EDIT - among other things the reviewer has some specific thoughts and recommendations on how to build it up, essentially advocating ordering a frame instead of stock in order to get a longer travel fork. YMMV not valid in all 50 states some restrictions apply do not taunt happy fun ball etc.
Honzo AL/DL fits 27.5+ easily. The problem is that it lowers the BB even more, and it's already crazy low. The Big Honzo has a higher BB. I pulled the rear wheel from the Big Honzo and stuffed it into the Honzo AL/DL, (and the Hei Hei 29) and it fits just fine.
I like that Santa Cruz is incorporating flip chips (Tallboy/Hightower) and dropouts (Chameleon) to compensate for the smaller diameter 27.5+ wheels. I think these provisions will set the standard for these swappable wheelsize bikes.
Honzo AL/DL fits 27.5+ easily. The problem is that it lowers the BB even more, and it's already crazy low. The Big Honzo has a higher BB. I pulled the rear wheel from the Big Honzo and stuffed it into the Honzo AL/DL, (and the Hei Hei 29) and it fits just fine.
I like that Santa Cruz is incorporating flip chips (Tallboy/Hightower) and dropouts (Chameleon) to compensate for the smaller diameter 27.5+ wheels. I think these provisions will set the standard for these swappable wheelsize bikes.
Pry why most 27.5Plus Honzo/Process 111 conversions put on longer forks to help raise it back up some. (even the Hightower with the flip chips uses a longer fork to adjust the geo for the plus wheels)
I still don't think it makes sense the Chameleon says it has the same BB height with both wheel sizes? Maybe if you backed the adjustable drop out all the way out so the chainstay was as long as it could be and since the threads are angled with the chainstay it should lower the BB drop on the frame.
And then suck the drop out in as far as it could go which would raise the BB drop and then with the smaller outer diameter plus size wheels you might get the same BB height? (however it doesn't seem like the BB drop would change that much...??? BIDK)
BUT the geo chart says they were both done with the adjustable dropout at the same place...?
Also, the wheels front to back on the Plus version are the same size, but on the 29er the front is a little bigger. So the geometry measurements would have to be "slightly" different even with super techy drop outs...??? I call BS!
SO the only way the two versions could have the same geo is if they "cooked the books" and put on 2.2's front and back on the 29er wheels and 3.0's on the plus wheels! (not that I'm sure that even does it, but should be close)
So I rode 47 mi. round trip to a bike shop in Scottsdale to see the R1 27.5+ Cameleon today. Was a little strange as the Guy (Ricky) who posted a quick look video on Youtube of this bike was the person who helped me. Bike looks nice. They only had a large on the floor but are building up a med next week and was offered a parking lot ride. If it goes well I'll probably take it and if not it's a good excuse for another 47 mi. ride!
Mole
I have a TB3 as my main trail bike, and I also have an old Niner SIR9 that is usually set up as a singlespeed, but I'll sometimes put gears on it. The SIR9 has a been a good bike, but I've gotten used to the more modern geometry of slacker head angles and shorter chainstays, so I've been thinking of getting a new hardtail frame at some point. The new Chameleon looks pretty good, but I have some mixed feelings about it.
A good thing is the swappable dropouts so I can set the bike up as singlespeed or geared, 29er, or 27.5+. The geometry also looks pretty good -- I like the short chainstays and the head angle is slack but not too slack.
For bad things, I generally prefer steel or titanium for hardtails and never much liked the feel of aluminum hardtails. The frame also seems heavy for aluminum. It's 4.5 lbs., which is as heavy as my steel SIR9. The seat tube angle also seems a little too slack, but I'd probably fine with sliding my saddle a little more forward on the rails.
I can get a good deal on the frame, but the problem is that I'd have to also buy a new fork and probably wheelset. I'd also want to buy a dropper post for it. So all that stuff would add up to a lot.
Most of my friends' SIR9's eventually broke (usually at the rear dropout). Maybe if mine breaks I'll have a good excuse to get a new hardtail frame.
For bad things, I generally prefer steel or titanium for hardtails and never much liked the feel of aluminum hardtails. The frame also seems heavy for aluminum. It's 4.5 lbs., which is as heavy as my steel SIR9.
Spend an extra $150 ($999 total) for one of the 2017 boosted Vassago Verhauen frames arriving next week. It has similar updated geometry, can run all the same wheels/tires, and it's a steel frame that weighs the same as the Chameleon.
Gonna do a custom build with one of these, do 27.5+ and 29er use the same fork? Rockshox looks to sell pike/yari/lyrik as 27.5+/29 but fox seem to have 27.5 specific.
I have a 27.5 plus Fox 34 and use it for a 29 plus setup... Going to it on this frame, 29 and 27.5 plus... Should be fun switching back and forth as needed... Ordered frame with both dropouts...
I'm also very interested in this frame (the Santa Cruz, that is. I will probably also be very interested in the Vassago when I see the numbers for it.)
What was your original ETA? I put in an order (full bike order) with the LBS the day they officially announced this bike and was told the ship date would be April 12. Wondering if I have reason to get my hopes up for early delivery haha
Tried a 29 plus in the rear... No go using Chupacabras with i45 rims... It spun, but rubbed the seatstay where the tire was out of true... About 2mm clearance on the true side... Trying to find a 2.8 in 29plus, but don't think that tire exists... Will install a plus DHR2 and DHF and see... Calipers show they are about 3mm narrower than the Chupacabras.
I think availability is going to be an issue for a while. Rode my R1+ across town to the shop I got it at (only dealer in Phoenix whose had any) and was told it was good timing when I came in because the 3 they got were all they'd see till May. Also they happened to be having a Santa Cruz demo going on and the Santa Cruz employee working it had never even seen a Chameleon before today. Glad I got mine when I did!
Mole
Ik have ask every dealer in the Netherlands and in Belgium, no one can delivier it. One dealer called to SC Germany and they also had no clue when it will be availlabe again :-(
This one came in as scheduled (was originally told April 12 when ordered, and that's when the shop got it). It got built up by the shop and I picked it up today. The only changes were a 32T chainring (better for West Michigan) and some Bombolonis because I know those roll and grip like crazy on our trails around here.
Haven't gotten it out on the trail yet, but even while messing around in the yard I can feel the balance and the maneuverability of this bike. Can't wait to take it out for a proper shakedown.
Side note: the shop said that their most recent order for one of these had a delivery date of late June. Yikes!
New bike day!
Haven't gotten it out on the trail yet, but even while messing around in the yard I can feel the balance and the maneuverability of this bike. Can't wait to take it out for a proper shakedown.
I noticed that too right off. My "test ride" didn't even involve any dirt, just jumping off curbs and riding down some stairs. Bike is a quality tool!
Mole
thats a really interesting looking bike.... could be a solid option to replace the Stache! I'm also digging the colour combo
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
15.4M posts
515.2K members
Since 1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!