|   SC Chameleon questions | Bulldog
Jun 12, 2003 9:07 AM | | Looking to possibly build a Chameleon for 95% XC use. I'm 6'1" and 240 pounds, with normal legs and torso but long arms. Thinking XL frame and 110mm stem, maybe 100mm. Realistic goal is 27-28 pounds.
After searching, I could only find 1 pic of an XL Chameleon. It was built up, which is what I wanted to see, but I'd like to see more. Do people not buy XL's much, or are they too busy riding them? ;) Anyone have some XL (Large would do too, as I'm not sure on my size) Chameleon pics they'd like to share?
And if the bike is yours, please comment on your decision between the L and XL. I think even though I've never had a Gary Fisher bike, I'm a Genesis geometry guy. For bikes of which I need to pedal efficiently, I prefer a longer TT with a short-ish stem (my RFX for "do everything" riding is 23.6" with a 100mm stem), so for stricter big-guy-XC the XL Chameleon (24") and maybe a 110mm stem seem like the only option. The standover worries me a bit, but not terribly.
And should I use my current '03 Z.1 ETA? The only negative I can see other than weight would be steering a 5" fork on the flats and mild climbs. 5" would be great going down, and the ETA is an incredible feature for steep climbs. If you already owned the fork, would you use it or still insist on buying a 80mm (maybe 100mm) fork? At 80-100mm I'm thinking Marathon SL coil or late-90's 4" Z.1's. But the problem is, wouldn't a 100mm fork actually be taller and make the bike slacker and more difficult to climb steeps than my '03 Z.1 with ETA fully engaged?
FYI, from Scott at SC, the Chameleon geometry numbers (71ha, 73sa, 11.75bb) came from an 80mm fork. |
| Bulldog, what exactly are you looking for.......... | esquire
Jun 12, 2003 12:07 PM | | for pics? I can take whatever pic of any part of the frame that we have, and send them to you, or post them, either way. Its a large, red. |
| just a general feel | Bulldog
Jun 12, 2003 2:38 PM | | Just the general feel of the bike when set up in more of an XC mode. Never really seen much of the L/XL frames built with triples and 3" forks. Thanks for the offer, but if yours is frame-only it won't help my curiousity much. BUT I'd love to see the red anyways, epecially trans-red, which is currently tied for my favorite color choice! I've never seen side by side pics of SC's red vs trans-red, that would be cool. |
| Ask and ye shall receive.............. | esquire
Jun 12, 2003 3:55 PM | | Here is red v. trans red. The red pales, however, the red is nicer than it looks in the pics, just not as........well.........trans.
esq.
www.hilltopskibike.net |
| Wow, what a difference | Bulldog
Jun 12, 2003 6:27 PM | | The trans definately looks "less cheap", or "more boutique" if you prefer. The upcharge for trans seems more worth it now.
Don't happen to have anything in trans-blue to compare to trans-red, do you? ;)
And thanks for taking the time to post some pics for me. I appreciate it esquire. |
| Lets see, looking through my numerous pics ...........yup... | esquire
Jun 13, 2003 12:53 PM | | Here's a Trans Blue Superlight.
She was purdy, and now she's making a guy named Greg happy, very happy. Makes me teary eyed.
I think the trans is a way to go, unless you like understated colors. Don't get me wrong, the red is quite nice, more of an orange, but a good looking frame in its own right. But, the trans, wow, in just about any color.
esq.
www.hilltopskibike.net |
| Almost looks orange..... | esquire
Jun 12, 2003 3:57 PM | | Sharp nonetheless, but NOT trans red, one of my favorites. |
| i am 6' 3" and about to get | sdbullock
Jun 13, 2003 7:24 AM | | on a large. I have no experience with these frames, but have read on these postings that the xl chameleons are huge--very very extra large, that is. The frame will without a doubt stand up to your weight in any size you choose, but i would examine a large, considering youre just a bit shorter than me. btw, mine is going to be set up for abusive xc/trailriding, so im not just buying a street or ds bike that is small for maneuverability. |
| XL Chameleon | Render
Jun 14, 2003 8:30 AM | | I've been on a XL since 2000. I'm 6 foot but have a rather longish torso. Run about a 90mm stem with riser bars. Mine is set up SS with a rigid fork. I run 2.4 motoraptors. Bike should be able to stand up to your weight. |
| Do you know what tire clearance is for these frames? | sdbullock
Jun 13, 2003 7:29 AM | | Will my 2.4 motoraptors fit? |
| 2.4's should fit fine..........(nm) | esquire
Jun 13, 2003 3:39 PM | | |
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