SANTA CRUZ CHAMELEON R AL 29
£2,999 /29in or MX /santacruzbikes.co.uk
As mbr turns 25 years old, so does the Santa Cruz Chameleon. This much-revered, do-it-all hardtail, which rolled into production in 1997, is one of the longest-running model names in the Californian brand’s line. Continually evolving, it’s now in its eighth generation. How’s that for heritage?
The Chameleon has always had a good dose of in-built versatility, but the design has wandered a touch over the years: morphing into a 160mm-forked hard-hitter in 2003 and more recently a bikepacking-capable all-rounder with a carbon frame and 27.5in Plus size wheels. Changing with the times and trends? Most certainly, but the latest evolution is pitched squarely as a modern trail hardtail. But however rich its pedigree, with a price tag that
