Fam Allen
Retro Guru
Just getting started on a new build.
Aspired to own a Santa Cruz Chameleon back in '97/'98 when they were first released. Similar to my Zaskar at the time, they seemed to be the ultimate 'do everything' bike, but perhaps a little more exotic!
In my mind the lizard green colourway would have been the only way to go back then, so have been looking around for one for a few months now. With nothing coming up I've been watching a rather neglected and sorry looking 16" '98 black frame on FB Marketplace for a few months. Very reasonably priced, but with slightly suspect looking spray painted chain stays, it's been a dilemma, but I've finally bitten the bullet.
It's an early '98 and must have been one of the first few batches because it takes the 26.8mm seat post rather than the 27.2mm that the mid '98 onwards Chameleon's needed.
Here are some pics of what I'm starting with:
Aspired to own a Santa Cruz Chameleon back in '97/'98 when they were first released. Similar to my Zaskar at the time, they seemed to be the ultimate 'do everything' bike, but perhaps a little more exotic!
In my mind the lizard green colourway would have been the only way to go back then, so have been looking around for one for a few months now. With nothing coming up I've been watching a rather neglected and sorry looking 16" '98 black frame on FB Marketplace for a few months. Very reasonably priced, but with slightly suspect looking spray painted chain stays, it's been a dilemma, but I've finally bitten the bullet.
It's an early '98 and must have been one of the first few batches because it takes the 26.8mm seat post rather than the 27.2mm that the mid '98 onwards Chameleon's needed.
Here are some pics of what I'm starting with: