buy the top spec

Fruit Loops and the Farm

I’ve done true grit once. That was enough. #deathtofitness

@@bikersedge ,....I agree. It is insane. I am impressed that you have done it. That is no easy feat. I will check is out as my new home is just a few houses down from the start/finish. Should be a good time. Was hoping to get to say hello to you in person.

It’s maybe a little less sketchy than it looks in video. Wasn’t too bad.

Groundkeeper

@@bikersedge Thanks!

Hey thanks! I appreciate it. It’s a Ground Keeper Fender.

Not sure. Not at all familiar with that bike.

Well it does both but I’m a 29 or die kind of guy.

🤘

I was waiting for this comment. Frame vs bike. The jackal isn’t offered in a complete. Doesn’t count.

We don’t carry them at the shop. Won’t be able to make it happen.

Ha. I don’t really see it as a step backwards. Just a different approach to mountain biking. I’ll take my full squish most every day, but the hardtail is really fun on certain trails.

I’ve never had a full squish and I never will. Different strokes for different folks.🤫

This 👆🏼

I still have my old specialized Hardrock. I think I spent like 250 or 300 dollars for it. That was big money back in the day.

@@jaycos5978 I agree. It all hinges on expectations and how/where you ride. So many people just want to point it downhill and huck. Full squish? Yeh, no doubt. For simplicity, and all the reasons I’m out on a bike HT all day every day. Fattie in the snow months.

You're lucky I even put one on.

Except it's not 3k. It's 2400.

If it makes you feel any better, I ordered a bike from a different company almost a year ago and I still don't have it. I work in the industry too. It's not a problem exclusive to Santa Cruz. Everyone is struggling.

We're dog people at my house, but yes.

That almost always ends up being less cost effective.

@@bikersedge no if you have components from other bikes

@@pepeanza6187 well sure. A house is pretty cheap if you already have a roof, floor and walls…