MY24 Chameleon 8 Aluminum Mountain Bike
MY24 Chameleon 8 Aluminum Mountain Bike
MY24 Chameleon 8 Aluminum Mountain Bike
MY24 Chameleon 8 Aluminum Mountain Bike

Chameleon

  • Overview
  • Bike Builder
  • Geometry and Sizing
  • Product Support
 

Built for...whatever

We made the Chameleon for riders who like to sculpt their ideal bike, and aren’t afraid to experiment. Whether 29er or mixed, geared or fixed, multiple major configuration transformations are made easy via the interchangeable dropouts. The low slung top tube and progressive geometry means this bike blends into whatever surroundings you place it. From raucous short-cuts across town to skipping the city altogether. It turns itself to trail exploration with the flip of an Allen key, thanks to the triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and standard bottle mount within the frame.

Want something a notch swifter for more XC style riding? Check out the Highball
More focused on dirt jumps and pumptracks? Check out the Jackal
Proud owner of a Chameleon? Register your bike here.

Key Features:

Available in: Aluminum
Wheel Size: MX & 29"
Front Travel: 130mm
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MY 23 CHAMELEON A D 29 GLOSS NAVY BLUE
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MY 23 CHAMELEON A D 29 GLOSS NAVY BLUE
 
 

Please note: Price, Weight, and Parts Spec information is subject to change.

D 29

   

31 lbs / 14.06 kg

D MX

   

30.82 lbs / 13.98 kg

R 29

   

29.28 lbs / 13.28 kg

R MX

   

29.12 lbs / 13.21 kg

S 29

   

28.64 lbs / 12.99 kg

S MX

   

28.44 lbs / 12.9 kg

Frame

   

5.63 lbs / 2.55 kg

Material
Aluminum

With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too.

Learn More

Material
Aluminum

With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too.

Learn More

Material
Aluminum

With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too.

Learn More

Material
Aluminum

With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too.

Learn More

Material
Aluminum

With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too.

Learn More

Material
Aluminum

With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too.

Learn More

Material
Aluminum

With our alloy bikes, you get all the ride performance of our carbon bikes but at a lower price point. We try to integrate similar features (like internal cable routing, flip chips, geometry) and still offer the legendary Santa Cruz lifetime warranty too.

Learn More

Fork
RockShox Recon Silver RL, 130mm

Fork
RockShox Recon Silver RL, 130mm

Fork
FOX Rhythm 34, 130mm

Fork
FOX Rhythm 34, 130mm

Fork
FOX 34 Float Performance, 130mm

Fork
FOX 34 Float Performance, 130mm

Fork
-

Rear Derailleur
SRAM SX Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM SX Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
-

Shifters
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Shifters
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Shifters
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Shifters
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Shifters
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Shifters
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Shifters
-

Cassette
SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t

Cassette
SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t

Cassette
SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t

Cassette
SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t

Cassette
SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t

Cassette
SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t

Cassette
-

Chain
SRAM SX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
SRAM SX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
-

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
-

Headset
Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset

Headset
Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset

Headset
Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset

Headset
Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset

Headset
Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset

Headset
Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset

Headset
-

Rear Tire
Maxxis Aggressor 29"x2.5"WT, EXO, TR

Rear Tire
Maxxis Aggressor 27.5"x2.5", EXO, TR

Rear Tire
Maxxis Aggressor 29"x2.5"WT, EXO, TR

Rear Tire
Maxxis Aggressor 27.5"x2.5", EXO, TR

Rear Tire
Maxxis Aggressor 29"x2.5"WT, EXO, TR

Rear Tire
Maxxis Aggressor 27.5"x2.5", EXO, TR

Rear Tire
-

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR

Front Tire
-

Sealant
Reserve Tubeless Sealant

Sealant
Reserve Tubeless Sealant

Sealant
Reserve Tubeless Sealant

Sealant
Reserve Tubeless Sealant

Sealant
Reserve Tubeless Sealant

Sealant
Reserve Tubeless Sealant

Sealant
-

Front Hub
SRAM MTH 716, 15x110, Torque Cap, 32h

Front Hub
SRAM MTH 716, 15x110, Torque Cap, 32h

Front Hub
SRAM MTH 716, 15x110, 32h

Front Hub
SRAM MTH 716, 15x110, 32h

Front Hub
DT Swiss 370, 15x110, 28h

Front Hub
DT Swiss 370, 15x110, 28h

Front Hub
-

Front Rim
WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 29"

Front Rim
WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 29"

Front Rim
RaceFace AR Offset 30 29"

Front Rim
RaceFace AR Offset 30 29"

Front Rim
RaceFace AR Offset 30 29"

Front Rim
RaceFace AR Offset 30 29"

Front Rim
-

Rear Hub
SRAM MTH 746, 12x148, 32h

Rear Hub
SRAM MTH 746, 12x148, 32h

Rear Hub
SRAM MTH 746, 12x148, 32h

Rear Hub
SRAM MTH 746, 12x148, 32h

Rear Hub
DT Swiss 370, 12x148, XD, 36t, 28h

Rear Hub
DT Swiss 370, 12x148, XD, 36t, 28h

Rear Hub
-

Rear Rim
WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 29"

Rear Rim
WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 27.5"

Rear Rim
RaceFace AR Offset 30 29"

Rear Rim
RaceFace AR Offset 30 27.5"

Rear Rim
RaceFace AR Offset 30 29"

Rear Rim
RaceFace AR Offset 30 27.5"

Rear Rim
-

Front Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Front Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Front Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Front Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Front Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Front Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Front Rotor
-

Rear Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Rear Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Rear Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Rear Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Rear Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Rear Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Rear Rotor
-

Brakes
SRAM Level

Brakes
SRAM Level

Brakes
SRAM Guide T

Brakes
SRAM Guide T

Brakes
SRAM G2 R

Brakes
SRAM G2 R

Brakes
-

Crankset
SRAM X1 1000 Eagle 148 DUB, 30t

Crankset
SRAM X1 1000 Eagle 148 DUB, 32t

Crankset
SRAM Descendant Eagle 148 DUB, 30t

Crankset
SRAM Descendant Eagle 148 DUB, 32t

Crankset
SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB, 30t

Crankset
SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB, 32t

Crankset
-

Handlebars
RaceFace Ride, 760mm

Handlebars
RaceFace Ride, 760mm

Handlebars
Burgtec RideWide Alloy Bar, 800mm

Handlebars
Burgtec RideWide Alloy Bar, 800mm

Handlebars
Burgtec RideWide Alloy Bar, 800mm

Handlebars
Burgtec RideWide Alloy Bar, 800mm

Handlebars
-

Stem
RaceFace Chester, 40mm

Stem
RaceFace Chester, 40mm

Stem
Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm

Stem
Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm

Stem
Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm

Stem
Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm

Stem
-

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium Steel

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium Steel

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium CroMo

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium CroMo

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium CroMo

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium CroMo

Saddle
-

Seatpost
SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6

Seatpost
SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6

Seatpost
SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6

Seatpost
SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6

Seatpost
SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6

Seatpost
SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6

Seatpost
-

Grips
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good.

Learn More

Grips
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good.

Learn More

Grips
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good.

Learn More

Grips
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good.

Learn More

Grips
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good.

Learn More

Grips
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good.

Learn More

Grips
-

Travel
130mm

Travel
130mm

Travel
130mm

Travel
130mm

Travel
130mm

Travel
130mm

Travel
-

Wheel Size
29"

Wheel Size
MX

MIXED WHEELS: The larger 29-inch wheel adds traction and stability up front, while the 27.5-inch rear keeps the bike nimble and fun in corners.

Wheel Size
29"

Wheel Size
MX

MIXED WHEELS: The larger 29-inch wheel adds traction and stability up front, while the 27.5-inch rear keeps the bike nimble and fun in corners.

Wheel Size
29"

Wheel Size
MX

MIXED WHEELS: The larger 29-inch wheel adds traction and stability up front, while the 27.5-inch rear keeps the bike nimble and fun in corners.

Wheel Size
-

Geometry

SMLXL
Reach 420445465490
Stack 620.1629.2638.2647.3
Head Tube Angle 65.0°65.0°65.0°65.0°
Seat Tube Length 380405430460
Front Center 729.4758.6782.8812.1
BB Height 315315315315
BB Drop 56/4056/4056/4056/40
Wheelbase 1154.41183.61207.81237.1
Rear Center 425-437425-437425-437425-437
Head Tube Length 100110120130
Top Tube Length 596.1621.3643.4668.8
Seat Tube Angle 74.1°74.3°74.4°74.6°
Standover Height 682682686708

Units

cm

Frame Sizing

If you're on the cusp between the recommended height range of two sizes, the absolute best thing is to try to ride them both. At a minimum, check the stack/reach measurements on your current bike and compare it to the new model you are looking at to get an idea of a fit you are already comfortable with. If riding the bike is not an option, consider the following.

Units

cm

152 - 165cm
152 - 165cm

S

165 - 178cm
165 - 178cm

M

178 - 185cm
178 - 185cm

L

185 - 198cm
185 - 198cm

XL

Mike Hill riding his custom Chameleon hardtail
Myia Antone riding his custom Chameleon mountain bike
Eric Ackermann riding his custom Chameleon
Sven Busse riding his custom Chameleon 8A
Swanee Ravonison riding his custom Chameleon hardtail mountain bike
Mike Hill riding his custom Chameleon hardtail
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Design Details

Chameleon 8A Headtube

Design Details

1 / 6

Aluminum frame

The Chameleon reinvents itself yet again, returning to the no-nonsense alu roots that make it our most versatile hard-working hardtail of all time.

MX or 29

Options for full 29 or MX setups means you can opt for speed and comfort for hauling or quick and nimble handling.

Single speed or gears

Adjustable dropouts make it a multi-geared trail charger to single-speed racer to bikepacking mule...and pretty much anything imaginable in between.

A Mule That Rules

Tougher and stronger than any race horse, the Chameleon blends stamina with agility to create a whole new kind of beast. A triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and additional mount within the frame ensures the Chameleon is ready to play wherever The Wild Things Are.

Fun-loving, shreddy spirit

The low slung top tube and more progressive geometry (65.5-degree head-angle and longer reach) provides all-trail capability.

Lifetime warranty

Built to last many lifetimes and supported by the legendary Santa Cruz rider support.

2022 Santa Cruz Bicycles Chameleon 8 yellow and magenta frame

Five Rider's Rides

We put the Chameleon in the hands of five unique riders to see how they would build a bike to fit their needs.

2022 Santa Cruz Bicycles Chameleon 8 yellow and magenta frame

Five Rider's Rides

We put the Chameleon in the hands of five unique riders to see how they would build a bike to fit their needs.

Five Rider's Rides

We put the Chameleon in the hands of five unique riders to see how they would build a bike to fit their needs.

Chameleon Frame Specifications

Front DerailleurNo compatibility
Headset/HeadtubeIntegrated (IS41/52)
Seat Post31.6mm
Seat Clamp36.4mm
Fork Compatibility130mm - 140mm
BB Shell73mm Threaded
Max Tire Size29"x2.6" | 27.5"x2.8"
Max Chainring Size34t
Water Bottle Mounts2
Fork Offset42mm
ChainguideISCG-05
Brake MountPost Mount 180

Geometry

All units are in millimeters or degrees.

SMLXL
Reach 420445465490
Stack 620.1629.2638.2647.3
Head Tube Angle 65.0°65.0°65.0°65.0°
Seat Tube Length 380405430460
Front Center 729.4758.6782.8812.1
BB Height 315315315315
BB Drop 56/4056/4056/4056/40
Wheelbase 1154.41183.61207.81237.1
Rear Center 425-437425-437425-437425-437
Head Tube Length 100110120130
Top Tube Length 596.1621.3643.4668.8
Seat Tube Angle 74.1°74.3°74.4°74.6°
Standover Height 682682686708

Units

cm

Frame Sizing

If you're on the cusp between the recommended height range of two sizes, the absolute best thing is to try to ride them both. At a minimum, check the stack/reach measurements on your current bike and compare it to the new model you are looking at to get an idea of a fit you are already comfortable with. If riding the bike is not an option, consider the following.

Units

cm

152 - 165cm
152 - 165cm

S

165 - 178cm
165 - 178cm

M

178 - 185cm
178 - 185cm

L

185 - 198cm
185 - 198cm

XL

FAQ's

Exploded Diagrams