2013 Santa Cruz Chameleon- Ultramarine Blue (Pictures)

[RoweVelo]

I just picked my new frame up today and thought a few of you might be interested in the following photos. Let me know if anyone needs any additional photos or frame specific measurements.

[Luigiugueto]

Looking good! what'll be the build spec on that thing?

[ub in ne]

Very cool!! I miss the the look of the big head tube gusset... hoping to see a 140mm fork!

[VTSession]

Nice man, don't see too many of those lately. Be sure to post a pic once its built.

[RoweVelo]

Thanks. Most of the parts will come off my existing Chameleon. I'll post soon.

[rho]

Ohhhh no EBB. Thats a good sign... Wonder how it'll hold up long term, I've really liked the sturdyness and stiffness of my 08 for these past 4 years.

[RoweVelo]

I'm glad to lose the EBB. As for the long term durability, only time will tell. Hopefully the new dropout system won't make as much noise as my current EBB setup.

[noufa777]

Is it interchangeable drop out? (to axle type)

[5power]

That's dope love the color is it custom? I'm looking to order the tennis ball yellow once I confirm the frame weight and if I can run my taper fork. From the Cruz site looks like its a pound lighter than the 2012 model which makes it 3.7lbs and a degree slacker. This basically won me over the steel transition trans am I was looking at. can't wait to see yours build up...

[RoweVelo]

This is one of the 2 standard colors.

Head tube: This frame now uses a "mixed taper". This setup uses a standared 1.5" external lower cup (49mm bore) and an internal 1 1/8" upper cup (44mm bore). Almost all headset manufacturers make this product.

I'll be breaking down my old bike next week and will weigh each frame before I throw all my parts on the new one.


As far as the rear drop outs go.... For now SC is offering vertical and horizontal 135x9 dropouts. However, it looks like some 142x12 dropouts could be machined quite easily.

[Map204]

Both standard colors look great! Congrats on the new frame.

I'm also glad it's got interchangeable drop outs instead of an EBB.

[thunderzy]

Love the swappable drop outs!!

[eurospek]

[BI]Both standard colors look great! [/B] Congrats on the new frame.

I'm also glad it's got interchangeable drop outs instead of an EBB.

Yup, but I'm more partial to the Tennis Yellow.

[Jono111]

Hey SouthernVelo....frame looks good. What size is it? I see the sizing has changed..ie L has got a bit bigger. I have 2x chams, a 2005 L which I loved from day 1 for playing....and a 2010 XL (i'm 6'3") which i have disliked from day 1 to present - despite being the "right" size.

I'm now excited about swapping out my XL back to a new L (wife currently rides my old L). Theoretically size should be perfect and back to old cham feeling and no EBB (hooray).

Have you weighed it yet? Or measured it ?

Looking forward to seeing the new build.....

[RoweVelo]

It's an XL

Ill prob. weigh and measure once I take my old chameleon apart. I'd like to post the data for my 2011 XL and 2013 XL at the same time.

[Jono111]

Hi SouthernVelo....sorry, wasn't trying to knock your XL....just for me and my riding, it wasn't ideal. Dead keen to hear how you go.....I have that whole "I'm about to get a new bike " excitement thing going on.....you seem to be the first guy on the block with the new model.

Cheers
Jono

[RoweVelo]

Jono no need for apologies here. After all, our conflicting opinions and riding styles help fuel evolution within the cycling industry.

All my new parts are scheduled to arrive on Monday and I've been patiently waiting on this frame since 8/30. So I completely understand.

[PureAwesome]

looking good

[RoweVelo]

I did the scale thing and its exactly 1lb lighter than my 2011 Chameleon.

[5power]

I did the scale thing and its exactly 1lb lighter than my 2011 Chameleon.

Sweet so under 4lbs?

[RoweVelo]

4lb 7oz for the 2013 and 5lb 7oz for the 2011

[Jono111]

Thanks for going to the effort to do this....always thought my last chameleon came in heavier than I expected. Now I know why!

[RoweVelo]

So I started the build a few days ago and ran into this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPJd-ISI59s

Please give me some feedback and let me know what you think about the issue I pointed out in the video.

[Jono111]

Hmmm, that doesn't look good at all...thanks for making the vid, the issue is very clear. You must be pretty annoyed.

And no, I wouldn't be very excited about owning that frame right now.

Does the odd relationship between head tube and top tube mean that the stand over clearence is also much reduced? Do you have a photo of what the bike looks like off the stand?

Thanks....

[RoweVelo]

I'll go take one. Keep in mind that the build is still in a period of "Rested Succession".